Old Town Chinatown Travel Guide

Portland

Old Town Chinatown
Old Town Chinatown
Lan Su Chinese Garden featuring a pond, heritage elements and a garden
Old Town Chinatown
Old Town Chinatown

Devote at least half a day to exploring the shops, historical landmarks and public green spaces of the oldest neighbourhood in the city.

Embark on a shopping, sightseeing and dining adventure when you visit Old Town Chinatown, Portland’s original downtown area. Visit traditional teahouses, wander through a botanical garden of native Chinese plants and enjoy a meal in the city’s oldest Chinese restaurant.

This riverside neighborhood dates back to the mid 1840s when pioneers William Overton and Asa Lovejoy purchased land that would become the city. A few years later, immigrants from Southern China flocked here during the California Gold Rush and settled.

The city’s oldest neighborhood also encompasses the Portland Skidmore/Old Town Historic District and the Portland New Chinatown/Japantown Historic District.

Enter the Old Town through the large and ornate China gate, which is flanked by a pair of golden lion statues. Start your exploration by browsing craft shops and art galleries such as Open Gallery, which specializes in contemporary works, and Deadstock Coffee, a coffee shop and art venue. During the weekend visit the Portland Saturday Market, an open-air arts and crafts market that has been operating for more than 40 years.

Stroll around the Lan Su Chinese Garden, a picturesque haven of plants and tree species native to China. Savor traditional Chinese teas in the two-story teahouse housed in the Tower of Cosmic Reflections. Pick up insights into Chinese culture and traditions by taking part in one of the regular activities, lectures or classes held throughout the year. Check out the events calendar on the garden's official website.

Break up your tour of the area with a meal in one of its restaurants and cafés offering authentic, traditional and modern Chinese cuisine. Among them are the Red Robe Tea House and Café and the Republican Café, Portland’s oldest Chinese restaurant, opening in 1922.

Stop at some of the neighborhood's historical landmarks such as the Skidmore Fountain, which dates back to 1888. The 19th-century Society Hotel was originally built to accommodate sailors.

Old Town Chinatown is well served by buses and the MAX light rail network. If you're driving, pay to park in nearby garages.


Popular places to visit

Things to do


Top hotels in Old Town Chinatown

The Hoxton Portland

The Hoxton Portland

4 out of 5
15 NW 4th Avenue, Portland, OR
The price is Rp1.823.791 per night from 12 Aug to 13 Aug
Rp1.823.791
Rp2.686.353 total
12 Aug - 13 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Portland. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 restaurants and 3 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,003 reviews)
"The staff was very friendly and kind. The hotel itself very cute and walkable to everywhere. Just don’t park across the street as we didn’t have good time, a car parked behind us and we were stuck for more than 3 hours. The parking lot didn’t do anything to help us to towin the car behind us"

Reviewed on 29 Jul 2025

The Hoxton Portland
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Portland

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Portland

4 out of 5
1000 NE Multnomah Street, Portland, OR
The price is Rp1.937.778 per night from 17 Aug to 18 Aug
Rp1.937.778
Rp2.258.868 total
17 Aug - 18 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Portland. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, an outdoor pool and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their reviews. ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,004 reviews)
"Stay was smooth sailing and it was a great stay"

Reviewed on 3 Aug 2025

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Portland
Courtyard by Marriott Portland City Center

Courtyard by Marriott Portland City Center

3.5 out of 5
550 SW Oak Street, Portland, OR
The price is Rp1.823.791 per night from 6 Aug to 7 Aug
Rp1.823.791
Rp2.136.755 total
6 Aug - 7 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Portland. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,892 reviews)
"Everything was convenient."

Reviewed on 5 Aug 2025

Courtyard by Marriott Portland City Center
The Paramount Hotel

The Paramount Hotel

3.5 out of 5
808 SW Taylor St, Portland, OR
The price is Rp1.697.503 per night from 1 Sept to 2 Sept
Rp1.697.503
Rp1.978.440 total
1 Sept - 2 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Portland. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the restaurant ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (2,667 reviews)
Great place for family and sightseeing
"This was an amazing stay. The hotel was centrally located for all of the activities that we did in Portland, the kids had a great time and family had an enjoyable journey."

Reviewed on 4 Aug 2025

The Paramount Hotel
Holiday Inn Airport - Portland by IHG

Holiday Inn Airport - Portland by IHG

3 out of 5
8439 Ne Columbia Blvd, Portland, OR
The price is Rp1.558.095 per night from 11 Aug to 12 Aug
Rp1.558.095
Rp1.807.390 total
11 Aug - 12 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Portland. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
8/10 Very Good! (2,409 reviews)
"It was enjoyable no issues at all"

Reviewed on 3 Aug 2025

Holiday Inn Airport - Portland by IHG
Embassy Suites by Hilton Portland Downtown

Embassy Suites by Hilton Portland Downtown

4 out of 5
319 SW Pine St, Portland, OR
The price is Rp2.132.950 per night from 18 Aug to 19 Aug
Rp2.132.950
Rp2.523.754 total
18 Aug - 19 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star luxury hotel in Portland. Enjoy free breakfast, 2 restaurants and 2 hot tubs. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in their ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,197 reviews)
Wonderful all around!
"LOVE this hotel. Love all Embassy Suites. For a family of 5, the free breakfast and happy hour are amazing. Saves so much! The Portland staff was absolutely lovely. We had a great stay. Portland is a super great city. Hope to be back!"

Reviewed on 4 Aug 2025

Embassy Suites by Hilton Portland Downtown
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around Old Town Chinatown

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Pearl District

4/5(4 area reviews)

You might take some time to check out the abundant dining options in Pearl District. Spend some time visiting top spots like Broadway Bridge, and catch the metro at NW 10th & Johnson Stop or NW 11th & Johnson Stop to see more of the area.

Pearl District
Downtown Portland featuring boating, picnicking and a bay or harbour

Downtown Portland

4/5(42 area reviews)

Known for its stunning river views and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Downtown Portland. Check out top attractions like Portlandia and Portland City Hall, and jump on the metro at City Hall-SW 5th and Jefferson Street Station or SW 6th-Madison Street Station to see more of the city.

Downtown Portland
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Lloyd District

3.5/5(5 area reviews)

Enjoy the popular shops in Lloyd District. Moda Center is a worthwhile stop, and you can jump on the metro at NE Grand & Multnomah Stop or NE 7th & Holladay Stop to see more of Portland.

Lloyd District
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Alphabet Historic District

5/5(1 area review)

Spend some time visiting places like Trevett-Nunn House while getting to know Alphabet Historic District, and be sure to check out the abundant dining options. You can hop aboard the metro at NW Lovejoy & 18th Stop or NW Lovejoy & 21st Stop to see more of the area.

Alphabet Historic District
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Central Eastside

If you're spending time in Central Eastside, check out sights like Oregon Museum of Science and Industry or Willamette River and hop on the metro to see more of the city at SE Grand & Taylor Stop or SE Grand & Belmont Stop.

Central Eastside
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Goose Hollow

4.5/5(3 area reviews)

If you're spending time in Goose Hollow, check out sights like Providence Park or Artists Repertory Theatre and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Goose Hollow-SW Jefferson Street Station or Kings Hill-SW Salmon Street Station.

Goose Hollow

Old Town Chinatown Travel Guide