Portland, a city known for its quirky vibe, food trucks, and a plethora of activities to enjoy. While it's a great place to visit or live, sometimes you just want to skip the games and get to the good stuff. Whether you're a local or a tourist, here are five ways to skip the games in Portland and make the most of your time.
1. Avoid Touristy Areas During Peak Hours
One of the best ways to skip the games in Portland is to avoid touristy areas during peak hours. Areas like Pioneer Courthouse Square, the Pearl District, and Hawthorne Boulevard tend to get crowded during the day, especially on weekends. If you're looking to avoid the crowds, try visiting these areas early in the morning or later in the evening.
Additionally, consider visiting some of Portland's lesser-known neighborhoods, such as Alberta Arts District, Mississippi Avenue, or Division Street. These areas offer a more local experience and are often less crowded than the more popular tourist spots.
Some Popular Touristy Areas to Avoid During Peak Hours:
- Pioneer Courthouse Square
- The Pearl District
- Hawthorne Boulevard
- Voodoo Doughnut (try visiting during off-peak hours or using the online ordering system to skip the line)
2. Use Public Transportation or Ride-Sharing Services
Portland has a great public transportation system, including buses, light rail, and streetcars. Using public transportation is a great way to skip the games of driving and parking in the city. You can use the Tri-County Metropolitan Transportation District of Oregon (TriMet) website or app to plan your route and track your trip.
Alternatively, you can use ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft to get around the city. These services are widely available in Portland and can be a convenient way to skip the hassle of driving and parking.
Some Tips for Using Public Transportation in Portland:
- Plan your route in advance using the TriMet website or app
- Consider purchasing a Hop Fastpass for convenient and affordable travel
- Be aware of peak hours and plan your trip accordingly
3. Take Advantage of Online Ordering and Delivery Services
Portland is known for its food trucks and restaurants, but sometimes waiting in line can be a hassle. Take advantage of online ordering and delivery services to skip the games of waiting in line. Many restaurants and food trucks offer online ordering through their websites or through services like Grubhub, Uber Eats, or DoorDash.
Additionally, consider using services like Amazon Prime Now or Instacart to have groceries and other essentials delivered to your doorstep.
Some Popular Online Ordering and Delivery Services in Portland:
- Grubhub
- Uber Eats
- DoorDash
- Amazon Prime Now
- Instacart
4. Visit Local Attractions During Off-Peak Hours
Portland has a wide range of local attractions, from museums to gardens to breweries. To skip the games of waiting in line, consider visiting these attractions during off-peak hours. Many attractions offer discounted admission or special deals during off-peak hours, so be sure to check their websites for more information.
Some Popular Local Attractions in Portland:
- Portland Art Museum
- Japanese Garden
- Pittock Mansion
- Widmer Brothers Brewing
5. Take a Guided Tour to Skip the Games of Navigation
Finally, consider taking a guided tour to skip the games of navigation. Portland has a wide range of guided tours available, from food tours to brewery tours to walking tours. These tours can be a great way to see the city without the hassle of navigating on your own.
Some Popular Guided Tours in Portland:
- Food Tours: Explore Portland's food scene with a guided tour of the city's best restaurants and food trucks.
- Brewery Tours: Visit some of Portland's best breweries and learn about the city's craft beer scene.
- Walking Tours: Take a guided walking tour of the city to learn about its history, culture, and landmarks.
In conclusion, skipping the games in Portland can be as simple as avoiding touristy areas during peak hours, using public transportation or ride-sharing services, taking advantage of online ordering and delivery services, visiting local attractions during off-peak hours, and taking a guided tour to skip the games of navigation. By following these tips, you can make the most of your time in Portland and enjoy all that the city has to offer.
Now it's your turn! What are some of your favorite ways to skip the games in Portland? Share your tips and recommendations in the comments below.
What are some popular touristy areas to avoid during peak hours in Portland?
+Some popular touristy areas to avoid during peak hours in Portland include Pioneer Courthouse Square, the Pearl District, and Hawthorne Boulevard.
What is the best way to get around Portland without a car?
+The best way to get around Portland without a car is to use public transportation, such as buses, light rail, and streetcars, or ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft.
What are some popular online ordering and delivery services in Portland?
+Some popular online ordering and delivery services in Portland include Grubhub, Uber Eats, DoorDash, Amazon Prime Now, and Instacart.