Powell's City of Books
10Best Says
Housed in a five-story building that occupies an entire city block, calling Powell's a "City of Books" is hardly hyperbole. By far the largest book store in Portland, Powell's claims to be the... Read More
Housed in a five-story building that occupies an entire city block, calling Powell's a "City of Books" is hardly hyperbole. By far the largest book store in Portland, Powell's claims to be the largest independent book store in the nation. Ever been to The Strand in New York? Powell's is bigger. Selling both new and used books, shoppers will be able to find pretty much anything in print at a great price. With 1.6 acres of floor space, shoppers may have to use a map (free at the front desk) to navigate through the many color-coded rooms. The Powell's coffee shop is one of the best places in Portland to bring out of town guests for an afternoon snack. Aside from the "City of Books" Powell's has several satellite locations throughout the Portland area, including three at the airport. Online, Powell's Books competes head to head with Amazon.
Address:
1005 W Burnside
Portland, OR 97209-3181
503-228-4651
Hours:
- Open: Daily 9am-11pm
- Book Buying Hours: Daily 9am-8:30pm
- Rare Book Room: Daily 11am-7pm
- By Appointment
Website:
powells.com
EXPERT TIPS BY:
Meagan Wristen
Portland Local Expert
- Free Things to Do, Best Attractions & Activities, Cultural District's Best Attractions, Sightseeing: "Check out the Rare Book Room on the 5th floor."
- Best for Free Things to Do Because: Powell's is one of Portland's most famous shops and it's fun to find old books here.
- Recommended as Best Attractions & Activities Because: Powell's Bookstore has been a staple amount downtown Portland so long it has become a landmark.
- Best for Cultural District's Best Attractions Because: A Portland landmark that is close enough to the Culture District to be included in the list.
- Best for Sightseeing Because: Powell's Books is the largest independent book store in the U.S.
