Things to Do at Powell's City of Books

Powell's City of Books isn't just a bookstore - it's genuinely a small city dedicated to books, sprawling across an entire city block in Portland's Pearl District. Since 1971, this literary labyrinth has grown into what many consider the world's largest independent bookstore, housing over a million new and used books across multiple floors and color-coded rooms. You'll find yourself wandering through the Blue Room's literature section, getting lost in the Gold Room's science fiction, or discovering rare finds in the Rare Book Room upstairs. What makes Powell's special isn't just its size, but its soul. This is where locals and tourists alike come to browse for hours, where staff recommendations actually matter, and where you might stumble across a signed first edition sitting next to a well-worn paperback. The mix of new and used books creates an atmosphere that feels more like a treasure hunt than traditional shopping - you never quite know what literary gem you'll uncover next.

Powell's sits at 1005 W Burnside Street in downtown Portland. Several bus lines stop nearby, and the Pearl District streetcar gets you close to this massive bookstore. Driving works too-though downtown parking is tricky. You'll find paid lots within a few blocks. Walking beats everything else if you're staying downtown since you'll pass through Portland's most interesting neighborhoods. Pure convenience.