Powell's Books

One of the largest bookstores in the world, with over a million books! The place is awesome! I could have spent the entire day here. The collection is incredible, with clearly organized sections that make it easy to explore. There’s even a rare books room on the upper floor, where you need to queue to receive a visitor badge before entering, which helps keep the space from getting too crowded. I ended up spending a long time just wandering through the store and discovering new books around every corner. Whether you’re an avid reader or simply enjoy exploring unique places, this is a must-visit when you’re in Portland. Highly recommended!

This is hands down the biggest bookstore I've ever been in — multiple floors, labeled rooms, cozy reading nooks, several info desks and checkout spots. Staff are so friendly! One asked if I was finding everything okay, and I said "that's the problem — I keep finding more books for my pile!" Awesome experience! ❤️

Visiting Powell's City of Books was an incredible experience. From the moment you walk up and see the iconic book-stacked stone pillars outside, you know you're in for something special. The scale of this place is mind-blowing. It truly feels like a labyrinth of endless shelves, spanning multiple floors and color-coded rooms. I spent quite a bit of time browsing through their impressive international and language sections; they have a fantastic selection that you just don't see at regular bookstores. I ended up picking up a great Russian book and spent a while browsing through their Turkish literature section as well. Beyond the massive walls of fiction and specialized genres, I loved exploring their local curation. They have a wonderful "PNW Pantry" section stocked with regional treats, a great map room, and a massive travel accessories area. Whether you are looking for a rare find, a specific foreign translation, or just want to get lost wandering down towering aisles of books, this place is unmatched. It was a highlight of my trip to Portland and a great experience overall!

We walked in just as tourists with curiosity. Even with some ideas that this is a huge place, what we saw was still amazed us. After finished the 1st floor, saw huge amount of books everywhere, and a coffee shop at the end, we were told that there are two stories up and one story down. Much to our delight, there was a live book reading on the third floor with a few hundred audiences. It was a good experience.

If you love books, this place is an absolute must-visit in Portland. Despite being one of the largest bookstores I've ever visited, it never feels crowded or overwhelming. The layout flows naturally, making it easy to wander through countless aisles without feeling lost. Whether you're interested in philosophy, history, science, art, cooking, manga, or the latest bestsellers, the selection is incredibly comprehensive. One of my favorite touches was the handwritten recommendation cards placed on many of the shelves. Staff members share their personal thoughts and favorite picks, which makes the experience feel much more personal. It creates a genuine connection between the bookstore and its customers, and it feels like you're getting recommendations from fellow book lovers rather than just browsing retail shelves. What also stood out was the atmosphere. There aren't signs everywhere telling you what you can or can't do, yet everyone naturally respects the space. People browse quietly, take their time, and contribute to a welcoming environment. Whether you're a serious reader, a casual browser, or simply looking for a unique souvenir from Portland, Powell's is absolutely worth visiting. I could easily spend an entire day here and still not see everything.