Old Town Chinatown, OR

Portland

Old Town Chinatown
Old Town Chinatown
Lan Su Chinese Garden featuring heritage elements, a park and a pond
Portland Saturday Market featuring markets
Portland Saturday Market showing markets and a fountain as well as a large group of people

Devote at least half a day to exploring the shops, historical landmarks and public green spaces of the oldest neighborhood 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


Old Town Chinatown Hotel Deals

The Hoxton Portland

The Hoxton Portland

4 out of 5
15 NW 4th Avenue, Portland, OR
The price is ¥15,371 per night from Sep 8 to Sep 9
¥15,371
¥22,948 total
Sep 8 - Sep 9
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Portland. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and 3 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
The Hoxton Portland
The Paramount Hotel

The Paramount Hotel

3.5 out of 5
808 SW Taylor St, Portland, OR
The price is ¥15,137 per night from Sep 1 to Sep 2
¥15,137
¥17,643 total
Sep 1 - Sep 2
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Portland. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the restaurant ...
The Paramount Hotel
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 ¥13,999 per night from Sep 28 to Sep 29
¥13,999
¥16,401 total
Sep 28 - Sep 29
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Portland. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful ...
Courtyard by Marriott Portland City Center
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 ¥13,235 per night from Sep 2 to Sep 3
¥13,235
¥15,353 total
Sep 2 - Sep 3
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Portland. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
Holiday Inn Airport - Portland by IHG
University Place Hotel & Conference Center

University Place Hotel & Conference Center

2.5 out of 5
310 SW Lincoln Street, Portland, OR
The price is ¥14,038 per night from Sep 17 to Sep 18
¥14,038
¥16,285 total
Sep 17 - Sep 18
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Portland. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,983 reviews)
"It was clean, fashionable and good service."

Reviewed on Aug 27, 2025

University Place Hotel & Conference Center
Mark Spencer Hotel

Mark Spencer Hotel

3 out of 5
409 Sw 11th Ave, Portland, OR
The price is ¥13,496 per night from Sep 9 to Sep 10
¥13,496
¥15,656 total
Sep 9 - Sep 10
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Portland. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,615 reviews)
"As usual the staff , the hotel , the room was perfect this is why I only stay at the Mark Spencer whenever I am in Portland !"

Reviewed on Aug 30, 2025

Mark Spencer Hotel
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 neighborhoods around Old Town Chinatown

Pearl District which includes outdoor art

Pearl District

4.5/5(527 area reviews)

Discover art galleries like Elizabeth Leach Gallery, dine at diverse restaurants, and unwind in public plazas such as Jamison Square. Easily navigate with the Portland Streetcar and explore nearby iconic Powell's City of Books.

Pearl District
Downtown Portland - South Waterfront showing picnicing, boating and a bay or harbor

Downtown Portland

4.5/5(4,488 area reviews)

Explore the Portland Art Museum, Oregon Historical Society, and Tom McCall Waterfront Park in this central business district with high-rise buildings. Enjoy walkable streets, and easily access public transportation like MAX light rail and Portland Streetcar.

Downtown Portland
Moda Center which includes signage

Lloyd District

3.5/5(967 area reviews)

Moda Center and Lloyd Center are top sights in Lloyd District, and you should be sure to explore the popular shops. Hop aboard the metro at NE Grand & Multnomah Stop or NE 7th & Holladay Stop to see more sights in the area.

Lloyd District
Nob Hill showing signage and outdoor eating as well as a small group of people

Alphabet Historic District

4.5/5(136 area reviews)

Consider a visit to Trevett-Nunn House and take some time to enjoy the abundant dining options during your time in Alphabet Historic District. If you want to see more of the city, jump on the metro at NW Lovejoy & 18th Stop or NW Lovejoy & 21st Stop.

Alphabet Historic District
Oregon Museum of Science and Industry

Central Eastside

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

Central Eastside
Nob Hill which includes street scenes

Nob Hill

While you're in Nob Hill, take in top sights like Trevett-Nunn House or Mission Theater, and hop on the metro to see more the city at NW 23rd & Marshall Stop or NW Lovejoy & 22nd Stop.

Nob Hill


Old Town Chinatown, OR