Not to miss

Portland Building & Portlandia

No downtown building has drawn more notoriety than the Portland Building, designed by postmodern architect Michael Graves to house city government bureaus. This blocky, pastel-coloured edifice is considered the world's first major structure in the postmodern style.

Towering above the main doors of the Portland Building is Portlandia, an immense statue representing the Goddess of Commerce (Portland's supposed patroness). This crouching female figure with one hand extended and the other grasping a trident is, at 12m (36ft), the second-largest hammered copper statue in the world, beaten only by the Statue of Liberty herself.

International Rose Test Gardens

The huge Washington Park complex contains the International Rose Test Gardens with 400 types of roses and good views.

More than just a beautiful public park, the rose gardens are also the testing grounds for the American Rose Society and All-American Rose selections. Over 400 rose varieties are contained in the permanent gardens, including many old and rare varieties. From June to September, the scent and colours are seductively overpowering.

Classical Chinese Garden

There are a few token Chinese restaurants, but the main attraction is the Classical Chinese Garden. It's a one-block haven of tranquility, reflecting ponds and manicured greenery. Free tours available with admission.