Powell's is a bibliophile's dream: aisle upon aisle, floor upon floor of new and used books; great…read morereviews and recommendations by the employees; and nearly daily readings/talks on the top floor. I like that Powell's feels more like a library than a store, so you can spend as much time as you'd like browsing and lingering over the titles. And if you ever need a Portland souvenir, there is a nice selection of tchotchkes, stickers, and shirts. This is a landmark for a reason - it has soul.

Date of visit: May 11, 2026…read more This place is often listed as one of the best bookstores in the country, if not the world, and I could see why after traversing its many floors and aisles! An emporium of both new and used books (always make sure you check the price sticker on the back before purchasing in case you really need a new version of a book), there is a little bit of everything here. In addition to books, this is a great stop for souvenirs including pins, local snacks, lines, and mugs. If you're short on time, you can kill two birds with one stone here at Powell's. If you're not short on time, seek out a pass for the Rare Book Room and scope out the treasures on display there. Like everywhere else in Portland, bathrooms do have a code, so seek out an employee before looking to use the facilities.

This Kinokuniya is the best option for Japanese stationary products in greater Portland. There's…read moreanother much smaller one embedded in the Uwajimaya Asian Market in Beaverton. My Son led me here last weekend when I was in town. There was lots of notebooks, pens, and other stuff to consider, and having a Kinokuniya membership (10% off) was a bonus. David was more interested in the manga books, and we were happy browsing in our own little corners. We both happily came away with a small collection of treasures and a promise to return. There were lots of folks here, making the aisles a little tight. But checkout moved quickly and efficiently.

Kinokuniya is such a cool bookstore and honestly the perfect place for me. I was able to find manga…read morebooks my partner had been looking for to complete his collection, which made the trip totally worth it. They have an amazing selection, especially if you're into manga, Japanese stationery, and unique books you don't always see elsewhere. The store itself is fun to walk through and browse -- even if you're not looking for something specific, you'll probably leave with something. Everything is well-organized, and it's just a really enjoyable space to spend time in. Great spot for gifts, collectors, or anyone who loves books and wants something a little different. Definitely recommend checking it out.

Portland needs to cherish these spots. I visited years ago on a trip. Made sure to drop by last…read moreweek before catching the train home. When shops like Mother Foucault disappear people need to understand there is no replacing them. I don't mean that in some poetic fashion. The people who run these places are one of kind. I recommend getting to know them.

Budget at least 5 hours to spend here and be prepared to carefully excavate the shelves, dig…read morethrough boxes, and sort through teetering towers of books on the floor for undiscovered tomes. Good pricing (if prices are marked) and haggling a little over their final prices on older unmarked books is allowed at the counter. They accept book donations and welcome trades too. Very friendly staff!

Reasonable prices and a good cause, even if not the widest selection of books. The workers here…read morewere friendly enough, and I enjoyed browsing. May be worth visiting frequently to find an occasional gem.

Friendly volunteers and irresistible book paraphernalia. Portland literature goodies for everyone…read more Careful. It's addictive!

Friendly and found some nice editions of Kafka. Also picked up a translation of Gilgamesh.read more

Books to sell? Try here Problem is you'll go away…read more With your next fav'rite Eclectic grounded Let yourself get swept away Baked goods smell yum too

Great selection of books, tea, and essential oils as well as very friendly staff. A peaceful…read moreenvironment to browse

True Portland gem! New Renaissance Bookshop is more than…read morejust a bookstore--it's a soulful sanctuary. The selection is incredible: oracle cards, postcards, spiritual and self-help books, a sweet children's section, sage, palo santo, crystals galore, bath and body products, and sacred items from Taoist, Hindu, Christian, and Islamic traditions. I was especially touched by the presence of Mary Magdalene-inspired merchandise. The store is beautifully arranged and inviting, and the staff are kind, knowledgeable, helpful. Whether you're exploring a new path or deepening your current one, New Renaissance is a must-visit. I highly recommend supporting this beautiful, heart-centered small-business!

Small bookstore with a large selection of curated material that I loved seeing that support the…read morecommunity. The staff was helpful in directing me to a few new book ideas to consider.

The selection is amazing all different romance genres and even supporting local authors with I…read morelove! The service was great I met the owner there and I got a book by a local author I'm so excited to start it. Amazing value.

This store was as good as its reputation, filled with amazing collection of Portland souvenir…read moregoods, stationary items, apparels and local made food products. The store was clean and organized. The prices of the items were comparable to other shops we had visited in and around Portland. Among the products, I loved their magnet wall full of unique designs. There were really nice stickers and postcards. After exploring the store for several minutes, we picked few magnets and stickers. Staff members were friendly and interacting with guests. The checkout was quick and easy. Highly recommend this store to anyone looking to do souvenir shopping in downtown Portland.

For the first interactions in Portland I was really grateful for everyone's kindness especially…read morefrom those working at Hello From Portland. We were greeted right away and there a lot of fun items to choose from, I ended up getting a magnet and a three pack of spicy jellys that were specifically made in Portland. So many great options for souvenirs and I feel like I scored since there isn't any sales tax. I ended up using the jellys for my charcuterie board and it was a hit. This store is super friendly and didn't feel like they were upselling their products just because we're tourists.

I learned of this small bookstore from my friends. It is a small storefront in the vintage…read moreapartment building resident between Broadway and Park. They have art journals and books placing them in my small bookstores collection. They have a specialty in contemporary Japanese artists. Their selection is continuously rotating so stop in often.

This was a cute bookstore. They had some good cards and postcards which I appreciate because I am…read morealways looking for postcards. The book selection was pretty good not comparable to places like Powells though who have a way larger selection. If those spots overwhelm you because of all the choices then this would be a better spot. I got a softcover for 18.99$. They do have a punchcard though where if you get 12 books your 13th is free.

This a unique and lovely independent bookstore in Portland, providing the BEST book options. There…read morewas a time when Portland had many more independent bookstores serving different geographical locations in the Northwest. Sadly, many of them did not survive because corporate bookselling came to town. Fortunately, Broadway Books has survived and thrived as a small independent Portland bookseller. This is the FIRST bookstore to visit if you long for independence, a welcoming environment, and knowledgeable staff.