Old Town Chinatown
Overview
Old Town Chinatown is Portland's historic birthplace, where the city's founding stories meet a gritty, vibrant entertainment district. It's home to the iconic White Stag sign, Lan Su Chinese Garden, the Portland Saturday Market, and a dense concentration of nightclubs, dive bars, and late-night food. By day it's a cultural district; by night it's the city's most energetic nightlife hub. This is where Portland began — and where its contradictions are most visible.
History
Old Town was Portland's original Downtown — the city was founded here in 1845 on a land claim by William Overton and Asa Lovejoy. The area developed as the commercial and civic center of the growing city, with wharves, warehouses, and saloons lining the Willamette River. Chinese immigrants began settling in the area in the 1850s and 1860s, working on railroad construction and establishing businesses, forming Portland's Chinatown. By the early 20th century, it had become the largest Chinatown in the Pacific Northwest. The area declined after World War II as Downtown shifted west, but beginning in the 1990s, a new wave of investment brought the Saturday Market, cultural institutions like Lan Su Chinese Garden, and a thriving nightlife scene. The historic fabric remains remarkably intact, with buildings dating to the 1880s still in use.
Highlights
- Lan Su Chinese Garden — a Ming Dynasty-style garden built by artisans from Suzhou, China
- Portland Saturday Market — the largest outdoor arts & crafts market in the US
- White Stag Sign — Portland's most photographed neon landmark
- Historic Shanghai tunnels and underground Portland tours
- Voodoo Doughnut — the original 24-hour location with a cult following
- The city's densest concentration of nightclubs, dive bars, and live music venues
Top Attractions
- Lan Su Chinese Garden — An authentic Suzhou-style garden built by artisans from Portland's sister city, Suzhou, China.
- Portland Saturday Market — The largest continuously operating outdoor arts and crafts market in the United States.
- Voodoo Doughnut — The original 24-hour doughnut shop with wild, creative flavors and a cult following worldwide.
- Portland Chinatown Museum — A museum dedicated to preserving and sharing the history of Portland's Chinese community.
Parks & Green Spaces
🌲 Lan Su Chinese Garden
A private garden open to the public — a full city block of Ming Dynasty-style landscaping, architecture, and pond.
🌲 Ankeny Plaza
A public plaza featuring the Portland Saturday Market and the iconic 'Allow Me' sculpture by J. Seward Johnson Jr.
🌲 Tom McCall Waterfront Park
A 36-acre riverside park stretching along the Willamette with fountains, trails, and event spaces.
🌲 Pioneer Courthouse Square
Portland's 'living room' — a brick-paved public square with events, food carts, and people-watching.
🌲 Chinatown Gateway Arch
The ornate gate at NW 4th and Everett marking the entrance to Portland's historic Chinatown.
Things to Do
🏮 Lan Su Chinese Garden
Escape the city in this tranquil Ming Dynasty-style garden with tea house, koi pond, and seasonal blooms.
🎨 Portland Saturday Market
Every Saturday and Sunday (March–December), 250+ artisans sell handmade crafts, art, and food.
🍩 Voodoo Doughnut
The original 24-hour Voodoo Doughnut — grab a Bacon Maple Bar or Voodoo Doll at any hour.
🎵 Nightlife in Old Town
The densest concentration of bars, clubs, and live music venues in Portland.
🏛️ Underground Portland Tour
Explore the legendary Shanghai tunnels and learn about Portland's seedy underbelly history.
📷 White Stag Sign Photo
Photograph Portland's most iconic neon sign — the White Stag with the 'Portland Oregon' script below.
☕ Coffee & Cafes
Stumptown Coffee Annex
The original Stumptown location on SW 3rd — where Portland's coffee revolution began.
Upper Left Roasters
A roastery and cafe in Old Town with a focus on direct-trade beans and minimalist brewing methods.
🌙 Nightlife & Bars
Star Theater
A historic burlesque theater turned nightclub with live music, DJs, and a rooftop bar.
Dante's
An iconic dive bar and live music venue known for Sinferno Cabaret and late-night drinks.
🛍️ Shopping
- Portland Saturday Market — The largest outdoor arts and crafts market in the US — 250+ artisans selling handmade goods weekends March-December.
- Lan Su Chinese Garden Gift Shop — Beautifully curated shop with Chinese tea, ceramics, and art imported from Suzhou, Portland's sister city.
💡 Insider Tips
- The Saturday Market can get overwhelmingly crowded — arrive before 11 AM for a more relaxed experience.
- Lan Su Chinese Garden has $2 off admission if you arrive in the first hour of opening.
- Voodoo Doughnut has shorter lines on weekday mornings before 10 AM.
Food Carts & Dining
Several pods nearby including the iconic 10th & Alder pod with 40+ cuisines
🚆 Getting Around
Old Town is the transit hub of Portland — MAX light rail lines converge at Union Station and Skidmore Fountain. The Portland Streetcar, buses, and the aerial tram all serve the area. Walk Score is 98 — a car is unnecessary.