Trendy neighborhood with art galleries, restaurants, Powell's Books, and boutique shopping.

About Pearl District / Northwest

The Pearl District and Northwest Portland form Portland's most upscale urban neighborhoods, offering a blend of converted warehouses, modern condominiums, and tree-lined streets with a distinctly cosmopolitan atmosphere. The Pearl District was once an industrial rail yard and warehouse district that has been transformed into Portland's premier art, dining, and shopping destination.

Powell's City of Books anchors the Pearl District at the corner of Burnside and NW 10th Avenue, occupying a full city block with over a million new and used books across multiple rooms color-coded by genre. The surrounding blocks are packed with art galleries (particularly active during First Thursday Gallery Walks), upscale restaurants, craft cocktail bars, and boutiques. Jamison Square's interactive fountain and Tanner Springs Park provide urban green space.

Northwest 23rd Avenue (nicknamed "Nob Hill" or "Trendy Third") extends north from the Pearl into the Northwest neighborhood, with a charming mix of Victorian houses, independent boutiques, brunch spots, and specialty food shops. Forest Park — the largest forested urban park in the U.S. at over 5,200 acres — begins at the western edge of the neighborhood, offering over 80 miles of hiking trails just minutes from city streets.

Nearby Landmarks

Powell's City of Books Jamison Square NW 23rd Ave Forest Park Lan Su Chinese Garden

Transport Options

Taxi

Cost $32-42
Time 25-35 minutes

Follow "Taxi" signs at arrivals. Queue at official taxi stand. Metered fares, no need to negotiate.

Rideshare (Grab/Uber)

Cost $24-35
Time 25-35 minutes

Lower level arrivals

Train (MAX Red Line + Portland Streetcar)

Cost $3
Time 50 minutes
Frequency Every 15 minutes

Step-by-Step Directions

Take MAX Red Line to Pioneer Courthouse Square, then transfer to Portland Streetcar NS Line northbound to NW 23rd or Pearl District stops.

Quick Comparison

Option Cost Time Best For
Taxi $32-42 25-35 minutes Convenience, groups, heavy luggage
Rideshare $24-35 25-35 minutes Budget-conscious, app users
Train $3 50 minutes Budget, avoiding traffic

Good to Know

Late Night Transport

MAX runs until midnight and the Portland Streetcar runs until approximately 11:30 PM. After that, rideshare services are readily available, costing $25-40 from PDX to the Pearl District. The Pearl District and NW 23rd have active nightlife, so taxis and Uber/Lyft are easy to find late at night.

Luggage Tips

The MAX-to-Streetcar transfer is smooth and both vehicles accommodate luggage. The Pearl District is flat and walkable. NW 23rd has gentle hills. If your hotel is in the Pearl District, consider the short streetcar ride from the Galleria/SW 10th MAX stop with luggage rather than walking.

Accessibility

Both MAX and Portland Streetcar are fully ADA accessible with level boarding and wheelchair spaces. The Pearl District is flat with modern sidewalks and curb cuts. NW 23rd has some older sidewalks but is generally accessible. Forest Park trails are not wheelchair accessible.