Tucked between two mountain ranges and bisected by the Willamette River, Portland boasts a laid-back vibe with an earnest devotion to authenticity and originality.
Portland attractions range from the classic and outdoorsy — you can hike in Forest Park, one of the largest urban parks in the country — to the gastronomic. James Beard is from here, after all. The city is quirky, weird, and lovable, and even people who live here find themselves constantly finding new things to do. Pecularium, anyone?
At it’s heart, Portland is a city of neighborhoods, each with their own personality and history. In every neighborhood, restaurant gems abound, giving visitors a great taste of local food culture no matter where they stay.
Given that it’s a city known for being weird, it’s no surprise that Airbnbs in Portland are eclectic, colorful, and unique. If you’ve ever seen the show Portlandia, you’ll know that the city has a bit of a reputation for being creative, welcoming, and open-minded. Well, good news: Portlandia was funny because it was true.
Related Read: The Ultimate Portland to Seattle Road Trip Itinerary
1. Bright and Airy Guesthouse
Why you should stay: Light-filled studio in hip Inner Southeast Portland.
- Location: Richmond neighborhood
- Sleeps: 2
- Minimum Stay: 2 nights
- Rates from: $85/night
This bright and airy guesthouse may be a cozy 240 square feet, but the well-designed space does a good job catching the sometimes illusive Northwest sunshine. Located in central Southeast Portland, the studio is in a prime spot to explore both the Hawthorne neighborhood and Division Street Restaurant Row.
A focus on locally made art and simple, clean lines lends the space a classic Portland aesthetic. The studio has a kitchenette with coffee from a neighborhood roaster, area guidebooks, and access to the host’s verdant backyard.
Check Availability2. Fowler House
Why you should stay: Modern and stylish guesthouse that’s won major architectural accolades.
- Location: North Portland
- Sleeps: 5
- Minimum Stay: 5 nights
- Rates from: $108/night
Fowler House features 10-foot-high windows that stretch up to meet the cathedral ceiling. High-end appliances and sharp knives make Fowler House a perfect spot for creating your own Oregon farm-to-table experience. The backyard ADU is wheelchair accessible and shares the outside space with the hosts.
The Arbor Lodge neighborhood location is quite far from Downtown, but the quaint main street of St. John’s feels like a small town within the city. A short walk from this location is the Waud Bluff Trail, leading from North Willamette Boulevard to a bluff with river views.
Check Availability3. Wald House
Why you should stay: Iconic 1970’s wood-paneled paradise in the forest.
- Location: West Hills
- Sleeps: 5
- Minimum Stay: 2 nights
- Rates from: $300/night
Whether you like the city or the woods, Wald House offers the best of both worlds. The home is adjacent to Marquam Nature Park, covering nearly 180 acres of urban forest. And it’s just a short drive into the heart of the city — you could even walk almost entirely on trails into downtown. In the home, the abundant windows frame the densely wooded land, filtering the light and giving the space the sense of living in the canopy.
Dwell Magazine profiled Wald House in 2017. The home features both modern and vintage furnishing and artwork by the owners and their friends. It’s the ultimate Portland maker space, with white walls and wooden details that elevate the space into a super relaxing and creative space.
Check AvailabilityFollow ’em: @waldhousepdx
4. Saul Zaik Treehouse
Why you should stay: A modern treehouse offering the best views of Portland.
- Location: West Hills
- Sleeps: 2
- Minimum Stay: 2 nights
- Rates from: $195/night
The Saul Zaik Treehouse is built around the 67-foot-tall mast from a WWII Liberty ship. The exquisite home provides stunning views of Downtown and Mount St. Helens from its perch in the West Hills. The treehouse backs to the Marquam Nature Park that peaks at Council Crest Park, a short one-mile walk from the home.
This Airbnb is all about the uninterrupted view and privacy that only a soaring treehouse can provide. Vast windows from all sides offers a unique perspective, high above the rainy streets below. Make sure to note that this isn’t a private rental – it’s an in-law suite in the owner’s home. You’ll have access to a stunning yard and garden, bedroom, bath, deck, and sitting room, but no private kitchen. Past reviewers did comment on how friendly the host is, however (along with his cat!)
Check AvailabilityFollow ’em: @saulzaiktreehouse
5. Magic Barn
Why you should stay: Rustic-meets-artsy digs in a close-to-everything locale.
- Location: Richmond neighborhood
- Sleeps: 3
- Minimum Stay: 1 night
- Rates from: $98/night
The Magic Barn has an earth, warm feel, thanks to repurposed old growth barn planks and original 1936 rafters. It’s not surprising that it’s artsy – the hosts are artists and use the Magic Barn as a showcase for their sculpture and woodworking talents. If you’re traveling with a big group, the Magic House on the property can also be rented, sleeping up to ten people.
Less than a mile up the road is Mount Tabor Park, the former home to Portland drinking water reservoirs. While the reservoirs are still there, the water is no longer supplies Portland homes. A great spot for an uphill bike ride or a hike, Mt Tabor Park features a picturesque view of the entire city.
Check Availability6. Zen Loft
Why you should stay: The New York Times likes this place, and so will you.
- Location: Division/Clinton neighborhood
- Sleeps: 2
- Minimum Stay: 2
- Rates from: $122
This Zen Loft makes the most out of a relatively small studio space. The accordion-style foldable Nano wall brings the outside in, opening the interior out to a private patio with a hot tub. The designers used lots of steel and wood to create a comfortable and industrial chic living area. But watch your head – the sleeping loft is located up high off the ground.
Just a few short blocks away are the restaurants of Division Street, where you can eat, drink, and shop on Portland’s newest hot spot. Try local favorite Salt & Straw Ice Cream, followed by it’s not-nearly-as-famous competitor, Pinolo Gelato. Other delicious options include Bollywood Theater, Xico and Oma’s Takeaway.
Check Availability7. Ladybird Converted Bus
Why you should stay: Retro repurposed living space in a fun vitage school bus.
- Location: North Portland
- Sleeps: 4
- Minimum Stay: 1 night
- Rates from: $75/night
Relive your childhood in the Ladybird Converted Bus, a redesigned 1984 school bus. The bus serves up surprising 320 square feet of living space and can sleep up to three comfortably, but four in a pinch.
The quiet residential neighborhood of Piedmont is located close to the shopping areas of the Alberta Arts District and Mississippi Avenue. Within walking distance is the Peninsula Park Rose Garden, home to thousands of blooms and rose varieties. It’s the perfect place to learn why Portland is nicknamed “The Rose City.”
Check Availability8. Hand-Built Cottage
Why you should stay: Fido and friends will enjoy this light-filled space.
- Location: Alberta Arts District
- Sleeps: 4
- Minimum Stay: 2 nights
- Rates from: $165/night
This one-bedroom hand built cottage has a thoughtful design and makes great use of space, despite being small. Lovingly crafted by the hosts, exposed wood frames a non-claustrophobic loft space, giving it lots of character. The chef’s kitchen opens to the main living space, inviting everyone to participating in meal making.
Not too far from here is McMenamins Kennedy School, a reimagined elementary school turned into a restaurant, bar, and entertainment hub for the neighborhood. The auditorium is now a movie theater, the principal’s office a wine bar, and the detention room is a place to smoke cigars. It’s a funky experience for sure.
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Seen in: Oregon, Pacific Northwest, Where to Stay, Where to Stay in Oregon
