Mark Graves/The Oregonian

If you want to come to Portland and maximize your time as a tourist, you need to know which attractions are the absolute best and which are the worst. Luckily for you, we have ranked 35 of the possible things you could do during your visit. For this guide, we limited our destinations to inside Portland city limits (sorry, Multnomah Falls).

We have ranked each activity from 1 to 5 in the following ways:

Fun: 5 being fun for everyone, 1 being a fun that appeals to only a few.

Cost: 5 being free, 4 being $10 or less, 3 being $10.01 to $20, 2 being $20.01 to $30, 1 being $30.01 to $40 and 0 being over $40

Access: 5 being easy to get to on public transit, 1 being you will probably want to take a Lyft

Unique to Portland: 1 to 5, 5 being something you would never experience anywhere else and 1 being something you would find in any large American city.

Where there were ties, and there were many, we used our hearts and minds to determine the ranking.

Note: if you live in the Portland area and want to live like a tourist, or if you have visitors coming to town, look into your library's version of the cultural day pass, which gives library cardholders access to a variety of attractions for free. Some counties offer more than others, so check with your library to see what they offer.

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Lizzy Acker/The Oregonian

35. Pittock Mansion

3229 N.W. Pittock Drive; $11

This former home to the Pittock family is now a museum that celebrates the family, architecture, design, culture and Portland's history. Here's the problem with Pittock: It is very annoying to get to without a car. You either need to take a bus and then walk half-mile uphill or you can hope in a rideshare or taxi. Otherwise, it's fine. A fine way to spend a rainy afternoon. But it's also $11 to walk around a house for probably an hour at most, which is a little steep.

Fun: 3

Cost: 3

Access: 1

Unique to Portland: 2

Total: 9

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Beth Nakamura/The Oregonian

34. Voodoo Doughnut

Multiple locations; One doughnut costs between $1 and $3

Once upon a time, Voodoo Doughnut was a quirky fun Portland doughnut shop, in a neighborhood where quirky fun people went to drink. But change is the only constant, sometimes too much of a good thing is a bad thing, and other cliches. Now, sugary Voodoo is a tourist trap with long lines, a wearing-thing cash-only policy and a location in Hollywood, California. Their pink boxes are now a sign of a poorly informed tourist.

Fun: 1

Cost: 4

Access: 5

Unique to Portland: 2

Total: 12

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Amy Wang/The Oregonian

33. Portland Art Museum

1219 S.W. Park Ave.; $19.99

The Portland Art Museum is, if the name didn't totally give it away, an art museum in Portland. It's always good for a day of soaking in culture, and can have some great exhibits, but at nearly $20 it is pretty expensive way to spend what will probably be just an hour or two before you get bored. Also, art is great but most major cities have an art museum so if you are looking for something uniquely Portland, look for the free-to-view murals all over town.

Fun: 2

Cost: 3

Access: 5

Unique to Portland: 2

Total: 12

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32. Portland Japanese Garden

611 S.W. Kingston Ave.; $14.95

The Portland Japanese Garden is a magical place, with little bridges and rock gardens and paths you'll want to follow. One could imagine sitting for hours in the garden, going from bench to bench and soaking up the quiet and calming order of the foliage and architecture. While the Japanese Garden is pretty great, it isn't that easy to get to and it isn't cheap, especially when you start adding family members.

Fun: 4

Cost: 3

Access: 3

Unique to Portland: 3

Total: 13

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Aimee Green/The Oregonian

31. The Pearl

Free

In the Portland life cycle, the Pearl has gone from gritty to hip to classy and has finally reached the almost-too-fancy stage. Will it cross back over into gritty? The best thing about the Pearl, besides expensive food and drinks, is Powell's City of Books.

Fun: 2

Cost: 5

Access: 5

Unique to Portland: 2

Total: 14

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Mark Graves/The Oregonian

30. Portland Spirit

Salmon Street Springs Fountain; $20 to $94 depending on the cruise

The Portland Spirit is a Willamette River fixture, and the sort of old-timey attraction that almost anyone will enjoy. The food is just okay, but the views of mansions and sometimes bald eagles are worth the high price of admission (though be aware that price is not cheap).

Fun: 5

Cost: 1

Access: 5

Unique to Portland: 3

Total: 14

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Mark Graves/The Oregonian

29. Hollywood Theatre

4122 N.E. Sandy Blvd.; $7 to $9

The Hollywood is a historic theater that's been been updated with comfy seats and tables on many of the aisles for your popcorn, pizza and beer. Before you go to the Hollywood, check the schedule. The theater has cool events like The Movie Quiz and special features, and it shows first- and second-run movies.

Fun: 4

Cost: 4

Access: 5

Unique to Portland: 1

Total: 14

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Beth Nakamura/The Oregonian

28. North Mississippi Avenue

Free

Tourists who want to explore Portland's shopping streets and who are also looking for affordable food should visit this neighborhood. One of the city's best burgers can be found at Bar Bar, which also has a lovely outdoor patio. There's a ¿Por Qué No? if you are willing to wait in line. Explore the ReBuilding Center and find a unique gift at Paxton Gate.

Read more here.

Fun: 3

Cost: 5

Access: 4

Unique to Portland: 2

Total: 14

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Mark Graves/The Oregonian

27. Northwest 23rd Avenue

Free

Northwest 23rd has benefits that you won't find in other hip Portland shopping neighborhoods: You can get there on the streetcar, for one. You can also get there by walking, either over a hill or down a hill or up a hill. It has a Salt & Straw, a Bamboo Sushi and some of the best shopping in the city, including a Marine Layer and a brick-and-mortar Warby Parker. Parking is a nightmare, though, so take public transit if at all possible.

Fun: 4

Cost: 5

Access: 4

Unique to Portland: 2

Total: 15

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Mark Graves/The Oregonian

26. Southeast Division Street

Free

Once upon a time, Division Street was an industrial, edge of-town type of place. Now it is home to rising condos and local food chains, as well as fancy bars and twee shops. If you are looking for a place to find dinner, try The Woodsman Tavern, Ava Gene's or, if you can stand the wait, Pok Pok.

Fun: 3

Cost: 5

Access: 5

Unique to Portland: 2

Total: 15

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The Oregonian

25. Oregon Historical Society

1200 S.W. Park Ave.; $11

At the Oregon Historical Society, you can get your cultural fix for a cheaper price than at the Portland Art Museum. And it's a different, more specific kind of culture: Oregon's history. You can learn about that history through cool, interactive exhibits or, if you are a real researcher, you can explore their collection of documents relating to Oregon's past.

Fun: 2

Cost: 3

Access: 5

Unique to Portland: 5

Total: 15

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Mark Graves/The Oregonian

24. Waterfront bike path

Free

On the path that hugs the west side of the river and takes you alongside Tom McCall Waterfront Park, you will encounter slow strollers, frisbee dudes and the occasional police car, yes, on the path. It's worth it to weave in and out of the obstacles and take breaks to look at the river and the cherry blossom trees if they are in bloom. Just past the cherry blossoms is the Steel Bridge, which lets you cross the river just above the water, on a cool bike and pedestrian-only path. You can also take this path to the Portland Saturday Market if you are shopping for some new tie-dye.

Fun: 3

Cost: 5

Access: 5

Unique to Portland: 2

Total: 15

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Grant Butler/The Oregonian

23. International Rose Test Garden

400 S.W. Kingston Ave.; free

When the roses are in bloom, the International Rose Test Garden is a beautiful explosion of scent and color. Here's the thing about this rose garden though: It's not the only one, it fills up with people when the roses are in bloom and it's kind of a pain to get to. Try Peninsula Park if you want to see roses with less of a headache.

Fun: 3

Cost: 5

Access: 3

Unique to Portland: 4

Total: 15

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Torsten Kjellstrand

22. The Grotto, or Sanctuary of Our Sorrowful Mother

8840 N.E. Skidmore St.; $6

You don't have to be Catholic to enjoy these gardens, but you do have to be respectful. There are chapels, statues and a labyrinth for walking meditation.

Fun: 3

Cost: 4

Access: 4

Unique to Portland: 4

Total: 15

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Stephanie Yao Long/The Oregonian

21. The Eastbank Esplanade

Free

On the east side of the river, the path is less about tourists and more about locals commuting or working out. Stop if you want to take in the sights, check out the OMSI submarine, or dip into the eastside neighborhoods for a snack.

Fun: 3

Cost: 5

Access: 5

Unique to Portland: 2

Total: 15

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Kale Williams/The Oregonian

20. Forest Park

Free

Forest Park is a huge park, with many entries and many trails. It's basically a forest that is also part of a city, which means you can go for a hike but call a Lyft if you get lost. Also, that means bars like Skyline Tavern are close by. If you go, make sure to have a plan, bring water and also take a map.

Read more: How (not) to get lost in Forest Park

Fun: 4

Cost: 5

Access: 1

Unique to Portland: 5

Total: 15

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19. OMSI

1945 S.E. Water Ave.; $19.75

There's always something to see at OMSI, even if you are just once again walking through the room where you can see human development, from fertilization to embryo to fetus to baby, which is always interesting, or visiting the large room full of hands-on activities. Plus, you can catch a planetarium show, tour the submarine or check out whatever temporary exhibit is on.

Fun: 5

Cost: 3

Access: 5

Unique to Portland: 2

Total: 15

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Mark Graves/The Oregonian

18. Lloyd Center Ice Rink

953 Lloyd Center; $14 to $16 plus $4 for skate rental

Zoom around this in-the-mall ice rink like a pre-disgrace Tonya Harding, heading for the Olympics.

Fun: 4

Cost: 3

Access: 5

Unique to Portland: 3

Total: 15

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Stephanie Yao Long/The Oregonian

17. The Oregon Zoo

4001 Southwest Canyon Road; $17.95

Yes, the Oregon Zoo is no longer home to a delightful polar bear named Nora, but, it's still a very good zoo. Don't miss the elephants and the vultures.

You can take the MAX straight to the zoo, plus you get a $1.50 discount on zoo admission with your MAX ticket.

Fun: 5

Cost: 3

Access: 5

Unique to Portland: 2

Total: 15

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Beth Nakamura/The Oregonian

16. Tilikum Crossing

Free

Tilikum Crossing is a no-car bridge, so it's just you and other humans moving themselves using muscle and trains, buses and streetcars. Yes, its name is kind of the same name as an Orca that killed at least one human, but it also means "people." Portlanders love this modern, accessible bridge.

Fun: 3

Cost: 5

Access: 5

Unique to Portland: 3

Total: 16

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Stephanie Yao Long/The Oregonian

15. East Burnside

Free

From the river up past 28th Avenue, East Burnside Street offers a little of everything, but a lot of bars. If it's sunny, get a drink on the Rontoms patio. Hope for a night with a live show.

Fun: 3

Cost: 5

Access: 5

Unique to Portland: 3

Total: 16

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Stephanie Yao Long/The Oregonian

14. Northeast Alberta Street

Free

Alberta Street is a great street to wander. You'll find ice cream, shops and many, many bars that serve an array of happy hour treats. Really, if you want to do a bar crawl on this street, and have a way to get home that does not involve driving, you could have a pretty great time. Definitely get a crazy taco at the Cruz Room. When you are done drinking, grab a doughnut at Angel's Donuts.

Fun: 4

Cost: 5

Access: 5

Unique to Portland: 2

Total: 16

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Stephanie Yao Long/The Oregonian

13. Pioneer Courthouse Square

Free

The square at the center of Portland is still charming, even as the rest of downtown has become less fun to visit. Pioneer Courthouse Square still hosts events, and still has a secret spot where you can stand and hear an echo, but the fancy new shopping neighborhoods have drawn visitors out to the neighborhoods. Still, there's nothing like Christmas downtown, with a big tree and drunken revelers leaving the Holiday Ale Fest, to make you feel like you live in a city.

Fun: 3

Cost: 5

Access: 5

Unique to Portland: 3

Total: 16

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Mark Graves/The Oregonian

12. Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden

5801 S.E. 28th Ave.; $5

Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden is across the street from Reed College and allegedly hits its peak in terms of blooming rhodies around Mother's Day. The garden sits beside a lake and is built around water features. It feels like you could spend hours there, exploring different paths, finding secluded benches in a world separate from Portland. Another thing that separates this garden from something like the International Test Rose Garden is the wildlife. You can spend hours watching birds here, and you will probably see at least a nutria and several industrious squirrels.

Fun: 5

Cost: 4

Access: 4

Unique to Portland: 3

Total: 16

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Mark Graves/The Oregonian

11. Oaks Park

7805 S.E. Oaks Park Way; $17.25

Oaks Park opened to thrill and entertain visitors in 1905 and it hasn't stopped since. With a new extreme roller coaster (that costs a little extra), it feels at least a little modern. If rides aren't your thing, there's also a roller rink. Yes, Oaks Park isn't Six Flags or even Thrillville (RIP), but there's something interesting and special about this small, old-timey amusement park.

Fun: 5

Cost: 3

Access: 3

Unique to Portland: 5

Total: 16

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Stephanie Yao Long/The Oregonian

10. Lan Su Chinese Garden

239 N.W. Everett St.; $10.00

It's a serene experience to explore the Chinese Garden. You can really see how contrasting elements compliment one another and experience the philosophy behind the creation of the garden. Also a huge contrast? The calm inside the gates versus the activity outside. And while the Japanese Garden is great, this garden is cheaper to visit and easier to get to.

Fun: 4

Cost: 4

Access: 5

Unique to Portland: 3

Total: 16

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Mark Graves/The Oregonian

9. Southeast Hawthorne Boulevard

Free

Hawthorne has a little bit of everything. Watch a movie at the Bagdad Theater, grab a book at Powell's and get a vegetarian bowl at Harlow.

Fun: 4

Cost: 5

Access: 5

Unique to Portland: 3

Total: 17

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Mark Graves/The Oregonian

8. Mt. Tabor Park

Southeast 60th Avenue and Salmon Street; free

This is a huge park with so many walking and riding options, you can spend the whole day here if you want; just be ready to walk up some stairs. Also, if you happen to make it to Portland on one of our rare snow days, this is the best spot to go sledding.

Fun: 4

Cost: 5

Access: 3

Unique to Portland: 5

Total: 17

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Stephanie Yao Long/The Oregonian

7. Kerns

Free

This eastside neighborhood between Burnside and Interstate 84 is where you go to eat. With the Zipper, the Ocean, Providore and more, you will not go hungry here. Unlike other cool neighborhoods in Portland, Kerns isn't always overrun with people on the weekends. For example, you can actually find a place to park here and you can get brunch without waiting in line for three hours.

Fun: 3

Cost: 5

Access: 5

Unique to Portland: 4

Total: 17

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Michael Lloyd/The Oregonian

6. Laurelhurst Park

Southeast Cesar E Chavez Boulevard & Stark Street; free

Laurelhurst Park is basically Portland's Central Park. The pond isn't for swimming, but the grassy hills are perfect for lounging on a sunny day. If you are over on the eastside of Portland and need a break from all your activities, go here.

Fun: 4

Cost: 5

Access: 5

Unique to Portland: 3

Total: 17

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5. Everett House

2927 N.E. Everett St.; $22 for an hour in the spa

Yes, this is clothing-optional spa, so even if you aren't naked, you are likely to encounter naked people. Still, it's a nonsexual, nontouching place, so the nudity is all in the service of comfort. And you will get comfortable.

The spa has a large saltwater soaking pool, two saunas and a steam room. Maybe it isn't what exactly you would think of as a tourist attraction but, honestly, is there any better way to unwind while tourist-ing than in a steam room or a hot tub?

Fun: 5

Cost: 3

Access: 5

Unique to Portland: 4

Total: 17

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Stephanie Yao Long/The Oregonian

4. Washington Park

Free

Washington Park is a massive park that includes the Oregon Zoo, the International Rose Test Garden, the Children's Museum and Hoyt Arboretum. There is a playground and an archery range and, honestly, if you get bored at Washington Park, that's sort of on you.

Fun: 5

Cost: 5

Access: 3

Unique to Portland: 4

Total: 17

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Kristyna Wentz-Graff/The Oregonian

3. Peninsula Park

Free

One of the best rose gardens in Portland can be found in a city park. Peninsula Park's garden is easier to get to than the International Rose Test Garden, and it's outside of the regular tourist loop. The garden is gorgeous, the park itself is huge with plenty of picnic space, and in the summer, the outdoor public pool opens and kids an adults splash around and cool off.

Fun: 5

Cost: 5

Access: 4

Unique to Portland: 5

Total: 19

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Mark Graves/The Oregonian

2. Powell's City of Books

1005 W. Burnside St.; free

You can travel the world and never find a bookstore quite like Powell's City of Books. Full disclosure, I worked for a couple years doing social media for the bookstore online, but both before and after that gig, I have loved the store, and I am not alone. In 2015, The Guardian called Powell's the best bookstore in the world. And our readers named it Portland's best bookstore in 2016.

The Pearl District store allegedly has more than a million books in stock, which takes several floors and nine colored rooms. The best thing about Powell's is the way it shelves used books with new books. You'll want to set a budget before you walk in the door.

Fun: 4

Cost: 5

Access: 5

Unique to Portland: 5

Total: 19

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Mark Graves/The Oregonian

1. The Portland Aerial Tram

3303 S.W. Bond Ave.; $4.70

On one hand, the Portland Aerial Tram is just a thoughtful, useful, public transit solution. On the other hand, it is the best, most fun tourist activity in the city. It's an affordable and accessible thrill ride through the sky -- it even swings a little. And if you ride on a sunny day, at the top you will be rewarded with what could easily be the best view in Portland, including Mount Hood's perfect peak and Mount St. Helens' abbreviated dome.

Bonus: You're at a hospital at the top, so if you are scared of heights and start having a panic attack, someone will probably be able to help you.

Fun: 5

Cost: 4

Access: 5

Unique to Portland: 5

Total: 19

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