Portland, United States

• Portland sits where the Willamette and Columbia rivers meet, and Mount Hood is visible to the east on clear days. The city is informal and outdoorsy. People wear hiking jackets to dinner, bike a lot and tend to be polite and non-confrontational, so a woman traveling alone rarely stands out.
• The city is split into quadrants, and each neighborhood has its own character. The Pearl District and Northwest District are polished and walkable. Alberta, Mississippi and Hawthorne on the east side have independent shops, food carts and cafes. Downtown is the transit and cultural hub. Eating alone is normal here, with counter seats, food cart pods and cafes full of people with laptops and books.
• Most visitors have an uneventful trip. The main risks are petty ones: car break-ins, bike theft and phone snatching in busy areas. Parts of Downtown, Old Town and some blocks along major roads have visible street homelessness and open drug use. It is rarely dangerous, but it can feel uncomfortable after dark. Character can change from block to block, so check your route before walking at night.
• Oregon has no sales tax, and tipping 18-20% is standard in restaurants and bars. Craft beer, coffee and food carts are a big part of daily life. Several good day trips, including the Columbia River Gorge waterfalls, Forest Park and the coast, are an hour or less from the center.

English is the main language, and 911 call-takers can connect you with interpreters in many other languages if you ask. Spanish is the most common second language. Signs and staff in tourist areas are generally easy to follow. For a non-emergency police report, call 503-823-3333.

• Dress is casual almost everywhere. A rain jacket and layers matter more than style, and hiking boots at a restaurant draw no attention. Anything from athletic wear to vintage clothing is normal.
• People tend to be friendly but reserved and respect personal space. A firm 'no thanks' is usually respected. Strangers who persist or follow you are unusual, and it is fine to walk into a shop or cafe and ask staff for help.
• Tip 18-20% at restaurants and bars, and a dollar or two at coffee counters. Oregon has no sales tax. Bars generally stop serving around 2:30 AM. Cannabis is legal for adults, so you will smell it on sidewalks, but public consumption is not allowed.
• Watch for cyclists, who are everywhere and often have right of way. Around people experiencing homelessness, give space, avoid arguments and do not photograph people without asking.

The first hour after landing is when you're tired, carrying everything, and easiest to take advantage of. Three things to sort before you fly:

• Your ride from the airport. A driver who meets you in arrivals, at a price fixed before you fly — no haggling at the taxi rank.

  Book an airport pickup

• Data the moment you land. Maps, ride apps and a way to call for help as soon as you switch your phone on. An eSIM installs at home.

  Get a good eSIM

• The emergency number. Police, Fire and Medical Emergency: 911. Save it in your phone, not just on this page.

  All emergency contacts

• TriMet runs the MAX light rail, buses and streetcar connections. The MAX Red Line goes from Portland International Airport to Downtown in about 40 minutes, which is the cheapest and easiest way in. Pay with a Hop Fastpass card or the Hop or TriMet apps. Transit is fine in daylight and early evening. Late at night, wait at lit, busy stops, sit near the driver and consider a rideshare for the last leg.
• The Portland Streetcar serves the Pearl District, Downtown, Portland State University and the Central Eastside. Downtown, the Pearl and the inner east side are compact and flat enough to walk. There is also an extensive bike network and a public bike share. Stay off unlit paths and riverfront trails after dark.
• Uber and Lyft are widely available and are the best option late at night. Check the plate and driver name before getting in. If you rent a car, never leave bags, chargers or anything else visible inside, since car break-ins are the most common crime visitors run into. Use staffed garages or well-lit streets.
• If you're planning day trips outside the city, consider renting a car.

Explore Portland with local guides and curated experiences.