Powell's City of Books (1005 W Burnside St), Portland: Photos, Reviews & Location

Iconic bookseller offering a diverse selection of used & new volumes, plus gifts for bibliophiles.

At a glance

#1 of 92 Tourist attractions in Portland #1 of 15 Book stores in Portland

LocalGuideWorld score: 4.90

1.5 km from the center of Portland

Rating breakdown

5 ★89%
4 ★9%
3 ★2%
2 ★0%
1 ★0%

1005 W Burnside St, Portland, OR 97209

powells.com

(800) 878-7323

Photos of Powell's City of Books (61)

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Powell's City of Books, Portland – photo 1

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Quick facts

What is the rating of Powell's City of Books?: Powell's City of Books is rated 4.9 out of 5 based on 32,410 reviews.
How does Powell's City of Books rank in Portland?: Powell's City of Books is #1 of 92 Tourist attractions in Portland by LocalGuideWorld score (rating weighted by number of reviews).
Where is Powell's City of Books located?: 1005 W Burnside St, Portland, OR 97209 — 1.5 km from the center of Portland.
How can I contact Powell's City of Books?: Phone: (800) 878-7323 · Website: powells.com

Reviews (8)

Sayma Sadia Joya 2023 Nov 18

Heaven for bookworms. It is neat and quiet as well as well labeled. You will find very rare books also. Make sure you come with adequate time to explore powell’s because here time flies like an arrow.

Alexandra Browning 2023 Nov 15

This is a massive bookstore that is a tad overwhelming. Definitely a touristy spot, so a lot of people wandering and just looking. Lots of neat souvenir type items. Most of the staff I encountered was friendly and helpful, a few you could tell were just over it. This place is NOT on the quiet side like most bookstores, but I mean...books.

Tristan C 2023 Oct 14

Awesome book store. If you want a place with a TON of books this is the place to go. They even have a rare book room at the top floor which sounds really neat. It can be hard to really find something with a lot of options but they have the aisles really well labeled.

Jennifer Bentele-Edwards 2023 Sep 16

Who can walk into this gigantic bookstore and be disappointed!? They have EVERYTHING and a book for everyone. I love that they have a book buying program! Wonderful recommendations and computer lookup stations throughout. I will never be bored on a trip to Powell’s City of Books!

Brianna Herrera 2023 Jun 29

Come here anytime your in Portland for aisles and floors on floors of books! The best part is they have a rare book collection dating as far back as mid 1700’s! Got myself a few books over the years: Rudyard Kipling, Charles dickens and Ernest Hemingway. Def will always keep coming back

The day I went on they even had the chamber music northwest students playing classical music and wow just amazing!

Rebecca Luna 2023 Jun 19

This is the epitome of paradise for book lovers. What's truly remarkable is that it has the power to convert even the non-readers into avid bookworms.

As soon as you step inside, you'll be greeted by an impressive three-story tall space filled with shelves upon shelves of books. It's a bibliophile's dream come true! But it's not just books that make this place special. They have an extensive selection of knickknacks and tons of unique souvenirs that you can take back for your family or friends. It's the perfect spot to find something truly special and memorable.

The attention to detail is exceptional. They provide free bookmarks and stickers, adding a delightful touch to the whole experience. The staff members are not only friendly but also incredibly knowledgeable.

This store truly feels like book heaven. Whether you're searching for a new release, a classic novel, or a hidden gem, you'll find it here. Perfect for book enthusiasts, and the inviting atmosphere will make you want to spend hours exploring the vast collection.

Sindu 2023 Jun 13

Heard about this place through a friend who is native to PNW. So when I visited Portland a few weeks ago, I had to make a stop here. It was such an amazing but overwhelming experience for me. They have EVERYTHING when it comes to books. It's a huge store that is very well organized. All the books are categorized properly. They carry both new and used books (wow!). There are little notes everywhere saying which books are the staff's favorite, the customer's favorite, new release, etc. I loved that! This is a good way to explore what books to pick for your next reading session.

Apart from books, they carry knick-knacks and a lot of cute, useful, and random stuff. I thought an hour was enough to explore this store, but I was so wrong! If you want to explore the entire store, it will take at least 3 hours. The staff here is very nice and friendly as well.

I cannot recommend visiting this store enough, especially for my fellow book lovers. You will be transported to paradise.

Also, I wish I took more pictures but I was so much in awe that I totally lost track of taking pictures for my review.

Joshua Awesome 2021 Sep 30

Powell's City of Books in Portland is a book lover's paradise. If you're in search of a book, chances are you'll discover it here. Powell's boasts the distinction of being one of the world's largest bookstores, spanning across four enchanting floors. Their extensive collection covers nearly every conceivable topic, ensuring there's something for every reader.

Getting lost in this literary wonderland is all too easy, so it's wise to be generous with your meter time since your visit might extend beyond your initial plans. And in the back, you'll find a delightful little coffee shop, perfect for sipping on your favorite brew and enjoying some tasty snacks while you immerse yourself in the world of books. 📚☕🍪