Powell's City of Books
The world's largest independent bookstore, a sprawling literary labyrinth with over a million new and used books.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more browsing space
Powell's City of Books
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more browsing space
Highlights
Must-see attractions
The world's largest independent bookstore, a sprawling literary labyrinth with over a million new and used books.
"It is the biggest and most amazing bookstore I've ever seen, and I think this may be my annual pilgrimage."
🗺️ Grab a Map!
This place is HUGE! A map is essential for navigating the color-coded rooms and floors.
👟 Wear Comfy Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking and exploring. Comfortable footwear is a must for a full day of browsing.
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.9 · 37,835 reviews
Type
Book Store
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Rare Book Room
Third Floor
Discover limited editions, historical gems, and unique treasures. A must-see for serious collectors and history buffs.
Color-Coded Rooms
All Floors
Navigate this book lover's paradise by color-coded rooms, each dedicated to specific genres. Find your next read with ease!
The Cafe
Ground Floor
Fuel your book browsing with coffee and pastries. Some spots even have outlets for a cozy work session.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Maze
Store Credit for Used Books
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🗺️ Grab a Map!
This place is HUGE! A map is essential for navigating the color-coded rooms and floors.
👟 Wear Comfy Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking and exploring. Comfortable footwear is a must for a full day of browsing.
⏳ Allow Plenty of Time
Don't rush! You could easily spend hours (or a whole day!) getting lost in the stacks.
📚 Used Books = Store Credit
Selling used books earns you store credit, not cash. Perfect if you plan to buy more!
Tips
from all over the internet
🗺️ Grab a Map!
This place is HUGE! A map is essential for navigating the color-coded rooms and floors.
👟 Wear Comfy Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking and exploring. Comfortable footwear is a must for a full day of browsing.
⏳ Allow Plenty of Time
Don't rush! You could easily spend hours (or a whole day!) getting lost in the stacks.
📚 Used Books = Store Credit
Selling used books earns you store credit, not cash. Perfect if you plan to buy more!
☕ Cafe Break
Take a break at the cafe for coffee and snacks. Some spots have outlets for working.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently rave about Powell's City of Books, calling it a 'mecca' and a 'happy place' for book lovers. The sheer size, incredible selection of new and used books, and the friendly, helpful staff are major highlights. While the crowds can be significant, most find the experience well worth it, praising the unique atmosphere and the joy of discovery.
"The staff is all extremely friendly and helpful. The Cafe is a great vibe and has some interesting pastries. Also, the layout of the various floors is so fun and makes it really easy to find what you are looking for. I will be back many times I'm sure."
Megan Bass
"Contrary to online ebooks, this place provides old time bookstore atmosphere: Bookshelves, wooden floors, corner coffee seats and gift shops. As it became popular tourist attraction, expect crowds. The Rare Book Room carried books or maps with limited editions, historical features or special memories, worth taking time."
Susan Ding
"Well, I was here once before and didn't know there was a rare book room, so this time I prepared. This is the biggest and most amazing bookstore I've ever seen, and I think (like one other reviewer) this may be my annual pilgrimage. There are sections of everything you can fathom, and subsections of everything else known to man. If there is an art book or an obscure text or some hobby you've been dying to try, you'll find it. The staff are really nice, helpful, and welcoming. It is VAST inside. Impossible to explore, honestly. Very much my happy place. Also the rare book librarian (not sure what to call her, but it feels like a library)... She's a gem. Always nice to see people who respect and love their job. This place is a haven for knowledge."
Andrea F
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Powell's City of Books is located at 1005 W Burnside St, Portland, OR 97209. It's easily accessible by public transport, including buses and the MAX light rail. Many visitors find it convenient to walk or bike if staying downtown. Parking can be challenging in the area, so public transit is often recommended.
Yes, there are several parking garages and street parking options near Powell's City of Books. However, parking can be expensive and competitive, especially during peak hours. Consider using a parking app to find available spots and compare rates.
Absolutely! Powell's City of Books is well-served by Portland's public transportation system. Several bus lines stop nearby, and the MAX light rail's Pearl District station is a short walk away. Check TriMet's website for routes and schedules.
Yes, Powell's City of Books is located in downtown Portland and is easily walkable from many hotels and attractions. It's a pleasant stroll through the city, allowing you to see more of Portland along the way.
From Portland International Airport (PDX), the most convenient way to reach Powell's City of Books is by taking the MAX Red Line light rail directly to the city center. The journey takes about 40 minutes and drops you within walking distance of the bookstore.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there is no admission fee or ticket required to enter Powell's City of Books. It's a free public space for browsing and enjoying books.
Powell's City of Books generally operates from 10 AM to 9 PM daily, but hours can vary slightly by season or for special events. It's always a good idea to check their official website for the most up-to-date hours before your visit.
Yes, Powell's City of Books has a robust online store where you can purchase new and used books. They offer shipping worldwide, making their vast collection accessible to book lovers everywhere.
Powell's offers a generous 30-day return policy for most new and used books, provided they are in saleable condition. You can return items purchased online or in-store.
Powell's City of Books frequently hosts author readings, book signings, and other literary events. Check their events calendar on their website to see what's happening during your visit.
🎫 📚 Onsite Experience
Powell's City of Books is the world's largest independent bookstore, occupying an entire city block and spanning multiple floors. It houses over a million new and used books, making it a truly massive literary destination. 
The bookstore is organized into color-coded rooms, each dedicated to a specific genre or subject. There are multiple floors, and a map is highly recommended to navigate the vast collection effectively.
Yes, Powell's has a dedicated children's section with a wide variety of books for all ages. The sheer scale and wonder of the bookstore can also be an exciting experience for younger visitors.
Powell's buys used books for store credit. They are selective about what they purchase, often preferring recent nonfiction and popular fiction. It's best to check their website for their current buying guidelines.
The Rare Book Room, located on the third floor, contains collectible, out-of-print, and signed editions. It's a treasure trove for bibliophiles seeking unique and valuable books.
🍽️ ☕ Food & Dining
Yes, Powell's City of Books has a cafe on the ground floor, offering coffee, tea, pastries, and light snacks. It's a great spot to relax and refuel during your book browsing.
While you can purchase food and drinks from the cafe, it's generally expected that you consume them in the designated cafe area. Bringing outside food or drinks into the main bookstore areas is usually discouraged.
Yes, the cafe at Powell's City of Books typically offers Wi-Fi, and some seating areas have electrical outlets, making it a popular spot for those who want to work or study.
The area surrounding Powell's City of Books in downtown Portland is filled with numerous restaurants, cafes, and food carts offering a wide variety of cuisines to suit any taste.
The cafe at Powell's offers a selection of coffee drinks, teas, and a variety of pastries and baked goods. They also sometimes have light sandwiches or snacks available.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is generally allowed inside Powell's City of Books for personal use. However, it's always respectful to be mindful of other shoppers and avoid blocking aisles or disturbing staff.
The sheer scale of the bookshelves, the colorful room signage, and the cozy reading nooks offer many photogenic opportunities. The Rare Book Room can also be visually stunning, though you may need to ask permission for photos there.
Weekday mornings or early afternoons tend to be less crowded, offering better opportunities for unobstructed photos. Golden hour light can also create a warm atmosphere if you're visiting later in the day.
While personal photography is usually fine, professional photoshoots or commercial photography may require prior permission from the bookstore management. Always be considerate of others.
Visitors often capture wide shots of the towering bookshelves, close-ups of interesting book covers, and candid shots of people browsing. The unique atmosphere and sheer volume of books make for very 'bookish' photos.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit