city information
Make the most of your time in Portland during NNS 2027. Known for its vibrant neighborhoods, renowned food scene and easy access to the outdoors, Portland offers plenty to discover before, after and between Symposium sessions.
Use the information below to plan your visit, from getting to and around the city to dining, local attractions and ideas for making the most of your stay.
Where to Stay
Getting to Portland
By Air
Portland International Airport (PDX) is the primary airport serving Portland and offers connections to destinations throughout the United States as well as international services.The airport is connected to central Portland by the MAX Red Line light rail, providing delegates with a convenient public transport option for travelling into the city.
Ground transportation
- MAX Light Rail: The Red Line connects Portland International Airport with central Portland.
- Rideshare: Uber and Lyft operate throughout Portland and at PDX.
- Taxi: Taxi services are available from the airport.
- Car Rentals: Rental cars are available for delegates planning to explore destinations outside Portland.
Getting Around the City
Portland is easy to explore, with a combination of light rail, streetcars, buses, cycling routes and walkable neighborhoods.
- MAX Light Rail: Connects the airport, downtown Portland, the convention district and other parts of the metropolitan area.
- Portland Streetcar: A convenient option for travelling between central neighborhoods.
- Bus: TriMet operates an extensive bus network throughout Portland.
- Walking: Many restaurants, cafés, and attractions can be reached on foot within individual neighborhoods.
- Rideshare: Uber and Lyft are widely available for destinations further afield.
Portland is divided by the Willamette River and Burnside Street into six geographical sections, each with distinctive neighborhoods worth exploring.
Dining & Local Favorites
Portland is particularly well known for its independent restaurants, coffee culture, craft breweries and extensive food-cart scene. Travel Portland currently highlights more than 500 food carts across the city, making them an easy way to sample everything from local favorites to cuisines from around the world.
Quick Lunch
Options
Perfect between sessions or during short breaks:
- Food cart pods
- Cafés and bakeries
- Fast-casual restaurants
- Local delis and sandwich shops
Group‑Friendly
Dinner Spots
For dinners with colleagues or informal networking, consider exploring:
- Lloyd District – conveniently located near the convention area
- Central Eastside – restaurants, breweries and creative spaces.
- Pearl District – restaurants, galleries and converted warehouse spaces.
- Downtown – a wide range of restaurants and easy public transport connections
- Northwest / Nob Hill – independent restaurants, cafés and shops
Travel Portland highlights Lloyd as particularly convenient for convention attendees, while the Pearl District, downtown and Northwest Portland offer concentrated dining and entertainment options.
Local Specialties
to Try
- Portland's famous food carts
- Pacific Northwest seafood
- Seasonal, locally sourced cuisine
- Craft coffee
- Local beer and cider
- Oregon wines
Things to Do Between Sessions
One of Portland’s advantages is the variety of attractions, green spaces and neighborhoods within relatively easy reach of the city center.
- Tom McCall Waterfront Park
Take a walk along the Willamette River and enjoy views of Portland's bridges and skyline. - Pearl District
Explore galleries, independent shops, restaurants and cafés in one of Portland's best-known urban neighborhoods. - Powell's City of Books
Browse one of Portland's best-known landmarks and an iconic destination for book lovers. - Lan Su Chinese Garden
Discover a tranquil traditional Chinese garden in the heart of the city. - Coffee & Meeting Spots
Portland's coffee culture makes it easy to find a place for an informal meeting, catch-up with colleagues, or a coffee between sessions.