Powell's City Of Books — Local services in Portland

📚 Powell’s City of Books: A Cathedral for Readers Location: 1005 W Burnside St, Portland, OR 97209

Size: Occupies an entire city block

Google Maps Rating: ⭐ 4.9 from over 36,000 reviews

Claim to Fame: The largest independent new and used bookstore in the world

Founded in 1971, Powell’s pioneered the idea of shelving new and used books side by side—creating a democratic browsing experience that’s both affordable and intellectually rich.

🏛️ Layout & Atmosphere Nine Color-Coded Rooms: Each room is themed—Red for literature, Blue for history, Gold for children’s books, and so on.

3,500+ Sections: From “Mystery” to “Meditation,” the store covers every genre imaginable.

Rare Book Room: A 1,000-square-foot gallery of signed first editions, antique volumes, and literary curiosities.

Maps & Info Desks: Yes, you’ll need a map. It’s that big. Staff are famously helpful and deeply knowledgeable.

Visitors often describe it as a “maze,” a “city within a city,” or “a place where you could get happily lost for hours.”

☕ Amenities & Extras Feature Description Guilder Café On-site coffee shop serving espresso, pastries, and light meals Events & Author Readings Regular appearances by local and national authors Gift Shop Literary-themed merch, journals, tote bags, and quirky souvenirs Online Store Offers nationwide shipping and rare book searches 🧭 Visitor Experience Accessibility: Elevators, wide aisles, and seating areas make it friendly for all visitors.

Crowd Level: Busy on weekends, especially in the Red and Gold Rooms.

Hours: Open daily, typically 10 AM–9 PM

Pet Policy: Only registered service animals allowed

🗣️ What People Say “City of Books is an understatement. A billion books but also games, household goods, crafting materials, tote bags, fun stickers. You name it, they got it.” — M. Moonen “So many books, so little time. There are information desks on every level… Coffee shop actually has very tasty treats.” — Tammy M1 “The sheer size of the place is overwhelming in the best way possible.” — Brayden M

🧳 Tips for a Stellar Visit 🗺️ Grab a Map: Available at the info desk—essential for navigating the rooms.

📖 Plan to Stay a While: Two hours minimum if you want to explore deeply.

💸 Used Book Deals: Many titles have gently used versions right beside the new ones.

🧠 Ask the Staff: They’re not just employees—they’re book lovers with encyclopedic knowledge.

📷 Photo Ops: The iconic Powell’s sign, the Rare Book Room, and the color-coded shelves.

🧠 Final Verdict: Is It Worth It? Absolutely. Powell’s City of Books is more than a store—it’s a pilgrimage site for readers, a cultural cornerstone of Portland, and a place where stories live, breathe, and multiply. Whether you’re hunting for a rare first edition or just want to sip coffee surrounded by shelves, Powell’s delivers a...

On our recent vacation to Portland we had been recommended to visit Powell’s. We had no idea what to expect and were simply in awe of their selections, their enormous array of subjects/catagories & size of their store. The service of employees was outstanding! We hope to return again one day. We didn’t allow enough time to visit the entire store … If you’ve never been, you must visit this “not just an ordinary” bookstore! Allow time to browse and stroll … you’ll be as pleasantly...

Powell's City of Books is a must-see for anyone visiting Portland. Plan for at least an hour—or even half a day—to explore its many floors and find your next favorite read. With a wide selection, knowledgeable staff, a great cafe, and the classic bookstore atmosphere of wooden floors and old typewriters, it’s the perfect spot to spend a rainy day. Be prepared for crowds, as this popular spot is a major...