PC
Powell's City of Books
The world's largest independent bookstore—a literary wonderland for every reader and explorer.
4.8(5 reviews)
$$
retail-store
bookstores
gift-shops
Vast selection of new, used, and rare books across all genres, including hard-to-find titles and collectibles.
Exclusive collection of rare and antique books with limited viewing hours for enthusiasts and collectors.
Cozy coffee shop serving beverages, avocado toast, and treats for a relaxing break while browsing.
Unique items like cat-themed tote bags, journals, candles, clothing, and other non-book merchandise.
Hosts literary events, book signings, and community gatherings to engage readers and promote local culture.
Helpful and knowledgeable staff available to guide customers through the extensive layout and find specific items.
The world's largest independent bookstore—a literary wonderland for every reader and explorer.
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Powell's City of Books is a legendary Portland landmark and the world's largest independent bookstore, spanning an entire city block. This iconic destination offers an unparalleled collection of new, used, and rare books across multiple floors, alongside unique gifts, home goods, clothing, candles, and a cozy café. With its vast, maze-like aisles and knowledgeable staff, it's a must-visit for book lovers, tourists, and locals seeking a calming, immersive experience. Hosting events and featuring diverse sections, Powell's is more than a store—it's a cultural hub where everyone can find something special.
Talk about a wonderful experience! This place is a must visit, im not a reader so I have been avoiding coming here but I recently visited twice and had a great time. There is something here for everyone. Books, gifts, treats, clothes, candles, so much more. Finding things is a little tricky so give yourself lots of time to explore, there is just so much here. Staff are really helpful with finding things too. There is a cafe as well! They do cool events and have lots of people of color books.
I could live in this place and just read for days. I visited from Arizona and spent more than 4 hours in here looking at everything, this place is an amazing stop for any book lover. There is soooooo many books in the most interesting sections, it's like the librarian made a bookstore for everything ever written. The rare book floor and coffee shop was wonderful.
Love love love this amazing book store. It’s actually so much more than a book store, it’s more of an emporium for almost whatever you can imagine. I love to take my time when visiting PDX, to stroll the many book lined aisles of Powell’s. It’s a very calming environment. I especially enjoy the coffee room, and avocado toast they serve. Make sure to put Powell’s on your Portland checklist. ❤️ 📚
Nov 2025 visit I adore books and cats. If you do as well, Powell's carries a number of adorable cat themed tote bags (and others) scattered around. I got stuck in the journal section for a while, admiring the beautiful artwork and embossed covers of blank journals. 3rd floor has the crafting books along with a rare book room (limited daytime hours). Will visit again.
They layout is interesting. You can easily get lost in the sea of books. Everything seems well organized. Some prices are quite surprising. Books from the 60-70s costing more than 20 bucks. Overall, it's worth visiting. But I didn't walk away with what I expected to find. But there are interesting books.
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