Portland in Oregon is an amazing place with a number of activities and events taking place all round the calendar. Although, most of these might charge you heavily, there are a few which are completely free. If you want to spend a fantastic weekend in Portland spending a dollar, then read on. The following places to visit in Portland, Oregon are sure to interest you.

The International Rose Test Garden inside Washington Park (400 SW Kingston Avenue) exhibits rose bushes chosen from various countries. This exquisite garden not only displays roses, but also plants them. It is perfect for a beautiful weekend with your partner to immerse yourself in the sweet scent of thousands of roses!

For booklovers, the Powell's City of Books at the 10th Avenue is the ultimate heaven. There are more than a million books that one can drown yourself into. It also boasts of a coffee shop along with a stunning art gallery.

The Portland Farmer's Market should surely be the choice if you want to try tasty food. Here, you could taste farm fresh food items that the local farmers grow and make! Not just that, you can also take your pick from a range of food items - cheeses, gourmet, baked and meats.

Forest Park is another place where one can spend quality time. It is considered to be the largest park in the United States. Visitors have an option of exploring this 5,000 acre park through its trails and gated roadways that stretch for 50 and 30 miles respectively. It is perfect for running, mountain biking, hiking and horse riding.

Below is the list of free things that can be done in Portland:

Portland farmers market: This Portland farmers market is available on Saturdays in the south park blocks in between Montgomery and the SW Harrison during 8:30AM to 2:00PM and in the south blocks, between SW Salmon and Main, on Wednesdays, from 10:00AM to 2:00PM. You can find baked items, cheese, gourmet food and locally produced goods.

http://portlandfarmersmarket.org/

Forest park in Portland: It covers about 5,000 acres of land and functions daily from 5a.m. to 10 p.m. Hiking and biking trails are available and extends up to 50 miles. Horseback rides, running can also allowed here.

http://www.portlandonline.com/parks/finder/index.cfm?action=ViewPark&PropertyID=127

International rose test garden: Variety of roses from all over the world is planted here and you can have a view of nearly 8,000 rose types here. Do not forget to bring your camera when you take a trip here. It is located in the 400 SW Kingston Avenue.

http://www.portlandonline.com/parks/finder/index.cfm?PropertyID=1113&action=ViewPark

Pioneer courthouse square: It is the public square located at the center of downtown. Commonly known as the "Portland's living room", it hosts a number of events throughout the year including concerts, cultural functions and much more.

http://www.pioneercourthousesquare.org/

So when you make a travel to Portland OR do not forget to do the things mentioned above for free.

Portland provides an environment as well as facilities that can help you have an enjoyable vacation. You can do many worthwhile activities during your travel to Portland OR. You may want to tour around the exciting travel destinations in the location or have a relaxing stay on your hotel suite. The activities that await you on your Portland vacation would definitely make your stay a pleasurable visit.

1. Check Travel Guides Online

For you to get some ideas on how you can spend your quality time on your travel to Portland OR, you may want to consult several travel guides and reviews about places to go in the location. You will find these travel guides to be very helpful in providing some travel advice such as the best routes to take, excellent time to visit the tourist spots as well as other travel websites that can help you on your travel.

http://www.bootsnall.com/articles/08-08/things-to-do-portland-oregon-travel-guide.html

2. Free Things to Do in Portland

If you are on a tight budget, you will never have to worry about finding great places to visit in Portland. Several parks are accessible to the public such as the Forest Park, Pioneer Courthouse Square and the Tom McCall Waterfront Park. You may also want to visit the lively markets of Portland including Portland Farmers Market and the Saturday Market.

http://portlandor.about.com/od/artsentertainment/tp/Free_Things.htm

3. Recommended Activities

Travelers looking for an exciting nightlife can visit the elegant jazz clubs and comedy clubs along the entertainment district of Portland. Visiting the location with your children can also be very enjoyable when you visit historical places and museums such as the Pittock Mansion and the Oregon Museum of Science. Lastly, take the MAX train and have an exciting view of the metropolitan area.

http://www.essortment.com/travel/travelguidepor_sldq.htm