Unmatched selection
The store’s size lets you hunt down any title you can imagine.
“Huge huge huge huge huge book store. You can find anything and everything there”
Dane F.
Book store
4.9 — 38345 Google reviewsPortland’s iconic independent bookstore
Powell's City of Books offers an enormous selection, friendly staff, and a rare books room you won’t find anywhere else.
4.9Google rating
38345customer reviews
Mon–SunHours
Known forUnmatched selection
Customers say you can find anything and everything among the massive shelves.
About
Iconic bookseller offering a diverse selection of used & new volumes, plus gifts for bibliophiles.
Unmatched selection
Customers say you can find anything and everything among the massive shelves.
Friendly, knowledgeable staff
Visitors repeatedly note the staff are welcoming, kind, and love helping you discover books.
Rare books room
A dedicated space with historic and collectible volumes that feels like a mini‑museum.
Why customers choose us
What customers value most.
Friendly staff
Employees are consistently described as kind and genuinely interested in helping you.
“Great experience because of the great customer service”
Goodfella O.
Rare books room
A special section of historic and collectible books, open until 5 pm.
“if you are in portland Powells is must see!! don’t forget to see rare books section and it’s only open until 5pm!!”
Celine
Enormous, maze‑like layout
Visitors love wandering room to room and stumbling upon unexpected treasures.
“I spent most of my visit happily wandering from room to room, discovering books I wasn't looking for and adding them to an ever-growing mental wishlist.”
Christina D.
Something for every age and interest
The collection spans all genres, ages, and hobbies.
“Something for every age and every interest!”
Mekia O.
Customer favorites
The things people keep coming back for.
Gift items and knickknacks
A variety of literary‑themed mugs, toys, and other fun souvenirs.
“It feels like every book you could possibly want can be found here. Many gifts and non-book fun knick knacks to be found here as well.”
Priscilla H.
Literary sanctuary atmosphere
The store feels like a spiritual retreat for book lovers.
“A spiritual retreat for the literary inclined ?? An institution supported by the populous that brings joy and happiness 😊? Nay, a “review” is beneath the dignity and stature of this institution.”
Brett R.
Huge store with something for everyone
The size and variety make it easy to find books for any taste.
“Wonderful experience to enjoy Powell's, a MUST if you're ever in Portland, OR”
Ailssa D.
What we offer
Powell's provides a full range of book‑related services.
New releases
Latest titles across all genres.
Used books
Pre‑owned books at discounted prices.
Rare books room
Curated collection of historic and collectible volumes.
Gift shop
Literary‑themed gifts, mugs, and knickknacks.
Author events
Readings, signings, and talks with writers.
Photo story
A closer look before you visit.
Recent reviews
In customers’ own words.
“One of the best book stores in the entire world in the United States anyways!”
— Kelso C.
“Powell's City of Books is not just a bookstore, it's an experience.”
— Mackenzie T.
“There's no place quite like Powell's City of Books. This legendary bookstore feels less like a store and more like a destination, with room after room of shelves inviting endless exploration.”
— Michael A.
“Easy way to spend a full day. What a bookstore! Ample signage makes it possible to get about.”
— Michael T.
“Huge store with something for everyone. Very dangerous for the pocket book as there's so many books and gift type items.”
— Meghan
Good to know
Answers for planning your visit.
How much time should I plan for a visit?
Visitors recommend giving yourself several hours to wander the many rooms and discover unexpected books.
When is the Rare Books Room open?
The Rare Books Room closes at 5 pm each day.
Is parking available nearby?
Street parking can be tight, so arrive early or consider nearby paid garages.
Review themes
What people love
New books
Fresh releases stocked daily.
Used books
A wide variety of pre‑owned titles at great prices.
Gift shop
Non‑book knickknacks, literary mugs, and other fun items.
Special touches
Details customers remember.
Returning visitors love the old‑book section
A repeat customer notes each visit brings a new treasure from the historic books area.
Large‑print accessibility challenges
Finding large‑print titles requires extra effort, highlighting an area for improvement.
Plan your visit
Powell's City of Books
1005 W Burnside St, Portland, OR 97209, United StatesHours
- Monday: 10 am–9 pm
- Tuesday: 10 am–9 pm
- Wednesday: 10 am–9 pm
- Thursday: 10 am–9 pm
- Friday: 10 am–9 pm
- Saturday: 10 am–9 pm
- Sunday: 10 am–9 pm
Find us
1005 W Burnside St, Portland, OR 97209, United StatesOpen in Google MapsContact
+1 800 878 7323
