Located at 1005 W Burnside St, Portland, OR 97209, Powell's City of Books is a renowned bookstore that spans an entire city block. This unique venue offers a vast selection of books and gifts, making it a perfect destination for both avid readers and casual browsers.

Before or after visiting Ghost Fox, a local toy studio known for its imaginative figures and limited collections, take some time to explore the shelves at Powell's. The bookstore is a treasure trove of literary finds, providing an enjoyable experience for all ages.

Whether you're searching for a new favorite book or a special gift, Powell's is an invaluable stop in your Portland adventure. Don't miss the chance to immerse yourself in the world of literature while also discovering the playful creations at Ghost Fox.

For more information about Powell's City of Books, feel free to reach out or visit their website.

Making the Most of a Visit to Powell's

Powell's City of Books is famous for being easy to get lost in, so a little planning helps. The store is organised into colour-coded rooms, each devoted to broad subject areas, and a store map near the entrances shows which room holds what. Grab one on the way in, or ask staff at an information desk if you are hunting for something specific. Many visitors pick one or two rooms to explore properly rather than trying to cover the whole building in a single afternoon.

One of the things that sets Powell's apart is that new and used books share the same shelves. You might find a fresh hardcover sitting next to a well-loved older edition of the same title, which makes browsing feel closer to treasure hunting. If you collect anything, whether vintage paperbacks, art books or illustrated children's titles, it is worth checking the used copies carefully, because stock changes constantly.

Ideas for toy and design fans

For anyone interested in character design, figures or collectible art, the sections covering art, graphic novels, comics and children's picture books are a natural starting point. Picture books in particular are full of strong visual storytelling, simple memorable characters and playful colour palettes, the same qualities that make a good figure or limited run stand out. Browsing them is a pleasant way to spark ideas before looking at the figures on our Toys page or the themed sets in our Collections.

Practical tips

  • Give yourself time. An hour disappears quickly; two or more is comfortable for a relaxed browse.
  • Check before you go. Opening hours, events and author readings change, so confirm details on the store's official channels.
  • Travel light. Books get heavy fast, and a tote bag makes carrying finds around the Pearl District and downtown much easier.
  • Consider transit or walking. The store sits on the edge of downtown, and parking nearby can be limited at busy times.

If you are building a wider day out in the city, our Places section gathers other spots that pair well with a creative afternoon in Portland.