Portland best area to stay
 

Three girlfriends taking the train from Bellingham, WA for two nights in Portland. Thinking about airbnb or Vaca apt. We want to walk to shops, cafes, restaurants, galleries, urban walks and close to public transport to downtown. What area would fit this bill? Then we'll try to find a place.

Not big shoppers, mostly just checking out local scene. Any suggestions?

There are several light rail and bus stops within 4 blocks of the Amtrak station. https://trimet.org/max/
TriMet is a bargain at $2.50/single trip or $5 for the day.
Powells Books, Kenny & Zukes Deli and the Mark Spencer are within walking distance of Amtrak.

Northwest Portland close to 23rd Ave has many shops and restaurants. It is close to the Pearl district which has even more shops and restaurants. Good place for a group of women to stay.
Public transportation to downtown is pretty easy.
A fun thing to do is The Epicurian Walking Tour. You will be treated to a variety of local foods, learn a little history and see some of the city. I enjoyed it very much! M

I agree that NW Portland would be a great area for visitors.

Just stayed yesterday at Inn at Northrup Station... perfect location, big suite with Full kitchen, right on streetcar route...free parking...breakfast.... not one complaint.... knobhill near 23rd... same area as sunburn1944 recommends...

I really like Sunnyside (you're looking for walking distance to Belmont) and the area along Hawthorne Ave, anywhere between 20th and 50th. I like to be close to Mt Tabor but we like walks and hikes. There are lots of shops, cafes, and restaurants within walking distance and I believe the bus on Hawthorne goes straight downtown.

If anyone in the group is a new to AirBNB -- they can use my promo code for $35 off. www.airbnb.com/c/hjun11

Great suggestions, thanks!! We are new to AirBNB, so thanks for the promo code. Thought that would provide us with more room and maybe less expensive than a hotel. Hoping middle of September the weather will still be warm. Any recommendations for restaurants in NW Portland? Nothing too posh, more little bistro type places.