Powell’s City of Books

The largest independent bookstore in the world, Powell’s headquarters, appropriately dubbed a “City of Books,” occupies an entire block in Portland’s city center and rises four stories. A mecca for book-loving locals and visitors, the Portland icon opened in 1971 and boasts a collection of over 1 million rare and used books, as well as a comprehensive library of comic books and board games. Powell’s is a maze to explore, but the helpful attendants provide maps so shoppers can more easily navigate the color-coded space. After sourcing some reading material, stop for a coffee at the in-store café.