StayAreasIs Central Eastside a good place to stay in Portland?
Yes, if you want breweries, coffee and great restaurants on the doorstep. It's Portland's most local base, but gritty in places and across the river from the sights.
Stay here if
- Foodies and beer lovers
- Couples
- Repeat visitors
Look elsewhere if
- You want polished, quiet streets
- You want to walk to the main sights
- You're travelling with young children
Hotels in Central Eastside
All Central Eastside hotels on Booking ↗Typical rates for a double outside peak events, not live prices. Updated Oct 2026 · How we rate areas · Booking through our links costs you nothing extra and may earn us a commission. Learn more
Staying in Central Eastside
The Central Eastside is the place to stay in Portland for food, drink and a local feel. Breweries, distilleries, coffee roasters and restaurants line East Burnside, Grand Avenue and the warehouse streets near the river, and downtown is a 10 minute ride across the Burnside Bridge.
The area is a working warehouse district that has become one of Portland's most creative neighbourhoods. Old industrial buildings hold tasting rooms, design shops and some of the city's most talked-about restaurants, and hotels like the Jupiter and KEX bring music and rooftop bars. OMSI, the science museum, and the Eastbank Esplanade are by the river.
The downside is that it's still industrial in places. Some streets are empty and gritty at night, trucks rumble past by day, and the main sights are across the river. Bars along Burnside get loud on weekends.
What makes the Central Eastside special is that it feels like the Portland locals love. You can tour a distillery in the afternoon, eat at a celebrated restaurant and end the night at a music bar, all within a few blocks. For a second visit or a food-and-drink weekend, there's nowhere better.
Getting around
- Powell's City of Books13transit
- Moda Center14transit
- Pioneer Courthouse Square16transit
- Oregon Convention Center16walk
- Portland Saturday Market18walk
- Portland Art Museum19transit
- Portland International Airport (PDX)47
Other options in Portland
Compare all 4 areas →Central Eastside questions
Is Central Eastside a good area to stay in Portland?
Yes, if you want breweries, coffee and great restaurants on the doorstep. It's Portland's most local base, but gritty in places and across the river from the sights. It suits foodies and beer lovers, couples and repeat visitors.
How much does a hotel in Central Eastside cost?
A typical double is around $125 a night at a budget hotel, $135 mid-range and $170 for luxury, outside peak events.
How do I get from Portland International Airport (PDX) to Central Eastside?
About 47 minutes door to door: MAX Red Line to the Convention Center, then a short walk or rideshare.
How far is Central Eastside from the main sights?
Door to door from Central Eastside: Powell's City of Books 13 minutes, Moda Center 14 minutes, Pioneer Courthouse Square 16 minutes and Oregon Convention Center 16 minutes on foot.