Powell’s City of Books

The marquee at Powell’s City of Books promises a visit that can last much longer than the planned purchase. The shop occupies a full city block at the edge of the Pearl District and brings together new, used and rare books in nine colour-coded rooms. A paper map handed out at the entrance helps visitors navigate thousands of sections, while the Rare Book Room adds collectible editions and historic volumes. There is no admission charge; the cost depends on what readers find and decide to take home.

Visitor comments often celebrate the size of the catalogue, the mix of new and used titles, helpful staff and the energy of a bookstore that also works as a meeting place. The listing checked showed 4.9/5 from 39,017 opinions. Visitors also recommend allowing time: the scale can be disorienting, some sections get busy and a quick search can easily turn into several hours. There is a café inside for a break, although buying something is not required to browse.

Powell’s is at 1005 W Burnside Street, Portland, OR 97209; phone (800) 878-7323. It opens daily from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; the Rare Book Room closes at 5 p.m. The streetcar and several bus routes stop nearby, and the shop has no dedicated parking lot. If you have only an hour, choose a room or author in advance; for an unhurried visit, follow the map in a loop and leave the Rare Book Room for last, before it closes.