Generally speaking, Portland poses no great hazards to visitors, although theft in general (especially bicycle theft) is on the rise throughout the city. There are a few areas that should be of concern, but most of them aren't frequented by tourists.
Every place you're likely to visit except for downtown is in residential neighborhoods, where people generally are out-and-about at all hours. There is a higher-than-average concentration of homeless people and panhandlers in the downtown area, though recent legislation has gotten them off the streets.
Previously some neighborhoods in the north and northeastern sections of the city—north of the Rose Quarter, along and to the east of Martin Luther King Boulevard—were regarded as unsafe at night, but the recent growth in Portland has meant gentrification for these and other depressed areas.
Otherwise, the usual commonsense precautions should keep you out of trouble: Avoid deserted areas and remain aware of your surroundings. Consult your hotel's concierge or front-desk staff about the safety of any area you wish to visit.
Dos & Don'ts
Don't pump your own gas—it's illegal. Let the attendant do it.
Don't expect Portlanders to wear evening gowns and nice suits for the theater or dance performances. As a city that prides itself on its laid-back, everything-goes attitude, Portland prefers casual.
Do learn to pronounce the name of the state correctly. Though many Americans say the state's name "Or-a-gon" (rhymes with octagon), the locals say "Or-y-gun," with only the slightest hesitation between the syllables to distinguish it from the word "organ." Portland sits in the Willamette Valley, and, as the locals say, "It's Wil-LAM-ette, damn it!" Also, Couch Street is pronounced "cootch."
Do make eye contact and say hello to people you meet on the street. Portland's culture is very friendly.
Do stop for pedestrians and yield to bicycles when you are driving in Portland. Many locals don't own cars and take their right of way very seriously. "Green Boxes" have also been added to Portland's roadways. These are areas where bicycle riders can rest at stoplights without having to jostle for position with cars.
Don't jaywalk. You are liable to get a ticket if you cross against the light.
Don't throw away beer bottles or soda cans. In this "green" city, bottle deposits and recycling habits are almost mandatory.
Do shop local. Portlanders are loyal to the locals and even have a campaign complete with bumper stickers urging, "Keep Portland Weird" to celebrate the city's unique and quirky nature.
