Before Amazon, if you wanted to look for a rare or out of print book - this was the place to go. It's a bookstore that takes up an entire block. They have new and used books mixed together. Powell's Books has been around since 1971, and is still one of the world's most well known bookstores.

Payment Accepted:

I-5 traveling north (from Salem):

Take I-405 north. Exit at Everett Street. Be careful merging with traffic to your right! Turn right on Everett Street (your first right after exiting the highway). Turn right on 9th. Travel 2 blocks to Couch Street; turn right on Couch. The City of Books awaits you on the left, occupying the entire block between 10th and 11th. To use Powell's customer parking, take a left at 11th – you'll find the entrance to our parking garage halfway along the block on your left.

Last edited on Dec 19, 08 11:44 AM.
Contributors: Eric M. , Gina R. Show History

[Flag as duplicate]

[Edit Info]

WRITE REVIEW

First To Review:

Gina R.

Becky H.

Aug 29, 2011

if you're looking for a book, any book, you will find it here! great used ones too! The place is really big so wear comfortable shoes, and don't forget to pick up a map in the main entryway, you are going to need it! Each section is arranged by rooms which are assigned colors. Certain genres are attached to each color. For example, the blue room has Literature. This place can be as quick or as long as you want to make it!

Comment

Was this helpful?

(0)

1110

584

Mandi G.

Oct 21, 2008

This is the most amazing bookstore that I've ever been to. It goes on forever. It is so big they give you a map when you walk in. Hard to walk in and not find something you want. They have new and used books. They are all together, so you don't have to look in two seperate places. If you don't buy anything than it can be free. Otherwise, they have very reasonable prices, especially for their used books.

Comment

Was this helpful?

(0)

Adina C.

Jul 28, 2010

Although overwhelming to people who are used to Barnes Noble or local used book stores, Powell's City of Books is WELL worth taking a gander at. A Stumptown (that's Portland to you out-of-towners) landmark, this four-story, city block wide bookstore is chock-full of any and every book you could ever want or imagine. Go for an hour or a day and just bask in the splendour that is BOOKS.

Comment

Was this helpful?

(0)

Jules P.

Apr 23, 2012

Worth visiting. If you love books you will get lost here for hours. There's some public transit that's very close for easy access. You might want to get a map when you get inside, this building is enormous and has books on just about every subject you can think of. If you want to find out if something is in stock, you might want to look it up online first at the website.

Comment

Was this helpful?

(0)

Gina G.

Jun 21, 2009

It's a fun place to spend a few hours. There are thosands of books to browse along with lots of other items related to the topics in the books in those same items (ie: travel items in the travel book area). There is a coffee shop on site and a great childrens area. New and used books for sale and an area to sell your books. Great place :)

Comment

Was this helpful?

(0)