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Powell's City of Books Tickets

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About Powell's City of Books

Powell's City of Books is more than a bookstore—it's a landmark in downtown Portland. Spanning a full city block at 1005 W Burnside St, the flagship store offers about 68,000 square feet of new, used, and rare books across multiple spaces. The Basil Hallward Gallery upstairs in the Pearl Room hosts dozens of author events each month, while the Rare Book Room invites visitors to explore autographed editions and special collections. Whether you’re hunting a first edition, attending a reading, or simply browsing for hours, Powell's provides a welcoming, insider-friendly experience.

Plan your visit with practical details on seating, parking, transit options, and nearby hotel and dining choices. We’ve got you covered so you can focus on finding that perfect read or meeting your favorite author.

Powell's City of Books is located on a full city block between NW 10th and NW 11th Avenues and W Burnside Street in Portland’s downtown core. The store’s Pearl Room and Basil Hallward Gallery bring an active calendar of author events, making it a hub for book lovers. If you’re visiting for a reading, signing, or simply to explore, here are practical details to help you plan your trip—from seating and accessibility to parking, transit, and nearby accommodations and dining options that align with our easy, no-fuss approach to ticket and event access.

  • Seating and comfort: Flexible seating areas throughout the main floors and dedicated event spaces in the Basil Hallward Gallery. For events, arrive early to secure a comfortable spot near the action.
  • Parking: There is no dedicated Powell's parking lot. Use surrounding street parking or nearby parking garages. ADA spaces are available on NW 11th Ave between Couch and Burnside and on NW Couch St between 10th and 12th.
  • Transit: Powell's is highly walkable and accessible via TriMet buses and nearby streetcar routes. It’s convenient for riders coming from various parts of Portland.
  • Nearby hotels: The Nines is about 0.4 miles away, and The Ritz-Carlton Portland is within walking distance, making it easy to combine a bookstore visit with a hotel stay.
  • Nearby dining: A range of restaurants and cafés near the Pearl District and downtown offer pre- or post-visit options, from casual to refined dining.
  • Notable events: The Basil Hallward Gallery hosts dozens of author events each month; the Rare Book Room offers autographed editions and rare collections for visitors to explore.

For a smooth experience, consider coordinating travel times with event schedules and securing any necessary tickets or reservations in advance. If you’re looking for a friendly, reliable partner to help you plan your bookstore outing, we’ve got you.

Good to know

Seating, Parking & Venue Information

  • Location and size: 1005 W Burnside St, Portland, OR 97209; occupies a full city block between NW 10th and NW 11th Aves and W Burnside NW Couch; about 68,000 square feet of retail space.
  • Venue type and spaces: flagship independent bookstore and reader venue; Basil Hallward Gallery (upstairs in the Pearl Room) hosts dozens of author events each month; Rare Book Room accessible to visitors.
  • Parking: no dedicated Powell's lot; use surrounding street parking or nearby garages; ADA spaces on NW 11th Ave between Couch and Burnside and on NW Couch St between 10th and 12th.
  • Transit: downtown Portland location accessible by TriMet buses and nearby streetcar; highly walkable from multiple transit lines.
  • Nearby hotels: The Nines is about 0.4 miles away; The Ritz-Carlton Portland is within walking distance.
  • Notable events hosted: dozens of author readings monthly in the Basil Hallward Gallery; the store also features a Rare Book Room with autographed editions and special collections.