Sacred and Spiritual Portland: A Guide to the Citys Quirky, Vibrant, and Progressive Soul

Portland, known for its hipster vibe and ecoconsciousness, is also a city rich in spirituality. From Buddhist temples to Christian churches to pagan communities, there are countless options for those seeking sacred spaces.

One mustvisit location is the Grotto (NE 85th Ave & Sandy Blvd), a Catholic shrine featuring stunning botanical gardens and peaceful meditation areas. For those interested in Eastern traditions, the Dharma Rain Zen Center (2539 SE Madison St) offers meditation classes and retreats rooted in Japanese Soto Zen teachings.

The city also boasts unique spiritual gems like The Church of Elvis (408 NW Couch St), a tongueincheek tribute to pop culture iconography that celebrates the divine within each of us with glittery altars dedicated to various celebrity deities. And nestled into an unassuming storefront on SE Foster Rd lies HausWitch Home Healing (@hauswitchpdx on Twitter), which blends contemporary witchcraft practices with modern wellnessfocused retail offerings.

Another mustsee spot is Powells City of Books (1005 W Burnside St); though not technically religious or spiritual, this iconic store offers extensive shelves devoted entirely to topics like religion and philosophyperfect for curating your personal library or discovering new perspectives.

For foodies craving nourishment beyond just their souls, check out Aviv (@AvivPDX on Twitter) for uniquely delicious vegan Israeli cuisine served under twinkling lights in an outdoor garden oasis. Or stop by the sidebyside food carts at Urdaneta/The Pie Spot (@UrdanetaPDX/@ThePieSpotPDX on Twitter) for Basqueinspired small plates followed by sweet pastry delights.

Whether youre looking for traditional or alternative approaches to spiritseekingor bothPortland has something unique to offer every traveler who seeks an offbeat, artful city with a rich and vibrant spiritual life.