Portland: Taste Portland’s Best Donuts & Downtown Tour

If you’re a donut enthusiast or simply curious about Portland’s vibrant food scene, this donut and city walk tour might just be your next favorite activity. It’s a two-hour journey through the city’s top donut shops, blended seamlessly with a stroll around Portland’s most iconic landmarks. We haven’t done it ourselves, but reviews paint a pretty tempting picture: a flavorful, fun, and informative experience packed into just two hours.

What we really like about this tour is how it combines delicious bites with cultural insights. You’ll get to sample a variety of donuts—ranging from classic glazed and chocolate to more adventurous flavors like lavender—while passing by sights like Pioneer Square, Chinatown, and the PSU Campus. Plus, the guides seem to be truly passionate about both Portland and donuts, making the experience feel personal and engaging.

On the flip side, the tour involves quite a bit of walking, so comfortable shoes are a must. If mobility or patience for crowds is a concern, that’s something to consider. Otherwise, this tour seems best suited for foodies, city explorers, and those looking for a sweet way to see Portland without feeling rushed.

Key Points

• Unique blend of food and city sightseeing in Portland’s lively downtown
• Visiting four top donut shops, including Voodoo Doughnuts with a skip-the-line perk
• Tasting a variety of donuts, from traditional to inventive flavors
• Insightful guides provide fun facts and local recommendations
• Two hours of walking and snacking—great for active travelers who love food adventures
• Kid-friendly and family-friendly, with plenty of options for all ages

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Closer Look at the Experience

This tour offers more than just a sugar rush; it’s a curated introduction to Portland’s culinary culture and a quick peek at its most walkable neighborhoods. Starting at Sesame Donuts, known for its classic offerings, you’ll enjoy your first tasting before moving on. Each stop is carefully selected to showcase the city’s best, including Blue Star Donuts, celebrated for its gourmet flavors, and the infamous Voodoo Doughnuts, where you can skip the long lines and get right to tasting.

The Itinerary and What You Can Expect

The tour kicks off at Sesame Donuts, a cozy local bakery that’s perfect for warming up your taste buds. Expect about 15 minutes here to sample some of their best, perhaps a glazed or chocolate donut, before heading out. From there, the walk takes you past notable sights like the Portland Art Museum and Oregon Historical Society, giving you a chance to soak in some of Portland’s culture and architecture. Your guide will share interesting tidbits about these landmarks, making the walk part educational as well as delicious.

Next, you’ll visit Blue Star Donuts—known for its inventive flavors like lavender and yuzu—allowing you to taste something a little different. The tour then makes a quick stop at Portlandia, the city’s iconic sculpture, and Shemanski Fountain for memorable photo opportunities. Strolling through Pioneer Courthouse Square, often called Portland’s living room, you’ll get a taste of local life and the urban vibe.

The final stops include more donut tastings at local bakeries, with your guide introducing regional and seasonal flavors that you might not find at home. These sampling sessions last around 20 minutes each, giving you enough time to enjoy the treats and chat with fellow participants. The tour wraps up at 22 SW 3rd Ave, a convenient downtown location close to many restaurants and attractions.

The Donuts: From Classic to Creative

If you’re expecting just sugary snacks, think again. The donut shops featured on this tour are known for quality, creativity, and sometimes, a bit of Portland’s quirky edge. Classic glazed and chocolate are all present, but the tour also introduces more adventurous options—like lavender or regional flavors that celebrate the Pacific Northwest’s unique ingredients.

Many reviews mention how surprisingly good the donuts are—even for those who don’t normally indulge in sweets. One reviewer shared, “I don’t really like donuts and I loved it,” highlighting how the quality and variety appeal to a broad audience. The ability to sample multiple flavors without overindulging is a definite plus, especially since the portions are designed to be tasting-sized.

The Guides: Knowledgeable and Friendly

A recurring theme in reviews is how much participants appreciated their guides. They are described as friendly, knowledgeable, and eager to share Portland’s stories. One reviewer wrote, “Bo made it fun and exciting,” while others mention guides like Kayla and Ian as being very personable and full of local tips. The guides go beyond just talking about donuts—they share insights into Portland’s neighborhoods, history, and even restaurant recommendations for after the tour.

More Great Tours Nearby

The Value: Is It Worth It?

Considering the price, the tour offers good value for what you get. You’re sampling from four different bakeries, skipping lines at popular spots like Voodoo, and getting a city tour rolled into one. The reviews consistently mention how much food they end up with—many participants even take donuts home—so the tasting portions feel generous.

Most agree that the experience is well worth the two-hour investment, especially since it combines walking, sightseeing, and eating in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere. Plus, the tour is wheelchair accessible, making it inclusive for a variety of travelers.

The Itinerary in Detail

Start at Sesame Donuts: Located at 1503 SW Park Ave, this local bakery sets the tone with familiar flavors. The 15-minute tasting here is a great warm-up.

Second stop: Explore the area near Portland State University, passing by the Portland Art Museum. While you won’t go inside, walking past these landmarks enriches the experience and gives context to your tasty journey.

Third stop: Blue Star Donuts, a Portland favorite for their gourmet flavors. Expect a 15-minute tasting session, possibly trying lavender or seasonal options that showcase Portland’s penchant for high-quality, inventive treats.

Sightseeing and Photo Stops: Passing Shemanski Fountain and Portlandia, your guide shares stories about the city’s quirky art and architecture. These moments give a breather from the walking but keep you engaged.

Final tastings: At other local bakeries, you’ll enjoy regional and specialty donuts, rounding out your culinary tour. The 20-minute sampling here ensures you try enough flavors to satisfy both the sweet tooth and the curious palate.

Finish: The tour concludes downtown, near many restaurants and bars, making it easy to continue exploring Portland’s food scene or head back to your accommodation.

Authenticity and Overall Experience

What makes this tour stand out is the combination of authentic Portland bakery visits and local sightseeing. The guides’ enthusiasm and knowledge mean you’re not just eating donuts—you’re gaining a deeper understanding of the city’s culture and food history.

Participants consistently mention how the guides add fun and personality, making the experience memorable. Several reviewers highlight the added benefit of receiving restaurant recommendations and tips for further exploring Portland. The opportunity to see the city while indulging in its famous donuts offers a balanced mix of casual fun and cultural insight.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour?

If you’re a food lover eager to sample Portland’s best donuts without wandering aimlessly, this tour fits perfectly. It’s also ideal for families, couples, or groups celebrating special occasions—many reviews mention bachelor and bachelorette parties, birthdays, and family reunions.

Those who enjoy walking and sightseeing will appreciate the mix of treats and landmarks. But be aware: it’s quite a bit of walking, so those with mobility issues or discomfort with crowds might want to consider other options.

The Sum Up

This donut and downtown tour offers more than just tasty snacks—it’s an engaging way to explore Portland’s vibrant neighborhoods and learn about its unique food culture. The combination of delicious samples, friendly guides, and local sights makes it worthwhile for many travelers. If you’re looking for a fun, flavorful, and educational experience that highlights Portland’s culinary creativity, you’ll find this tour both satisfying and memorable.

Best suited for foodies, curious explorers, and groups who love a relaxed, social atmosphere. Bring your walking shoes, an appetite, and an eagerness to discover Portland’s sweet side.

FAQ

How long is the tour? The tour lasts about 2 hours, including walking and tastings. Be prepared for a fair bit of walking, so comfortable shoes are a good idea.

Are the donuts samples enough to satisfy my sweet tooth? Most reviews indicate the portions are generous, and many participants take leftovers home. The tastings are designed to give you a real sense of each bakery’s specialties.

Can I skip the lines at Voodoo Doughnuts? Yes, the tour includes skipping the often long lines at Voodoo Doughnuts, which is a big perk during busy times.

Is the tour accessible for wheelchair users? Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible, making it inclusive for a variety of mobility needs.

What landmarks will I see? You’ll pass by Portland Art Museum, Oregon Historical Society, Portlandia, Shemanski Fountain, and Pioneer Courthouse Square, among others.

What should I bring? Bring your ID or passport, comfortable walking shoes, and weather-appropriate clothing. It’s a good idea to carry a small bag for any donuts you want to take home.

Are the guides knowledgeable? Absolutely. Multiple reviews praise guides like Bo, Kayla, and Ian for being friendly, fun, and full of local insights.

Whether you’re a first-timer or a Portland local, this tour combines the city’s best bites with its coolest sights, making it a sweet way to spend a couple of hours in the City of Roses.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby