Opened in 2018, Belmont Books is one of the newest bookstores in Portland but you wouldn't be able to tell by the looks of it. A charming little shop (less than 400-square-feet) filled to the brim with new and used books, the store looks like it's been around forever. The passion project of Joseph Witt, you can find him working the front dest most days of the week. Strike up a conversation and he'll tell you that owning a local bookstore is a lifelong dream fulfilled. It shows.

Opened by Julie Wallace in 1997, this beloved Portland bookstore has been serving locals for more than 25 years. Every nook and cranny is stuffed with new and used books. Imagine books spilling off the shelves, stacks of titles on the floor that tower over toddlers and corners filled with boxes devoted to popular authors. Wandering this popular bookstore in Portland is nothing short of a joy. Julie's warmth will make you feel like a lifelong local at this charming bookstore.

Opened in 2011, Mother Foucault's specializes in used, rare and vintage books, this is the place to go if charming bookstores make you nostalgic and, consequently, weak in the knees. You'll find plenty of poetry books, fiction, philosophy, foreign language titles and literacy criticism. Curious about the unusual name? The bookstore pays homage to French philosopher Michel Foucault while giving a nod to progressive American magazine, Mother Jones.

Ask any local about their favorite bookstore in Portland and the honest ones will mention Powell's. Arguably the most popular bookstore in the Pacific Northwest this beloved gem deservers all the attention and credit. Spanning an entire city block, Powell's is home to more than one million books, the store covers 4 floors. Local’s Tip: Pop into the Gold Room during your visit to see the rarest books in the store. The most expensive book at Powell’s is an 1814 copy of the Lewis & Clark Journal.

Opened in 1978, Annie Bloom's Books is one of the oldest bookstores in Portland. This charming bookstore is located in one of the most endearing areas in town, Multnomah Village. So if you're looking for an easy-going afternoon, make a beeline for Annie Bloom's Books and prepare for the hours to slip by. The selection is carefully curated. You'll find classics, new titles and a never-ending list of recommendations from the helpful staff (some of which have been around between 10-25 years!

Self-dubbed the smallest bookstores in Portland, it was founded by insatiable bookworm Mitch Melville. Melville dabbled as a book scout and online bookseller in a previous life before branching out into the bookstore business. His shop is still growing, but the current inventory clocks in at 4,000 books. Melville buys books from customers daily, so the selection is always changing. He strives to build trust in the community by being very selective about the books you'll find on his shelves.

Daedalus is best known for its online presence but overlooking this well-stocked Portland bookstore would be nothing short of a crime, especially if you're in the area. Specializing in art, philosophy, theology, history, poetry and literature tomes, Daedalus Books may seem unassuming to the untrained eye but don't make that mistake. The store is well-stocked with new and used titles that span the gamut. Ask the friendly associates for assistance if you need recommendations.

Housed in an old home (with creaky old floors, to boot!), you can't step into Green Been Books without thinking about the charming bookstore in You've Got Mail. Expect to find a wide selection of children's books in English and foreign languages. The shop sells educational children's toys and houses custom vending machines that dispense things like homemade finder puppets, mustaches and beards. The outdoor deck (under a weeping mulberry bush) is the perfect place for kids to read their new books

In operation since 1992, Broadway Books is known for hosting interesting reading panels, author discussions (Michelle Obama hosted a discussion), an impressive selection of carefully-curated titles and an unwavering commitment to the community and neighborhood. This is a Portland bookstore you can feel good about supporting, but take note: they focus on selling new books so don't expect to find many used titles here.

Backstory Books & Yarn is an interesting concept. Fusing together two passions, this locale is part Portland bookstore and part yarn shop and locals can't help but love it! It's a weird fusion and this is Portland, after all. This independent Portland bookstore is full of fascinating books that span the gamut. You'll find everything from traditional titles to fresh off the press treasures.