The Market Square, situated at the heart of the city, is an excellent starting point for any visit. Here, you can admire the Old Town Hall and browse stalls selling fresh vegetables, meat, cheese, and other locally produced products. The market runs on Tuesdays and Thursday from 9 am to 4 pm.

On a hill just to the south of Thimphu, on the site of the ruins of the Kuensel Phodrang palace, stands the majestic Great Buddha Dordenma statue, one of the largest Buddha statues in the world (54 metres tall). Gape in awe at both the shine of the bronze statue gilded in gold and the magnificent views of the surrounding areas from the hilltop. The walk up and down the hill takes about 1.5 hours.

Lan Su Chinese Garden, a tranquil oasis in downtown Portland, was built as a gift from Portland’s sister city, Suzhou, China. The garden features decorative rocks imported from China by the workers who helped construct it. Visitors can enjoy guided tours (included in the admission price), explore rare plants native to China, and relax in a traditional tea house. The garden also hosts a rotating array of cultural events and activities.

Portland is home to the nation's largest wooded urban park—Forest Park. A short hike in, and you'll find it hard to believe that civilization is just steps away. With 70 miles of trails winding through the forest and offering views of the Willamette River, you'll often have nature all to yourself. However, you're also likely to run into locals jogging or walking their dogs—expect to be greeted with a friendly "hello." If you have the time, hike up to Pittock Mansion, a stunning French Renaissance-style château that once belonged to Henry Pittock, a prominent publisher and businessman. Today, the mansion serves as a historic house museum open to visitors, offering panoramic views of the city. Another popular destination within Forest Park is the so-called "Witch's Castle"—the moss-covered ruins of an abandoned stone house. Despite its eerie name, there’s no record of witchcraft here. However, legend has it that its original inhabitant was the first person in Oregon to be sentenced to execution for murder in 1859.