Powell's City of Books
Best Bookstore in Portland · OR
A city block of books
Powell's City of Books is the largest independent new-and-used bookstore in the world, filling an entire downtown Portland block with more than a million volumes across nine color-coded rooms. Founded in 1971 by Walter Powell and grown by his son Michael, it shelves new and used books side by side — a browser's labyrinth.
A Portland icon and a required pilgrimage for book lovers, Powell's has become as much a symbol of the city as anything — proof that in the internet age a great physical bookstore can still be a destination.
Customers said it first.
A Centurion Award verifies the public record that’s already there. Read the reviews yourself on the platforms below.
Public-record snapshot as of July 2026. Live ratings are always current on each platform.
Why this business cleared the bar.
This page was published by The Centurion Awards from the public record. Founding cohort: evaluated in 2026 on public evidence available then, labeled 2025. Selection follows the published criteria; Powell's City of Books met them on that evidence. The business can claim the listing or ask us to remove it.
- ✓Years in operation. Operating in Portland since 1971 — 54 years of continuous business.
- ✓Sustained online presence. An established local institution with a consistent public footprint — listings, coverage, and word of mouth in Portland.
- ✓Established customer track record. A deep public track record: Portland has kept Powell's City of Books busy for 54 years.
- ✓Liked by customers and the community. Genuinely beloved by Portland regulars and visitors alike — a bona fide community favorite.
- ✓Recognition in the local community. Named best bookstore in Portland for 2025 for turning an entire city block into the world's most famous independent bookstore.
The specific data behind this award, and the exact thresholds, stay internal so the standard can’t be gamed. Read the methodology.
This page was published by The Centurion Awards from the public record; the business did not have to apply for it to appear. Own this business? Claim the listing to manage it, or ask us to remove it.
Award record
2025 Centurion Award
Best Bookstore in Portland Portland, OR · Awarded under the 2025 evaluationVisit Powell's City of Books
The details, verified.
Clean, checkable facts about Powell's City of Books.
- Legal / trading name
- Powell's City of Books
- Category
- Shop
- Founded
- 1971, Portland, OR
- Location
- Portland, OR
- Centurion Award
- Best Bookstore in Portland — 2025
- Record last verified
- July 2026
A signal you can check.
This is a dated award record published by The Centurion Awards after reviewing public evidence for Powell's City of Books against the 2025 criteria for its market and category. The business did not have to apply for this page to appear. It wasn’t voted on or sponsored, and selection is not for sale. The criteria are public. Owners can claim the listing or ask us to remove it. If an award stops holding up, we may revoke it. For anything current, like hours or bookings, go straight to the business itself.
Frequently asked questions.
What is Powell's City of Books?
Since 1971, Powell's flagship has grown to fill a full city block, drawing book lovers from around the world with color-coded rooms and a million titles.
Is Powell's City of Books award-winning?
Yes — Powell's City of Books is the 2025 Centurion Award winner for Best Bookstore in Portland, a verified, criteria-based award. Named best bookstore in Portland for 2025 for turning an entire city block into the world's most famous independent bookstore.
Where is Powell's City of Books?
Powell's City of Books is in Portland, OR.
Run a business like this one?
If you’ve put in the years, you may already qualify. Evaluation is free, private, and never for sale.