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.
Every award, on the record.
Each Centurion Award is its own dated annual record, and staying current means clearing the bar again each new year. Open a year for the full citation and verification details.
2025 Centurion Award
Best Bookstore in Portland Portland, OR · Awarded under the 2025 evaluation View the 2025 award →Awards run one calendar year and renew only if the business clears the bar again. Selection is by published criteria, never for sale.
Visit Powell's City of Books
A signal you can check.
This page is the standing record for Powell's City of Books (2025). It was published by The Centurion Awards from the public record; the business did not have to apply for it to appear. It wasn’t voted on or sponsored, and selection is not for sale. Owners can claim the listing or ask us to remove it. For hours, bookings, and live reviews, go straight to the business itself.
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.
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.