Hi, I am going to be in Portland at the end of July for about 1.5 days before I take the train up to Seattle to meet up with some family. I've never been before and just looking at places on airbnb to stay but unsure of what areas I should be looking at. I will be alone, any suggestions will be great! On my list so far is the Japanese gardens and food trucks of course
Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts. Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all one's lifetime. Mark Twain
Given that you'll be alone id probably look to the Pearl and other NW districts. Many things to do within walking distance but also the streetcar is right there so it is easy to get to the MAX. There are amazing places on the east side, but the street cart situation is much more on the west side.
I agree that the pearl and NW would be your best bet alone. The Japanese garden won't take you very long in my experience. There are foodcart pods in different parts of the city, some of the downtown ones aren't open on weekends.