Approximately three-quarters of a mile (one and a fifth kilometres) in length, it spans between Boundary Street in the north and Man Ming Lane, at one block past Waterloo Road in the south.

The street is directly accessible by the Prince Edward, Mong Kok and Yau Ma Tei stations of the MTR, Hong Kong's subway system.

[1] There, underneath a dizzying and chaotic array of neon signs, one can find prostitutes from around the world (although mostly from mainland China) serving in hundreds of massage parlours, night clubs, karaoke/hostess bars and brothels.

Other establishments along Portland Street includes fast-food restaurants, congee/noodle shops, convenience stores and working class residential highrises.

Near the Soy Street intersection during the evenings, there are often unlicensed food stands and professional Chinese Chess players plying their trades.