Experts' Choice Award Pioneer Courthouse Square
What the experts agree on
Portland's beloved "living room," this brick plaza hosts year-round festivals, concerts, and food vendors while serving as downtown's social hub. Distinctive terra-cotta columns frame the space, though rainy days test its appeal.
“In many ways the living room, public heart, and commercial soul of downtown, Pioneer Square is not entirely square, rather an amphitheater-like brick piazza.”
– Fodor's
Lonely PlanetTop choice
"The heart of downtown Portland, this brick plaza is nicknamed 'Portland's living room' and is the most visited public space in the city." Full review
Travel + Leisure "Spend any time in Pioneer Courthouse Square and you'll find that it's ground zero for the alternative lifestyle embraced by the city." Full review
Not For Tourists "Portland's living room. Sit down a bit. Unless it's raining."
Where "Food vendors, a flower stand, a Starbucks and public restrooms add to the charm of Pioneer Courthouse Square, and the city’s light-rail system runs on two sides of the square." Full review
Michelin Guide 1 Star
"Lined with 12 monumental terra-cotta-faced columns with rose capitals, the plaza has a limestone-faced fountain projecting from its west end and a curving amphitheater on its south side." Full review
Condé Nast Traveler "Let’s start with a wide-angle view: What's this pod all about?
This brick-lined plaza in the heart of downtown sits right on the light rail line and hosts events year-round" Full review
Frommer's "The brick-paved square is an outdoor stage for everything from summer outdoor movies to food festivals to flower displays to concerts." Full review
Independent "Portland's living room is Pioneer Courthouse Square, and it's a different setting today to the one Matt Groening experienced before he moved to Evergreen State College in Olympia,..."
