What are the nearest attractions to Pioneer Square?

Attractions near Pioneer Square: Portland Art Museum Powell’s City of Books Portland Chinatown

What else should I know about attractions in Portland?

As well as visiting the Pioneer Square, check out these trip ideas to make the most of your visit: How to Spend 1 Day in Portland 7 of the World's Best Cities to Explore by Bike Wine Tasting in the Willamette Valley

Pioneer Square - What To Know BEFORE You Go

The basics

Originally built in the 1980s on the site of a former parking garage, Pioneer Square is centrally located, and covers a full city block. The square is named for the nearby Pioneer Courthouse. This National Historic Landmark dates to 1875 and is Oregon's home of the US Court of Appeals.

Strolling through the square you find tiered seating and a popular coffee shop, with numerous events on offer throughout the year. You can swing by independently, or take the guesswork out of getting around with a guided tour. Many Portland sightseeing tours stop here, and even quirky options—like scavenger hunts—often take you through this central destination.

Things to know before you go

Dine alfresco at one of the square's reasonably priced food carts.
This is a prime people-watching destination where you can get a sense of Portland's culture; you may encounter street musicians and the occasional panhandler.
The square has a weathervane sculpture, chess tables, and a TriMet ticket office.

How to get there

Pioneer Square is situated in Downtown Portland, and it's easy to access by public transit, on a guided tour, or with your own two feet. You can avoid the hassle of navigating with a hop-on hop-off bus tour, and if you don't mind the train, try Portland's MAX light rail service. Transit stops on the north and south sides of the square offer Red Line and Blue Line access.

Trip ideas

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How to Spend 3 Days in Portland

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Coastal scenery, bucolic mountains, peaceful rivers—escape the hustle and bustle of the city that never sleeps.

How to Spend 1 Day in Portland

With a compact central area and quick access to the surrounding Pacific Northwest landscape, Portland is an ideal city to explore in just one day. From historical architecture to a hip culinary scene to nearby waterfalls, there are a variety of ways to make the most of your limited time.

How to Spend 2 Days in Portland

Two days in Portland gives you enough time to see multiple sides of the city, from its food culture to its interesting neighborhoods, lush natural beauty, and active lifestyle. Here are a few ways to create an itinerary that suits your interests.

Wine Tasting in the Willamette Valley

With more than 200 wineries and a location less than an hour’s drive from downtown Portland, the Willamette Valley is a prime wine tasting destination in Oregon. Here’s everything you need to know about sampling the region’s best wines on a tour.

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When to get there

There's really no bad time to visit. It's often busiest here in the summer, when you find concerts, food festivals, and the energetic vibes Pioneer Square is known for. Over the winter months, you can enjoy the Christmas tree lighting. Even if you're not visiting for a special event, stop by anytime while exploring downtown, or if you need to catch public transit.

What to Do in Downtown Portland

Within a short walk of Pioneer Square you can find several destinations to make the most of your time downtown. Shoppers enjoy retail therapy at Nordstrom, history fans can tour the Pioneer Courthouse, and art enthusiasts should head to the Portland Art Museum. If you have a sweet tooth, don't miss the confections at Voodoo Doughnut, or pick up your next favorite paperback at Powell's City of Books.

Pioneer Square