Downtown

Downtown's defining landmark is Pioneer Courthouse Square—a brick plaza bordered by S.W. Broadway, Yamhill St., 6th Avenue and Morrison St.—where there's always bustling activity. Stop by the Travel Portland Information Center via the Waterfall Fountain walkway in the square to get information about exploring the city.

From this location you are literally surrounded by great shopping. Nordstrom is across the street with a sprinkling of high-end boutiques dotting the side streets. Head east two blocks and you'll run directly into Pioneer Place, a four-level shopping mall with a food court and movie theater.

If all this shopping has worked up an appetite, there are countless restaurants to choose from. Check out our downtown dining listings to see what the city has to offer. For a truly unique dining experience, you can't beat Portland's food carts and farmers' markets. And through October 25th, you will find a farmers' market at Pioneer Courthouse Square every Monday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Head to the Cultural District in the South Park blocks to visit the Portland Art Museum and outdoor sculpture garden, it has an inspiring collection including works from Barbara Hepworth and Pierre-Auguste Renoir.

Navigate downtown Portland on the Streetcar, MAX or bus—there is a Free Rail Zone that includes most of downtown Portland (within the boundaries of the Willamette River, N.W. Irving and I-405), as well as MAX stations from the Rose Quarter to Lloyd Center. Look for Free Rail Zone emblems at rail stations within these boundaries.