USA Guide
The Pacific Northwest
Pioneer Courthouse Square
Named after the adjacent Pioneer Courthouse, a squat 1868 structure that still maintains its judicial function, Pioneer Courthouse Square is the indisputable center of Portland. Surrounded by downtown's historic white terracotta buildings, the square's curving brick terraces are constantly filled with music and people. Just south of the square, at SW Broadway and Salmon, you can take a two-and-a-half hour walking tour of city highlights (daily 10am; $19; 
www.portlandwalkingtours.com ), a good introduction for first-time visitors.