Pioneer Courthouse Square
Portland, OR, USA

People's Choice

These are the places we remember most vividly, the places where serendipitous things happen, the places we tell stories about.

Browse through over 600 public spaces to see what makes places great--and why each one is unique. While you're here, you can nominate your own favorites or add to the Hall of Shame.

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Recent Comments

Here's what people are saying about...

Bull Creek District Park:

(11/12/09 by Christine Wagner): BUll Creek Park is a rare and beautiful jewel in Austin. There are hiking trails, the Bull Creek watershed, and many quiet spots to enjoy nature or meet friends for a picnic. We are blessed to be living near this oasis."
Washington DC Fish Market:

(11/11/09 by Link Starbureiy): I haven't been to The Wharf since childhood. It's my recommended stop to pick up fresh crabs and shrimp. Definitely a culture shop. Reading this article reminds me of the next trip I'll have to make there when I'm in the area again. "
The Plateau:

(11/11/09 by Brent Reid): We love the Plateau, based on two three-week home exchanges there, plus other short visits. During my last visit, although the Metro and busses are close by, I never used either, preferring to walk to downtown, Mont Royal, Outremont, the brilliant Jean Talon Market, McGill University, the Bell Centre, and many local restaurants. There are also cycle lanes leading everywhere. The Metro would likely become essential at times in winter. Rents and real estate are not cheap, but that's true in safe, attractive, vibrant neighbourhoods everywhere. "
Diagonal Mar:

(11/07/09 by Stavros Martinos): I'll second that the commentary on Diagonal Mar park is quite harsh. It was unfortunate that such a fun and well thought-out landscape project was placed in the middle of urban disaster zone, but, in my point of view (and after having found myself willing to play in there!), it's the only breath of fresh air around."
Boston Common & Public Gardens:

(11/06/09 by RainyDay Interns): Fall is a great time to check out the Boston Public Garden. Colors peak in late Oct/early Nov. The willows around the pond are especially beautiful on a bright sunny day. Check out the write-up of our Nov visit here: http://www.rainydaymagazine.com/RDM2009/Home/November/Week1/RDMHomeNov0509.htm#BostonPublicGarden Click on any of the images for a larger version. Sincerely, RainyDayInterns"
Empire State Plaza:

(11/04/09 by Kevin Mooney): I love Empire State Plaza! It's an amazing and grotesque and brutal example of modern architecture. I love going there when there are no events and few people. It is quiet, and it feels like it's all yours. You feel like you are in a library or a museum. The plaza was clearly intended to be a work of art and not a living space. It is a park, not a neighborhood. I can live with some places being that. Last time I was there, I saw some kids riding their bikes down the steps in front of the museum. Architecture seems to be reviled and mostly destroyed before it is appreciated..."
San Antonio Central Library:

(11/04/09 by Natalie Casto): I have lived in San Antonio all my life. I have traveled to many great cities and have been to different parts of the world. I think that it is a 'Shame' for someone to portay this beautiful building as something ugly. It's design is Mexican Modernist. I love the infamous 'enchilada red' color of the building. It is very San Antonio, Texas. It reflects on the colors of a annual week long festival celebrating Mexican heritage, FIESTA. Some folks wouldn't understand that. The interior has lots of stone work, natural light, art exibits, and a unique chandelier of blown glass with more 'fiesta colors'. This building has 6 levels, plenty of room to work. It is also functional with computer terminals at nearly every level. The parking garage is never packed, it has plenty of space. When you enter the building one is greeted by a lovely fountain. The building is really at an ideal location. It is downtown, about 2 blocks from the highway I-35, and about 10 blocks from San Antonio College. Many student use this library, including me. Why the big deal about a bus stop!!?? That stop belongs to VIA bus transit, not the library. Maybe the author, Don Mathis, needs to learn about Mexican art and San Antonio......."
La Plaza Mayor :

(10/28/09 by Gabrielle Woods): I spent my junior year of college attending la Universidad de Salamanca. La Plaza Major was the center of the social life of the international crowd I ran with. I am trying (unsuccessfully) to remember the name of the nightclub we went to after making the rounds of the tapas bars in the plaza and the surrounding neighborhoods. (I remembered - Scorpio's tre 70's. But GOOD TIMES were had by all!) Salamanca is (or was at least) a very pedestrian oriented city with surprisingly good public transportation as well. I shared an exquisite penthouse apartment near the university the year but we were able to get everywhere by foot. After my roomies left at the end of the academic year, I rented an apartment for a few months across the street from the train station. It was a community with a much differenct feel than the older center of town but was an up an coming neighborhood. I would love to see it now. I haven't been back in 33 years and am planning to take my college junior daughter this summer to show her where her mother got her first taste of the world. One of the best years of my life. One of the best places in the world."
National Mall:

(10/08/09 by Michelle Jaffe): The National Mall does not deserve to be in the worst category. As a resident of the district for 8 years, I have fond memories of the national mall, playing frisbee, watching people play soccer. Although when i was there recently they had closed off the turf areas, so maybe that's partly why it made this list. It's also important to understand this green space in it's context is surrounded by the Smithsonian museums, which add to the diversity of activity. The space is also used for many festivals. "
Fundidora Park:

(10/04/09 by Rosy De la Garza): Really is a great park, perhaps the biggest in Mexico. All the people in Monterrey are proud of it"