Top Rated Attractions in Portland

Dating back to 1927, the "Schnitz," as referred to by the locals, is a Portland treasure. Part of Portland'5 Centers for the Arts and home to the Oregon Symphony, it was overhauled in the 1980s and now provides a multitude of amenities. The concert hall seats 2,776 people with an upper and lower balcony for special views. Visit the concession stand for sandwiches, drinks and a selection of beer or wine. Located off the lobby is a gift shop offering a wide selection of Oregon Symphony merchandise that includes recordings.

Formerly known as The Rose Garden, Moda Center is home to the Portland Trail Blazers professional basketball team, and the premier indoor sports arena in Portland. Portland State University’s hockey team Winterhawks also play games here. The arena has room for nearly 20,000 spectators, though the number changes depending on the event, and is popular for concerts, shows and other entertainment productions. The Rose Quarter features an impressive array of bronze statues and the dancing water fountain is one of the stadium's most important facilities along with the Veterans Memorial Coliseum and the Theater of the Clouds.

Great entertainers such as Marvin Gaye, James Brown and the Grateful Dead have performed in this historic ballroom that is now owned by the McMenamin Brothers. Three on-site bars—including a popular nightclub, Ringlers - will satiate your hunger and thirst. It is worth a visit just to behold the local landmark's ornate chandeliers, picturesque windows and a 7500-square -foot (696.7728 square meters) dance floor that floats on ball-bearings.

If you are looking for a laugh, this is where you need to be. This adult-only stand-up comedy club is situated in a lively part of Old Town. Locals love to gather with friends and share some laughs in the simple, relaxed atmosphere. Appetizing fare, such as juicy burgers, is available. Enjoy cocktails, beer or wine from the full-service lounge. Arrive 30-45 minutes early to ensure seats for the show, it fills up quickly. There is no drink minimum and smoking is not allowed.

In a town that is mostly lacking in good dance clubs, Holocene stands out as a place that welcomes just about anyone who wants to shake a leg to good music. The vast space is divided in to rooms and sunken areas with most nights having a theme, so it's always good to check their calendar first. Bands tend to be eclectic or experimental, whereas DJs crank up dance beats most nights. Their bar is known for mixing cool cocktails, but being that the place is so popular, it's always best to order your second one while still working on the first. Holocene is overall a good place to see and be seen.

This venue is a part of the Portland'5 Centers for the Arts, located inside the Antoinette Hatfield Hall. The impressive Edwardian-style venue is the only one of its kind, and houses 880 comfortable and well-positioned seats, none of which are more than 65 feet from the stage. Get a close-up of the action underneath an impressive ceiling, beautifully lit by scores of tiny lights that adjust according to the act. Dance performances, kids' shows, concerts, lectures, opera, Broadway acts and symphonies help keep up the vibrancy.