Things to do & places to visit in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, United States

Don your walking shoes, breathe in the ocean air and set out to discover this picturesque maritime town. You can join one of several organized walking tours or explore on your own. Portsmouth is filled with old homes and museums, and you'll have your pick of fascinating historic sites. Climb aboard the USS Albacore, a retired U.S. Navy submarine offering tours and exhibits. View an 18th-century garden, striking stairway and period furniture at the Moffatt Ladd House, the home of William Whipple, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, or follow a costumed guide through the John Paul Jones House, home of the Revolutionary War naval hero. For a broader look at the city's history, visit Strawbery Banke Museum, where over 40 buildings have been assembled to depict Portsmouth life from 1695 to 1950, complete with costumed actors. If you know architecture, Portsmouth's array of Colonial, Federalist and Neo-classical styles will dazzle you. Weary of walking? Sit down for a meal at one of Portsmouth's fine eateries or relax on a narrated harbor or whale-watching cruise.

Portsmouth city in New Hampshire, United States. Timezone: America/New_York, current date and time: Saturday, May 04, 2024, 21:19.

Top things to do (30)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 New England Curiosities (298 reviews)
- Informative, Sensitive, Engaging
Saturday: 4:00 PM - 10:00 PM Ghost & Vampire Tours

Roxie hosts a wonderful, personal, truthful tour which explores the whole provable history of Portsmouth (even if just a small portion of it). This was my first ghost tour. I was wary, and hopeful that the night’s guide would not rely too much on sensationalism in order to keep guests entertained. Roxie does the opposite. She keeps her curious followers engaged simply by relaying the facts of downtown Portsmouth’s history and not glossing over the darker parts, the city’s shortcomings when it comes to racial or social tensions, and she discusses only credible sources of supernatural occurrences. I could not have asked for a better informed guide. It’s clear Roxie has a passion for what she does and wants to leave her audience with a well-rounded impression of this city’s history, flaws and all. I cannot recommend this tour enough! See more..
5.0 New Hampshire Brews Cruise (278 reviews)
- Good beer and great company
Saturday: 10:30 AM - 3:00 PM, 3:45 PM - 7:30 PM Beer Tastings & Tours

I’m not a beer drinker but it was my husband’s birthday and I wanted to do something other than sit around the dinner table with cake. I originally booked the Saturday morning tour but the day before, the owner emailed me to request that we switch to the afternoon tour since there were no other guests that morning. I happily obliged but explained that we chose the tour that we did because of my husband’s preference for non-IPA beers. The afternoon of the tour, the owner, Dave, admitted that he switched tours so that he could tailor the beer tastings for types other than IPA’s. Dave is personable, knowledgeable and more than accommodating to his guests. And his mom’s homemade jumbo soft pretzels were delicious, too! See more..
5.0 PortCity Bike Tours (250 reviews)
- Good tour, good workout, comfortable bikes
Saturday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM City Tours • Cultural Tours • Historical & Heritage Tours • Bike Tours • Sightseeing Tours

This was our first ever bike tour. Our tour guide Vinny was very informative about the local history of Portsmouth and the islands. But he was also great at making sure the bike riding pace was comfortable and more importantly that we were all safe while riding on the streets. We are 60+ and although we had a good workout we are glad we chose this tour! See more..
5.0 Gundalow Company (213 reviews)
- Awesome sailing experience, great for all ages
Boat Tours

We did a midweek 3:30-5 pm cruise on the Gundalow and it was a fantastic experience. We were using it as a chance for 3 families to meet up after a long time and has kids varying from 2.5-9 years old and they ALL had a fabulous time. Kids under 8 have to wear a life jacket the whole time (they provide as needed) and then they did a great job engaging the kids in the group to help with the main sheet aka main sail row. Great summary of the local geographic features, brief history of the style of boat & it’s uses in the area and overall a beautiful ride. Super friendly team and highly suggest! See more..
5.0 Seacoast Helicopters (101 reviews)
- Excellent Helicopter Tour
Helicopter Tours • Sightseeing Tours • Air Tours

Just returned from a great helicopter tour with my daughter. The first thing that really impressed me was the condition of the helicopters all in pristine condition which will instil confidence in the more nervous passenger. When you also take into account the great flying of our pilot Kevin and the extensive knowledge of our guide Bruce this all added up to a most rewarding experience. Highly recommended and can not wait until I get the chance to get airborne again with this excellent company. See more..
5.0 Monkey Mind Escape Rooms (52 reviews)
- Fun for al ages
Saturday: 12:00 PM - 10:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Escape Games • Game & Entertainment Centers

Monkey Mind Escape Rooms downtown Portsmouth NH voted best escape room in Portsmouth. We are the area's premier escape room and team-building venue. Our themed rooms require critical thinking, strong teamwork, and the ability to work quickly in order to solve the puzzles and escape the room. Great for team building, birthday parties, and gatherings. Located in downtown Portsmouth New Hampshire. See more..
5.0 Portsmouth Farmers’ Market (12 reviews)
- One of the best!
Spent 1-2 hours Farmers Markets
I used to come to this farmers market all the time when I lived closer. They have so much to choose from — maple products, produce, jams, honey, flowers, meats, crafts, baked goods, textiles — all high quality. Live music, too. We had a great time shopping here. See more..
5.0 N.W. Barrett Gallery (3 reviews)
- Worth a trip
Art Galleries

Best gallery in Portsmouth with finely made crafts and art, professionally curated and displayed. A shop full of treasures. See more..
4.5 Strawbery Banke Museum (1.144 reviews)
- Definitely Worth A Visit
Saturday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • History Museums

Experience New England life in the Puddle Dock neighborhood. Strawbery Banke Museum is a 10-acre campus dedicated to bringing history to life, from Indigenous history to the present day, in the Puddle Dock neighborhood. Tour historic houses on original sites, meet engaging costumed roleplayers, watch traditional crafts demonstrations, and explore historical gardens and landscapes. The museum is a place for children, adults, multi-generational families, and groups to gather and explore. The museum welcomes 110,000 visitors, members, schoolchildren, and volunteers who love New Hampshire history for daily programs, exhibits, skating, and signature special events throughout the year. See more..
4.5 Market Square (748 reviews)
- Enjoy it while it lasts.
Points of Interest & Landmarks

The heart of downtown, where several walking tours begin, Market Square is a center of activity with art galleries, bookstores, antique shops, ethnic restaurants and many original 17th-century buildings. See more..
4.5 Prescott Park (706 reviews)
- Historic and spectacular.
Parks • Gardens

I don't know how anyone can be lackadaisical about this park. It's right on the waterfront and has fantastic views. There's an enclosed formal garden with brick walks, fountains, and beautiful trees as well as a nearby large public garden. There are several monuments and a few historic buildings. There's plenty of seating and shade, cool breezes, beautiful landscaping. It's an arts venue in the summer months with live music performances and plays. You can walk to it from downtown. You can board the gundalow from it for an afternoon or sunset harbor sail. It's beautiful any time of year, even in winter. See more..
4.5 USS Albacore Museum (616 reviews)
- You won't regret visiting this!
Saturday: 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums • History Museums

The USS Albacore is a research submarine, designed by the U.S. Navy to test experimental features used in modern submarines. The Navy tested top-secret features that led to the high-speed silent operation used on modern U.S. submarines. Today, Albacore has been preserved and is opened to the public Every visitor can go inside and explore this remarkable submarine. You will be able to look through the periscope, explore the control room, engineering spaces, and bunkrooms, and hear crew members tell of things that happened when they were at sea. Tours through Albacore are self-guided. As you walk through the ship, a series of audio stations highlight Albacore's unique features. Recordings by former crew members tell about daily life and some hair-raising incidents aboard the sub. The Visitor Center is your starting point for the tour. The Gift Shop offers souvenirs of your visit. The Memorial Garden preserves the memory of those who have served on Albacore and other U.S. submarines. See more..
4.5 Portsmouth Historical Society (422 reviews)
- Get to know historical Portsmouth!
Temporarily closed - Closed until Apr 1, 2023 Spent 1-2 hours History Museums

We also have a Tripadvisor page for the John Paul Jones Historic House Museum! Founded in 1917, the Portsmouth Historical Society is a nonprofit devoted to the history, arts, and culture of the Portsmouth region, through acquisitions, preservation, museum exhibitions, programs, and publications. It operates the Welcome Center and the 1758 John Paul Jones Historic House Museum and Garden, a national historic landmark. The Society also serves as the home of the Portsmouth Advocates for Historic Preservation, and the Portsmouth Marine Society Press. See more..
4.5 Portsmouth Harbor Cruises (294 reviews)
- Relaxing river tour
Temporarily closed - Closed until May 13, 2023 Boat Tours • Sightseeing Tours

My wife and I took the harbor cruise and thoroughly enjoyed it. Plenty of room on the boat to move around. Captain Eric was great at narrating the tour and providing insight to the history of the area. Planning to take one of the upstream river tours in the fall. See more..
4.5 Isles of Shoals (214 reviews)
- Exploring the Isles of Shoals via Boat
Saturday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM Islands

Nine isolated, barren islands off the coast of New Hampshire. See more..
4.5 The Music Hall (196 reviews)
- First visit to the Loft was very pleasant.
Theaters

It is important to book far in advance for the best seats. We were to the side and still had good view of the stage and good sound. The staff was very accommodating and you are allowed to take drinks into the venue. If you don't have a table, there are shelves in front of the seats. See more..
4.5 Isles of Shoals Steamship Company (110 reviews)
- A Beautiful Day
Saturday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM Sightseeing Tours

We took an incredible tour of Star Island today. The length of the tour was perfect, and the history provided on the boat was very interesting. I would recommend this tour to couples, families, or anyone who enjoys history and the wonders of New England. See more..
4.5 Moffatt-Ladd House & Garden (97 reviews)
- If you are touring only one historic home, make it the Moffatt-Ladd House (1763)
Saturday: 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • Gardens

Originally built for a wealthy merchant family, and later the residence of one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence, this splendid home features an elegant 18th-century garden, interesting carvings, and much of the original furniture. Guided tours of the house are available June 1 through mid-October, Monday-Saturday 11am to 5pm and Sundays 1-5pm. Tours last 45-60mins and are $8 for adults, $2.5 for children (6-12) and children under 6 are free. To tour the garden on your own is just $2 per person. See more..
4.5 Portsmouth Escape Room (92 reviews)
- 13 yo birthday group
Saturday: 10:30 AM - 11:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Escape Games

The Portsmouth Escape Room is an interactive and immersive live experience in which players use their intellect and imagination to discover hidden clues and solve puzzles in order to solve a mystery and exit the room. Fun weekend activity for families and friends, or as team building experience with your coworkers during weekdays. Contact us about private events such as family reunions, birthdays or bachelorette parties! We are also a great activity as a corporate team building exercise. Conveniently located minutes from the Portsmouth Circle, we are open Friday, Saturday and Sunday and during the week by request. See more..
4.5 The Seacoast Repertory Theatre (88 reviews)
- Phenomenal Performance
Saturday: 12:00 PM - 8:30 PM Theaters

The Seacoast Repertory Theatre is a year-round professional regional theatre and world-class theatrical production house in a historical renovated brewery warehouse on the seacoast of New Hampshire. See more..
4.5 Portsmouth Harbor Trail (44 reviews)
- Need 2 days to see it all
Historic Walking Areas

A scenic walking route that includes important historic landmarks in the Portsmouth area. See more..
4.5 Warner House (37 reviews)
- Go.Very nice historical house.
Saturday: 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM Historic Sites

The governor's mansion when Portsmouth was state capital in the 1700s, this historic 1718 house was the site of many important decisions about New Hampshires future. See more..
4.5 Portsmouth Athenaeum (33 reviews)
- I Want To Rob This Place!!!!!
Libraries

This library was established in 1817 and has a noteworthy collection of rare and old publications. See more..
4.5 African Burying Ground (28 reviews)
- I Was Speechless!!!
Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Monuments & Statues

Wow! Powerful outdoor experience. We visited on a sunny Friday morning. We stayed at the downtown Hampton Inn and walked less than 10 minutes to the African Burying Ground. Be sure to reach all the signage posted on the area because valuable information is written there. Kudos to the citizens of Portsmouth for such a worthwhile endeavor. The collective history of the peoples of Portsmouth, New Hampshire, is inspiring and promising. May we embrace our past, learn from it and heal together. See more..
4.5 LaBelle Winery (24 reviews)
- LABELLE WINERY’S SEACOAST RETAIL STORE
Wineries & Vineyards

LaBelle Winery’s Portsmouth location is a Seacoast Region retail outlet for the vineyard which is located in Amherst, NH. Relatively new to the wine-making scene in New Hampshire – under 20 years, LaBelle Winery has made a name for itself producing quality classic Old World-style wines like Chardonnay, Riesling, and Gewurztraminer, plus more contemporary wines like its Blue Alchemy, a blueberry port-style wine. On a dismal day in Portsmouth, I kept my activities indoors in the shops. LaBelle Winery was one of the first I visited. I browsed the wines and accessories. There were a lot of wire cork holders in many shapes and sizes. The one I liked most was an owl design. There was a $15.00 tote bag I admired. The design had a scene of Portsmouth. I rate this location of LaBelle Winery at 4.25 and recommend a visit. If you found this review helpful, please click THANK below. See more..
4.5 Portsmouth Black Heritage Trail (23 reviews)
- A Tribute
Points of Interest & Landmarks

The city and community of Portsmouth have made a historic monument to early enslaved people whose remains were found in a built area. I highly recommend visiting. It is a walkway, some informative reading plaques, a sculpture fence using shapes found on traditional (west?) African prints and a sculpture of people. Go in reverence, if so moved. Walk in silence to honor those lost. It can be a start or continuation of conversation with your family, kids. . That’s how it felt to me. See more..
4.5 St. John's Episcopal Church (20 reviews)
- Members Once-Return was Like Coming Home
Saturday: Cemeteries • Religious Sites

An historic stop on the Portsmouth Harbor Trail that contains America's oldest working Brattle organ and a rare copy of the Vinegar Bible. See more..
4.5 The Players' Ring (15 reviews)
- Little hidden gem of a playhouse
Theaters

We did a dinner and play Friday night date. "A Few Good Men" was a well done production at this intimate playhouse. My husband and I have seen a lot of productions here over the years. They offer a wide range of plays. We especially love the intermission complimentary tea, coffee, and cookies with pick your own mug. You feel like your watching a play with your friends or family members. This group does an amazing job with little funds. They make theater accessible to all economic backgrounds. New comfy seats have been installed. There is not a bad seat in the house. I love it here. See more..
4.5 Liar's Bench Beer Company (14 reviews)
- Unique brewery worth the visit!
Saturday: 12:00 PM - 10:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Breweries

We decided to spend one of our days in Portsmouth visiting some of the local breweries. Liars Bench was a little further out from where we were staying but we couldn't resist checking out a brewery started in an old garage. We grabbed two seats at the bar right before it got REALLY crowded. I am not a beer drinker but really liked the Dr. Criminal. My husband enjoyed the 2 different beers he sampled as well. We didn't try any of the limited food options but the patron next to us got a hotdog plate that looked pretty good. It is definitely a cool and unique stop when in Portsmouth and we would visit again if in the area! See more..
4.5 Point of Graves (13 reviews)
- Historic AND haunted (supposedly).
Spent < 1 hour Cemeteries

Another visit to Portsmouth, another visit to Point of Graves. Everything's still there. Nobody (or rather, no body) has been unearthed or risen. Still haven't seen any spirits or strange lights yet, but what's important is the fascinating history of the interred who were early Portsmouth citizens. See more..