Portsmouth Travel Guide: Things to Do, Best Time to Visit & Itinerary

Portsmouth, New Hampshire, is where the rugged spirit of the North Atlantic meets the refined charm of a historic seaport. Walking the brick-lined sidewalks of Market Square, you are transported back to the 17th century, yet surrounded by a thoroughly modern energy. The scent of salt air mixes with the aroma of roasting coffee and frying seafood, signaling that this is a town that takes its history and its appetite equally seriously.

Perched on the banks of the swift-flowing Piscataqua River, Portsmouth serves as the cultural capital of the Seacoast. It is a city of working tugboats and luxury yachts, of colonial architecture and contemporary art. Whether you are watching the drawbridge lift from a waterfront deck or exploring the secret gardens of the South End, Portsmouth invites you to slow down and savor the quintessential New England coast.

A Seaport Built on Resilience

Portsmouth isn’t just another pretty coastal town; it is one of the nation’s oldest cities, settled in 1623. Its strategic location made it a hub for shipbuilding and trade, a legacy that is visible in the grand mansions of former sea captains that line the streets. Unlike many historic cities that feel like museums, Portsmouth is lived-in and vibrant. The preservation of the Strawberry Banke neighborhood saved dozens of historic structures from urban renewal, allowing visitors to walk through three centuries of history in a single afternoon.

Culturally, the city punches well above its weight class. It boasts a thriving theater scene, anchored by The Music Hall, and a density of restaurants that rivals major metropolises. The working harbor remains the city’s heartbeat, where the aggressive tides of the Piscataqua, the second fastest navigable river in the country, remind visitors of the ocean’s power. It’s this juxtaposition of raw natural force and cultivated elegance that makes Portsmouth truly special.

The Icons You’ll Want to See

Strawbery Banke Museum - This is the crown jewel of Portsmouth history. It’s a 10-acre campus featuring restored homes, gardens, and costumed role-players. It is located right in the South End, about 0.5 mi from Market Square. Tickets are roughly $20 USD for adults.

Prescott Park - A stunning waterfront public park famous for its trial gardens and expansive lawns. It hosts the Prescott Park Arts Festival in summer. It is located adjacent to Strawbery Banke and is free to enter, though donations are encouraged for events.

USS Albacore Museum - Walk through a real research submarine that pioneered the teardrop hull design. It is located about 1.5 mi from downtown near the highway bypass. Admission is approximately $9 USD for adults.

Market Square - The city center features the North Church and the Athenaeum. It is the hub for shopping and dining, with zero entry cost, though parking nearby runs about $2 USD per hour.

Isles of Shoals Steamship Company - Located at 315 Market St, this outfit offers tours of the river and the Isles of Shoals. Prices range from $30 to $45 USD depending on the specific cruise chosen.

Planning Your Visit

Getting to Portsmouth is relatively easy; it is located just an hour north of Boston via I-95 and is serviced by the C&J bus line which runs frequently from Boston South Station and Logan Airport. Once you arrive, a car is helpful but not strictly necessary if you stay downtown. The city is incredibly walkable, though the brick sidewalks can be uneven, so flat, comfortable walking shoes are a must. Rideshare services are readily available for trips to outlying attractions like the USS Albacore or Fort Stark.

Parking is the biggest challenge for visitors. Street parking is metered and competitive. Your best bet is to head straight for the High-Hanover Parking Garage ($2/hr) or the Foundry Place Garage. If you are visiting in summer or fall, bring layers; the ocean breeze can drop the temperature by 10-15 degrees in the evening. Also, make dinner reservations well in advance, as the best spots fill up weeks ahead of time during peak season.

Portsmouth is a destination that changes dramatically with the seasons, yet never loses its charm. While summer offers the most activity on the water, the quiet beauty of a snowy winter evening or the crisp air of a fall afternoon offers a different, equally compelling perspective on this historic port. No matter when you choose to visit, the blend of salt air, history, and hospitality will likely have you planning your return trip before you’ve even left.