What to do in Portsmouth, NH

Activities, attractions and tours

Portsmouth which includes a bay or harbour
Portsmouth which includes a bay or harbour
Portsmouth featuring kayaking or canoeing as well as a small group of people
Portsmouth which includes street scenes
Portsmouth featuring a city

Portsmouth Attractions

Let Expedia help you to experience the best that Portsmouth has to offer! If you’re planning a trip to Portsmouth, we can provide you with a list of the top sightseeing attractions, as well as helping you to find unmissable activities. Whether you’re travelling to Portsmouth with your family, planning a romantic trip with your loved one, or visiting on business, we’ll make it easy to plan an unforgettable holiday that checks all the boxes.

Places of interest in Portsmouth

Portsmouth is crammed with must-see places to visit and things to do. We can help you decide where to stay in Portsmouth, and make it a breeze to explore Portsmouth and the surrounding areas with our guides on where to go, what to see and when to see it. No matter how long your stay, it’s easy to find places of interest in Portsmouth to make sure that you enjoy your holiday to the fullest and don’t miss a thing. Leave the local knowledge to us and leave the hassle behind.

If you’re planning a visit to Portsmouth, why not check out our handy guides to places of interest in the area? You can browse lists of things to do, learn about the most popular attractions, and get help with planning the details of your trip. Expedia makes it easy for you to check out all the top sights in Portsmouth.

Portsmouth attractions

Portsmouth has something for everyone, so whether you’re planning to get active on a summer holiday, put a spring in your step with a romantic rendezvous, or pamper yourself with a leisurely winter trip, you’ll find plenty of attractions in Portsmouth to keep you entertained. Expedia makes it easy to book your flight, hotel and rental car in advance, making for hassle-free travel and freeing you up to explore the sights of Portsmouth.

Looking for things to do in Portsmouth can be time-consuming, but we can take the hassle out of planning your holiday. Whether you’re looking to get active in the great outdoors, sample the cuisine of Portsmouth or catch up with the vibrant local culture, our guides to Portsmouth attractions ensure that you’ll have a successful trip, whatever the season. Happy trails!

  • find price illustration

    Explore activities

    Explore thousands of experiences from activities and attractions to day tours and transfer.
  • calendar shield illustration

    Book with ease

    Skip the line- book tickets online in minutes to top attractions with free cancellation on many activities.
  • trophy illustration

    Treat yourself

    One Key members save % or more on select activities, hotels, cars and holiday rentals.
    Learn about One Key

The Annual Holiday Sale

Members save up to 40% on hotels and holiday homes. Plan this year’s big trip and save.
Book now

What to do in Portsmouth

Popular places to visit

Portsmouth_MarketSquare_6333271_4

Market Square

You can learn about the history of Portsmouth with a trip to Market Square. While in this walkable area, you can savour the top-notch restaurants.

Market Square
Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse after sunset. The lighthouse is a historic lighthouse located within Fort Constitution in New Castle, New Hampshire, United States.

Water Country

Enjoy an outing to Water Country during your stay in Portsmouth. Wander the beautiful beaches and seaside in the area.

Water Country
Portsmouth_MusicHall_6079655_05

The Music Hall

Get tickets for a show at The Music Hall, a popular theatre in Portsmouth. Wander the waterfront and beautiful beaches in the area.

The Music Hall
Portsmouth_StrawberyBankeMuseum_6079663_03

Strawbery Banke Museum

You can browse the exhibits at Strawbery Banke Museum, a museum with a storied past, during your trip to Portsmouth. Wander the waterfront and beautiful beaches in the area.

Strawbery Banke Museum
Portsmouth_SeacoastRepertoryTheatre_6333275_02

Seacoast Repertory Theatre

Enjoy a show at Seacoast Repertory Theatre, a theatre with a story to tell in Portsmouth. Wander the waterfront and beautiful beaches in the area.

Seacoast Repertory Theatre
Portsmouth_FoxRunMall_6127392_4

Fox Run Mall

You can search for that perfect souvenir at Fox Run Mall during your trip to Portsmouth. Wander the beautiful beaches and waterfront in the area.

Fox Run Mall
Portsmouth Athenaeum

Portsmouth Athenaeum

You can study the exhibits at Portsmouth Athenaeum, a museum with a storied past, during your travels to Portsmouth. Wander the waterfront and beautiful beaches in the area.

Portsmouth Athenaeum
Portsmouth_Cisco Brewery_6079669_04

Red Hook Brewery

Find out about the history of Portsmouth when you take a trip to Red Hook Brewery. Stroll along the seaside or attend a sporting event in the area.

Red Hook Brewery
Portsmouth_DiscoverPortsmouth_6333273_01

Discover Portsmouth

You can study the exhibits at Discover Portsmouth, a museum with a storied past, during your travels to Portsmouth. Stroll along the waterfront or visit the shops in the area.

Discover Portsmouth

Explore areas of Portsmouth

Portsmouth_MusicHall_6079655_05

Downtown

If you're spending some time in Downtown, The Music Hall and Market Square are top sights worth seeing.

Downtown
Strawberry Banke Museum, Portsmouth, New Hampshire, USA

West End

When in West End, you can plan a visit to The Music Hall and Market Square, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

West End
Portsmouth historic city center and Waterfront of Piscataqua River with Memorial Bridge panorama aerial view, New Hampshire, NH, USA.

Pease

When in Pease, you can plan a visit to Red Hook Brewery and Fox Run Mall, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Pease
The Fishing Fleet

Newington

Travellers like the shopping in Newington, and Fox Run Mall is a top attraction you might want to visit.

Newington
Portsmouth historic city center and Waterfront of Piscataqua River with Memorial Bridge aerial view, New Hampshire, NH, USA.

Elwyn Park

While Elwyn Park isn't home to many top sights, Water Country and Wentworth by the Sea Golf Club are some notable places to visit nearby.

Elwyn Park
South end waterfront skyline with white cloud sky

South End

While visiting South End, you might make a stop by sights like Wentworth Gardner and Tobias Lear Houses and Children's Museum of Portsmouth.

South End

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Day trip destinations from Portsmouth

The historic Cocheco Mill, in Dover, New Hampshire.

Dover

Blue, green, brown + yellow = nature Beautiful and is peaceful #sea #nature #flower

Rye

A quaint New Hampshire church amongst the lupines in New England.

Greenland

Fort McClary State Park featuring heritage architecture

Kittery Point

Frequently asked questions

Is Portsmouth worth visiting?
Whether you want to discover the local charm and cultural hotspots or sample unique foods and venture into nature, there are plenty of things to do in Portsmouth.
How do I spend a day in Portsmouth?
Water Country and Jenness State Beach are two great places to begin your sightseeing adventures. Remember to check out the retail and dining options in Portsmouth while you're in town too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Portsmouth?
Don't go home without visiting Water Country, ranked the top tourist attraction in Portsmouth.
Is three days enough to stay in Portsmouth?
Three days in Portsmouth is plenty of time to enjoy the city's main highlights. Many travellers stay for two days on average. Water Country, Jenness State Beach and Strawbery Banke Museum are highly rated sights. Want to discover more? Hang around a bit longer to explore nearby hotspots like Ogunquit - Wells.
Is Portsmouth a walkable city?
With exciting neighbourhoods and major attractions within walking distance of the city centre, Portsmouth is a great destination to explore on foot. Wander between Water Country and Strawbery Banke Museum. Then take a stroll around Pease, located 5 kms (3 miles) from the centre, and West End, which is about 0.48 kms (0.30 miles) away.
What are some activities to do in Portsmouth with kids?
Whether you're holidaying with young explorers or playful teenagers, an itinerary filled with cool activities makes a big difference. Browse our recommendations for what to do in Portsmouth with kids.

What to do in Portsmouth for adults?
There's no shortage of things to do in Portsmouth, with entertainment for adults of all ages. Cap off your day with a visit to Great Bay Pottery or American Independence Museum.
Are there free things to do in Portsmouth?
In Portsmouth, Jenness State Beach is a must-see spot for anyone planning to tour the city without taking their wallet out. Also, check out the parks and other neighbourhoods, and speak with a local tour guide. It's a great way to find out about the best free things to do in Portsmouth.

Explore a world of travel with Expedia