James Kirkikis / Shutterstock
Things To Do in Portsmouth, NH
Jump to:
Bookstore
Available as paperback
and as e-book.
Portsmouth, NH Attractions
Portsmouth’s 18th-century prosperity is evident in the Georgian-style homes that dot the city. Strawbery Banke (pictured above), which occupies the core of the historic area, is well worth visiting. If you don’t have the budget, time, or inclination to spend half a day at Strawbery Banke, a walking tour takes you past many other significant homes, some of which are maintained by various historical or colonial societies and are open to the public. A map of the historic Portsmouth Harbor Trail is available free at information centers.
Most travelers tend to visit just Strawbery Banke, do a little shopping at the downtown boutiques, grab a bite, and hustle onward to Maine. To get a fuller sense of historic Portsmouth, though, take the time to stroll a bit off the beaten track. The so-called “South End” neighborhood around the Wentworth-Gardner House and Prescott Park is a great area to snoop around in. You’ll find lanes too narrow for SUVs to fit into, twisting roads, fish and lobster shacks, and wooden-frame houses of all shapes and sizes. It’s a great taste of the early 19th century, and definitely off the beaten tourist track.
Most travelers tend to visit just Strawbery Banke, do a little shopping at the downtown boutiques, grab a bite, and hustle onward to Maine. To get a fuller sense of historic Portsmouth, though, take the time to stroll a bit off the beaten track. The so-called “South End” neighborhood around the Wentworth-Gardner House and Prescott Park is a great area to snoop around in. You’ll find lanes too narrow for SUVs to fit into, twisting roads, fish and lobster shacks, and wooden-frame houses of all shapes and sizes. It’s a great taste of the early 19th century, and definitely off the beaten tourist track.
Tired from touring? Take a break at Prescott Park, between Strawbery Banke and the water. It’s one of the best municipal parks in New England. The water views, lemonade vendors, benches, grass, lovely gardens, and full card of festivals make it worth a visit. There’s a full calendar of events at the park festival website, www.prescottpark.org.
- Historic home
John Paul Jones House
Scottish Revolutionary War hero John Paul (“I have not yet begun to fight”) Jones is believed to have lived in this 1758 home during the war while overseeing construction of his sloop, the Ranger, which was likely the first ship to sail under the U.S. flag (a model is on display). He… - Historic Site
Moffatt-Ladd House
Easy to miss as you ascend the hill into town, the Moffatt-Ladd’s on the right as you begin to enter the commercial district but well before you penetrate it. It was built in 1763 by a successful merchant with a view right down onto his docks and operations. The gardens are as well…Around Town
- Museum
Strawbery Banke
In 1958, the city of Portsmouth was finalizing plans to raze this neighborhood (which was settled in 1653) to make way for urban renewal. A group of local citizens resisted the move, and they prevailed, establishing an outdoor history museum that’s become one of the largest and best…$$Around Town - Historic home
Warner House
This house, built in 1716, was the governor’s mansion during the mid–18th century, when Portsmouth was the state capital. (Who knew?) After a period as a private home, it was opened to the public in the 1930s. This stately brick structure with graceful Georgian architectural elements…Around Town - Historic home
Wentworth-Gardner House
Arguably the most handsome mansion in the Seacoast region, this is considered one of the nation’s best examples of Georgian architecture. The 1760 home features many period elements, including pronounced quoins (blocks on the building’s corners), pedimented window caps, plank…Around Town
Portsmouth, NH Shopping
Portsmouth’s historic district is home to dozens of boutiques offering unique items. The fine contemporary N.W. Barrett Gallery, 53 Market Street (tel. 603/431-4262), features the work of area craftspeople, with a classy selection of ceramic sculptures, glassware, lustrous woodworking, and handmade jewelry. The Robert Lincoln Levy Gallery, operated by the New Hampshire Art Association, 136 State Street (tel. 603/431-4230), frequently changes exhibits and is a good destination for some quality fine art produced by New Hampshire artists. Nahcotta, 110 Congress Street (📞 603/433-1705), is a gallery purveying high-end paintings and sculptures, many of which are quietly edgy and entertaining.
The women’s consignment shop Wear House, 74 Congress Street (www.wearhouseportsmouth.com; 📞 603/373-8465) has a notably hip, eclectic mix of apparel, jewelry, and accessories. Also, a whole wall full of designer shoes. Some deals here. Hazel Boutique, 7 Commercial Alley (tel. 603/766-1780) has urban-bohemian women’s fashions (great dresses especially), handbags, jewelry, and more from some 30 designers in a neat little exposed-brick alleyway nook off Market Street.
Off Piste, 37 Congress Street (tel. 603/319-6910), is a gift shop with a sense of humor and an indie ethos. If you need a Top Gun t-shirt or a Versace coloring book or a hardcover collection of Instagrammed cat photos, you’ve come to the right place. Macro Polo, 89 Market Street (tel. 603/436-8338), is the original novelty shop in town (besides sporting arguably the best name of any shop in New Hampshire). It’s a good place to find Bernie Sanders action figures, mildly lewd magnets, bandages that look like bacon, and the like.
Finally, I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention Bull Moose Music, 82–86 Congress Street ( tel. 603/422-9525). It’s a Maine chain, but the Portsmouth location has one of its widest selections. There’s nothing glamorous about the cavelike space, but it is the place in northern New England to pick up vintage vinyl records and surf new and used books, graphic novels, CDs, DVDs, and games (video, tabletop, and other). I can’t count the hours I’ve whiled away here, but I’d never call them wasted.
Portsmouth, NH Nightlife
Portsmouth after dark
- Bars & Pubs
Portsmouth Brewery
It's always happenin' (it can get loud), the pub-food-plus menu delivers, and—oh, yeah—the handcrafted draughts are just the ticket. Come for lunch if you have kids in tow; if not, come for beer flights, flavorsome chili and good conversation. One of the most fun places to hang after…$$Around town - The Performing Arts
The Music Hall
This historic theater dates from 1878 and was restored to its former glory by a local arts group. A variety of shows are staged here, from film festivals and comedy revues to The Nutcracker and concerts by visiting symphonies and pop artists (David Crosby, Pat Metheny). Call or check…Around Town - Bars & Pubs
The Press Room
A popular local bar and restaurant, the Press Room also offers casual entertainment almost every night, either upstairs or down. It’s best known locally for its live jazz; the club brings in quality performers from Boston and beyond. You might also hear beat poetry or blues.
