Melanie's Guidebook
Sightseeing
A true gem for history buffs. This is a place where the past three centuries unfold house by house. You will love the thoughtful preservation and knowledgeable guides.
111 locals recommend
Strawbery Banke Museum
14 Hancock StA true gem for history buffs. This is a place where the past three centuries unfold house by house. You will love the thoughtful preservation and knowledgeable guides.
I took my 8 and 11 year old nephews here and wound up enthralled with this decommissioned submarine myself. Fascinating!
37 locals recommend
USS Albacore Museum
569 Market StI took my 8 and 11 year old nephews here and wound up enthralled with this decommissioned submarine myself. Fascinating!
Nicely curated art exhibits from time to time, a wonderful film of the history of Portsmouth. The center for African American art is wonderful!
18 locals recommend
Discover Portsmouth
10 Middle StreetNicely curated art exhibits from time to time, a wonderful film of the history of Portsmouth. The center for African American art is wonderful!
Food scene
Fabulous dining, chef and staff are friendly. If it’s a nice night, see if you can sit out in the back terrace
19 locals recommend
Cure
189 State StreetFabulous dining, chef and staff are friendly. If it’s a nice night, see if you can sit out in the back terrace
The Friendly Toast
113 Congress StreetHip decor, big and tasty food!
A nice morning treat. I’m a coffee gal, and they sell a good cup, but I like an interesting tea about mid morning, and this place has the most eclectic selection. You can buy their teas as well, plus creative and yummy baked goods, bowls and sandwiches.
18 locals recommend
White Heron Tea & Coffee
601 Islington StA nice morning treat. I’m a coffee gal, and they sell a good cup, but I like an interesting tea about mid morning, and this place has the most eclectic selection. You can buy their teas as well, plus creative and yummy baked goods, bowls and sandwiches.
Want an elegant cocktail experience? The mixologists here are top notch! Pretty cool rooftop deck with view of the river
Rooftop at The Envio
299 Vaughan StreetWant an elegant cocktail experience? The mixologists here are top notch! Pretty cool rooftop deck with view of the river
Wonderful and eclectic; a perfect little place to duck into for an afternoon cuppa and a lazy browse through their curated selection of books on sale. Love this place!
17 locals recommend
Portsmouth Athenaeum
9 Market SquareWonderful and eclectic; a perfect little place to duck into for an afternoon cuppa and a lazy browse through their curated selection of books on sale. Love this place!
Ok, the vibe in this place is so hip it’s crazy! Love me some bibimbap with one of their creative cocktail creations. This West end eatery is a popular spot and so unexpectedly delicious!
23 locals recommend
STREET eat/drink 360
801 Islington StOk, the vibe in this place is so hip it’s crazy! Love me some bibimbap with one of their creative cocktail creations. This West end eatery is a popular spot and so unexpectedly delicious!
Arts
Galleries, exhibitions
3S Artspace
319 Vaughan StThe Music Hall
28 Chestnut StTraveler advice
Don't miss
Portsmouth is very walkable!
Almost everything is within a mile of each other. Parking can be har to find in the summer months, but if you use the one of the parking garages, the cost is low and everything is convenient.
Customs and culture
Coffee in Market Square
If the weather is nice, a great Portsmouth pastime is to grab coffee from any number of places: Popovers, Cup of Joe, Starbucks to name a few, and head to the bistro tables in the center square for some people (and dog) watching
Book before you go
Seacoast Rep and The Music Hall
These are really great venues featuring wonderful shows and attractions. Just go ogle up their websites to see if you can grab tix