Things to do in Portsmouth

Activities, attractions and tours

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

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What to do in Portsmouth

Popular places to visit

Market Square

Market Square

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

Market Square
Prescott Park

Prescott Park

Explore the great outdoors at Prescott Park, a lovely green space in Portsmouth. Wander the waterfront and beautiful beaches in the area.

Prescott Park
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

Water Country

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

Water Country

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

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 Brewery

Find out about the history of Portsmouth when you spend time at Portsmouth Brewery. Wander the waterfront and beautiful beaches in the area.

Portsmouth Brewery

Fox Run Mall

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

Fox Run Mall

Portsmouth Harbor Trail

Explore the waterfront in Portsmouth with a trip to Portsmouth Harbor Trail. Stroll along the beautiful beaches or visit the shops in the area.

Portsmouth Harbor Trail

Areas of Portsmouth

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Downtown

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

Downtown
Portsmouth

West End

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

West End
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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
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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
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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
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North End

When in North End, you can plan a visit to The Music Hall and Portsmouth Brewery, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

North End
New Castle which includes boating and a river or creek

New Castle

Kittery Point

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 kilometres from the centre, and West End, which is about 0.48 kilometres 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.