Step back in time and uncover centuries of maritime history, revolutionary tales, and vibrant colonial life on engaging walking tours of Portsmouth, New Hampshire.
Portsmouth, New Hampshire, is a city where history isn't confined to museums; it breathes in its cobblestone streets, stately architecture, and salty air. Established in 1630, it’s one of the nation's oldest and most significant port cities, having played a crucial role in colonial America, the Revolution, and the maritime industries that shaped New England. Walking tours offer an immersive way to connect with this rich past, allowing visitors to wander through districts that have stood for centuries, hear stories of influential figures, and gain a tangible sense of the city's evolution. These guided explorations are more than just a stroll; they are curated journeys through time. Expert guides bring Portsmouth's narratives to life, detailing its shipbuilding legacy, its role as the nation's first capital under the Articles of Confederation, and the daily lives of its inhabitants through various eras. You’ll discover hidden courtyards, iconic landmarks like Strawbery Banke Museum, and the subtle architectural cues that tell tales of prosperity, struggle, and resilience. For anyone looking to understand the heart and soul of New Hampshire's seacoast, a historic walking tour is an essential experience.
Discover our top picks for historic portsmouth walking tours in New Hampshire

Explore the haunted locations of Portsmouth and discover it's spooky history with a self-guided GPS Audio tour on our walking tour app. Built in EMF reader in our app to detect ghosts while taking the tour. Go at your own pace and stop to browse the shops, grab a bite, or take a break. You'll see the the most infamous sites, haunted alleyways and historic buildings. Cere Bakery Sheafe Street Inn Deadwicks 111 State Street The Old Red Light District The Stops on the Underground Railroad The Rockingham John Paul Jones House Portsmouth Music Hall African Burial Grounds Portsmouth Brewery The Oldest Bank Building in the US You'll hear The Huntsman John Bellamy The Haunts of the Port City The Ladies of the Night that linger The phantoms of the Music Hall The Lady in White Old flirty ghosts Ghosts of Bank Robbers Past Witches of the North With a little luck you might even catch a ghost on camera! *This tour is on an app, it's all outside, it's not at the bakery :)

Let’s Roam is your go-to app-led adventure hunt company, leading the way in thrilling exploration! Embark on a journey through the best landmarks and hidden gems, where you’ll tackle brain-teasing trivia and conquer exciting challenges. Whether you’re bonding with your team or sparking friendly competition, each adventure is an opportunity to discover new facts, create lasting memories, and immerse yourself in the spirit of adventure. Ideal for everyday excitement, unforgettable bachelorette parties, epic birthday celebrations, dynamic corporate team-building events, and more! With each player choosing a unique interactive role, our adventures ensure a personalized experience filled with laughter, camaraderie, and surprises. Best of all, our self-guided adventures via the app require no reservations—just pure, spontaneous fun!

Get ready for a bike tour through the vibrant neighborhoods of Portsmouth, where history, culture and art come together! Ride along the harbor on this delightful bike-friendly tour that showcases stunning 18th and 19th-century architecture, gorgeous parks and gardens filled with sculptures, art and historic landmarks. Discover the true charm of Portsmouth—a seaport with a unique vibe and well-preserved. Each neighborhood has its own distinctive character, yet they all come together to create a rich community shaped by diverse cultures since the early 1800s. We’ll pedal along the scenic Piscataqua River and swing by Little Harbor to uncover some hidden gems of the Wentworth Coolidge Mansion. Get ready for some great stories, folklore and architectural wonders that bring the area to life! This fun and educational journey is perfect for families. Please arrive 30 minutes before the tour's start time. Some small hills, traveling 6-10 miles with stops at historic points of interest.

This is our most popular 5-star tour, blending sightseeing and local storytelling along the Piscataqua River and Atlantic Ocean as you travel from island to island. Ride out of the city on quiet streets, passing tucked-away historic homes, striking coastal architecture, and waterfront parks. You and your guide pedal through Prescott Park, for a stop to share stories about the area’s rich maritime history and preserved architecture. Once a bustling 18th–19th century shipbuilding hub, fishing port, and red-light district, Prescott Park has been transformed into a beautiful waterfront Park along the River. Music and plays now attract the visitors. Your guide will pedal to Four Tree and Pierce Islands, riding past plush gardens and pocket parks with views of the river. Head to the iNew Castle, home to well-preserved 17th–19th century homes that feel frozen in time. A stop the Common offers the best views and history. You will pedal your way back following the river. A tour not to miss!

Portsmouth promises an exciting adventure packed with history and discovery. Trace the city's past from John Mason's founding to its involvement in WWI, all while admiring Federalist architecture and solving riddles. Capture your journey with plenty of selfies and learn about local luminaries such as Thomas Bailey Aldrich and Ilene Woods. Experience the vibrant arts scene and explore the city's distinctive parks. Don't leave without snapping a photo with the iconic whale statue!

Embark on a historical journey through Portsmouth! This interactive tour takes you from the Roman roots of the Guildhall to the dramatic decks of HMS Victory and the dizzying heights of the Spinnaker Tower. Follow in the footsteps of Charles Dickens and Isambard Kingdom Brunel, uncover royal secrets, and explore historic dockyards that shaped naval history. Become a master and commander of Portsmouth history! Solve puzzles, explore the city, and find hidden gems at your own pace. Try a new type of experience with your smartphone, the perfect mix between a walking tour, sightseeing, and a scavenger hunt.

Self-guided Tour & Treasure Hunt Travel Experience - Over 100 destinations & challenges to explore - Kid friendly & great for avoiding crowds - Flexible anytime start - 100% free cancellation up to 24hrs before - Just 1 Ticket for your whole group!! (with our great value device sharing ticket) The smartphone travel tool that helps you discover the great outdoors & connect with the world around you. Utilising seamless GPS technology, it takes you off-the-beaten-track to discover hidden gems & incredible places you may never find alone. As you travel you earn points by visiting destinations, solving clues & completing challenges. The Travel League lets you compete with fellow explorers. Each season win amazing prizes & become the UK’s Greatest Explorer! Whether exploring by car, on foot around town, or hiking across the countryside, our GPS technology guides you every step of the way. Take the stress out of planning trips with this perfect blend of challenge, fun & learning

Explore the city on foot with an expert local guide. Discover hidden gems, learn fascinating history, and enjoy a relaxed 2-hour stroll through the most iconic and charming parts of Portsmouth, New Hampshire. As the vibrant days of summer begin to wind down, we're trading in our wheels for walking shoes! After an incredible season of bike tours through Portsmouth’s scenic streets and coastal paths, we’re excited to slow the pace and bring our tours to the heart of the city on foot. Our guided walking tours offer an intimate and immersive way to experience the charm and history of Market Square and beyond. Why the switch? Bike tours are a perfect fit for the warmer months, giving us the freedom to cover lots of ground and enjoy the breeze along the waterfront. But as the air turns crisp and the leaves start to fall, there’s something special about walking through the historic streets, taking time to appreciate the architecture, stories, and local culture — step by step.

**E-Bikes and youth options 20 and 24 inch on our site** Limited Quantities. Pedal your way through the breathtaking Portsmouth and the surrounding areas and NH landscape – no tour guide necessary! You set the pace, choose where to go, and decide when to stop for amazing photo opportunities! This rental experience gives you the freedom to explore Portsmouth and New Castle the way you want. Helpful PortCity Bike Tours staff member will assist you in deciding on a route - choosing between Portsmouth's many historic attractions, tasty restaurants, and breathtaking views will be your only worry. In addition to one of our high-quality hybrid bicycles, your tour includes a bag, helmet, emergency tire inflator, and lock. This is a reservation for a time slot. Meet 15 minutes prior to your tour at the Historic John Paul Jones House to get fitted with a bike, helmet, and safety vest. You’ll hear a short briefing about rules of the road, safety, and bike operation. Map and routes included.

Travel in a chauffeur driven private vehicle one way or round-trip from central London / Heathrow Airport to Portsmouth Cruise Ferry Port. You can catch a ferry or a cruise to various destinations such as Isle of Wight, France and Spain from this port. Meet and greet service with your name board offered as a part of the service. We monitor your flights and dispatch drivers according to flight landing time. Airport charges and London Vehicle tax included. Therefore no hidden charges. This transfer is priced per vehicle, not per person. Saloon car : Up to 4 passengers + 2 checking + 2 hand Luggage per vehicle Estate car : Up to 4 passengers + 3 checking + 3 hand Luggage per vehicle MPV : Up to 4 passengers + 4 checking + 4 hand Luggage per vehicle MPV+ : Up to 6 passengers + 6 medium checking + 6 hand Luggage per vehicle 8 passenger van : Up to 8 passengers + 8 medium checking + 8 hand Luggage per vehicle.

Great for Fall foliage viewing. We're excited to turn your ordinary day into an extraordinary adventure with our exclusive private and custom bike tours! Get ready to set off on a memorable journey through stunning landscapes on our luxury bicycle tour—one that will leave you eager for more! Whether you're exploring the rich history of our charming coastal city or simply enjoying the beautiful scenery, you'll get to pedal through cozy side streets, hidden inlets, and vibrant harbors. You'll discover breathtaking views and secret spots that make this area truly special! We’ll plan for you. No matter if you're a history lover or just looking for a fun experience, this tour has something special in store for you. Our carefully planned itinerary will highlight the very best of what this beautiful region has to offer. Don't miss out on the chance to explore the beauty of the coast with your own guide! Arrive 30 minutes early to get fitted to your bike and receive bike safety rules.

Portsmouth is one of the greatest destinations if you are a naval person. Portsmouth is a historic naval city, being British Navy's main port and home to the oldest dry dock in the world, it has Portsmouth's historic dockyard, with the D-Day museum and UK's meaningful publicly-accessible building, and the Spinnaker Tower is the latest Millenium attraction. One of the highest publicly accessible buildings in the U.K., the Spinnaker Tower offers stunning views throughout the city and beyond. Here you can enjoy your traditional English tea 105 meters above the harbour of Portsmouth. The area is also home to Lord Nelson's flagship HMS Victory and Henry VIII's Historical Mary Rose, which was rescued from the seabed in 1982. Choices are unlimited in Portsmouth's Historic Dockyard. Here in this tour, you will enjoy visiting Gun Wharf Quays, the National Museum of the Royal Navy, Action Stations, HMS.33, Boathouse No 4, Royal Navy Submarine Museums and many more. Join us for this experience!

Portsmouth, the UK’s only island city, is steeped in maritime history and closely tied to the Royal Navy, with plenty of top attractions to explore. Included in this tour is the Spinnaker Tower, a 170-metre landmark boasting stunning 23-mile views across Portsmouth Harbour, the Solent, the South Downs, and the Isle of Wight. Visitors can enjoy three high-up viewing decks, step out on the exhilarating glass ‘Sky Walk’ at 100 metres, and take in open-air views from the ‘Sky Garden’. Situated by a leading designer shopping outlet, the Gunwharf Quays, the tower is surrounded by over 90 well-known brands, all offering up to 60% off regular prices.

Do you have to travel from London City, Heathrow Airport LHR or Gatwick Airport LGW to Portsmouth Port , and in your way, would you like to have a tour and get to know the Bombay Sapphire Distillery? This is for you!! Please note that all experiences are subject to availability and may be modified or canceled without prior notice. Upon arrival, please present your booking code for verification, as proof of payment is required before entry to the Distillery. Additionally, all visitors may undergo an age check upon arrival, so please ensure to bring valid photo identification. Kindly be informed that we operate under a Challenge 25 policy, and any visitor suspected to be under 25 years old and wishes to consume alcohol will be asked to provide photo ID Book your private transfer with a 2 hs tour at the Bombay Sapphire Distillery!! Enjoy your time in London and travel in your Luxury Van Mercedes V Class (up to 6 people) or similar.

This private Portsmouth day tour is designed for travellers who want depth without exhaustion and comfort without crowds. Rather than rushing through multiple destinations, this experience focuses on one meaningful place, allowing you to truly enjoy Portsmouth’s maritime heritage and coastal atmosphere at a relaxed pace. From the moment you’re collected at your hotel, you can expect a seamless, door-to-door experience in a private vehicle. There’s no navigating public transport, no fixed group schedules, and no pressure to keep up. Once in Portsmouth, the focus is on quality over quantity. You’ll spend unhurried time around the Historic Dockyard area, where Britain’s naval story comes to life through landmarks such as HMS Victory and the Mary Rose Museum. Expect time by the waterfront, coastal views from the Spinnaker Tower, and space to enjoy the atmosphere of a working harbour city. If you wish, your guide can recommend ideal spots for lunch, photos, or a short stroll.
Go beyond the guidebook with local guides who share insider knowledge and fascinating anecdotes about Portsmouth's past.
Navigate charming streets and discover key historical sites, from colonial homes to Revolutionary War landmarks, often inaccessible on your own.
Understand the significance of Portsmouth's role in American history, its maritime importance, and its evolution through the centuries.
Combine sightseeing with light physical activity, offering a healthy and engaging way to experience the city.
Find tours that fit various schedules, with options ranging from quick overviews to more in-depth historical dives.
Experience Portsmouth through the eyes of those who know it best, offering a more authentic and personal connection to the destination.
These popular tours provide a comprehensive overview of Portsmouth's most significant historical periods and landmarks. Expect to cover the city's founding, its maritime importance, and its role in national events.
Dive deep into Portsmouth's strategic importance during the American Revolution and its enduring legacy as a shipbuilding and seafaring hub. These tours often focus on naval history, privateering, and the figures who shaped the region's maritime destiny.
These tours zero in on the charming streets and distinct architectural styles that define Portsmouth's historic neighborhoods. You'll learn about the evolution of housing, the stories behind notable buildings, and the social history embedded in the urban landscape.
As the sun sets, these tours illuminate Portsmouth's more spectral side. Guides recount tales of ghostly encounters, historic tragedies, and lingering spirits that inhabit the city's older buildings and alleyways, offering a chillingly entertaining perspective.
Most historic walking tours in Portsmouth typically last between 1.5 to 3 hours, depending on the depth of the tour and the pace of the group.
Portsmouth experiences four distinct seasons. Tours run rain or shine, so it’s advisable to check the weather forecast and dress accordingly. Bringing an umbrella or raincoat is often a good idea, especially outside of summer.
Group sizes can vary significantly, from intimate private tours with just your party to larger public tours that may have up to 15-20 participants. Smaller groups often allow for more interaction with the guide.
Tours usually include the guided narration and historical insights from a knowledgeable guide. Entrance fees to specific attractions are not always included, so it's best to check the tour details when booking.
Meeting points are usually in central, easily accessible locations within downtown Portsmouth, often near the waterfront, Market Square, or a well-known historic landmark. Detailed instructions are provided upon booking.
Prices generally range from $28 to $50 per person, with specialized or private tours potentially costing more. Prices can vary based on duration, exclusivity, and the operator.
Book in advance, especially during peak tourist season (summer and fall foliage), as popular tours can fill up quickly.
Wear comfortable walking shoes – you'll be covering historic streets, some of which may have uneven surfaces or cobblestones.
Bring water, especially for longer tours or during warmer months. Staying hydrated is key to enjoying your exploration.
Don't hesitate to ask your guide questions! They are a wealth of local knowledge and often eager to share more about Portsmouth's past.
Check the weather forecast and dress in layers. New Hampshire's coastal weather can be unpredictable, with cooler breezes even in summer.
Consider booking a tour on your first day in Portsmouth to get a solid understanding of the city's layout and history, helping you plan the rest of your visit.
Look for tours that offer a specific focus if you have a particular interest, such as maritime history, architecture, or even local ghost stories.
Keep an eye out for guided tours that include or offer discounts for attractions like Strawbery Banke Museum, which perfectly complements a walking tour.
A: Many tours are suitable for older children who can walk for extended periods and have an interest in history. Some operators may offer family-friendly tours or private options tailored for younger audiences. It’s always best to check the age recommendations provided by the tour operator.
A: Most historic walking tours operate in most weather conditions, often with guides providing umbrellas. If a tour is canceled due to severe weather, operators typically offer a reschedule option or a full refund. Always check the specific cancellation policy when booking.
A: Expect to be on your feet for the duration of the tour, which can range from 1.5 to 3 hours. While the pace is usually moderate, some tours cover significant ground. If you have mobility concerns, it’s advisable to contact the tour operator in advance to discuss the route and accessibility.
A: This varies by tour. Some tours primarily focus on exterior views and historical context from the street. Others may include visits inside specific buildings or attractions like Strawbery Banke Museum. Always review the tour description to understand what is included.
A: Portsmouth is charming year-round. Spring and fall offer pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery. Summer is popular but can be busier. Winter tours are available and offer a unique, quiet perspective on the historic city, though they require warmer attire.
A: Yes, Portsmouth has a rich history that lends itself to intriguing ghost stories. Several operators offer dedicated haunted history or ghost tours, typically held in the evening, which explore the city's spookier legends and reputedly haunted sites.
A: Absolutely! Guides usually build in time for photos at key locations. However, it's best to be mindful of the group and the guide's narration. Avoid obstructing others or blocking pathways while taking pictures.
A: Comfortable walking shoes are a must. Dress in layers appropriate for the season, as coastal weather can change quickly. A hat and sunscreen are recommended for sunny days, and a rain jacket or umbrella is wise for potentially wet conditions.
Experience authentic New England charm and stunning fall foliage in the Granite State.
Explore charming small towns like Portsmouth and Hanover, each with unique character.
Enjoy four distinct seasons offering everything from crisp autumn air to snowy winter adventures.
Discover rich colonial history and revolutionary war landmarks scattered throughout the state.
Savor farm-to-table dining and local craft beverages for a true taste of New Hampshire.
Embrace the independent spirit and natural beauty that defines New Hampshire.
New Hampshire experiences a classic New England climate with four pronounced seasons. Summers are warm and humid, perfect for outdoor activities, while winters are cold and snowy, ideal for winter sports. Spring brings thawing and blooming, though it can be muddy, and autumn boasts crisp air and vibrant fall colors.
The best months to visit New Hampshire are typically September and October for the spectacular fall foliage, and July and August for warm summer weather and outdoor adventures.
Peak season generally runs from June through October, with the absolute busiest time being for fall foliage in late September and early October, leading to higher prices and more crowds.
The off-season includes the late spring (April-May) and late fall (November), offering fewer crowds and potentially lower accommodation prices, though the weather can be unpredictable.
Explore comprehensive guides to plan your perfect trip, including food tours, cultural experiences, and more.
Discover New Hampshire's picturesque coastline, from sandy shores and charming harbors to historic lighthouses and maritime tales.
Discover New Hampshire's breathtaking landscapes with guided hiking and outdoor adventure tours, from rugged mountains to serene lakes.
Explore New Hampshire's agricultural heartland on engaging farm and food tours, from maple syrup farms to artisanal cheese producers.
Discover New Hampshire's vibrant craft beverage scene, from crisp ciders to hoppy IPAs, on expertly guided tours.
Discover the breathtaking beauty of New Hampshire's White Mountains through expertly guided scenic drives, showcasing iconic vistas and charming towns.
Getting around New Hampshire is easiest with a car, especially for exploring the scenic byways and rural areas. Major interstates like I-95 and I-93 connect key cities. Public transportation is limited outside of larger towns, though Amtrak offers service to some stops. Renting a car provides the most flexibility to visit attractions like the White Mountains and coastal towns at your own pace. Consider a four-wheel-drive vehicle if visiting during winter months for optimal traction on snowy roads.
Rent a car for maximum flexibility and explore at your own pace on Expedia USA.
Find the perfect accommodation for your New Hampshire adventure. From luxury resorts to cozy hotels, we've got you covered.
Discover top-rated hotels with exclusive rates and special offers on Trivago USA.