Leaf peeping in New England this fall? Be sure to spend a day in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Immerse yourself in a the waterfront  community brimming with arts, culture, and history.

“Whether you live in Portsmouth or visit for a day, you will find it beautiful, inspiring, relaxing, and captivating. Stroll along Market Square and step into the colorful boutiques in Market Square (don’t forget, shopping is tax free in Portsmouth!); stop by the cozy coffee cafes and bakeries to taste warm homemade popovers with maple butter and flaky croissants.  An iconic Instagram-must-visit is to take a photo by Portsmouth’s fleet of tugboats, as picturesque as they are useful, guiding vessels through Portsmouth’s busy working harbor,” says Ben VanCamp, President, The Chamber Collaborative of Greater Portsmouth.

Photo credit: David J. Murray

VanCamp recommends exploring the Black Heritage Trail and taking a tour of Portsmouth’s historic homes, highlighted by guided tours of historic Strawbery Banke, where you will find acres of gardens and role players bringing history to life. He also notes that there are dozens of art galleries, jazz and music clubs and performing arts theaters featuring top talent.

We curated all the best of Portsmouth to help you make the most of your time in this charming city. 

Where to stay

AC Hotel Portsmouth

The AC Hotel Portsmouth is an inviting upscale lifestyle hotel.  Boasting a  European-inspired breakfast, it is the perfect choice for sophisticated travelers, especially couples, seeking a modern, urban vibe reflecting the destination’s seaside heritage. The place to see and be seen, the hotel’s popular restaurant, Rooftop at the Envio, boasts panoramic harbor views of the Piscataqua River and features signature hand crafted cocktails, craft beers and an eclectic seasonal menu of locally sourced ingredients fresh from the farm and sea.

Where to eat Portsmouth

La Maison Navarre

Be sure to visit La Maison Navarre, an authentic French pastry shop and wine bar located in the heart of Portsmouth. The owners, Victor Navarre and Charlotte Reymond, are a couple directly imported from France (from Paris and Lyon) who invite you to delight in a full French experience. Stop by the café area to enjoy made from scratch fresh croissants,  sandwiches, macarons, delicious pastries, and coffee. Pop by the Wine Bar  for dinner Thursday through Saturday and for brunch on Saturday and Sunday.  Enjoy a dinner menu that changes seasonally plus a delicious selection of charcuterie and cheese paired with a great selection of wine from all over France.

Library Restaurant

Delight in a memorable experience at the historic and elegant Library Restaurant located in  the grand old dame Rockingham Hotel. Built in 1870, and on the National Register of Historic Places, the building is one of Portsmouth’s most valued landmarks, and over the centuries has played host to seven presidents. Enjoy a five-star fine-dining menu in one of the North East’s most architecturally beautiful dining rooms steps from the center of Portsmouth. The dining rooms boast an original vaulted mahogany ceiling, three crackling fireplaces, a martini lounge, and a beautiful private dining space under an ornate original painted ceiling fresco. 

What to do in Portsmouth

Sea Love 

If you’re in the market for a DIY scentsational experience, check out Sea Love. Discover the magic of scent-blending as you create your own custom candle or reed diffuser, choosing from over 100 different fragrances, Pick your vessel. Set the wick.  Mix the fragrance oils. Pour the wax. Have a blast.

Blend-Société

Explore the art and science of tea crafting with a unique experience at Société, an enchanting tea and apothecary shop. Learn the delicate craft of tea blending amid a selection of 250 diverse herbs. Discover the science behind the benefits that herbs offer to the body and delve into the intricate art of blending. Explore how to combine flavors, aromas, and healthful properties to curate truly unique and personalized tea blends. This experience promises not only a delightful sensory journey but also imparts a wealth of knowledge about the therapeutic qualities of herbs. By the end of the class, you will feel confident in the art of herbal tea craftsmanship. As a special takeaway, you leave with a jar of Société tea. 

Jimmy’s Jazz & Blues Club

Inspirational jazz and blues… paired with fine cuisine, libations and a lively scene … all in a century-old, spectacularly restored, state-of-the-art venue. Meticulously engineered with superior acoustics, sound equipment and lighting, Jimmy’s Jazz & Blues Club is an intimate, state-of-the-art venue that nods to the classic jazz clubs paired with exceptional food and drink. 

Enjoy food and libation before a show, as Jimmy’s also serves as a full-service fine-dining restaurant and bar. Its chef and team blend classic cuisine with modern techniques and spices; fresh, locally sourced ingredients; and personal connections with area farmers and fishermen, to create their own special version of New Hampshire-inspired cuisine. Jimmy’s Jazz & Blues Club is the perfect spot to end your day in Portsmouth on a high note.

Need help deciding where to visit this fall? Check out our top 10 scenic fall road trips in New England.