Your Personal Travel Guide to Portsmouth, New Hampshire

Are you planning a trip to Portsmouth, NH? Whether it’s for a weekend getaway or just a quick visit, this charming New England town will surprise you! From boutique shopping to delicious restaurants and cozy places to stay, here’s everything we discovered on our trip.

Why Portsmouth Will Steal Your Heart ❤️

Portsmouth is bustling with charm, brick alleyways, live music, cute boutiques, and incredible restaurants. It’s the kind of town that looks picture-perfect on Instagram but also delivers a real sense of New England culture.

Best Places to Shop 🛍️

Fun fact – I discovered Em and Elle, one of my new favorite boutiques. Trendy items, on-point decor, and super friendly staff made this place a must-visit. I scored a cute fall hat, a t-rex necklace, and a black purse I’ve been wearing non-stop!

Other boutiques to check out:

• Bobble & Lace
• LIT Boutique
• The Black Dog
• Prelude Boutique
• Bliss
• Marco Polo (tote bags, mugs, and more)
• Sea Bags
• 20 Below Boutique
• Opal & Oak
• Fatface
• Evie

Portsmouth is truly a shopping haven – you’ll find everything from trendy clothing to unique gifts.

Best Places to Eat & Drink 🍴

Brunchers, take note: Portsmouth’s brunch scene is serious business. Reservations are recommended on weekends, and most spots have adorable patios with stringed lights.

Here are some must-try restaurants:

• The Goat – catch your favorite weekend games with plenty of TVs.
• Sineore Cannoli – delicious fried desserts, perfect after a night out.
• 5 Thai Bistro – late-opening brunch option with fresh, flavorful Thai food.
• The Wilder – craft cocktails and cozy ambiance.
• The Thirsty Moose Taphouse – local favorite with live music.
• The District
• Toscana Italian Chophouse & Wine Bar
• Portsmouth Brewery
• The Green Room
• The Goods Cafe
• Fresh House Cafe
• Bennett’s Sandwich Shop
• The Friendly Toast

Pro Tips:

• Beat the brunch rush by visiting 5 Thai Bistro, which opens at 11 AM (12 PM on weekends).
• Don’t miss Thai iced tea here!
• At Sineore Cannoli, ask to mix and match fried desserts – Oreos and Reese’s are a must!

Where to Stay 🏡

We stayed in a cozy Airbnb on Pleasant Street, right in the middle of town. It was perfect for attending a wedding and exploring Portsmouth on foot. Brick kitchens, neutral tones, and a central location made it ideal. Pro tip: it’s above a bar, so earplugs or a full day of sightseeing will guarantee a good night’s sleep!

Portsmouth, NH is full of surprises – charming streets, amazing food, and shopping that’ll have you coming back for more.