Historical Walking Tours

Walking Tours Resume May 1

Don’t forget that private tours can be booked all year long. 

Learn why Portsmouth is the hub of the New Hampshire Seacoast!

Our downtown is filled with hidden treasures.

Our knowledgeable walking tour guides will introduce you to the city’s rich past and lively present—a unique mix of architecture, specialty shops, and bustling streets nestled in a village-like setting.

Walking Through 400 Years of History

Daily at 10:30 am
2nd and 4th Fridays at 2:30 pm Saturdays at 2:30 pm

This daily 90-minute walking tour covers the streets, stories, buildings, and architecture of historic downtown Portsmouth.

The Portsmouth Path of President Washington

Semi-monthly
1st and 3rd Fridays at 2:30 pm

Many people don’t know that George Washington spent time on the Seacoast in 1789! Learn about President Washington’s visit to Portsmouth in the fall of 1789. One of the stops is the Tobias Lear House, home of President Washington’s personal secretary.

"Gay" Old Times: Stories of Portsmouth's LGBTQ+ Community

Once a month 2nd Sunday at 2:30 pm

The hidden history of LGBT clubs, organizations, and people who impacted the seacoast of NH. Tour guide, Tom Kaufhold will take you through Portsmouth for this engaging 90 minute tour. You will pass by many beautiful historic sites and learn some important facts about Portsmouth LGBT people, places and events.

Women of Portsmouth

Once a month
2nd Wednesday at 2:30 pm

Learn the untold stories of navigators, preachers, artists, authors, tavern keepers, and madams who defied stereotypes and shaped Portsmouth. Portsmouth Hisotrical Society staff member and Tour Guide Sabina Ion will take you through Portsmouth for this engaging 90-minute tour.

Historic Preservation Tours

By Reservation Only

Portsmouth Advocates presents a series of guided architectural walking tours showcasing Portsmouth’s famous neighborhoods, led by local historian and Portsmouth treasure, Richard Candee. Historic preservation tours provide an excellent opportunity to dive into the details and stories that make Portsmouth and its neighborhoods unique.

Please contact our Walking Tour Manager at 603-570-2494 or robinlm@portsmouthhsitory.org

 Tickets

  • Tours run May 1 through October 31.
  • You can upgrade your ticket for just $5 to include admission to the John Paul Jones Historic House Museum (open Memorial Day weekend through Columbus Day) and the Portsmouth Historical Society galleries.
  • Walk-ins are welcome, but tour space is limited. Reservations strongly encouraged.
  • Pets are not allowed on the walking tours.
  • All tours depart from the Portsmouth Historical Society, 10 Middle Street. Please gather inside at the welcome center desk.
  • Private walking tours outside the daily schedule are available for $25 per person. Contact us at least 48 hours prior to your desired tour time: Walking Tour Manager (603) 570-2494 or tours@portsmouthhistory.org.
  • Please click the button below or call (603) 436-8433 to reserve a ticket and for more information.
  • Walking tour tickets are non-refundable. Tickets are fully transferrable to another date or person. Please call (603) 436-8433 before your originally scheduled tour time to make changes.
  • Are you visiting Portsmouth on a bus tour? Learn about our bus tour options.

Guides will be microphoned and headsets available. You may use our thoroughly sanitized earphones, your own 3.5mm earphones, or purchase a $4 pair of earbuds at the Museum Shop.