A Seaside City Full of Charm, Culture, and Coastal Style

At Springer’s Jewelers, we’ve had the privilege of serving the Portsmouth community for decades. As one of the oldest jewelers in the United States—established in 1870—we’re proud to bring timeless craftsmanship and coastal inspiration to this vibrant seaport city. When we’re not helping people celebrate life’s most meaningful moments, we’re soaking up all the things we love most about Portsmouth’s walkable streets, incredible food, and waterfront energy.

Looking for fun things to do in Portsmouth, NH this weekend? Whether you’re on a day trip, here for a coastal getaway, or just strolling Market Square, we’ve curated our guide to the best things to do in Portsmouth, New Hampshire—from boutique shopping and breakfast spots to cultural gems and scenic views.

Shop the Charm

Wander the cobblestone streets and you’ll discover Portsmouth’s boutique magic. Don’t miss Bliss and Bobbles & Lace for your fashion needs, Attrezzi for artisan kitchenware, and Sea Bags for totes crafted from recycled sails.

Looking for unique shopping in Portsmouth, New Hampshire? Whether you're browsing for stylish clothing, thoughtful gifts, or sustainably made accessories, these boutiques offer a slice of the city’s creative heart. Located in the heart of downtown, these stores blend local craftsmanship, curated design, and Portsmouth’s signature aesthetic: nautical, cozy, and undeniably charming.

Bliss Boutique - Effortless Style for Every Season 

Where: 85 Market Street
Vibe: Minimalist chic with a relaxed, coastal edge
Why We Love It:
Bliss is a wardrobe staple for those who live in linen, neutrals, and timeless silhouettes. With racks full of soft knits, elevated basics, and thoughtfully chosen brands like Frank & Eileen, Citizens of Humanity, and Bella Dahl, this boutique blends laid-back luxury with everyday wearability. The space itself is calm, airy, and inviting—exactly the kind of place where you’ll want to take your time
Local's Tip: Don’t skip over the denim selection or the accessories table. From cozy sweaters to that perfect leather tote, Bliss nails the “buy now, wear forever” formula.

Bobbles & Lace - Coastal Chic Clothing 

Where: 111 Market Street
Vibe: Lively, chic, and full of approachable style
Why We Love It:
Stepping into Bobbles & Lace is like flipping through a curated fashion magazine—racks of gorgeous dresses, denim, knit tops, and accessories laid out in a tidy, easy-to-shop space. They focus on affordable, on-trend pieces from summer staples to seasonal outerwear.
Local's Tip: This is the perfect place to shop for a last-minute coastal vacation look—think breezy dresses, chic sandals, and sunnies, all in one stop.

Attrezzi - Gourmet Gifts & Kitchen Inspiration 

Where:  78 Market Street
Vibe: Eclectic, down‑to‑earth, and overflowing with foodie treasures
Why We Love It:
Tucked into the heart of downtown Portsmouth, Attrezzi offers a two‑level delight for food lovers and kitchen gadget enthusiasts. The first floor tempts with artisanal olive oils, gourmet pastas, specialty condiments, kitchen gadgets, wine glasses, and housewares—perfect for elevating everyday cooking. Upstairs, wander through a cozy wine room stocked with international bottles, fine cheeses, and ample tasting opportunities—a paradise for entertaining or discovering something new.
Local's Tip: Attrezzi is your go-to for last-minute gift dilemmas. Whether it’s a playful kitchen tool, truffle-infused olive oil, or the perfect bottle of wine, it’s easy to mix and match your way to a thoughtful gift basket that feels personal, elevated, and truly unique. 

Sea Bags - Iconic, sustainable bags made from recycled sails 

Where: 129 Market Street
Vibe: Nautical, sustainable, unmistakably New England
Why We Love It:
For a souvenir that captures the coastal spirit of Portsmouth, Sea Bags is a must. Their signature totes and accessories are crafted from recycled sails—each one telling a story of the sea. Designed and stitched in New England, these bags blend function, style, and sustainability in every stitch.
Local's Tip: Look for limited edition designs featuring local artists or seasonal New England icons like lobsters, buoys, and lighthouses.

Springer’s Jewelers – Visit us at 100 Market St. to explore timeless craftsmanship, stunning engagement rings, heirloom-worthy watches, and gifts that sparkle like the coast itself.

Where: 100 Market Street
Vibe: Historic elegance meets modern sparkle
Established: Since 1870 – Maine’s oldest jewelry store, and one of the oldest in the United States

Why We Love It:
Springer’s Jewelers isn’t just a jewelry store—it’s a piece of American history. Proudly family-owned and operated for over 150 years, Springer’s has served generations of Mainers and visitors alike with exquisite craftsmanship, exceptional service, and timeless style. We’re honored to be Maine’s oldest jeweler and one of the longest-standing jewelers in the country.

Every visit to Springer’s feels personal, warm, and inspiring—whether you’re shopping for an engagement ring, a vacation memento, or simply a sparkle that speaks to you.

What You’ll Find:

Estate & Vintage Jewelry – Discover one-of-a-kind treasures, from Art Deco brooches to Victorian rings and signed pieces from Tiffany, Cartier, and more.

Nautical-Inspired Keepsakes – From anchor and wave motifs to delicate compass rose pendants and maritime-influenced charms, our jewelry celebrates Maine’s coastal heritage.

Fine Jewelry & Engagement Rings – Ethically sourced diamonds, timeless settings, and signature collections to mark your most meaningful moments.

Luxury Watches – Explore prestigious brands like Tudor and Grand Seiko, or browse vintage timepieces with character and craftsmanship.

Custom Design & Repairs – Work with our expert jewelers to bring your vision to life or restore a family heirloom with care and precision.

Local's Tip: Ask to see our rotating estate collection—you never know what rare gem or antique setting you might discover. And if you’re commemorating your trip to Portsmouth, let us help you find a piece of jewelry that captures the spirit of New England.

Dine Like a Local

Wondering where to eat in Portsmouth? Whether you’re craving lobster rolls, scratch-made breakfast, or an elegant dinner, there’s something here for every taste.

Best Breakfast in Portsmouth, New Hampshire

La Maison Navarre - Classic French café with vintage charm and sweet-savory perfection

Where: 121 Congress Street
Vibe: Parisian patisserie meets Portsmouth coziness
Established: Opened in 2015
Why We Love It:
From flaky croissants and delicate pastries to gourmet crepes and cappuccinos, this spot is a dream for breakfast lovers. The café’s elegant interior and vintage soda fountain nods add an extra touch of charm.

Local’s Tip: Don’t skip the fresh made sandwich options, they're just as dreamy as the desserts.

The Friendly Toast – Retro kitsch, creative breakfasts, and all-day brunch energy

Where: 113 Congress Street
Vibe: Funky, colorful, and proudly offbeat
Established: Original opened in Cambridge in 1994; Portsmouth location followed
Why We Love It:
With a menu full of creative twists—think Benedicts with bacon-infused hollandaise and Captain Crunch–coated French toast—it’s a crowd-pleaser for all ages. Plus, the retro decor is half the fun.

Local’s Tip: Go for a breakfast cocktail (or two). The mimosa flight is a brunch favorite

Elephantine Bakery – Hidden gem for Mediterranean flavors and beautiful brunch bites

Where: 10 Commercial Alley
Vibe: Secret garden café with a European feel
Established: Opened in 2019
Why We Love It:
Tucked away in a cozy alley, Elephantine feels like a Mediterranean escape. The menu is packed with bright, fresh flavors—think za’atar croissants, labneh toast, and saffron-scented sweets.

Local’s Tip: Grab a seat outside when the weather’s warm—it’s one of the city’s best-kept al fresco secrets. 

Best Lunch in Portsmouth, New Hampshire

Row 34 – Elevated seafood with a raw bar that delivers

Where: 5 Portwalk Place
Vibe: Sleek, modern, and seafood-focused
Established: Opened in Portsmouth in 2019
Why We Love It:
With a daily selection of oysters, warm buttered lobster rolls, and fresh crudo, Row 34 brings big-city seafood style to the Seacoast. It’s fresh, unfussy, and always delicious.

Local’s Tip: Ask your server for oyster pairing suggestions—they know their stuff.

Cure – Comfort food done right, with local flair and seasonal twists

Where: 189 State Street
Vibe: Casual and cozy with a refined edge
Established: Opened in 2012
Why We Love It:
Cure is where comfort food meets culinary creativity. From pork belly BLTs to house-made pickles and hearty soups, everything feels both familiar and elevated.

Local’s Tip: Catch the Chef-owner, Julie Cutting, on popular programming like Food Network’s “Chopped.”

Gilley’s – Classic diner eats served from a vintage Worcester lunch cart

Where: 175 Fleet Street
Vibe: No-frills, nostalgic, and proudly local
Established: Operating in Portsmouth since 1912
Why We Love It:
Gilley’s is a Portsmouth icon. This tiny, late-night-friendly lunch cart dishes out old-school favorites like hot dogs, cheeseburgers, and hand-cut fries with zero pretense. It's fast, affordable, and full of charm.

Local’s Tip:
Order your burger “all the way” and grab a booth inside the original diner car—it's a bite of local history you can actually sit in.

Dinner Recommendations for Portsmouth, NH

Surf – Ocean-to-table dining with unbeatable harbor views

Where: 99 Bow Street
Vibe: Polished, contemporary, and seafood-forward
Established: Opened in 2002
Why We Love It:
From oysters and sushi to lobster tacos and seared scallops, Surf takes classic New England seafood and gives it a fresh, flavorful twist. Plus, the sunset view over the water is worth the reservation.

Local’s Tip: Grab a table by the windows or out on the deck for one of the best waterfront views in Portsmouth—especially stunning at sunset with a glass of wine in hand.

The Oar House – Classic New England seafood with a warm, welcoming vibe

Where: 55 Ceres Street
Vibe: Casual, cozy, and deeply rooted in Portsmouth’s maritime heritage
Established: Interior constructed in 1803, Est. 1974
Why We Love It:
The Oar House serves up fresh, local seafood in a laid-back setting that feels like a true taste of the Seacoast. From steamed clams and lobster dinners to perfectly fried scallops, it’s a favorite for those craving authentic coastal flavors without the fuss.

Local’s Tip: Try the raw bar sampler and save room for the famous seafood chowder—it’s a local classic.

Massimo’s – Upscale Italian with timeless romance

Where: 59 Penhallow Street
Vibe: Elegant, candlelit, and classically Italian
Established: Opened in 2015
Why We Love It:
With handmade pastas, refined antipasti, and a wine list to swoon over, Massimo’s is the go-to for date nights and special occasions. Service is warm, and every dish feels indulgent in the best way.

Local’s Tip: Don’t skip the tiramisu!

Make the Most of Your Day in Portsmouth

Here are some of our favorite things to do in Portsmouth, NH—perfect for families, couples, or solo explorers:

• Stroll through living history at Strawbery Banke Museum, where centuries-old homes and costumed interpreters bring the past to life

• Don’t miss your chance to take a tour of the NH Seacoast’s beautiful waterways with Portsmouth Harbor Cruises.

• Catch a live performance or indie film at The Music Hall, a beautifully restored theater dating back to 1878.

• Walk the flower-lined paths of Prescott Park and enjoy views of the waterfront, gardens, and summer stage performances

• Wander the boutiques, bookstores, and cafés tucked along Market Street and Commercial Alley

• Grab a scoop at Annabelle’s Natural Ice Cream, then take in the harbor views from the waterfront walk

Things to Do in Portsmouth, NH This Weekend

There’s always something happening in Portsmouth—from outdoor concerts in Prescott Park to gallery openings, street fairs, and waterfront festivals. Whether you’re into live music, local food, or historic tours, be sure to check local listings for the best things to do in Portsmouth this weekend.

Plan Your Visit to Springer's

As one of the oldest jewelry stores in New England, Springer’s has been an expert in the jewelry industry for over 150 years. Whether you’re celebrating a memory or starting a new tradition, stop in to find your sparkle.

📍 100 Market Street, Portsmouth NH