
City of Portsmouth Guided Bike Tour - Explore Historic Landmarks
Traveler rating
4.8/5
Based on 23 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is City of Portsmouth Guided Bike Tour - Explore Historic Landmarks worth booking?
City of Portsmouth Guided Bike Tour - Explore Historic Landmarks is a 1.8-hour experience in Portsmouth, United States, from $80 per person. It scores 70 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.8/5 rating across 23 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 70 / 100
- Rating
- 4.8/5 (23)
- Duration
- 1.8 hours
- From
- $80 per person
This bike tour experience seamlessly blends history, art, culture, and local Portsmouth stories. This tour is guaranteed to satisfy your love of culture, history, and preservation. You and your guide will travel along the quiet streets in Portsmouth, along peaceful roads, tucked-away neighborhoods, stopping at historic landmarks and sites. Your guide will share fascinating stories about the maritime history, fishing, and the historic preservation that paved the way for historic House museums, and Strawbery Banke: a collection of preserved 18th-20th century homes during Urban Renewal. -Pedal to the North End and hear the stories that bring this former neighborhood to life -Visit The Hill, where 19th-century homes were saved and moved during Urban Renewal -Explore the riverfront of Prescott Park, a former neighborhood of bars and brothels -Pedal to Little Harbor and hear stories about the royalty at the Wentworth‑Coolidge Mansion -Visit the runaway Ona Judge mural. Sa ve on our site
What you get
About this experience
This bike tour experience seamlessly blends history, art, culture, and local Portsmouth stories. This tour is guaranteed to satisfy your love of culture, history, and preservation. You and your guide will travel along the quiet streets in Portsmouth, along peaceful roads, tucked-away neighborhoods, stopping at historic landmarks and sites. Your guide will share fascinating stories about the maritime history, fishing, and the historic preservation that paved the way for historic House museums, and Strawbery Banke: a collection of preserved 18th-20th century homes during Urban Renewal. -Pedal to the North End and hear the stories that bring this former neighborhood to life -Visit The Hill, where 19th-century homes were saved and moved during Urban Renewal -Explore the riverfront of Prescott Park, a former neighborhood of bars and brothels -Pedal to Little Harbor and hear stories about the royalty at the Wentworth‑Coolidge Mansion -Visit the runaway Ona Judge mural. Sa ve on our site
What's included
Included
- Helmet
- Bicycle use
Not included
- Tips and gratuity
What you'll see and do
Highlights of the Hidden Neighborhoods of Portsmouth City View Bike Tour: Former North End / Italian "Little Italy" The Hill South End and Prescott Park Strawbery Banke Wentworth Coolidge Mansion Frank Jones Brewery - West End Creek Neighborhood - Christian Shore
10 minutes here
The destruction and preservation hits Little Italy. There are over a dozen colorful wooden houses are squeezed up against the towering Marriot and the Hilton Hotels. The concept, in the early 1970s, was that dilapidated buildings bred ragged people. After World War II, most cities demolish thousands of "blighted" urban areas across the nation. Most were replaced by high-rise apartments, shopping malls, and hotels. In Portsmouth, we lost much of historic Vaughan Street and replaced it with a parking garage and open lots. We will pass by a collection of preserved historic homes saved by urban renewal and move into this area for preservation.
10 minutes here
Strawbery Banke Museum
Strawbery Banke Museum began as a “save our history” effort by the citizens of Portsmouth. In the late 1950s, Puddle Dock, an area of dilapidated homes near the Piscataqua River was targeted for urban renewal. All the “substandard” homes in Puddle Dock — some of which dated back to the 1600s — were to torn down and replaced with modern buildings. That was until city librarian Dorothy Vaughn addressed the Portsmouth Rotary Club one day in 1957. That day Vaughn “laid it on the line” for the Rotary Club, telling them that every time one of the old houses was torn or an antique piece of Portsmouth furniture shipped out of town, the city was losing its past. The Rotary Club was galvanized into action, and while Puddle Dock did undergo urban renewal, much of it has been saved as a historic museum.
10 minutes here
Wentworth-Coolidge Mansion
Explore the beautiful Little HARBOR
7 minutes here
Wentworth-Gardner House
The Wentworth Lear Historic Houses are a pair of adjacent historic houses on the south waterfront in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Both buildings and an 18th-century warehouse were owned by the Wentworth Lear Historic Houses and were operated as a house museum. Only the Wentworth-Gardner house is a museum.
10 minutes here
Prescott Park
Prescott Park is a ten-plus acre waterfront park in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, United States. The land was purchased in the 1930s by two sisters, Josie and Sarah Prescott. The sisters, public school teachers, had used an inheritance to systematically purchase and clear properties along the Piscataqua River.
10 minutes here
Strawbery Banke is an outdoor history museum located in the South End historic district of Portsmouth, New Hampshire. It is the oldest neighborhood in New Hampshire to be settled by Europeans, and the earliest neighborhood remaining in the present-day city of Portsmouth.
5 minutes here
Major General Fitz John Porter Statue
Porter was a prominent UnionBrevet Major General during the American Civil War, celebrated for his role in the Peninsula Campaign but infamously court-martialed and cashiered for his actions at the Second Battle of Bull Run in 1862. A highly regarded officer in the pre-war army, he was eventually exonerated and reinstated to the army in 1886 after a long campaign to clear his name. During the Second Battle of Manassas (Second Bull Run) in August 1862, Porter's V Corps was transferred to Maj. Gen. John Pope's Army of Virginia. Porter, who held a low opinion of Pope, was accused of disobeying orders to attack on August 29, 1862, arguing that the attack would have been futile against strong Confederate positions. Following the Union defeat, a court-martial found Porter guilty of disobedience and misconduct, resulting in his dismissal from the Army on January 21, 1863.
8 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Portsmouth
Historic John Paul Jones House
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Historic John Paul Jones House
Options you can book
E-Bike Upgrade 16+ Yrs. Sm-Lg
EBike upgrade(SM-LG)Max 250lbs
7-Speed Adult Comfort Bike
7-Speed Adult Hybrid Bike: We’ve bike sizes to fit 4'11-6’6 and 20 & 24-inch for youth (must know how to ride on streets) Please provide height & weight
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 8 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- PortCity Bike Tours
Know before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 22 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
7 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
The guide
6 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Traveler reviews
22 verified traveler reviews for City of Portsmouth Guided Bike Tour - Explore Historic Landmarks. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Good morning Tour
Good experience. Lovely e bikes. Great history of Portsmouth
Response from the operator: We're excited that you enjoyed the bike tour and appreciated the storytelling aspect. Thank you for your kind review, and we hope to see you again sometime 🥳
via Tripadvisor
Biking thru Portsmouth
Donna was a fantastic tour guide. She provided extensive historical information and focused on a safe bike ride.
Response from the operator: We're excited to hear you enjoyed the bike tour and appreciated the storytelling and history. Thank you for your kind review, and we look forward to seeing you again soon 🥳
via Tripadvisor
Good experience
We had a great time with a great guide who made it fun and was very knowledgeable. The pace was good, but the biking to talking ratio was heavily skewed toward talking, so if you're looking for a biking workout, this is not it. Overall, a great experience!
Response from the operator: Thank you for your review of the City of Portsmouth Bike Tour. We love showing off our wonderful history, and beautifully preserved homes. We are grateful that you had a great bike tour and loved the storytelling aspect of our city tour. Thank you for your generous review and we hope to see you again some time 🥳
via Tripadvisor
Flavor of Portsmouth
Marcus gave a grand tour- very informative to get a flavor of Portsmouth - easy biking and great weather
via Tripadvisor
Worth The Ride!
We had Marcus as a tour guide. He was great! Very knowledgeable and great with sharing all the history of Portsmouth. I would highly recommend!
Response from the operator: Thank you for your thoughtful review and for recommending our Bike Tours. We appreciate you joining us and supporting a small local business.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 1.8 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $80 to $125
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 8
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Who runs this experience
Operated by PortCity Bike Tours, who run 5 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 68.8 and 1 in the 90+ Club.
See everything PortCity Bike Tours runsWhy this scores 70
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
City of Portsmouth Guided Bike Tour - Explore Historic Landmarks: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Portsmouth.
How much does City of Portsmouth Guided Bike Tour - Explore Historic Landmarks cost?
+
Prices start at $80 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Portsmouth usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does City of Portsmouth Guided Bike Tour - Explore Historic Landmarks take?
+
Plan for about 1.8 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Portsmouth is not rushed.
Is City of Portsmouth Guided Bike Tour - Explore Historic Landmarks worth it?
+
It holds an Outty Ranking of 70 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.8/5 across 23 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Portsmouth, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule City of Portsmouth Guided Bike Tour - Explore Historic Landmarks?
+
Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is City of Portsmouth Guided Bike Tour - Explore Historic Landmarks suitable for kids and families?
+
Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 1.8-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book City of Portsmouth Guided Bike Tour - Explore Historic Landmarks?
+
Around 8 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Portsmouth can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
+
Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Portsmouth and add a light layer if any part of the 1.8-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does City of Portsmouth Guided Bike Tour - Explore Historic Landmarks start and how do I get there?
+
The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Portsmouth within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Portsmouth?
+
Portsmouth, NH packs its best experiences into walkable neighborhoods, local food, and day trips nearby. Outty ranks every bookable tour and activity in Portsmouth by rating quality, review depth, booking demand and value, so you can see the standouts before you book. On Outty we rank every Portsmouth experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Islands & Harbor Guided Bike Tour- Visit Islands, Ocean & Sites, Historical Tastings at the Iconic Rockingham, Self Guided Haunted Walking Tour in Portsmouth APP/GPS/EMF Reader. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Portsmouth?
+
Spring and fall bring the best weather and lighter crowds in Portsmouth, while summer has the widest choice of tours and evening activities. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Portsmouth?
+
Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
+
Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in City of Portsmouth Guided Bike Tour - Explore Historic Landmarks?
+
Included: Helmet; and Bicycle use. Not included: Tips and gratuity. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for City of Portsmouth Guided Bike Tour - Explore Historic Landmarks?
+
Historic John Paul Jones House Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is City of Portsmouth Guided Bike Tour - Explore Historic Landmarks offered in?
+
It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for City of Portsmouth Guided Bike Tour - Explore Historic Landmarks?
+
Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is City of Portsmouth Guided Bike Tour - Explore Historic Landmarks wheelchair or stroller accessible?
+
The operator notes: Specialized infant seats are available. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to City of Portsmouth Guided Bike Tour - Explore Historic Landmarks if the weather is bad?
+
This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about City of Portsmouth Guided Bike Tour - Explore Historic Landmarks?
+
Across 23 reviews averaging 4.8 out of 5, recurring themes include knowledge and storytelling, the guide. Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
What booking options are available for City of Portsmouth Guided Bike Tour - Explore Historic Landmarks?
+
There are 2 options to choose from, including E-Bike Upgrade 16+ Yrs. Sm-Lg, 7-Speed Adult Comfort Bike. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
Ready to lock in your spot?
Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for City of Portsmouth Guided Bike Tour - Explore Historic Landmarks.
Pick your date




