A question I often get asked if whether you should stay in Portsmouth, NH or Portland, ME during your trip to New England, and I can definitely understand why it’s hard to choose between the two cities. If you’ve never been, Portland and Portsmouth can seem pretty similar when just doing research online, and without having an insider’s perspective, it’s tough to decide which you should pick for your stay.
Well, I’m here to help! I’ve been to both cities for weekend getaways and day trips, and am pretty familiar with both Portland and Portsmouth. So, let’s break it down and help you decide which is best for your trip.
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Where Is Portsmouth, NH?
Portsmouth sits along the Seacoast of New Hampshire, and very close to the Maine state border. In fact, the drive from Portsmouth, NH to Maine is only about 5-10 minutes. Portsmouth, NH is also only about 20 minutes to the Massachusetts border, as well as the beautiful North Shore region of MA.
For these reasons, Portsmouth is a wonderful location if you’re looking to explore the Massachusetts coast, as well as venture up to southern Maine.
Where Is Portland, ME?
Portland, Maine is in the southern part of the state, and also sits along the coast. Portland is accessible to a lot of places in southern Maine, including York, Wells, Kennebunkport, Ogunquit and Freeport. However, since Maine is a bigger state, it will take longer to get to other destinations in the northern part of the state.
How Far Is Portsmouth From Portland, ME?
Portsmouth, NH is only about a 1 hour drive from Portland, ME. Most people don’t realize how close they are!
Is Portsmouth, NH Or Portland, ME Better To Visit?
Okay, so let’s talk about which is better for your plans, and the biggest differences between the two cities.
But first, I want to mention ways in which both cities are similar:
- Portsmouth, NH and Portland, ME are both technically cities.
- Both have a lot of charm and history, with areas that feel quaint and cozy.
- Both have an amazing culinary scene.
- Both have great shopping.
- Both are on the coast, and have an old-world harbor vibe.
Here are the key differences between Portsmouth and Portland:
- Portsmouth more often feels more like a small town than a city. It definitely feels urban in some parts, but the vast majority feels more quaint to me than Portland.
- Portland has more coastline and waterfront to explore.
- Portland is bigger, and you’ll feel that when you’re there.
- Portland will have more of an urban atmosphere than Portsmouth is some areas.
- Because Portland is bigger, you’ll find more of everything, including more restaurants, breweries, tours, hotels, and better public transportation to get around.
- Also because Portland is bigger, it’s harder to see in a day, and is ideal for at least two days.
- Portland is home to three beautiful lighthouses, including the very iconic Portland Head Light, which is one of the most famous in New England.
Getting out on the water:
- Portland offers more opportunities for boat tours along the coast, including lobster boat tours, sailing tours, whale watches and cruises along Casco Bay.
- Portsmouth doesn’t offer as many options, but does have awesome boat tours through the Isle of Shoals islands along the coast, as well as a few scenic boating tour options.
In general, Portsmouth is very much like a smaller version of Portland. Portsmouth feels a bit more homey and residential, and while you can find areas of Portland like that, it still feels more like a city. However, Portland will definitely feel like less a city compared to places like Boston and NYC.
So, which do I recommend for your trip? I always suggest you decide what kind of atmosphere you’re looking for during your stay. If you know you definitely want a vibrant city vibe, you’ll want to stay in Portland.
If you’re looking for a city that feels a little more like a charming town, you’ll want to stay in Portsmouth.
Since you’ll find lots of charming streets, history and great food in both, this is really what it boils down to.
Personally? I really love both, but often gravitate toward Portsmouth because I generally enjoy smaller destinations with fewer crowds. But that said, I also really love Portland for its history and lighthouses (and, of course, the food!).
Can You Visit Portsmouth and Portland On The Same Trip?
Absolutely, and I often recommend it! Since they’re both only 1 hour from one another, and because both Portland and Portsmouth are wonderful to visit for different reasons, I recommend seeing Portland and Portsmouth in the same trip if they’re both of interest to you.
In fact, if you plan to spend some time in Maine, you’ll likely have to drive through Portland, anyway, and spending a night or two there is worth your time.
How To Travel Between Portsmouth, NH and Portland, ME
You can get from Portsmouth, NH to Portland, ME by car and bus. There is no train service between these two cities.
The drive from Portsmouth to Portland is 1 hour and very easy.
Greyhound offers bus service between Portsmouth and Portland, and it also only takes about 1 hour. The Portsmouth Greyhound bus station is located downtown on Hanover Street, and the Portland station is at the Park & Ride on Marginal Way, close to the Old Port district.
Are Uber and Lyft Available In Portsmouth And Portland?
Uber and Lyft are available in both Portsmouth and Portland. However, wait times are longer in Portsmouth, and I usually find I prefer scheduling my rides if possible.
Uber and Lyft are very easy to request in Portland.
Is Parking Easier In Portland Or Portsmouth?
If you drive to either city (which is what I always do), parking in both destinations is about the same, and you’ll likely want to find a parking garage.
I always use the Hanover Street parking garage in Portsmouth because it’s very convenient to Market Square and the center of downtown.
Portland has tons of parking garages and lots to choose from, and you can often book in advance with Parkopedia.
Is Portsmouth, NH or Portland, ME Cheaper To Stay In?
I often find that Portsmouth is the less expensive city to stay in, and can usually find better deals there. Portland tends to be a pretty expensive city to stay the night in, especially from June-October. In the winter, you’ll likely find deals for both cities.
If you’re looking for the most budget-friendly accommodations, Portland has a hostel, whereas Portsmouth does not. So that’s something to keep in mind for budget travelers.
To save some money in Portland, you can also look into hotels in South Portland, which is where you’ll find the lighthouses. It’s about a 15-20 minute drive into downtown Portland from there (depending on traffic), but often has better prices for hotels.
Best Stops To Make Between Portsmouth, NH and Portland, ME
The drive between Portsmouth and Portland is very scenic, and there are some gorgeous places to stop during the drive. And since it only takes an hour to get between the two cities, you’ll have plenty of time to make stops if you want to extend the drive. Here are the best places to stop when driving between these two destinations:
- Kittery – Famous for their outlet shopping, and also a great little waterfront seafood shack called Buoy Shack, which has a view of the famous Kittery Buoy Shack. These stops are a little out of your way on your drive, but not by much.
- York & Cape Neddick – York is a cute little town to stop in with some nice shopping, including the flagship Stonewall Kitchen store (which I love visiting, and also has an awesome cafe!). Cape Neddick is home to Nubble Lighthouse, which is a beautiful pitstop to make on your drive.
- Ogunquit – A charming little coastal town that’s known for having one of Maine’s best beaches – Ogunquit Beach. It’s also loaded with character, and home to one of my favorite things to do in Maine – Marginal Way.
- Kennebunkport – Another gorgeous and charming little coastal town with great shops, restaurants and beaches.
- Old Orchard Beach – Home to the famous Old Orchard Pier, this is a fun little stop to visit a quirky part of the state with old-fashioned rides, and fair foods along the pier.
- Cape Elizabeth/South Portland – This is where you’ll find all three of Portland’s lighthouses: Portland Head Light, Bug Light and Spring Point Ledge Light.
Here are some posts you may enjoy to help you plan your trip:
- Best Things To Do In Ogunquit, ME
- Best Day Trips From Portland, ME
- Maine Lighthouse Road Trip Itinerary
- Best Stops To Make Driving From Boston To Portland, ME
Can You See Portsmouth, NH and Portland, ME In One Day?
While it’s ambitious, you can definitely see both in one day. Just keep in mind that you’ll only have time for a few things in each destination.
If you’d like to visit both in one day, whether it’s for a road trip, or you’re just short on time, I would recommend spending just a few hours in Portsmouth, since it’s easier to see in a shorter amount of time, and then plan to spend more time in Portland.
Here is an itinerary guideline you can follow to see both Portsmouth and Portland in a day (starting in Portsmouth):
- Morning: Arrive in Portsmouth, and park at the Hanover Street garage. Grab breakfast at Elephantine Bakery, and then explore the shops in Market Square.
- Late Morning: Take a walk along the waterfront at Prescott Park, and then head back to your car.
- Drive to Portland.
- Stop at Portland Head Lighthouse on your way into downtown. If you have an interest in lighthouses, I would recommend also seeing Bug Light and Spring Point Ledge Light, as both are very close to Portland Head Light. But for the sake of time, if lighthouses aren’t a huge priority for you, just see Portland Head Light (it’s worth the stop!).
- Park in the Old Port district, and explore that neighborhood. It’s the most historic and charming in the city, in my opinion. Grab lunch in this area as well. Old Port is where you’ll also find the popular Duckfat Cafe and lots of cute shops.
- Walk through Old Port toward the water (about 1 mile) to the Eastern Promenade for views of Casco Bay).
- Walk back to Old Port to grab dinner before driving to your next destination!
Weekend Itinerary For Visiting Portsmouth, NH and Portland, ME
If you’re planning a weekend trip to explore both Portsmouth and Portland, that’s very easy to do as well, and will allow you more time to experience the best of what these two cities have to offer. For this kind of trip, this is how I would suggest planning your itinerary:
- Friday Evening: Arrive in Portsmouth, NH to enjoy a restaurant for dinner, and maybe a quick stroll around town to get acquainted.
- Saturday Morning: Spend your morning exploring Market Square and Prescott Park, and then leave for Portland around noon-ish.
- Afternoon: Drive to Portland and check into your hotel. Spend the rest of your day exploring Old Port, and maybe consider a fun walking tour or boat tour along the coast.
- Evening: End your day in Portland with an awesome dinner.
- Sunday Morning: Explore the Eastern Promenade to see coastal views from the walking path (this would also be another great time to consider a tour!).
- Sunday Afternoon: Grab lunch in Portland, and then drive to South Portland to see the lighthouses before driving back home.
These are two tours I love recommending when visiting Portland during a short visit:
A culinary walking tour, which is led by an expert and provides insider tips into the best food in the city. This is especially great for short visit!
Click here to book your culinary walking tour in Portland!
A tall ship sailing tour along Casco Bay. This tour is 2 hours, which is perfect during a quick visit, and also offers opportunities to see the stunning Maine coastline from the water (something I always recommend!).
Click here to book your tall ship sailing tour in Portland!
Best Places To Stay In Portland
For short visiting (a weekend or less), I recommend staying right in the Old Port district. As mentioned earlier in this post, it’s my favorite place to stay to be close to all the most beautiful parts of the city, and is easily walkable to others. This also happens to be one of the priciest places to stay in Portland, but for a shorter visit, it’s usually worth it.
For a more upscale stay, the Press Hotel is awesome. The rooms offer beautiful city views, and are completely updated with modern furnishings and designs. The location is also perfect in Old Port.
Click here to book your stay at the Press Hotel in Portland!
For a more moderate stay in Old Port, the Cambria Hotel Old Port also features nicely updated rooms and an ideal location.
Click here to book your stay at the Cambria Hotel in Portland!
A hotel that falls between budget and moderate is The Francis Hotel, which is in the West End neighborhood closer to the arts district. This hotel is awesome because it’s in a gorgeous historic building, and also has a spa. Rooms are more basic, but clean, updated and still feel very fun.
Click here to book your stay at The Francis in Portland!
Portland has one hostel that’s perfect for those on a tight budget, and Black Elephant is regarded as one of the best on the East Coast!
Click here to book your stay at the Black Elephant Hostel in Portland!
Best Places To Stay In Portsmouth
The best area to stay in during a short visit to Portsmouth, NH is downtown, close to Market Square. This is where you’ll find most of the shops and restaurants, making it the most convenient place to stay. But being that Portsmouth isn’t a huge city, you have more flexibility to stay a bit further out and save some money, depending on your preferences.
One of my favorite places to stay in Portsmouth is the Hotel Portsmouth, which has an ideal location that’s only a 5-10 minute walk to Market Square/downtown. The prices tend to be splurgy-moderate, depending on the time of year, but the modern and cozy rooms combined with the location make this hotel worth it.
Click here to book your stay at the Hotel Portsmouth!
The Sailmaker’s House is another great option in Portsmouth. The hotel more of an “inn” style than hotel, and is housed in a beautiful historic home. Rooms are perfectly updated and cozy, and the location is walkable to a lot of places, including Market Square and Prescott Park.
Click here to book your stay at the Sailmaker’s House in Portsmouth!
For a budget option, I really like the Port Inn & Suites, which is about a mile (or a 5-minute drive) from downtown. The rooms are clean and comfortable, and for the price, it can’t be beat!
Click here to book your stay at the Port Inn & Suites!
Is Portsmouth Or Portland Better In The Winter?
The same general guidelines will apply for the winter season, but I generally prefer Portsmouth in the winter because it has that quaint, small-town feel that’s especially comforting and cozy in the colder months.
That said, however, Portland is a wonderful city to visit in the winter if you’re not a fan of the snow, as it doesn’t snow a ton in Portland. In fact, it’s more of a rare treat than a typical occurrence. Portsmouth, however, does usually get regular snow in the winter.
I also like Portsmouth in the winter because they have a charming little ice skating rink at PuddleDuck Pond at the Strawbery Banke Museum. It feels so homey and wonderful to strap on a pair of skates and hit the ice in such an idyllic little spot.
Portland will offer the lowest prices of the season in the winter, though, so this will definitely be the cheapest time to visit, and you’ll be able to snatch up some awesome deals! You’ll also experience the fewest crowds in Portland in the winter.
Other Posts You May Enjoy:
- Things To Do In Portland, Maine In The Winter
- Things To Do In Maine In The Winter
- Best Breweries In Portland, Maine
- Fall In New Hampshire: The Best Things To Do
- The Perfect Acadia National Park Itinerary (3, 4 & 5 Day Options)
- 7-Day New England Road Trip Itinerary (w/5 & 10-Day Options)
- New England Gifts To Look For On Your Trip
- Best Things To Do In New England Bucket List
- Gorgeous New Hampshire Covered Bridges You Should See
- The Most Incredible New England Lighthouses To See
- Vermont vs. New Hampshire In The Fall
- Maine In October: Best Towns For Foliage & Things To Do!
- Where To Stay In New Hampshire In The Fall
That’s A Wrap On Deciding Between Portsmouth, NH And Portland, ME
And there you have it! Hopefully now you’re feeling more confident and can decide if Portsmouth, NH or Portland, ME is better for your stay in New England. I honestly love both, and it’s hard to go wrong with either, so it may come down to which location is more convenient for your plans, or if you would prefer a bigger city vibe versus a smaller, more quaint atmosphere. Happy planning!
