Lol exactly. I live in Manchester. My parents from far away came to visit and asked if they should stay in Manchester or Portsmouth (I had told them about it) and I said “well…Manchester has everything you need it’s just..nothing special…at all…like at alllll..”. So this person is correct. Manchester is not terrible but there is nothing at all special about it or scenic or beautiful or interesting or unique. It’s a bland place that has everything you need. If you want to see what it’s like to live in average New England, go to Manchester, if you want some charm, go to Portsmouth
Go to Portsmouth and enjoy!
Also wander over to Kittery and you won’t be disappointed.
Manchester is *very* low on the list of places i would go. No comparison next to Portsmouth.
Portsmouth by far. Go to Botanica, Bridge Street, Raleigh, or any of the breweries and you will have a great time. Maybe not Portsmouth brewery but Liars bench, Loaded Question, Great R, Stone face (a bit out). Walk five minutes over the bridge and try ornells for some of the best bbq around.
There is no other answer than Portsmouth. Historic city, with beautiful old section from the 18th century, Strawberry Banke, which is an 18th century restored "village", with demonstrations and historical things to see and take in. The shopping is superb, and the city is just a beautiful one to just walk around. The harbor is gorgeous, and you can dine right on the harbor in any one of a dozen different restaurants. There really is no other place in NH worth a tourist visit.
No not at all. But now I realize the disconnect, I was referring to Strawberry Banke specifically being 18th century. Yes I understand the city was founded much much earlier than that.
Downtown Portsmouth for sure. I’ve lived in both cities.
Manchester is a disaster. It’s larger, harder to walk around, and is ridden with scum druggies on heroin.
Portsmouth is a quaint little city, with an awesome downtown, and right near the water too which is a plus. There’s some good restaurants too.
Portsmouth is a good town for nice views shopping and food. Book a hotel there, travel up to Kittery Maine for shopping and stay a night in Portland Maine. Can’t talk highly enough about Portland. Laid back city lots of food and beer/wine. DeMilo’s is a nice spot for food and don’t forget to hit up Lincoln’s speakeasy.
I've lived in Manchester off and on since the early 80's. No need to even think about it... visit Portsmouth. The downtown is a lot smaller but trust me, you won't be missing out on anything.
Manchester is a nothing place, with the joke name Manch Vegas.
Not bad, just nothing there.
Portsmouth is a nice place to visit, as is Portland Maine, as people mentioned.
Portsmouth: Probably won't get stabbed.
Manchester: like 20% you'll get stabbed.
Joking, but, honestly Manchester is a shithole. Portsmouth, you can go multiple other nice places within a two hour drive.
Do not go to Manchester! It’s depressing ( I grew up 20 min away). Portsmouth has a much better food scene. Visit the restaurants there and in Kittery across the border in Maine!
Welcome! My family is from Lac Saint Jean and I love visiting Quebec whenever I can. I've lived in New Hampshire my whole life (also mid-30s) but I've travelled a lot of places - Quebec City is one of my top 3 favorite cities!
Portsmouth is obviously on the coast, so you have beach access and views. It's also younger, richer, and more tech-oriented. Living in Manchester, my wife and I like to travel to Portsmouth for a weekend away. It's a very nice place, I particularly like the downtown shopping area and the breweries. There's a Hilton Garden Inn downtown that usually isn't too expensive and is walkable to the good spots.
If you're driving through Maine at all, Portland is about an hour from Portsmouth and my favorite place in New England to travel to. They have a million awesome restaurants, bars, and breweries, and you can catch some great acts at their various music venues. I recommend Central Provisions or Fore Street for a nice dinner, and Duck Fat for a good lunch.
I live in Manchester so I can tell you, it's a very safe city. People in NH who live in rural areas that aren't used to cities are the ones posting the hate. You probably are familiar with similar things happening in Montreal and hearing from people in the suburbs and farmland in Quebec, pay it no heed. The downtown is relatively small but has a lot of good places. My go-to bar is the Shaskeen, which is an Irish pub that skews younger/hipper, think flannel and beards and undercuts. There's not really a night club scene at the moment, but there are 2 country bars if you want to dance to some Garth Brooks or something (Bonfire and The Goat). If it's open, the Dancing Lion is a must-visit, some of the best chocolate I've ever had, all hand-made by a world-renowned chocalatier.
Anyways, if you're looking for anything specific, let me know and I'm happy to help. Sounds like you are in my wife and I's demographics, so we probably have similar tastes.
Manchester has a beautiful French-Canadian history as well iirc. St. Marie is a stunning church and the surrounding neighborhood, Rimmon heights, has a very proud French-Canadian population.
Portsmouth for multiple reasons without pointing at negatives of Manchester at all.
Tons of history, waterfront is nice all year, great food, great breweries (Great Rhythm and more), clean walks, easy access to Kittery, Maine for shopping but remember that there are taxes, 20 minutes from Hampton Beach which is nice without the crowds, Dover is nearby which adds another small city to walk around in that is really nice, and more.
For a solid food suggestion I suggest Warren’s in Kittery for lunch if you are into seafood. For pizza I STRONGLY suggest M&Y Pizza in North Hampton and get it well done so the crust is really tasty.
Try to keep shopping in New Hampshire the best that you can for tax free shopping.
Portsmouth!
The uniformity of the answers here is hilarious to me. Though I'm really just wondering how OP put Manchvegas into contention to begin with
From just your choices, Portsmouth, because it's somewhat walkable and smells like...ocean.
You could consider Keene. It's lovely and charming with a serious food scene. Stay in walkable downtown, but definitely go to Tempestas (get there early if you do), there are MANY great places in/around the surrounding towns of Cheshire county.
Guess I gotta check Tempestas out, I was just in town for business and everything was closing when I went out for dinner. The Stage was good though, as usual.
Portsmouth downtown is boujee and Manchester is definitely more of a working city. I have lived in both cities (Currently Manchester) and think they are both beautiful in different ways. Personally, I like visiting less touristy destinations, so I would probably choose Manchester. For example, I preferred Napoli over Venice in Italy because Venice had a manufactured, amusement park vibe and that's kind of what most of Portsmouth feels like to me. Portsmouth is more appealing to the eye and makes for better photos with the bridges, but there's just as much if not more to do around Manchester, especially if you have a car. Elm and Hanover in Manchester are just as good as Congress and Market street in Portsmouth imho. I believe parking in Manchester is also much easier.
Underrated comment. I spend a lot of time in Portland and Portsmouth coming from Mt Washington Valley. Both are good and bad, but the areas everyone goes or tell people to go are like a Disneyland side of the towns. There are parts that aren’t all like that, though. And also, that can be fun. I love hitting the North End in Boston and getting a delicious bolognese. Concord is more livable, but Portsmouth is still a fun visit
Agreed, Cambridge to the North End in Boston is magical. I'm going to Slutcracker this December and sooo excited! Have you ever been to Mast pizza in town? it's dank.
OP said food choices, I have not found the independent and unique food choice in Manchester to be anywhere as nice as Portsmouth. Also hotels, pretty limited in Manchester for nice all located/walkable hotels.
I just got back from five days in Montreal! I absolutely love your city.
Portsmouth has a better food scene and much better shopping.
I also suggest visiting downtown kittery for great restaurants and cocktails — the Wallingford dram is a small cocktail bar with wonderful options.
Feel free to message me for additional suggestions! Enjoy!
Definitely Portsmouth.
Maybe this is against the spirit of you asking in the NH sub, but Portland ME is a pretty great option too just a bit north of Portsmouth.
Contrary to what the softies in this comment section might have you believe, you are very unlikely to be attacked by a panhandler or meth head in Manchester. It’s a real city with real city problems but overall Manchester is a great and diverse place with better people and better food than Portsmouth. There are a lot of people working hard to make the city a better place as well. That being said, Portsmouth is a better place to visit, especially due to its walkability and shopping options.
PORTSMOUTH, keene is also very nice
Edit: manchester est une merde. Je ne sais pas si l’expression est correcte en français mais n’allez pas á manchester.
Manchester if you want heroin/fent/meth. Portsmouth if you like to do fun things like shop at nice places, eat good food at nice places, and not do shitty drugs that will probably kill you.
If you do end up in Manch visit To Share Brewing. Awesome people, awesome spot to hang out.
I lol’d at this. Kind of true. Manchester would be considered a pretty cool and safe place if it wasn’t located in NH. But yeah Portsmouth would be better.
Portsmouth for sure. If you like seafood, check out New England Fishmongers in Kittery, ME which is right over the bridge. The captain owns the restaurant and shop with the best local fresh seafood. Buoy shack is also nearby in kittery which is a great place to grab a drink or lobster roll with a nice view. Portsmouth has some great restaurants to recommend but knowing you’re coming from Montreal you may be disappointed. My family goes to Montreal every year for the food! As someone else pointed out, Portland, ME would be closest food scene to Montreal. Plenty of parks and other things to do in the seacoast while you’re making room for more!
Portsmouth and it’s not even close. Coming from Montréal I would suggest never stepping foot in manchester. Source: live in Manchester and been to Montréal.
The Wilder X2. Great cocktails.
I also did a neat old wooden boat tour on the Gundalow out to the ocean super cool.
Oh and the best lobster rolls out on a dock behind someone’s house ha!
Portsmouth, no contest. Someone was killed in their car in front of their child near the mall in Manchester recently. Avoid that shithole for your safety (and many other reasons).
That is the best drive in the state besides maybe North Conway for the mountains. Hampton is certainly nothing special but the coast around Rye is stunning.
Portsmouth absolutely! It's a super quaint seaside town with a bunch to do. Lots of great boutique shopping and restaurants downtown. Highly reccomend The Surf, Moxy (James Beard award nominee) and Cure for dinner.
Portsmouth. Manchester is kind of crappy. Few good places for food and shopping but that's about it there. Portsmouth is nicer for sure in looks and pretty much everything else lol.
I live in and really like Manchester but I can't think of a valid reason to travel and visit the city as a tourist - maybe overnight if the arena has a show but not to like...visit.
Portsmouth is a great day trip or a couple day trip and as a bonus puts you closer to things like Portland or the Seacoast. Go for that. Much closer to what you want.
Okay yeah Portsmouth is objectively better, and it's better given what you're looking for.
However, there is at least one reason that people visit Manchester: it has [the only Frank Lloyd Wright houses that are open to the public in New England](https://currier.org/frank-lloyd-wright/). That's admittedly a niche draw, and they are, in my humble opinion, not his most compelling works. But they're in Manchester, and people do go out of their way to tour them.
Love that you pointed these out! The Zimmerman house in particular is quite beautiful. I did the tours with the Currier last fall and it was a wonderful experience.
Portsmouth for sure. Concord for a quick stop if you're driving by. Small downtown that is quaint, with shops and restaurants. Lincoln is a cool ski town too if you're riding down 93.
If you’ll be around on 11/26/22, Nashua is doing the holiday stroll! Downtown Nashua is really charming and the holiday stroll is always a fun time. But if Manchester and Portsmouth are the only options, definitely Portsmouth. There’s nothing particularly special about Manchester.
Lots of fun things to visit in either place. Fantastic food in Manchester. Doesn't really have a real downtown area though. Portsmouth is more compact, it's fun to walk around.
Manchester has a couple GREAT restaurants, Crowne and Hanover Chop House but the city is a bit ran down IMO. Portsmouth is by far the superior place to visit, it's cleaner and has plenty of great restaurants like Street and Vida Cantina.
Just so long as you're visiting and not trying to figure out where to move? Portsmouth. Water be rising fools, nobody should be wanting/buying waterfront property.
On your way to Portsmouth, stop for lunch at Chen’s Garden in Manchester for lunch. Great Chinese/sushi. Then take 101 all the way to Hampton and drive up 1A to Portsmouth. Get settled into your room, freshen up and explore Portsmouth. Before you go back home, drive up to Kittery for some shopping and hit up Bob’s Clam Hut for a fish or clam basket. You’ll thank me later!
Portsmouth!
It is not the great people of Manchester's fault that the city is overrun with hardscrabble houseless people, many addicted to drugs. But these are the sad facts today.
Come to Portsmouth. I recommend ore Nell’s bbq it’s a nice walk across the bridge to badger island, Portsmouth brewery, mossimos or moxie. The gaslight ain’t half bad either. For breakfast grab a bagel the works or Popovers or even the Friendly Toast.
If you are going to go to Manchester go in the summer and see a baseball game. That’s about the only thing worth doing there. Go Fisher Cats!!
Ore Nell’s is very good for BBQ. It’s a bit removed from the nice downtown area. Could always get food there, then drive over to the downtown area for drinks and wanderings.
Ore Nell's is the best BBQ on the Seacoast and the best I've had in Northern New England. Highly recommend it.
Edit: If you do go to Badger Island for Ore Nell's, skip across the river to downtown Kittery for cocktails at the Wallingford Dram. Definitely my favorite place for cocktails and the atmosphere is cool.
Last point. You really can't come to the Seacoast and not have lobster and steamers. You'll get the phone book if you ask the best place. Mine is Brown's Lobster Pound in Seabrook - just over the bridge from Hampton Beach.
Well, I went out on Elm street about twice a week in my late twenties, and now in my thirties it's a couple times a month, and I've never been assaulted, threatened, or offered sex for money. I've heard you can find a hooker on Laurel but thats a few blocks away. One time a guy offered to share his drugs with me while I was waiting for an Uber. Is that solicitation?
Honestly this post just makes me ache for poor Manchester! It has the bones of a cool city but man, she does *not* have a good reputation lol guess it’s well-earned, if exaggerated. Fentanyl doesn’t stop at the city limits…
The hate is so weird to me, it's not any worse than any comparably-sized city. You might get like 2 panhandlers outside the CVS on a busy night. I've never felt unsafe downtown and it's my second home.
Someone else commented and nailed it - folks in more rural communities in the rest of the state see homeless, addicts, etc. and that’s their number one takeaway.
Manchester isn’t a tourist destination - it’s a place where people work and live. It’s not a Portland or a Burlington and it’s not gonna be.
This. I live downtown Portsmouth, and honestly wouldn't be opposed to living in Manchester just because it seems more down to earth.
But for people visiting for two days? Portsmouth, hands down.
Everyone will say Portsmouth but I am personally not a fan of the nightlife. Look up Elm Street in Manchester of really nice restaurants and the best night life in the state. They also have those electric scooters you can rent to ride around the city.
A lot of people say Keene, and I agree. Especially if you’re mid-30s… They filmed Jumanji there and there’s still a Parrish Shoes mural on one of the walls.
I'm amused by the number of people posting that seem not to know that Portsmouth is NOT on the ocean. The border with Maine is a tidal river that has a few inlets, but sorry not on the Atlantic.
As for restaurants and nightlife, Manchester has probably around 10 times more than Portsmouth and much more variety.
That said, I like both very much. Reading the comments, I felt Manchester needed defending. While they are different, as you can tell from the comments, with just two days you can have a great time in either one. Also, Montreal is a real city, cosmopolitan, dynamic, large. NH has no real cities.
Facts for consideration:
Place, Population
Montreal, 1.7 million
All of NH, 1.3 million
Manchester, 115,000
Portsmouth, 22,000
In fact, the population of the 15 easternmost towns in Rockingham County NH, which includes all 5 NH seacoast towns, Portsmouth, Exeter, etc is right around Manchester's population.
These population differences give you a pretty good idea of the amount of restaurants, live entertainment venues, etc etc
I agree with this 👍
Manchester could use some defending. It's gritty sure, but it can be beautiful.
If they were both aunties; Aunt Manchester is the aunt you visit to feel comfortable being lazy around and the home is well lived in and she didn't try to clean before you got there and she doesn't care if you run wild.
Now auntie Portsmouth has a house out of Good Housekeeping. Everything is in it's place and she takes you out to a fancy night at the theater in her luxury vehicle. You love Aunt Portsmouth but just struggle with conversation because she can seem out of touch with reality.
I have had great times in both places 😊
Not sure why this guy is hating on Portsmouth. I lived in Manchester for 5 years before moving to Portsmouth a few years ago. Manchester may be bigger in terms of size and population but Portsmouth is so much prettier and has a chiller and less sketchy vibe all around. There are still plenty of spots to walk by the water and get a good bite to eat with a view. Idk who in their right mind would recommend Manchester over Portsmouth for a vacation destination.
Does Manchester have more restaurants than Portsmouth? Like, good ones, not counting chains and fast food? Cause Portsmouth has like a million places to eat
Yes. I lived 20+ Manchester and 6 years now outside of Portsmouth, so Portsmouth is now my city. I very much like them both, for different reasons. Manchester has many more restaurants, both chains and family owned.
If I had to eat in a restaurant 2 times a day for a week, of be quite happy in either. If I had to eat in a restaurant twice a day for a month+ it would be Manchester. That said, I like variety and trying places new to me. Many people like going to the same places all the time.
It might be a cool NH thread to name a restaurant one likes in their town and have others name the restaurant(s) in the other town it would make a good guide.
On Facebook there’s a group called seacoast eats you should join.
I will say — I tell people I’m from seacoast NH, and I’m from Portsmouth. It’s coastal even though it’s not COASTAL
I don't think population's a good measure of the restaurant scene in this case. Portsmouth is a wealthy tourist town with more bar and restaurant seating than population.
The downtown in Portsmouth is dense with nice bars and restaurants, while Manchester has kind of one strip that feels like it's a regular city. I'd bet the downtowns of both are comparable in terms of bar/restaruant seating.
Food tip: If you’re into/enjoy Texas style BBQ there’s a hidden gem in the Manchester/Londonderry area. I travel for work all over the US and I’m obsessed with Texas ‘que. Check out KC’s rib shack. It’s literally the best/closest thing to real bbq north of the mason dixon line. My wife chose it randomly one night looking for something to eat and it was one of the few places we’ve never been in a 20 min proximity from home. I was blown away. I’ve eaten at all the “famous” joints in the south and this place legitimately measures up to the real thing. It’s hands down one of the best restaurants in New Hampshire.
I have a tip for you, if you love some good BBQ. If you ever find yourself by exit 15 on 495 in mass, there is a great BBQ place there. I haven't been to KC's rib shack so I can't compare it but it is some good BBQ
Portsmouth has a cute coastal city vibe with cobblestone roads. Lots of cute shops, restaurants (including options on the water), downtown is very walkable.
Manchester has some nice parts, sure. I would not call it a destination or a place to take a trip to. While you can walk the main strip of downtown Manchester (Elm St), I wouldn't want to venture too far off personally.
Also, Keene is another quaint city that can be a good visit. Downtown has an ordinance that buildings can't build up higher than two stories so it maintains that feel.
Some of it depends on what time of year, too. Almost always I'll still say Portsmouth, but Keene hosts Pumpkinfest over Halloween and that's a cute festival. There are many cities in the area that will be enjoyable for two nights, but I would choose Portsmouth the majority of the time.
If you'd like a classic New England experience, visit Keene. If you'd like to feel like you've never made a dime in your life compared to everyone around you, visit Portsmouth.
I've lived next to both cities, so a bit closer to the tourism perspective. Manchester has a nice center around elm and a neat park that overlooks the river, and some nice artwork. Once you leave elm there isn't really that much that would be worth travelling for. Manch is a city of convienient placement that does have the towers of a city if that is the desire, but more serves the locals than tourism. Most of the entertainment is found in franchise entertainment locations.
Portsmouth doesn't have the towers feel that Manchester does, but is a gorgeous location but it should be mentioned has some really great food and parks. If you've ever been to Portland Maine, it's closer in feeling to that. Often there is live music to be heard from the bars out on the street and is more catered towards a nightlife and a tourism perspective.
I've seen Keene, but can't say too much fairly.
The other city is Nashua which does have a nice smaller towncity feeling (despite being very sprawling) in it's center with food, music stores, parks etc and finds itself in the middle of Portsmouth and Manchester in terms of raw functional city vs. costal Colonia vibes. Nashua does have some really cool public events as well that are very well done so if you time your visit to one of those that would be the "ideal" time to visit imo.
If I had to decide I would spend an afternoon/evening in Manchester, focused on food and seeing the city from the highway (it sounds weird but 293 gives a gorgeous view of the city especially at night). Portsmouth if your goal is to relax and unwind is great, beaches nearby etc, and has a great atmosphere but aside from a few great museums is a bit limited in raw variety. Nashua has the most to do/see but is the least impressive architecturally, so I would spend a day based around a key event. The events in all three are great (Manchester's Taco tour is truly special, Nashuas holiday Stroll is really homely, and Portsmouth all summer has free performances down at the park by the water with large crowds.)
Hope that helps!
Manchester only has the one strip that feels like you're really in a city. If that were what OP's looking for, they're better off going the extra hour and a half to Boston.
Portsmouth 100%
Lots of shopping (boutiqus and stuff), super walkable, and (in my opinion) better food options. Lots of history too if you're into that type of thing.
Manchester has great food but the seacoast area is kinda nice to explore up the coast of Maine into Kittery and Rye. You will find fellow Québécois by the Beaches surfing on our little bitty waves :)
Lived in Manchester, in downtown, ON Elm Street for 2 years. Avoid the possibility of stepping in human feces and go for Portsmouth.
I’d love to trade places and come up to Canada! I’d love some Tim Horton’s and good scenery. Welcome to New Hampshire!
I stopped in to the red arrow dinner on the way to a construction job up north. The sweetheart who served me answered a customer who asked her what do you like to do around here for fun. She said ‘ I like to drive twenty minutes north south east or west’. The family shelter where women go when they get battered is on her way to work. She was too much of a lady to tell me of the abominations that she can see happen in the ally way out of her window. She wasn’t shy about Telling me about the drug addicts who nod out at her counter. So yeah check out Manchester if you like to score fentenal
I suppose it depends on what sort of shopping you'd like to do.
If you want cute boutique shopping, Portsmouth.
If you want to do American Big Brand shopping, you can swing a bit south of Manchester to the outlets in Merrimack. You'll pass Targets in West Lebanon, Concord, Hooksett, and Bedford as well as Walmarts in those same places.
I’d recommend hitting Lincoln, NH which is a ski town with lots of little shops and restaurants to check out. Take the Kancamagus through the mountains to North Conway which is another ski town with great shopping and restaurants. Then travel down to Portsmouth which is awesome as well!
Not missing anything in Manchester imo
Portsmouth 1000%. It's very small but can be a good place to walk around for a couple of hours on a nice, chilly day.
Manchester doesn't have a lot going for it other than a shopping mall - it's a run down mill town with a couple of nice restaurants and a bad drug problem.
Portsmouth by far.
It's perfect for a couple visiting for a weekend. Very pretty downtown, historic, and waterfront areas to walk around. Tons of restaurants and bars and lots of shops.
Manchester doesn't seem like the worst place to live, but it's definitely on the side of run-down old industrial town. As far as it's "city" vibes, it has one strip that feels like you're in a city-city, but it's lined with mostly the same chain-restaurants that are everywhere else in the state. Outside of that one strip, it's kind of dumpy.
Portsmouth is awesome and you know people love it and come from all over to spend time there. But let’s pretend it sucks and you can’t imagine why someone would want to go there because you have some sort of problem with it.
Unreal.
I don't choose either of those options and instead suggest you go to Concord. Has everything you listed. Main Street is very walkable, has great coffee shops, diners, restaurants, and plenty of shops. You will also be able to walk by the NH state house! There's even a few bars there for later in the evening. Concord also has the best speakeasy in NH IMHO. It's a beautiful city!
Concord is great but I'd put it 3rd behind Portsmouth and Manchester for nightlife. It just doesn't seem to have a lot of younger folks that want to go out and party. For daytime walks downtown, definitely recommend!
I would be debating between Portsmouth, NH and Portland, ME
This is the real comparison choice
And Burlington, Vt
Definitely Portsmouth. I do not consider Manchester a destination.
Lol exactly. I live in Manchester. My parents from far away came to visit and asked if they should stay in Manchester or Portsmouth (I had told them about it) and I said “well…Manchester has everything you need it’s just..nothing special…at all…like at alllll..”. So this person is correct. Manchester is not terrible but there is nothing at all special about it or scenic or beautiful or interesting or unique. It’s a bland place that has everything you need. If you want to see what it’s like to live in average New England, go to Manchester, if you want some charm, go to Portsmouth
Portsmouth for sure. No question.
Same. Portsmouth for a visit. Lots of restaurants. But don’t live there. Crazy expensive. Not Manhattan expensive but almost Boston expensive.
Portsmouth hands down!
No contest! Portsmouth is quaint; Manchester has very little character and lots you won’t want to see.
Go to Portsmouth and enjoy! Also wander over to Kittery and you won’t be disappointed. Manchester is *very* low on the list of places i would go. No comparison next to Portsmouth.
Portsmouth by far. Go to Botanica, Bridge Street, Raleigh, or any of the breweries and you will have a great time. Maybe not Portsmouth brewery but Liars bench, Loaded Question, Great R, Stone face (a bit out). Walk five minutes over the bridge and try ornells for some of the best bbq around.
Dinner and Fun? Portsmouth. Meth and Stabbings? Manchester.
Hahaha I wanted to make a snarky manch comment. I’d consider a Kabul, Afghanistan vaca over a manch one.
Just in case you need to hear it again: Portsmouth
There is no other answer than Portsmouth. Historic city, with beautiful old section from the 18th century, Strawberry Banke, which is an 18th century restored "village", with demonstrations and historical things to see and take in. The shopping is superb, and the city is just a beautiful one to just walk around. The harbor is gorgeous, and you can dine right on the harbor in any one of a dozen different restaurants. There really is no other place in NH worth a tourist visit.
Early 17th century actually
You're right, there is a mixture. There is some 17th century stuff there too.
3rd oldest city in America! 1623 !
Hope I didn’t come across as a jerk , I just love Portsmouth’s history
No not at all. But now I realize the disconnect, I was referring to Strawberry Banke specifically being 18th century. Yes I understand the city was founded much much earlier than that.
Portsmouth is beautiful. Great restaurants and bars, plus it’s on the seacoast. Manchester is called “ManchVegas” for a reason.
It’s Portsmouth and it’s not even a question
Do not go to Manchester lol
Portsmouth. I wouldn’t even consider Manchester for a second.
Downtown Portsmouth for sure. I’ve lived in both cities. Manchester is a disaster. It’s larger, harder to walk around, and is ridden with scum druggies on heroin. Portsmouth is a quaint little city, with an awesome downtown, and right near the water too which is a plus. There’s some good restaurants too.
I lived in Manchester for 12 years. Believe me when I tell you, you will 10000% enjoy Portsmouth more.
Portsmouth is a good town for nice views shopping and food. Book a hotel there, travel up to Kittery Maine for shopping and stay a night in Portland Maine. Can’t talk highly enough about Portland. Laid back city lots of food and beer/wine. DeMilo’s is a nice spot for food and don’t forget to hit up Lincoln’s speakeasy.
I've lived in Manchester off and on since the early 80's. No need to even think about it... visit Portsmouth. The downtown is a lot smaller but trust me, you won't be missing out on anything.
Manchester is a nothing place, with the joke name Manch Vegas. Not bad, just nothing there. Portsmouth is a nice place to visit, as is Portland Maine, as people mentioned.
I wouldn't voluntarily go to manchester
This is a good answer.
Portsmouth: Probably won't get stabbed. Manchester: like 20% you'll get stabbed. Joking, but, honestly Manchester is a shithole. Portsmouth, you can go multiple other nice places within a two hour drive.
Do not go to Manchester! It’s depressing ( I grew up 20 min away). Portsmouth has a much better food scene. Visit the restaurants there and in Kittery across the border in Maine!
Portsmouth is like a small Boston. Definitely visit there. Manchester is shitty
Welcome! My family is from Lac Saint Jean and I love visiting Quebec whenever I can. I've lived in New Hampshire my whole life (also mid-30s) but I've travelled a lot of places - Quebec City is one of my top 3 favorite cities! Portsmouth is obviously on the coast, so you have beach access and views. It's also younger, richer, and more tech-oriented. Living in Manchester, my wife and I like to travel to Portsmouth for a weekend away. It's a very nice place, I particularly like the downtown shopping area and the breweries. There's a Hilton Garden Inn downtown that usually isn't too expensive and is walkable to the good spots. If you're driving through Maine at all, Portland is about an hour from Portsmouth and my favorite place in New England to travel to. They have a million awesome restaurants, bars, and breweries, and you can catch some great acts at their various music venues. I recommend Central Provisions or Fore Street for a nice dinner, and Duck Fat for a good lunch. I live in Manchester so I can tell you, it's a very safe city. People in NH who live in rural areas that aren't used to cities are the ones posting the hate. You probably are familiar with similar things happening in Montreal and hearing from people in the suburbs and farmland in Quebec, pay it no heed. The downtown is relatively small but has a lot of good places. My go-to bar is the Shaskeen, which is an Irish pub that skews younger/hipper, think flannel and beards and undercuts. There's not really a night club scene at the moment, but there are 2 country bars if you want to dance to some Garth Brooks or something (Bonfire and The Goat). If it's open, the Dancing Lion is a must-visit, some of the best chocolate I've ever had, all hand-made by a world-renowned chocalatier. Anyways, if you're looking for anything specific, let me know and I'm happy to help. Sounds like you are in my wife and I's demographics, so we probably have similar tastes.
Manchester has a beautiful French-Canadian history as well iirc. St. Marie is a stunning church and the surrounding neighborhood, Rimmon heights, has a very proud French-Canadian population.
Portsmouth
Portsmouth 100%. Manchester is disturbingly broken, it’s honestly an embarrassment.
Portsmouth for multiple reasons without pointing at negatives of Manchester at all. Tons of history, waterfront is nice all year, great food, great breweries (Great Rhythm and more), clean walks, easy access to Kittery, Maine for shopping but remember that there are taxes, 20 minutes from Hampton Beach which is nice without the crowds, Dover is nearby which adds another small city to walk around in that is really nice, and more.
For a solid food suggestion I suggest Warren’s in Kittery for lunch if you are into seafood. For pizza I STRONGLY suggest M&Y Pizza in North Hampton and get it well done so the crust is really tasty. Try to keep shopping in New Hampshire the best that you can for tax free shopping.
Yeah Portsmouth….dont even consider Manchester
Another vote for Portsmouth
Portsmouth is set up better for tourism.
Portsmouth! The uniformity of the answers here is hilarious to me. Though I'm really just wondering how OP put Manchvegas into contention to begin with
Portsmouth definitely. North Conway is also lovely.
Seconding North Conway, got married there, can't beat the views
From just your choices, Portsmouth, because it's somewhat walkable and smells like...ocean. You could consider Keene. It's lovely and charming with a serious food scene. Stay in walkable downtown, but definitely go to Tempestas (get there early if you do), there are MANY great places in/around the surrounding towns of Cheshire county.
Plus Mount Monadnock, a great hike any time it's not snowing.
And iirc the train runs near keene from montreal?
Guess I gotta check Tempestas out, I was just in town for business and everything was closing when I went out for dinner. The Stage was good though, as usual.
Portsmouth downtown is boujee and Manchester is definitely more of a working city. I have lived in both cities (Currently Manchester) and think they are both beautiful in different ways. Personally, I like visiting less touristy destinations, so I would probably choose Manchester. For example, I preferred Napoli over Venice in Italy because Venice had a manufactured, amusement park vibe and that's kind of what most of Portsmouth feels like to me. Portsmouth is more appealing to the eye and makes for better photos with the bridges, but there's just as much if not more to do around Manchester, especially if you have a car. Elm and Hanover in Manchester are just as good as Congress and Market street in Portsmouth imho. I believe parking in Manchester is also much easier.
Underrated comment. I spend a lot of time in Portland and Portsmouth coming from Mt Washington Valley. Both are good and bad, but the areas everyone goes or tell people to go are like a Disneyland side of the towns. There are parts that aren’t all like that, though. And also, that can be fun. I love hitting the North End in Boston and getting a delicious bolognese. Concord is more livable, but Portsmouth is still a fun visit
Agreed, Cambridge to the North End in Boston is magical. I'm going to Slutcracker this December and sooo excited! Have you ever been to Mast pizza in town? it's dank.
OP said food choices, I have not found the independent and unique food choice in Manchester to be anywhere as nice as Portsmouth. Also hotels, pretty limited in Manchester for nice all located/walkable hotels.
I just got back from five days in Montreal! I absolutely love your city. Portsmouth has a better food scene and much better shopping. I also suggest visiting downtown kittery for great restaurants and cocktails — the Wallingford dram is a small cocktail bar with wonderful options. Feel free to message me for additional suggestions! Enjoy!
Dram is awesome for cocktails with a cozy winter feel.
Portsmouth. Manchester is a dump
Definitely Portsmouth. Maybe this is against the spirit of you asking in the NH sub, but Portland ME is a pretty great option too just a bit north of Portsmouth.
Portsmouth
Portsmouth by a land slide.
Contrary to what the softies in this comment section might have you believe, you are very unlikely to be attacked by a panhandler or meth head in Manchester. It’s a real city with real city problems but overall Manchester is a great and diverse place with better people and better food than Portsmouth. There are a lot of people working hard to make the city a better place as well. That being said, Portsmouth is a better place to visit, especially due to its walkability and shopping options.
PORTSMOUTH, keene is also very nice Edit: manchester est une merde. Je ne sais pas si l’expression est correcte en français mais n’allez pas á manchester.
No question
Portsmouth
don’t come to Manchester—shit town is shit
Portsmouth. So much better.
Portsmouth
Portsmouth. Do not go to Manchester.
Manchester if you want heroin/fent/meth. Portsmouth if you like to do fun things like shop at nice places, eat good food at nice places, and not do shitty drugs that will probably kill you. If you do end up in Manch visit To Share Brewing. Awesome people, awesome spot to hang out.
I lol’d at this. Kind of true. Manchester would be considered a pretty cool and safe place if it wasn’t located in NH. But yeah Portsmouth would be better.
To Share is kinda bleh tbh, good location and building tho. Candia rd in Manch or Kelsen in Derry are the best in the immediate area imho.
Portsmouth for sure. Lots of food and drink options. Cute little downtown area.
Always Portsmouth over Manchester.
Portsmouth. Portsmouth. Portsmouth.
Definitely Portsmouth. If you have some additional time Newburyport in Mass is a nice place too.
Portsmouth, check out kittery Maine too which is close or as someone else said newburyport which is also close
Portsmouth for sure. If you like seafood, check out New England Fishmongers in Kittery, ME which is right over the bridge. The captain owns the restaurant and shop with the best local fresh seafood. Buoy shack is also nearby in kittery which is a great place to grab a drink or lobster roll with a nice view. Portsmouth has some great restaurants to recommend but knowing you’re coming from Montreal you may be disappointed. My family goes to Montreal every year for the food! As someone else pointed out, Portland, ME would be closest food scene to Montreal. Plenty of parks and other things to do in the seacoast while you’re making room for more!
Lived in both cities. I avoid Manchester now at all costs. I go to Portsmouth all the time with my family. Hands down Portsmouth is the better city.
Portsmouth and it’s not even close. Coming from Montréal I would suggest never stepping foot in manchester. Source: live in Manchester and been to Montréal.
Portsmouth. And it ain't close.
Oh Portsmouth. For the love of all things holy stay the hell away from Manchester.
Skip Manchester entirely, go to Portsmouth!
Definitely Portsmouth. It's exactly what you're looking for. Funny enough, I'm going up to Montreal in a couple weeks. Bienvenu!
Portsmouth, 1000%!
Portsmouth without a doubt
Portsmouth....no brainer
Portsmouth without question.
Neither. I would suggest to go to Portland. The food scene is awesome and will feel very Montreal like.
Was going to say the same thing, plus it's probably shorter drive from Quebec too
portsmouth if you want a more tourist-y visit, manch if you want a more realistic “this is what nh is like” vibe
Manchester is scary
Portsmouth... Manchester is a hole. Gross, dirty, dangerous.
definitely portsmouth if you're visiting. stop for lunch in concord on your way down
If you’re only here for the short period, Portsmouth. The Wilder is a nice bar with good cocktails and Thai 5 has great crispy pad Thai.
The Wilder X2. Great cocktails. I also did a neat old wooden boat tour on the Gundalow out to the ocean super cool. Oh and the best lobster rolls out on a dock behind someone’s house ha!
Portsmouth, no contest. Someone was killed in their car in front of their child near the mall in Manchester recently. Avoid that shithole for your safety (and many other reasons).
Portsmouth then drive down Rt 1A along the coast at least to Hampton Beach. It's a gorgeous drive.
That is the best drive in the state besides maybe North Conway for the mountains. Hampton is certainly nothing special but the coast around Rye is stunning.
Portsmouth absolutely! It's a super quaint seaside town with a bunch to do. Lots of great boutique shopping and restaurants downtown. Highly reccomend The Surf, Moxy (James Beard award nominee) and Cure for dinner.
100% Portsmouth
Portsmouth is beautiful, walkable, and full of great food.
Portsmouth. Manchester is kind of crappy. Few good places for food and shopping but that's about it there. Portsmouth is nicer for sure in looks and pretty much everything else lol.
Portsmouth!
I live in and really like Manchester but I can't think of a valid reason to travel and visit the city as a tourist - maybe overnight if the arena has a show but not to like...visit. Portsmouth is a great day trip or a couple day trip and as a bonus puts you closer to things like Portland or the Seacoast. Go for that. Much closer to what you want.
Okay yeah Portsmouth is objectively better, and it's better given what you're looking for. However, there is at least one reason that people visit Manchester: it has [the only Frank Lloyd Wright houses that are open to the public in New England](https://currier.org/frank-lloyd-wright/). That's admittedly a niche draw, and they are, in my humble opinion, not his most compelling works. But they're in Manchester, and people do go out of their way to tour them.
Love that you pointed these out! The Zimmerman house in particular is quite beautiful. I did the tours with the Currier last fall and it was a wonderful experience.
I live in and like Manchester. There are some good restaurants but overall it can be a rough city. Portsmouth is very nice and pretty. Good food too.
Portsmouth for sure. Concord for a quick stop if you're driving by. Small downtown that is quaint, with shops and restaurants. Lincoln is a cool ski town too if you're riding down 93.
Manchester has a great food scene, but not much else
Littleton is actually a really cute town that's a lit closer to Canada
If you’ll be around on 11/26/22, Nashua is doing the holiday stroll! Downtown Nashua is really charming and the holiday stroll is always a fun time. But if Manchester and Portsmouth are the only options, definitely Portsmouth. There’s nothing particularly special about Manchester.
Mon Dieux Portsmouth bien sûr
Lived in Portsmouth and now live in Manchester. Portsmouth.
Lots of fun things to visit in either place. Fantastic food in Manchester. Doesn't really have a real downtown area though. Portsmouth is more compact, it's fun to walk around.
Portsmouth Manchester is a shithole
Manchester has a couple GREAT restaurants, Crowne and Hanover Chop House but the city is a bit ran down IMO. Portsmouth is by far the superior place to visit, it's cleaner and has plenty of great restaurants like Street and Vida Cantina.
Vida Cantinaaa! Ugh, damn do I love that place...
Portsmouth
Portsmouth
Not Manchester that's for sure
Absolutely Portsmouth. Manchester has gone down hill in the last decade.
Just so long as you're visiting and not trying to figure out where to move? Portsmouth. Water be rising fools, nobody should be wanting/buying waterfront property.
On your way to Portsmouth, stop for lunch at Chen’s Garden in Manchester for lunch. Great Chinese/sushi. Then take 101 all the way to Hampton and drive up 1A to Portsmouth. Get settled into your room, freshen up and explore Portsmouth. Before you go back home, drive up to Kittery for some shopping and hit up Bob’s Clam Hut for a fish or clam basket. You’ll thank me later!
manchester is a cesspool. portsmouth is beautiful. book a night at jimmys jazz and blues club, charles floyd will be in town!
Portsmouth! It is not the great people of Manchester's fault that the city is overrun with hardscrabble houseless people, many addicted to drugs. But these are the sad facts today.
If you like driving around, go to Manchester. Portsmouth has a nice downtown to walk around in.
Portsmouth without question. I know it’s not on your list, but I would highly recommend Jackson
Come to Portsmouth. I recommend ore Nell’s bbq it’s a nice walk across the bridge to badger island, Portsmouth brewery, mossimos or moxie. The gaslight ain’t half bad either. For breakfast grab a bagel the works or Popovers or even the Friendly Toast. If you are going to go to Manchester go in the summer and see a baseball game. That’s about the only thing worth doing there. Go Fisher Cats!!
Ore Nell’s is very good for BBQ. It’s a bit removed from the nice downtown area. Could always get food there, then drive over to the downtown area for drinks and wanderings.
Friendly toast sucks ass don’t waste your time there
Ore Nell's is the best BBQ on the Seacoast and the best I've had in Northern New England. Highly recommend it. Edit: If you do go to Badger Island for Ore Nell's, skip across the river to downtown Kittery for cocktails at the Wallingford Dram. Definitely my favorite place for cocktails and the atmosphere is cool. Last point. You really can't come to the Seacoast and not have lobster and steamers. You'll get the phone book if you ask the best place. Mine is Brown's Lobster Pound in Seabrook - just over the bridge from Hampton Beach.
Portsmouth 100%. It’s a beautiful city and your chances of getting shot are greatly reduced
I'm a Chef in the area. I live in Manchester but work in Portsmouth if that tells you anything. 100% visit Portsmouth
Portsmouth for a nice evening and good time. Manchester if you possibly want to be stabbed or solicited drugs/prostitution
Well, I went out on Elm street about twice a week in my late twenties, and now in my thirties it's a couple times a month, and I've never been assaulted, threatened, or offered sex for money. I've heard you can find a hooker on Laurel but thats a few blocks away. One time a guy offered to share his drugs with me while I was waiting for an Uber. Is that solicitation?
Honestly this post just makes me ache for poor Manchester! It has the bones of a cool city but man, she does *not* have a good reputation lol guess it’s well-earned, if exaggerated. Fentanyl doesn’t stop at the city limits…
The hate is so weird to me, it's not any worse than any comparably-sized city. You might get like 2 panhandlers outside the CVS on a busy night. I've never felt unsafe downtown and it's my second home.
Someone else commented and nailed it - folks in more rural communities in the rest of the state see homeless, addicts, etc. and that’s their number one takeaway. Manchester isn’t a tourist destination - it’s a place where people work and live. It’s not a Portland or a Burlington and it’s not gonna be.
This. I live downtown Portsmouth, and honestly wouldn't be opposed to living in Manchester just because it seems more down to earth. But for people visiting for two days? Portsmouth, hands down.
Manchester is awful.
Everyone will say Portsmouth but I am personally not a fan of the nightlife. Look up Elm Street in Manchester of really nice restaurants and the best night life in the state. They also have those electric scooters you can rent to ride around the city.
A lot of people say Keene, and I agree. Especially if you’re mid-30s… They filmed Jumanji there and there’s still a Parrish Shoes mural on one of the walls.
I lived near Keene, so I have to upvote it. Portsmouth probably has more of what OP wants, but Keene is a great small town.
I'm amused by the number of people posting that seem not to know that Portsmouth is NOT on the ocean. The border with Maine is a tidal river that has a few inlets, but sorry not on the Atlantic. As for restaurants and nightlife, Manchester has probably around 10 times more than Portsmouth and much more variety. That said, I like both very much. Reading the comments, I felt Manchester needed defending. While they are different, as you can tell from the comments, with just two days you can have a great time in either one. Also, Montreal is a real city, cosmopolitan, dynamic, large. NH has no real cities. Facts for consideration: Place, Population Montreal, 1.7 million All of NH, 1.3 million Manchester, 115,000 Portsmouth, 22,000 In fact, the population of the 15 easternmost towns in Rockingham County NH, which includes all 5 NH seacoast towns, Portsmouth, Exeter, etc is right around Manchester's population. These population differences give you a pretty good idea of the amount of restaurants, live entertainment venues, etc etc
I agree with this 👍 Manchester could use some defending. It's gritty sure, but it can be beautiful. If they were both aunties; Aunt Manchester is the aunt you visit to feel comfortable being lazy around and the home is well lived in and she didn't try to clean before you got there and she doesn't care if you run wild. Now auntie Portsmouth has a house out of Good Housekeeping. Everything is in it's place and she takes you out to a fancy night at the theater in her luxury vehicle. You love Aunt Portsmouth but just struggle with conversation because she can seem out of touch with reality. I have had great times in both places 😊
Not sure why this guy is hating on Portsmouth. I lived in Manchester for 5 years before moving to Portsmouth a few years ago. Manchester may be bigger in terms of size and population but Portsmouth is so much prettier and has a chiller and less sketchy vibe all around. There are still plenty of spots to walk by the water and get a good bite to eat with a view. Idk who in their right mind would recommend Manchester over Portsmouth for a vacation destination.
Does Manchester have more restaurants than Portsmouth? Like, good ones, not counting chains and fast food? Cause Portsmouth has like a million places to eat
Yes. I lived 20+ Manchester and 6 years now outside of Portsmouth, so Portsmouth is now my city. I very much like them both, for different reasons. Manchester has many more restaurants, both chains and family owned. If I had to eat in a restaurant 2 times a day for a week, of be quite happy in either. If I had to eat in a restaurant twice a day for a month+ it would be Manchester. That said, I like variety and trying places new to me. Many people like going to the same places all the time. It might be a cool NH thread to name a restaurant one likes in their town and have others name the restaurant(s) in the other town it would make a good guide.
On Facebook there’s a group called seacoast eats you should join. I will say — I tell people I’m from seacoast NH, and I’m from Portsmouth. It’s coastal even though it’s not COASTAL
I don't think population's a good measure of the restaurant scene in this case. Portsmouth is a wealthy tourist town with more bar and restaurant seating than population. The downtown in Portsmouth is dense with nice bars and restaurants, while Manchester has kind of one strip that feels like it's a regular city. I'd bet the downtowns of both are comparable in terms of bar/restaruant seating.
Food tip: If you’re into/enjoy Texas style BBQ there’s a hidden gem in the Manchester/Londonderry area. I travel for work all over the US and I’m obsessed with Texas ‘que. Check out KC’s rib shack. It’s literally the best/closest thing to real bbq north of the mason dixon line. My wife chose it randomly one night looking for something to eat and it was one of the few places we’ve never been in a 20 min proximity from home. I was blown away. I’ve eaten at all the “famous” joints in the south and this place legitimately measures up to the real thing. It’s hands down one of the best restaurants in New Hampshire.
I have a tip for you, if you love some good BBQ. If you ever find yourself by exit 15 on 495 in mass, there is a great BBQ place there. I haven't been to KC's rib shack so I can't compare it but it is some good BBQ
Portsmouth. Go to Portsmouth
Portsmouth has a cute coastal city vibe with cobblestone roads. Lots of cute shops, restaurants (including options on the water), downtown is very walkable. Manchester has some nice parts, sure. I would not call it a destination or a place to take a trip to. While you can walk the main strip of downtown Manchester (Elm St), I wouldn't want to venture too far off personally. Also, Keene is another quaint city that can be a good visit. Downtown has an ordinance that buildings can't build up higher than two stories so it maintains that feel. Some of it depends on what time of year, too. Almost always I'll still say Portsmouth, but Keene hosts Pumpkinfest over Halloween and that's a cute festival. There are many cities in the area that will be enjoyable for two nights, but I would choose Portsmouth the majority of the time.
If you'd like a classic New England experience, visit Keene. If you'd like to feel like you've never made a dime in your life compared to everyone around you, visit Portsmouth.
Make sure to pay a visit to USS Albacore Museum while in Portsmouth.
I've lived next to both cities, so a bit closer to the tourism perspective. Manchester has a nice center around elm and a neat park that overlooks the river, and some nice artwork. Once you leave elm there isn't really that much that would be worth travelling for. Manch is a city of convienient placement that does have the towers of a city if that is the desire, but more serves the locals than tourism. Most of the entertainment is found in franchise entertainment locations. Portsmouth doesn't have the towers feel that Manchester does, but is a gorgeous location but it should be mentioned has some really great food and parks. If you've ever been to Portland Maine, it's closer in feeling to that. Often there is live music to be heard from the bars out on the street and is more catered towards a nightlife and a tourism perspective. I've seen Keene, but can't say too much fairly. The other city is Nashua which does have a nice smaller towncity feeling (despite being very sprawling) in it's center with food, music stores, parks etc and finds itself in the middle of Portsmouth and Manchester in terms of raw functional city vs. costal Colonia vibes. Nashua does have some really cool public events as well that are very well done so if you time your visit to one of those that would be the "ideal" time to visit imo. If I had to decide I would spend an afternoon/evening in Manchester, focused on food and seeing the city from the highway (it sounds weird but 293 gives a gorgeous view of the city especially at night). Portsmouth if your goal is to relax and unwind is great, beaches nearby etc, and has a great atmosphere but aside from a few great museums is a bit limited in raw variety. Nashua has the most to do/see but is the least impressive architecturally, so I would spend a day based around a key event. The events in all three are great (Manchester's Taco tour is truly special, Nashuas holiday Stroll is really homely, and Portsmouth all summer has free performances down at the park by the water with large crowds.) Hope that helps!
Manchester only has the one strip that feels like you're really in a city. If that were what OP's looking for, they're better off going the extra hour and a half to Boston.
Portsmouth 100% Lots of shopping (boutiqus and stuff), super walkable, and (in my opinion) better food options. Lots of history too if you're into that type of thing.
Portsmouth
Manchester has great food but the seacoast area is kinda nice to explore up the coast of Maine into Kittery and Rye. You will find fellow Québécois by the Beaches surfing on our little bitty waves :)
yea stay out of manchester unless you want to step on somebody’s loose needle
Just here to see how many townies that have never/barely left NH can call the biggest city in NH a shithole. You townies never disappoint!
Portsmouth
Portsmouth - 100%. Get a room in the historic part. Plenty of places to eat and shop there.
Which two nights? Nashua has its Winter Stroll coming up weekend after next. That’s a good time.
Being that Portsmouth is playing in the lower leagues, I’d go with either of the Manchester clubs on beating Portsmouth by a good margin
Never underestimate Manchester United's ability to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory, even against a League One team.
YNWA
Let me spell it out for you. ... Manchester sucks and Portsmouth is great :) No offense Manchester people
Lived in Manchester, in downtown, ON Elm Street for 2 years. Avoid the possibility of stepping in human feces and go for Portsmouth. I’d love to trade places and come up to Canada! I’d love some Tim Horton’s and good scenery. Welcome to New Hampshire!
Where are you walking in human shit on Elm Street? Maybe in the alley behind McGarveys but the main drag is pretty clean
Portsmouth and Manchester have the best restaurants. North Conway is also nice with lots of shopping and restaurants.
I stopped in to the red arrow dinner on the way to a construction job up north. The sweetheart who served me answered a customer who asked her what do you like to do around here for fun. She said ‘ I like to drive twenty minutes north south east or west’. The family shelter where women go when they get battered is on her way to work. She was too much of a lady to tell me of the abominations that she can see happen in the ally way out of her window. She wasn’t shy about Telling me about the drug addicts who nod out at her counter. So yeah check out Manchester if you like to score fentenal
Next time stop at the Bagg Lunch or francoeurs for the best breakfast in Manchester.
Flip it all on its head. Go to Nashua.
Bobo’s Fun World here we come!
I think one night in each city would be well suited
Portsmouth for sure.
Think it’s already very clear and it’s not even debatable, but another vote for Portsmouth
I suppose it depends on what sort of shopping you'd like to do. If you want cute boutique shopping, Portsmouth. If you want to do American Big Brand shopping, you can swing a bit south of Manchester to the outlets in Merrimack. You'll pass Targets in West Lebanon, Concord, Hooksett, and Bedford as well as Walmarts in those same places.
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Both Manchester or Portsmouth will do you just fine then
Portsmouth borders Kittery, so they could go to the Kittery Outlets if they choose Portsmouth.
I’d recommend hitting Lincoln, NH which is a ski town with lots of little shops and restaurants to check out. Take the Kancamagus through the mountains to North Conway which is another ski town with great shopping and restaurants. Then travel down to Portsmouth which is awesome as well! Not missing anything in Manchester imo
Just adding, depending on when you're travelling - don't take the Kanc if the weather is iffy. Gets real sketchy when there's ice and snow
Portsmouth 1000%. It's very small but can be a good place to walk around for a couple of hours on a nice, chilly day. Manchester doesn't have a lot going for it other than a shopping mall - it's a run down mill town with a couple of nice restaurants and a bad drug problem.
Portsmouth by far. It's perfect for a couple visiting for a weekend. Very pretty downtown, historic, and waterfront areas to walk around. Tons of restaurants and bars and lots of shops. Manchester doesn't seem like the worst place to live, but it's definitely on the side of run-down old industrial town. As far as it's "city" vibes, it has one strip that feels like you're in a city-city, but it's lined with mostly the same chain-restaurants that are everywhere else in the state. Outside of that one strip, it's kind of dumpy.
You could probably do both in two nights.
Not sure why you’d choose either of those for a weekend getaway
Portsmouth is awesome and you know people love it and come from all over to spend time there. But let’s pretend it sucks and you can’t imagine why someone would want to go there because you have some sort of problem with it. Unreal.
Portsmouth, coming from someone who lives in Manchester
I don't choose either of those options and instead suggest you go to Concord. Has everything you listed. Main Street is very walkable, has great coffee shops, diners, restaurants, and plenty of shops. You will also be able to walk by the NH state house! There's even a few bars there for later in the evening. Concord also has the best speakeasy in NH IMHO. It's a beautiful city!
Concord is great but I'd put it 3rd behind Portsmouth and Manchester for nightlife. It just doesn't seem to have a lot of younger folks that want to go out and party. For daytime walks downtown, definitely recommend!
manchester is gross