Things to do in Portsmouth

Find and book activities, attractions and tours

HMS Warrior
Round Tower
St. John\'s Cathedral
Royal Marines Museum which includes art and interior views
Gunwharf Quays

Explore thousands of experiences from activities and attractions to day tours and transfer.

Skip the line- book tickets online in minutes to top attractions with free cancellation on many activities.

One Key members save 10% or more on select activities, hotels, cars and vacation rentals.

Recommended things to do in Portsmouth

Number of things to do
16
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
Isle of Wight: Osborne Admission Ticket: $12
Top 5 things to do
Under $25
With kids

What to do in Portsmouth

 

Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in Portsmouth? Search event tickets to see what's happening today, or to plan what to do this weekend!

 

 

Discover the most popular places to visit in Portsmouth

Portsmouth International Port

Portsmouth International Port

4.5/5(6 reviews)

Embark on a trip to Europe or enter the lovely town of Portsmouth, England, through the comfort and ease of this modern port.

Portsmouth International Port
Gunwharf Quays showing modern architecture and a river or creek

Gunwharf Quays

4.5/5(50 reviews)

Stretching along the sea is one of Portsmouth's coolest areas, with plenty of shops, cafés, bars and restaurants as well as a contemporary art gallery.

Gunwharf Quays
Portsmouth Historic Dockyard featuring a marina

Portsmouth Historic Dockyard

4.5/5(63 reviews)

Find heroic ships, triumphant naval vessels and World War I frigates at this dockyard, a tribute to the city’s maritime might.

Portsmouth Historic Dockyard
HMS Victory which includes a statue or sculpture and heritage elements

HMS Victory

4.5/5(31 reviews)

Lord Nelson's triumphant warship is one of the best-preserved vessels from the Napoleonic wars and one of Portsmouth's most impressive attractions.

HMS Victory
University of Portsmouth

University of Portsmouth

4.5/5(6 reviews)

The harbors of Portsmouth helped the city establish its importance in the world. Now this university continues innovating to deliver a global influence.

University of Portsmouth
Portsmouth Guildhall

Portsmouth Guildhall

Sing along to some of the world’s biggest names in music, laugh until you cry and join the celebrations in this central entertainment venue.

Portsmouth Guildhall
Mary Rose Museum

Mary Rose Museum

5/5(10 reviews)

Discover life onboard and the history of one of King Henry VIII’s favorite warships via displays of valuable artifacts and interactive activities.

Mary Rose Museum
Southsea Castle which includes a lighthouse, a castle and heritage elements

Southsea Castle

5/5(4 reviews)

Located in a dramatic waterfront setting, this historic fort was once the first line of English defense and is now a fascinating museum.

Southsea Castle
Beautiful old theatre in Southsea, Portsmouth opened 1907

Kings Theatre

Enjoy a performance at Kings Theatre, a theater with a story to tell in Portsmouth. Amble around this relaxing area's waterfront and enjoy its lively bars.

Kings Theatre

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Portsmouth

Royal Marines Museum which includes heritage elements

Southsea

Plan a vacation in Portsmouth’s lively seaside neighborhood, which has an ancient castle, long beaches, sprawling gardens, museums, piers and entertainment centers.

Southsea
St. John\'s Cathedral

Portsmouth City Centre

4.5/5(5 area reviews)

Victorian architecture lines the modern avenues of this port city, which has a thriving shopping boulevard and concert venues in historic buildings.

Portsmouth City Centre
From the top of Portsdown hill you can see Portsmouth and the Spinnaker Tower. Beyond the Solent separates the Isle of Wight from the British mainland.

Cosham

3.5/5(9 area reviews)

Cosham is popular for its abundant dining options, and you can check out PlayZone Portsmouth, a top attraction in the neighborhood.

Cosham
The Point featuring a bay or harbor and cuddly or friendly animals as well as an individual male

Old Portsmouth

The fascinating landmarks of the former medieval town still stand firm today, helping to piece together the history of this powerful maritime giant.

Old Portsmouth
Charles Dickens Birthplace

Buckland

Though Buckland might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Portsmouth International Port and Portsmouth Guildhall.

Buckland
See our Where To Stay guide

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Popular day trips from Portsmouth

Portchester Castle which includes a garden and heritage elements

Fareham

Photo by C J West

Havant

Hayling Island

Hayling Island

Photo by C J West

Gosport

Photo by Andreea Lupea

Waterlooville

South Hayling

South Hayling

Port Solent featuring a bay or harbor

Port Solent

Frequently asked questions

Is Portsmouth worth visiting?
Portsmouth has a unique blend of local charm, attractions and culture. Whether you're into history, the outdoors or local culinary flavors, there's a lot you'll find here.
How do I spend a day in Portsmouth?
West Wittering Beach and Mary Rose Museum are two awesome places to begin your sightseeing adventures. Be sure to check out the dining and shopping options in Portsmouth while you're here too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Portsmouth?
The top tourist attraction in Portsmouth is West Wittering Beach, so don't forget to add it to your agenda.
Is three days enough to stay in Portsmouth?
Three days in Portsmouth is enough to visit the city's main attractions. Many guests stay for two days on average. Mary Rose Museum, Southsea Beach and Clarence Pier are highly rated sights. Like to see more? Stick around a while longer to visit nearby hotspots such as Southampton.
Is Portsmouth a walkable city?
Some leading sights in Portsmouth, such as Mary Rose Museum and Southsea Beach, are within walking distance. You can also explore several of the city's neighborhoods on foot. Just 1 mile from central Portsmouth is Southsea and Portsmouth City Centre is 0.1 miles away.
What are some activities to do in Portsmouth with kids?
If you're looking for activities and sights for all ages, check out these fantastic ideas for what to do in Portsmouth with kids.

What to do in Portsmouth for adults?
There are plenty of things to do in Portsmouth, with activities for adults of all ages. End the day with a visit to Forelands Beach or Sally Port.
Are there free things to do in Portsmouth?
From enjoying parks to wandering around hip neighborhoods, it's easy to discover free things to do in Portsmouth. If you need inspiration, ask for tips from a local tour guide. Southsea Beach is a top spot for anyone planning to save on their traveling adventures.