Concord
New Hampshire’s capital has everything you could wish for from a north-east state; a rich history and culture, an abundance of nature and an amazing food scene.
Visit the golden-domed New Hampshire State house, which is the state capitol building for the state. It’s the oldest of its kind and is home to the largest governmental body in the US.
Red River Theater is the entertainment heart of Concord, after the local community started a seven-year project to fund this three-theater venue. It screens a mix of classic and movies, spanning all genres.
Manchester
Concord may be the capital, but Manchester is the most populous city in New Hampshire. It’s a place full of culture, with several museums, art institutions and historical houses.
Visit the Currier Museum of Art to see works from European and American artists, such as Cubism curator Pablo Picasso, Impressionist Claude Monet and the ‘Mother of American Modernism’ Georgia O’Keefe.
There’s also the Zimmerman House – a historic home created Frank Lloyd Wright, interactive exhibits at SEE Science Center and outdoor activities at Massabesic Lake to enjoy.
Portsmouth
Set on the picturesque Piscataqua River, Portsmouth is a welcoming and warm port city, with an old town vibe.
Pay a visit to Strawbery Banke Museum, an outdoor living history center with 32 historic houses and 10 gardens. Discover the people of “Puddle Dock”, watch how traditional crafts are made and learn more about their lives over the past 300 years.
It’s also worth wandering Market Square, where you’ll find an array of quaint shops and restaurants. There’s also Prescott Park, found by Portsmouth’s waterfront, which hosts outdoor theater performances and has several delightful gardens to discover.
Nashau
A regular candidate for the ‘Best Place to Live in America’, Nashua encompasses the New England aesthetic, from the picturesque river to the white-topped clocktower of City Hall.
Perhaps the most impressive of its sights is Mine Falls Park. It fills 325-acres and is located right in the city center, featuring numerous trails through woodland and along the river, with recreational activities available throughout.
The city also boasts a historic district, children’s activities and a host of parks, gardens and farms.
Keene
A visit to Keene puts you in a prime spot to explore the state’s natural wonders, with both Granite Gorge and Surry Mountain Lake just a short drive out of the city.
If you’re visiting New Hampshire with little ones, Cheshire Children's Museum in the city center provides both fun and learning, with themed playrooms and interactive exhibits.
There are many tranquil spots around Keene too, including Beaver Brook Falls, Robin Hood Park and Horatio Colony Nature Preserve.
White Mountain National Forest
While not technically a city, it would be impossible to talk about New Hampshire without mentioning this 800,000-acre national forest.
Move from dense woodlands to alpine peaks and discover lakes, streams and wildlife as you take on the various trails.
You can even stay inside the comfort of your rental car, with a scenic drive through the 34-mile Kancamagus Highway.