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Neighborhoods of
Portsmouth City Bike Tour

STARTING AT $60 (Age 9+)

QUICK DETAILS

  • Duration: 1.5-2 Hours

  • Departs: 10 AM and 2 PM 

  • $60 Per Rider

  • Distance: Easy 6-8 miles

  • 60% in gardens and parks and 40% on Side Roads

Tour Details

 

Our neighborhoods are a treasure trove of fascinating cultural buildings, 17th - 19th-century architecture, parks, and sculptures, each telling its rich and complex story. Discover the charming neighborhoods and districts of Portsmouth. Your friendly guide will take you through the city's five distinctive boroughs, stopping at historical landmarks and points of interest throughout the tour. 

See the city by bicycle while hearing fascinating stories of history and the well-preserved 17th -19th-century architecture. We guarantee this tour to be a cultural and informative experience while getting to know Portsmouth and the state motto; "Live Free Or Die."

 

Save Time and Experience So Much More

Highlights:

  • Visit the former North End / Italian "Little Italy" 

  • Stop at The Hill 

  • Visit Little Harbor

  • Visit Prescott Park 

  • Visit the former Frank Jones Brewery Lane 

  • Visit the new sculpture garden at Bohenko Park 
    ​​

What to Expect:​​

 

At your selected departure time, meet 30 minutes before your tour start time to get fitted for your bike. 

  • ​Meet us at the historic John Paul Jones House at 43 Middle Street

  • Parking on State Street or a nearby lot

  • Q: Will I have to sign a waiver when I attend PortCity Bike Tours?
    A: Yes, all guests must sign a waiver and release form.
  • Q: What is PortCity Bike Tours' commitment to safety?
    A: All of PortCity Bike Tours bikes are top of the line, well maintained, expertly fitted, and safe. We provide each rider with a helmet as well. Moreover, PortCity Bike Tours is a fully insured company. Your safety and comfort are of the utmost importance to us. Be sure to arrive 30 minutes prior to departure time in order to have your bike and helmet fitted by one of our experienced tour guides. All bikes and helmets are fully outfitted with reflectors and reflective strips. Lights are available for those who will be riding at night in the Fall. ​
  • Q: What is a typical PortCity Bike Tour experience?
    A: All of our tours will start at our location at a convenient spot in town. You will be notified by text or email once booked. You'll meet at our PortCity BIke Tour location at 43 Middle Street, where you will check-in, meet your tour guide, and get fitted with a bicycle and helmet. We will go over the rules of the road, bike safety, and how to operate and shift the bicycle. You will have a chance to test ride your bike to ensure a proper fit and then we’ll get you on your way exploring Portsmouth! Sites and stops vary depending on which tour you have selected, but most tours stop about every mile or so en route to our historic sites or cultural landmarks, where the guide will tell you about the stop and give you some time to take photos. ​
  • Q: I have a young/small child, can they come too?
    A: Absolutely! For children, we offer tag-a-long bikes and toddler seats that easily attach to the parent/guardian’s bicycle. If renting a tag-a-long or child seat, they must be able to safely ride while you, navigate streets, and traffic and ride for 2 hours. Check out our stock here to learn more. Due to limited children's equipment, we suggest you call us to reserve it in advance. Toddlers must be 2 years and older and up to 40 pounds. We request that if this is a public tour, the child and parent have had experience riding. A frame-mounted rear bike seat will be securely and safely attached to the adult bicycle when you arrive. If you are unsure about being able to ride for 15-20 minutes at a time, please select our private bike tour that has a go-with-the-flow. The Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute urges parents to take care when dismounting the adult bicycle. ​
  • Q: Should I tip my tour guide?
    Yes, tipping your tour guide is customary and a thoughtful way to show your gratitude for a great service. This gratuity goes directly to your tour guide as a recognition of their hard work and dedication to ensuring you have an enjoyable and memorable experience. If you feel that your guide went above and beyond or provided exceptional service, additional tipping is always appreciated. It's a great way to express your appreciation for their efforts and dedication to making your tour a fantastic experience. ​ ​ ​
  • Q. Where are you located?
    A. We are located at the Historic John Paul Jones House, 43 Middle Street, Portsmouth, NH. 603-969-1866
  • Q: What is the cancellation and reschedule policy?
    Cancellation Refund & Rescheduling Policy ​ ​Cancellation of the tour (by our guests) — If, for any reason, any of our guests need to cancel a booked tour, we will follow these simple guidelines: ​​​ Within two weeks of your reserved tour, tickets are NON-REFUNDABLE. You may reschedule for a $25 fee per (rider) ticket based on availability. We offer 50% refunds for cancellations made more than 14 days before the event (tour). We cannot refund cancellations made within, 14 days of an event because your space must be reserved since our tours are small and likely to be booked out. Rescheduling requests are subject to availability and are processed at the sole discretion of the employee making the transaction. Rescheduling requests received within 14 days of the event are subject to a fee of $25 per ticket to reschedule. Reservations may only be rescheduled once. Tours must be rescheduled in person by phone, not text or email. We now offer trip bike tour protection for a small fee per guest. Purchasing trip protection allows you to cancel or reschedule your public bike tour for any reason up to 48 hours before trip departure. Failure to arrive 30 minutes before your tour departure time may result in your space being given away. You will not receive a refund or credit for your tour. Late arrivals will not be able to catch up to the tour. Our seats are limited for a one-on-one experience. When we receive a cancellation close to the actual tour date ( less than 3 days ) we won't be able to re-book that canceled space for another guest. ​​​ Private and Group Tours Groups must pay in full to reserve a group tour. Tour times are limited. Payments are fully refundable if canceled more than 28 days in advance. After this, you will only receive a 50% refund if you cancel. Cancellations within 14 days of the tour, are non-refundable. Seats and times are limited. If inclement weather is forecasted for the day of the ride (inclement weather is defined as the forecasted certainty of sustained, soaking rain and/or high-speed winds…NOT scattered, passing, or intermittent showers) you will be given the option of rescheduling or moving the tour to a later time or the opportunity to ride on another available date. If we cancel the tour, you will receive a full refund. Amendments to group number can be made at any point up to 72 hours before the tour, there will be no refund for a reduction in the number of guests. Inclement Weather Policy Our tours run rain or shine, except in the case of extreme weather conditions such as lightning, hail, torrential rain, etc. We will have rain ponchos just in case. In some circumstances, tours may be canceled up to an hour before the event's start time. The decision to cancel the tour is up to the sole discretion of PortCity Bike Tours. If we do cancel the tour or event, ticket-holders will be allowed to reschedule tickets (subject to availability) or we'll refund the ticket. Other Conditions All participants must be confident bike riders and be able to follow guide instructions while on tour. We reserve the right to cancel any participant who cannot ride a bike with basic confidence as determined by PortCity Bike Tours staff. In this case, refunds will not be given for those who cannot ride a bike safely. Participants agree to obey New Hampshire traffic laws and be able to follow the safety instructions given by the guide. You agree that any injury experienced on any PortCity Bike Tours tour or activity is completely at the responsibility of the participant and is not the responsibility of PortCity Bike Tours. PortCity Bike Tours is not responsible for the loss or damage of personal belongings & it is completely up to the participant to be responsible of all personal property. Any consumption of alcohol during any PortCity Bike Tour or activity is completely at the choice & responsibility of the participant. PortCity Bike Tours reserves the right to cancel any tour or activity due to unsafe conditions or unknown events that make the bike tour impossible to safely complete.
  • Q. I have children. What is the best tour for kids?
    At PortCity Bike Tours, we understand the needs of families with children. Our private tour is the best option for families looking to go with the flow and have a flexible experience. During our private tours, our experienced guides can tailor the tour to accommodate your family's preferences, including stops for ice cream, skipping rocks in the river, or visiting the around-the-world museum. This ensures that your children have a fun and interactive experience while exploring the city on bikes. Our private tour allows for a more relaxed pace and personalized experience, making it the ideal choice for families with children who can ride on their own. Our options are 20 and 24-inch bicycles, tag-a-long, and a child seat. For families with kids that cycle, we recommend the Nature Adventure Gravel Bike Tour (7+ miles) or the Historic Neighborhoods Bike Tour (6-8 miles), both tours are ideal for children over 8 years old and provide a safe and enjoyable experience for families to explore the natural beauty or the neighborhoods in the area. Children who can fit on a 20 and 24-inch bicycle must know how to ride and take orders from a guide.
  • Q. What is the Private and Group Tour Cancellation Policy?
    Tour & Rental Rescheduling Policy Private and Group Tours  Payments are fully refundable if canceled more than 14 days in advance. After this, you will only receive a 50% refund if you cancel. Cancellations within 7 days of the tour, for example, 10 a.m. on Monday, is the deadline for a tour that runs on Sunday at 10 a.m.) are non-refundable.   Amendments to group number can be made at any point up to 72 hours before the tour, there will be no refund for a reduction in the number of guests. We plan on a guide, blocking off the tour availability, and have an 8:1 tour guide ratio. In some circumstances, tours may be canceled up to an hour before the event's start time. The decision to cancel the tour is up to the sole discretion of PortCity Bike Tours. If we do cancel the tour or event, ticket-holders will be allowed to reschedule tickets (subject to availability) or we'll refund the ticket. Rescheduling requests are subject to availability and are processed at the sole discretion of the employee making the transaction. Rescheduling requests within 48 hours of the scheduled tour date will be subject to a fee of $20 per ticket to reschedule. Reservations may be rescheduled only once, subject to the discretion of the PCBT employee processing the transaction. Reservations made within 48 hours of a scheduled event are final and cannot be changed. Failure to arrive 30 minutes before your tour’s departure time may result in your space on the Boston tour being given away. You will not receive a refund or credit for your tour. Late arrivals will not be caught up to the tour. Inclement Weather Policy Inclement Weather Policy Our tours run rain or shine, except in the case of extreme weather conditions such as lightning, hail, torrential rain, etc. We will have rain ponchos just in case. If inclement weather is forecasted for the day of the ride (inclement weather is defined as the forecasted certainty of sustained, soaking rain and/or high-speed winds…NOT scattered, passing, or intermittent showers) you will be given the option of rescheduling or moving the tour to a later time or the opportunity to ride on another available date. If we cancel the tour, you will receive a full refund.
  • Q. Where are you located?
    A. We are at the beautiful John Paul Jones Historic House Museum, 43 Middle Street, Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Our PortCity BIke Tour shop is located in the carriage house on the same. We do not have a storefront to walk into, although we have this shop in this incredible garden instead :) Please type in John Paul Jones House when searching in google.
  • Q. Do You Offer Bike Tour Trip Protection for Your Daily Bike Tours?
    A. We now offer trip bike tour protection for our guests. Purchasing trip protection allows you to cancel or reschedule your public bike tour at any time for any reason up to 48 hours prior to before trip departure. You will be reimbursed the full amount of each ticket, less the credit card fee and the cost of trip protection.
  • Q. What about any other types of cancellations that may come up?
    A. All participants must be confident bike riders and be able to follow guide instructions while on tour. We reserve the right to cancel any participant who cannot ride a bike with basic confidence as determined by PortCity Bike Tours staff. In this case, refunds will not be given for those who cannot ride a bike safely. Participants agree to obey New Hampshire traffic laws and be able to follow the safety instructions given by the guide. You agree that any injury experienced on any PortCity Bike Tours tour or activity is completely at the participant's responsibility and is not the responsibility of PortCity Bike Tours. PortCity Bike Tours is not responsible for the loss or damage of personal belongings & it is completely up to the participant to be responsible of all personal property. Any alcohol consumption during any PortCity Bike Tour or activity is completely at the choice & responsibility of the participant. PortCity Bike Tours reserves the right to cancel any tour or activity due to unsafe conditions or unknown events which make the bike tour impossible to safely complete.
  • Q. What types of bikes are available for rental?
    Our rental is a city/hybrid bike, perfect for exploring the city streets and nearby trails. In addition to adult bikes, we also offer ebikes (limited supply), kid’s rental bikes and various attachments such as child seats and trailers. Whether you're looking for an enjoyable family ride or a solo adventure, our rental page has all the options to suit your needs. With PortCity Bike Tours, you can count on finding the perfect bike for your exploration of the city.
  • Q. What amenities are included with the bike rentals?
    All of our rental bikes come with helmets, locks, lights, and flat tire repair kits at no additional charge. Just ask! We want you to have a safe and enjoyable ride, so we provide everything you need to make your biking experience hassle-free. From protecting your head with a helmet to ensuring your bike is secure with a lock, we've got you covered. The flat tire repair kits offer peace of mind in case of unexpected punctures. Our goal is to provide a complete bike rental experience, so you can focus on exploring the city without any worries.
  • Q. What should I do if I realize I will arrive late for my reserved bike rental?
    If you have reserved your rental for the 9 am or 1 pm slot and you realize that you will arrive late, please call us as soon as possible. We understand that unexpected delays can happen, and we will do our best to accommodate your new arrival time. However, please note that if you do not arrive within 15 minutes of your scheduled rental time without notifying us, we may have to release the bike to other customers. Our goal is to provide you with the best experience possible, so please reach out to us so we can make the necessary arrangements for your late arrival. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
  • Q. What should I do to ensure the safety of my rented bike?
    It's important to take precautions to ensure the safety of your rented bike. First, make sure to lock your bike properly when not in use, using the lock provided by PortCity Bike Tours. This will help prevent theft and unauthorized use of the bike. Additionally, it's recommended to store the bike inside overnight to minimize the risk of damage or theft. While PortCity Bike Tours takes measures to maintain the bikes, you are responsible for the rental equipment once it leaves the shop. By following these guidelines, you can enjoy a worry-free biking experience while exploring the city.
  • Q. What if I get a flat tire?
    Flats Happen! Avoid potholes. BUT, if you get a flat tire (or other mechanical issue) on one of our rental bikes, you have a few options for getting back on the road or where you need to go: Fix the Flat. We offer flat kits with all of our rentals, included in the seat pack of our e-bike and bike rentals. Need some help? Find the Nearest Bike Shop. There are shops dotted all around the greater Portsmouth area, and any one of them will be able to fix the flat for small parts and labor fees. Get the Bike Back to PortCity Bike Tours If you’re close enough to walk, great! Last Resort: Lock Your Bike and Call for Pickup. Call us at 603-969-1866 and we will talk you through locking the bike up properly and get the details of where you’re locking up the bike so we can pick it up later. Please understand that you will be charged a pickup fee of $50 for retrieving the bike(s).

5/5 of 440 Reviews  | Recommended by 98% Of Travelers  | Portsmouth, NH USA

Book With Confidence

EXPERT LOCAL GUIDES

Our guides are experienced hosts and knowledgeable cycling experts who deeply understand of the region's history and geography. 

HASSLE FREE ACCESS

Our mission is to guide you to hidden gems, offering an insider's view and a deep understanding of our beloved city's culture and spirit.

ICONIC LANDMARKS

This tour explores the must-see hidden gems found down quiet roads and tucked away places. Your guide will take you on a treasure hunt to find these historic treasures.

PERFECTLY PACED ADVENTURES

Bigger isn't always better. We prioritize personal experiences and our tours are up to eight guests per leader for a one-on-one intimate experience.

What Our Guests Are Saying

Take a fun ride

Sep 2024 • Couples

Had a fantastic ride with Paul who is so knowledgeable about the area history. We live in mostly flat Florida and the ride was not hard. We thoroughly enjoyed it. Highly recommend.

Great Bike Tour!

My husband and I booked the bike tour at the last minute as we weren't sure if we'd make it to Portsmouth on time. Glad we made it on time and did the tour! Donna was our tour guide. She is wonderful! So knowledgeable about the area history! Highly recommend the tour!

Great tour and tour guide Paul made it awesome!

Paul was an amazing tour guide, he did a great job of giving us historical info and just a great guy all around. He made the tour awesome!

Highlight of our vacation

Guide was friendly and very knowledgeable about the city. He shared many interesting historic stories. The tour was a nice balance between scenic sites and historic sites so it was very enjoyable. Would recommend!

TOUR DETAILS
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NOTE: Our morning tours sell out quickly. Reserve today for the best experience and avoid missing out. 

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