New Hampshire

Mountains, lakes and coastal charm

New Hampshire features rugged mountains, dense forests and a long coastline along the Atlantic Ocean. The White Mountains rise sharply in the north, providing popular spots for hiking and skiing during different seasons. Small towns like Concord and Portsmouth combine historic charm with modern amenities. The state is known for its fall foliage, crisp air and outdoor activities such as kayaking on Lake Winnipesaukee or exploring scenic drives through rural landscapes. Its mix of natural beauty and local culture makes it appealing to visitors seeking both adventure and relaxation.

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State/Prefecture in United States

$$$

$	Cheap
$$	Medium
$$$	Expensive, upscale
$$$+	Very expensive, luxury

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Safety: 9.3

General Safety:	10
Health & medical:	8
Accessibility:	8
Tap water:	10

Read details

5/5

English is the primary language spoken throughout New Hampshire. All businesses, attractions, and services operate in English, making communication seamless for English-speaking visitors regardless of where you go in the state.

Highlights Attractions Getting there Hotels Tips Travel costs Safety Articles

Last update: 12 Oct 2026

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New Hampshire Summary

These place ratings give you a quick overview of how well a destination matches different types of trips.

‘Best for’ scores:
The specific interest scores show where this place really shines – whether it's ideal for hiking, food & drink experiences, museums or other activities. These highlights help you understand what makes the destination special at a glance.

‘Your personal’ scores:
This reflects how well a place matches your personal preferences. You can adjust the importances of travel topics or other personal requirements categories in your account settings.

‘Suited for’ badges:
These give you a quick overview of how well a destination suits specific types of travellers, to help you find the places that match your lifestyle, preferences or travel situation.

Read how our scores work

Great for mountain scenery and outdoor recreation. Hike forest trails, ski snowy resorts, drive scenic roads and explore charming New England towns.

Place score

8.3

Best at:

Snow

Natural sites

Autumn foliage

Spotless

Guided tours

Personal score

Suited for

👶 9

Families

🧓 9

Seniors

❤️ 10

Couples

🛡️ 9

Travel Beginners

United States – Quick facts

Guide Etiquette Holidays Other

Power Grid:	120 V, 60 Hz Plug: Type A , Type B Type A: Type B: Read about power adapters
Currency:	US Dollar (USD) £1 ≈ US$1.33
Cashless info:	Rating 5/5 The U.S. is highly cashless, with credit and debit cards accepted almost everywhere. Mobile payment options like Apple Pay and Google Pay are widely used. Save with a travel credit card
eSIM providers:	Best value: Saily Flexibility: Airalo Read our in-depth comparison

Tipping:	Tipping is customary and expected in the U.S. In restaurants, 15-20% is standard. Taxi drivers, hotel staff, and tour guides also expect tips, usually around 10-20% depending on the service.
Public drinking:	Public drinking laws vary by state, but it is generally prohibited in public spaces without a permit.
Public smoking:	Smoking is restricted in most indoor public spaces and some outdoor areas. Local laws vary.
Etiquette:	Greet with a firm handshake, maintain eye contact, respect personal space, and avoid discussing politics or income unless invited to share opinions. Politeness and friendliness are appreciated.

Thanksgiving (November)	A major holiday with closures and domestic travel surges.
Independence Day (July)	Expect parades, fireworks, and celebrations nationwide.
Christmas (December)	Markets, festive events, and crowded tourist spots.

Emergency contact:	Emergency Number: 911 (Police, Fire, Ambulance)
Taxi apps:	Uber, Lyft, Bolt
Helpful links:	Wikipedia Visa regulations Customs & border control Travel with medicine
Other:	The U.S. is known for its diverse landscapes, cultural experiences, and regional cuisines. Public transport is efficient in cities but less so in rural areas. Renting a car is recommended for exploring national parks.

Best times to travel

The best times to travel section shows how the months compare for a visit, so you can find the time of year that fits what you want to do.

Background colours of the months:
The colour shows the typical temperature: yellow (hot), green (mild) and blue (cold). How strong the colour is shows the travel season: full colour means high season, soft colour means shoulder season and soft-striped means off season.

Weather symbols:
Each month has one symbol showing what the weather is typically like, such as hot and sunny, freezing or a rainy or snowy season. Use them to quickly spot months that match the weather you want, or to avoid the ones that don't.

Crowdedness:
The people icon shows how busy the place usually is. The more people, the more crowded it gets.

Additional notes:
The grey info boxes point out special things worth knowing, like recurring weather issues or seasonal events.

for New Hampshire, United States

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Jan

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Feb

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Mar

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Apr

🌥️

May

🌤️

Jun

🌤️

Jul

🌤️

Aug

🌤️

Sep

🌥️

Oct

🌨️

Nov

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Dec

High season:	Jan. - Feb., July - Oct.
Shoulder season:	March, May - June, Dec.
Crowdedness:	5 (Moderate tourist numbers)

Tap on a month for more info Hover over a month for more info

Climate details

Autumn foliage peaks late September in the far north, early to mid October in the White Mountains and lakes, and late October in the south; lodging books out months ahead

Climate and season vary by area: White Mountains for skiing in winter and hiking in summer, lakes for swimming July to August, short coast best June to September

Mud season from April to early May: many trails, mountain roads and seasonal businesses closed

Don't miss

🍁 Drive the scenic Kancamagus Highway through fall foliage
🏔️ Climb Mount Washington and experience powerful summit winds
⛷️ Ski the snow-covered slopes of Bretton Woods
🌉 Explore charming covered bridges across picturesque rivers
🌅 Relax by Lake Winnipesaukee and enjoy sunset views

You've been here?

Why travel to New Hampshire?

What makes New Hampshire truly special is its remarkable geographic diversity and seasonal transformations. In a single day, you can hike mountain trails with panoramic vistas, cool off in crystal-clear lakes and end with a seafood dinner on the coast – all while driving distances that won't eat up your vacation time. The White Mountains region offers world-class outdoor recreation year-round, from summer hiking and fall foliage to winter skiing, with natural wonders like Flume Gorge and Diana's Baths showcasing the state's glacier-carved beauty. Beyond natural attractions, New Hampshire boasts a rich historical tapestry and distinctive New England charm. Portsmouth's 350+ years of preserved history at Strawbery Banke Museum offers a glimpse into colonial life, while countless covered bridges and historic town centers dot the landscape. The state's lack of sales tax makes shopping an added bonus, particularly at North Conway's outlet centers. While New Hampshire may not have the international recognition of neighboring states, this works to visitors' advantage – you'll find fewer crowds at attractions that rival those of more famous destinations, especially if you visit outside peak foliage season.

🏯Places worth seeing

1 Franconia Notch State Park
2 Kancamagus Highway
3 Portsmouth Municipal Airport Road
4 Strawbery Banke Museum

🎡Places for activities

1 Franconia Notch
2 Lincoln
3 Mount Monadnock
4 North Conway
5 Pemigewasset River
6 Portsmouth

🏞️Natural landmarks

1 Cathedral Ledge
2 Diana's Baths
3 Flume Gorge
4 Hampton Beach
5 Kancamagus Pass
6 Lake Winnipesaukee
7 Lost River Gorge & Boulder Caves
8 Mount Washington
9 Swift River
10 Hampton Inn Lincoln White Mountains

🛍️Shopping

1 Main Street
2 Market Square
3 Merrimack Premium Outlets
4 Tanger Outlets

🎈Events

Fall Foliage Season
Pumpkin Festival (various locations)
League of NH Craftsmen's Fair
Hampton Beach Seafood Festival
Laconia Motorcycle Week
NH Highland Games
Maple Sugaring Season Events
Prescott Park Arts Festival
Keene Ice and Snow Festival
Mount Washington Auto Road Bicycle Hillclimb

Explore on map

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Knowledge before you go

Fall foliage peaks early October. Book White Mountains lodging months ahead.
No sales tax boosts shopping value. Outlet stores in North Conway offer best deals year-round.
Kancamagus Highway closes seasonally. Check road status before scenic fall leaf-peeping drives.
Mount Washington weather world's worst. Cog railway safest for summit views; prepare for extreme conditions anytime.

How to travel to New Hampshire

The most convenient way to reach New Hampshire is by flying into Manchester-Boston Regional Airport (MHT) in southern New Hampshire, which offers connections to major U.S. cities. Alternatively, Boston's Logan International Airport (BOS) is about an hour's drive from the New Hampshire border and offers more flight options, including international connections. For those driving, Interstates 93 and 95 provide easy access from Boston and other New England locations. Amtrak's Downeaster train service connects Boston to several southern New Hampshire towns, while various bus companies offer service from Boston, New York and other northeastern cities. Once in New Hampshire, renting a car is highly recommended for exploring beyond your arrival point.

Access summary

From Manchester-Boston Regional (MHT): Drive or shuttle to destinations, usually 30–90 minutes.
From Boston (Logan Airport/BOS): Drive or bus into southern New Hampshire about 1–2 hours.
From Portland, Maine (PWM): Scenic drive into eastern New Hampshire typically 1.5–2 hours.

Check your route from anywhere

Where to stay in New Hampshire

New Hampshire offers diverse accommodation options to suit various preferences and budgets. The White Mountains region features everything from grand historic hotels like the Omni Mount Washington Resort to cozy lodges and motels. Lakeside cabins and cottages are popular around Lake Winnipesaukee and other water bodies, especially during summer. Coastal areas offer beachfront hotels and B&Bs, while cities like Portsmouth have boutique hotels in historic buildings. For a unique experience, consider staying at a traditional New England inn or a mountain resort. During fall foliage season and summer weekends, accommodations fill quickly, so advance booking is essential.

Hotel recommendations

*by rating and popularity. Commissions have no influence on the rankings.

InnSeason Resorts Pollard Brook

9.3

Fox Ridge Resort

8.1

The Covered Bridge Inn

8.3

Red Jacket Mountain View Hotel

8.5

The Centennial Hotel

9.0

North Conway Grand Hotel

9.0

InnSeason Resorts The Falls at Ogunquit

9.5

The Inn at Thorn Hill

9.6

The Christmas Farm Inn and Spa

9.0

Ashworth by the Sea Hotel

7.6

Explore more accommodations

How to get around New Hampshire

Having your own vehicle is the best way to explore New Hampshire, as public transportation between towns and attractions is limited. The state is compact enough that you can drive from the seacoast to the mountains in about two hours, making day trips feasible from almost any base. Major highways like I-93 and I-95 connect the main regions, while scenic routes like the Kancamagus Highway offer more picturesque alternatives. In larger towns and cities like Portsmouth, Manchester and Concord, local bus services are available for getting around. During peak tourist seasons, some popular areas like the White Mountains region offer shuttle services between attractions. Rideshare services operate in more populated areas but may be limited in rural regions.

Budget snapshot

Costs compared to home

We calculate the average costs when travelling to destinations and compare those with the living costs at your home. With this you can get an estimate of how expensive or cheap the destination is for you.

To customise this, you can set up which location and price level are used for the calculations in your account settings.

+3 %

Daily expenses in New Hampshire are around 3% higher than the average across United States. That means you'll spend around the same on meals and getting around.

Exchange rate trend

The exchange rate price factor shows how expensive or cheap a currency currently is compared to its historical average. It's a quick way to see if a country is currently more or less affordable due to exchange rate changes.

-4 %

Your exchange rate (GBP to USD) is 4% better than in recent years. That means travelling now costs around the same compared to the past.

Travel costs

To help you plan your trip, we provide estimated daily costs per person (when travelling as a pair) for different travel styles. These numbers give you an idea of what you might spend each day at this destination, including accommodation, food, transport and activities.

Additionally, we also provide average hotel costs for different travel styles to give you an estimate for the accommodation only.

Please note that these are only estimates. The real costs depend on booking times, season and other factors.

Daily cost summary

Travel style categories explained:

Backpacker:
Staying in hostels or budget hotels, cooking your own meals or eating cheap and choosing low-cost activities.

Mid-range:
Staying in mid-range hotels, eating at a mix of restaurants and casual spots and enjoying a variety of activities.

Luxury:
Staying in luxury hotels, dining out at high-end restaurants and enjoying premium experiences without worrying about the price.

	Backpacker	Mid-range	Luxury
💵 Total costs per day, including accommodation	£65	£153	£394
🏨 Accommodation per night, per person	£26	£68	£150
🍝 Food per day	£33	£79	£220
🚕 Transportation per day	£6	£6	£24

Food & Drink

🍽️ Restaurant Dinner, per person	£32
🍛 Lunch Set, per person	£18
🍟 Fast food combo	£9
🍝 Preparing your own food, per day	£11.50
☕ Cappuccino	£3.90
🍺 Beer in a restaurant, 0.5 l	£4.70

Transportation

🚌 Public transport ticket	£1.40
🚕 Taxi Ride, 10 km / 6 mi	£14
⛽ Petrol, 1 l	£0.65

Other

🎞️ Cinema ticket	£10
👩‍⚕️ Doctor's consult	£115
🤧 Cold medication	£6.50
💇 Basic haircut	£15

Safety information overview

General safety

New Hampshire is generally very safe for tourists with low crime rates, particularly in rural and small-town areas. Exercise standard precautions in cities and tourist areas. The main safety concerns relate to outdoor activities - be prepared for changing weather conditions when hiking and follow trail guidelines.

Health & Medical

Healthcare in New Hampshire is high quality, with good hospitals in major cities and regional medical centers throughout the state. Remote areas in the White Mountains may have limited immediate access to emergency services. Tick awareness is recommended when hiking from spring through fall to prevent Lyme disease.

Accessibility

Accessibility varies across New Hampshire. Major attractions and newer facilities generally offer good accessibility, while historic sites and natural areas may present challenges. Many state parks have made efforts to provide accessible trails and viewpoints, but mountainous terrain inherently limits some experiences for those with mobility issues.

Tap water

Tap water in New Hampshire is safe to drink and generally of good quality. Public drinking fountains can be found in parks, public buildings and some trail heads. When hiking in remote areas, bringing your own water or water purification method is recommended.