Portsmouth

Travel Guide

Portsmouth which includes a bay or harbour
Portsmouth showing kayaking or canoeing as well as a small group of people
Portsmouth
Portsmouth featuring a city
Portsmouth showing kayaking or canoeing as well as a small group of people
Visitan elegant seaside city at the mouth of the Piscataqua River that excites withits maritime past, historic buildings and scenic walking trails.

Settled in 1623, Portsmouth lays claim to beingone of the oldest cities in the United States. With a rich shipbuildingheritage, a working port and a large waterfront park, there is much to fascinatethe visitor. Cruise through its waterways, learnabout maritime history and explore hundreds of years of Portsmouth’s past inits old homes.

The PortsmouthNaval Shipyard was founded in 1800 and for much of its history was a majorshipbuilding center. One of the many submarines to roll off its launchpad wasthe USS Albacore, now a floatingmuseum. Walk through the vessel on a guided tour to find out about its years ofservice.

There is more history at the Strawbery Banke Museum, a 9.5-acre(3.8-hectare) site with 42 historic buildings. The oldest structure dates back to 1695. Tour these old properties,which contain artifacts that reveal aspects of everyday life from differenteras.

Leave the car behind for a walk throughPortsmouth’s tree-lined streets. They will take you past beautiful colonialhouses. Shop in upscale boutiques, stop by a cozy café or restaurant and visitmore historic homes. Step inside the RichardJackson House, built in 1664. This is believed to be the oldest survivingwood frame home in New Hampshire.

For a pleasant change of scenery, head to thewaterfront Prescott Park. Relax inthe flower gardens and enjoy gorgeous views of the Piscataqua River.

A delightful way to see the city is from thewater. Go for a cruise onboard a reproduction of the flat-bottom wooden bargesthat were once a regular feature on Portsmouth's waterways.

Take a short boat trip or drive across thebridge to the 27-acre (11-hectare) PierceIsland. The former site of Fort Washington is now known for its scenicwalking trails and outdoor swimming pool.

Portsmouth is roughly halfway between Boston andPortland, Maine. The drive from either of these places takes little more thanan hour. Both are also a little over an hour away by bus. Once you are inPortsmouth, many of the historic and waterfront attractions can be easilyreached on foot.

Where to stay in Portsmouth

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Downtown

If you're spending some time in Downtown, The Music Hall and Portsmouth Brewery are top sights worth seeing.

Downtown
Portsmouth

West End

When in West End, you can plan a visit to The Music Hall and Market Square, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

West End
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Pease

When in Pease, you can plan a visit to Red Hook Brewery and Fox Run Mall, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Pease
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Elwyn Park

While Elwyn Park isn't home to many top sights, Water Country and Wentworth by the Sea Golf Club are some notable places to visit nearby.

Elwyn Park
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South End

While visiting South End, you might make a stop by sights like Wentworth Gardner and Tobias Lear Houses and Children's Museum of Portsmouth.

South End
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North End

When in North End, you can plan a visit to The Music Hall and Portsmouth Brewery, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

North End
Hampton Inn & Suites Portsmouth Downtown

Hampton Inn & Suites Portsmouth Downtown

3 out of 5
23 Portwalk Pl, Portsmouth, NH
The price is €191 per night from 24 Aug to 25 Aug
€191
24 Aug - 25 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Portsmouth. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,023 reviews)
"Just want to thank Bridget (sp) for her assistance checking in Thanks!"

Reviewed on 27 Jul 2025

Hampton Inn & Suites Portsmouth Downtown
Port Inn and Suites Portsmouth, Ascend Hotel Collection

Port Inn and Suites Portsmouth, Ascend Hotel Collection

3 out of 5
505 US Highway 1 Bypass, Portsmouth, NH
The price is €127 per night from 1 Sept to 2 Sept
€127
1 Sept - 2 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Portsmouth. Enjoy free breakfast, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,027 reviews)
"Great location, very close to downtown. The breakfast was awesome, and parking was easy and convenient. Had a great stay!"

Reviewed on 31 Jul 2025

Port Inn and Suites Portsmouth, Ascend Hotel Collection
Hampton Inn Portsmouth Central

Hampton Inn Portsmouth Central

2.5 out of 5
99 Durgin Ln, Portsmouth, NH
The price is €142 per night from 1 Sept to 2 Sept
€142
1 Sept - 2 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Portsmouth. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,001 reviews)
"Decent place for area."

Reviewed on 29 Jul 2025

Hampton Inn Portsmouth Central
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Historic Waterfront Downtown Portsmouth Condo

Historic Waterfront Downtown Portsmouth Condo

Portsmouth
Stay at this condo in Portsmouth. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Market Square and Water Country are located ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (11 reviews)
"What a beautiful apartment in a spectacular location. We spent 3 days in Portsmouth and we enjoyed every single minute."

Reviewed on 16 Jul 2025

Historic Waterfront Downtown Portsmouth Condo
Beautiful, Safe and Clean Garden Style Apartment Close to Everything!!!!

Beautiful, Safe and Clean Garden Style Apartment Close to Everything!!!!

Portsmouth
Stay at this apartment in Portsmouth. Enjoy air conditioning. Popular attractions Water Country and Market Square are located nearby.
9.2/10 Wonderful! (42 reviews)
Comfortable, and neat.
"Nice and cozy comfortable stay."

Reviewed on 4 May 2025

Beautiful, Safe and Clean Garden Style Apartment Close to Everything!!!!
West-End Gem 2BR Live like a Local in Portsmouth

West-End Gem 2BR Live like a Local in Portsmouth

Portsmouth
Stay at this apartment in Portsmouth. Enjoy free WiFi, an in-room coffeemaker, and air conditioning. Popular attractions Market Square and Water Country are ...
Girlfriends Weekend Away
"We had a wonderful weekend away and the space was beautiful, close to downtown (a short walk) and had everything we needed.The only thing to keep in mind is that the space is on the second floor and the stairs could be a bit of a challenge for some people."

Reviewed on 20 May 2025

West-End Gem 2BR Live like a Local in Portsmouth
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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