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 centre. 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 artefacts 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 cosy 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, Portsmouth Harbor Trail and The Music Hall are top sights worth seeing.

Downtown
Portsmouth

West End

When in West End, you can plan a visit to The Music Hall and Portsmouth Harbor Trail, 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
Quality Inn

Quality Inn

2.5 out of 5
1190 Lafayette Road, Portsmouth, NH
The price is €176 per night from 28 Aug to 29 Aug
€176
28 Aug - 29 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Portsmouth. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,000 reviews)
Perfect stay
"Very clean. Wonderful service. Lovely staff"

Reviewed on 18 Aug 2025

Quality Inn
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 €118 per night from 7 Sept to 8 Sept
€118
7 Sept - 8 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! (1,006 reviews)
"Overall it was a quick stay and we checked in pretty quick - however there was trash left in the trash can in our room. Otherwise staff was friendly."

Reviewed on 17 Aug 2025

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

Hampton Inn & Suites Portsmouth Downtown

3 out of 5
23 Portwalk Pl, Portsmouth, NH
The price is €179 per night from 1 Sept to 2 Sept
€179
1 Sept - 2 Sept
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! (1,015 reviews)
"Parking was very easy it was close to all attractions"

Reviewed on 20 Aug 2025

Hampton Inn & Suites Portsmouth Downtown
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.
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.
9.4/10 Exceptional! (43 reviews)
"We had a Wonderful stay here! The place is spotless! Very well equipped, plenty of towels, blankets, supplies in the kitchen and bathroom, great couch! Just all around comfortable. Also nice and Light! Lots of windows -service was great by our host."

Reviewed on 3 Aug 2025

Beautiful, Safe and Clean Garden Style Apartment Close to Everything!!!!
Historic Downtown Water-view Loft on Ceres Street

Historic Downtown Water-view Loft on Ceres Street

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 ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (14 reviews)
Great location/Great host
"The location is really good for access to Portsmouth. There's a lot of foot traffic on the street below, but you don't hear that in the apartment. It's on the small side, but large enough, with a separate living area and kitchen. Joy is a great host. She's very connected and attends to any issues ..."

Reviewed on 6 Aug 2025

Historic Downtown Water-view Loft on Ceres Street
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 ...
10/10 Exceptional! (1 review)
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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