Portsmouth, NH

Travel Guide
Portsmouth showing a bay or harbor
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
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West End

While West End might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like The Music Hall and Market Square.

West End
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Pease

While there might not be top attractions in Pease, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Fox Run Mall and The Music Hall.

Pease
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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

Though North End might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like The Music Hall and Portsmouth Brewery.

North End
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Elwyn Park

Elwyn Park might not have many top sights, but Water Country and Wentworth by the Sea Golf Club are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Elwyn Park
Hampton Inn & Suites Portsmouth Downtown
Hampton Inn & Suites Portsmouth Downtown
3 out of 5
23 Portwalk Pl, Portsmouth, NH
The price is $142 per night from Nov 24 to Nov 25
$142
includes taxes & fees
$131 per night
Nov 24 - Nov 25
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 ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,004 reviews)
"The property is clean and comfortable. They have everything that you need. They being the staff are extremely helpful, friendly and professional. The beds are comfortable. The rooms are spotless and it’s the best priced in downtown Portsmouth that I found so far."

Reviewed on Nov 3, 2024

Hampton Inn & Suites Portsmouth Downtown
Hampton Inn Portsmouth Central
Hampton Inn Portsmouth Central
2.5 out of 5
99 Durgin Ln, Portsmouth, NH
The price is $128 per night from Nov 21 to Nov 22
$128
includes taxes & fees
$118 per night
Nov 21 - Nov 22
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! (1,002 reviews)
"The staff was pleasant and the breakfast area was clean! I appreciate there were food options offered consideration for those with sensitivities. The artificial fragrance in the lobby caused some discomfort (asthmatic symptoms) so would have preferred to not have encountered."

Reviewed on Nov 1, 2024

Hampton Inn Portsmouth Central
Motel 6 Portsmouth, NH
Motel 6 Portsmouth, NH
2 out of 5
3 Gosling Rd, Portsmouth, NH
The price is $80 per night from Nov 20 to Nov 21
$80
includes taxes & fees
$74 per night
Nov 20 - Nov 21
Stay at this motel in Portsmouth. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
6.2/10 (1,003 reviews)
"Our room was clean and quiet. There were a couple good dinning options in walking distance"

Reviewed on Nov 9, 2024

Motel 6 Portsmouth, NH
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.
Portsmouth Downtown With A View And Bring Your Dog Too!
Portsmouth Downtown With A View And Bring Your Dog Too!
Portsmouth
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Portsmouth. Enjoy a water park, a garden, and tennis courts. Popular attractions Market Square and Jackson ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (278 reviews)
Girls weekend in Portsmouth
"We had a great weekend in Portsmouth. The property is in a great location- short walk to downtown Portsmouth, yet tucked away on a quiet side street. The property listing was accurate and we enjoyed the character of the old house."

Reviewed on Nov 3, 2024

Portsmouth Downtown With A View And Bring Your Dog Too!
COZY GET AWAY, WALKING DISTANCE TO QUAINT PORTSMOUTH
1BR apartment
COZY GET AWAY, WALKING DISTANCE TO QUAINT PORTSMOUTH 1BR apartment
Portsmouth
Book a stay at this golf apartment in Portsmouth. Enjoy free WiFi, a water park, and patios. Popular attractions Market Square and Jackson House Museum are located ...
10/10 Exceptional! (46 reviews)
Perfect place for a Portsmouth getaway
"My wife and I stayed for a weekend to explore Portsmouth and we could not have been happier. The house was just as described, very clean and so close to the center of town. We had a great time and will be back again soon!"

Reviewed on Oct 28, 2024

COZY GET AWAY, WALKING DISTANCE TO QUAINT PORTSMOUTH 1BR apartment
Downtown Escape ❤️ Deck, Fireplace, 95 WalkScore
Downtown Escape ❤️ Deck, Fireplace, 95 WalkScore
Portsmouth
Stay at this apartment in Portsmouth. Enjoy free WiFi, patios, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Market Square and Portsmouth Brewery are located ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (40 reviews)
Good condo and a good location
"Nice condo in a good location. Very much central walking distance to all shops and restaurants in downtown Portsmouth. Lots of stairs, so it could be a little tricky with luggage and also the spiral staircase going up to the bedroom on the second floor. There is a bar down below that plays live music ..."

Reviewed on Oct 30, 2024

Downtown Escape ❤️ Deck, Fireplace, 95 WalkScore
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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