Portsmouth, NH

Travel Guide
Portsmouth showing a bay or harbor
Portsmouth featuring kayaking or canoeing as well as a small group of people
Portsmouth which includes street scenes
Portsmouth showing a city
Portsmouth featuring 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
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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 Portsmouth Central
Hampton Inn Portsmouth Central
2.5 out of 5
99 Durgin Ln, Portsmouth, NH
The price is $128 per night from Dec 1 to Dec 2
$128
includes taxes & fees
$118 per night
Dec 1 - Dec 2
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)
"Nice property with clean rooms"

Reviewed on Nov 20, 2024

Hampton Inn Portsmouth Central
Hampton Inn & Suites Portsmouth Downtown
Hampton Inn & Suites Portsmouth Downtown
3 out of 5
23 Portwalk Pl, Portsmouth, NH
The price is $137 per night from Dec 19 to Dec 20
$137
includes taxes & fees
$127 per night
Dec 19 - Dec 20
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! (1,000 reviews)
"Clean, comfortable room with friendly staff. Would stay there again."

Reviewed on Nov 18, 2024

Hampton Inn & Suites Portsmouth Downtown
Quality Inn
Quality Inn
2.5 out of 5
1190 Lafayette Road, Portsmouth, NH
The price is $90 per night from Dec 8 to Dec 9
$90
includes taxes & fees
$83 per night
Dec 8 - Dec 9
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)
"Friendly staff."

Reviewed on Nov 17, 2024

Quality Inn
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.
West End |Pet Friendly |Fenced-in Backyard |Grill
West End |Pet Friendly |Fenced-in Backyard |Grill
Portsmouth
Stay at this vacation home in Portsmouth. Enjoy a garden, patios, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Market Square and Rundlet-May House are located ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (14 reviews)
Weekend getaway!
"We stayed here this past weekend with our dog! And we had a blast. Lovely home in the perfect area, close to everything."

Reviewed on Nov 16, 2024

West End |Pet Friendly |Fenced-in Backyard |Grill
Lovely 1-bedroom in downtown Portsmouth steps to everything!
Lovely 1-bedroom in downtown Portsmouth steps to everything!
Portsmouth
Stay at this apartment in Portsmouth. Enjoy cable/satellite TV service, an in-room coffeemaker, and air conditioning. Popular attractions Market Square and Moffatt-Ladd ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (36 reviews)
Foliage vacation
"It is a wonderful place, small but with everything you may need. One of our best find for sure. And the town was amazing. Highly recommend. Did not disappoint and would book the same location again."

Reviewed on Oct 20, 2024

Lovely 1-bedroom in downtown Portsmouth steps to everything!
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! (47 reviews)
"The property is in a great location, a short walk to downtown Portsmouth. The host is great, very receptive and accommodating. We will definitely stay there again."

Reviewed on Nov 15, 2024

COZY GET AWAY, WALKING DISTANCE TO QUAINT PORTSMOUTH 1BR apartment
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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