Portsmouth

Travel Guide

Portsmouth which includes a bay or harbor
Portsmouth featuring kayaking or canoeing as well as a small group of people
Portsmouth
Portsmouth which includes 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

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 Red Hook Brewery and Fox Run Mall.

Pease
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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
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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
Hampton Inn Portsmouth Central
Hampton Inn Portsmouth Central
2.5 out of 5
99 Durgin Ln, Portsmouth, NH
The price is P8,611 per night from Jul 20 to Jul 21
P8,611
P9,343 total
Jul 20 - Jul 21
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! (1,006 reviews)
"Not a very convenient area if you're looking for food or things to do within walking distance. Clean and comfortable!!"

Reviewed on Jun 30, 2025

Hampton Inn Portsmouth Central
Howard Johnson by Wyndham Portsmouth
Howard Johnson by Wyndham Portsmouth
2 out of 5
383 Woodbury Ave, Portsmouth, NH
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is P7,422 per night from Jul 13 to Jul 14
P7,422
P8,053 total
Jul 13 - Jul 14
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 helpful staff and the clean ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,005 reviews)
"Honestly for the price, it’s not that bad. Bathtub was slightly dirty but other than that no complaints, everything went pretty smoothly for check in and out."

Reviewed on Jun 29, 2025

Howard Johnson by Wyndham Portsmouth
Hampton Inn & Suites Portsmouth Downtown
Hampton Inn & Suites Portsmouth Downtown
3 out of 5
23 Portwalk Pl, Portsmouth, NH
The price is P11,068 per night from Jul 6 to Jul 7
P11,068
P12,009 total
Jul 6 - Jul 7
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! (1,011 reviews)
"Nice hotel right in downtown Portsmouth. Everything is walkable."

Reviewed on Jun 28, 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.
Ocean Air Suites
Ocean Air Suites
2.5 out of 5
22 C St, Hampton, NH
Book a stay at this beach aparthotel in Hampton. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a beach locale. Popular attractions Hampton Beach and Seabrook Beach are ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (33 reviews)
Highly recommend!
"This is a wonderful place to stay. We had a great long weekend. We stayed in the penthouse and it was super clean and convenient. There was a full kitchen which was clean and had everything you needed to cook meals or reheat food. If you have issues with climbing stairs, I wouldn’t stay in the penthouse ..."

Reviewed on Jun 29, 2025

Ocean Air Suites
Rye Motor Inn: An Adults-Only Apartment Hotel
Rye Motor Inn: An Adults-Only Apartment Hotel
3 out of 5
741 Ocean Blvd, Rye, NH
Stay at this 3-star beach apartment in Rye. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and a beach locale. Popular attractions Water Country and Market Square are located ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (61 reviews)
"Heated bathroom floors! Real drip coffee free. Well maintained…"

Reviewed on Jun 19, 2025

Rye Motor Inn: An Adults-Only Apartment Hotel
Great Island Inn: A Boutique Apartment Hotel
Great Island Inn: A Boutique Apartment Hotel
3.5 out of 5
3 Walbach St, New Castle, NH
Stay at this 3.5-star beach apartment in New Castle. Enjoy free WiFi, parking (surcharge), and a garden. Popular attractions Market Square and Water Country ...
"Great place, wonderful neighborhood and I would stay there again."

Reviewed on Jan 16, 2025

Great Island Inn: A Boutique Apartment Hotel
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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