Portsmouth, NH

Travel Guide

A marina with various boats docked, a clear sky, and a cityscape in the background.
A calm lake surrounded by dense trees with autumn foliage.
A street with a BMW car parked on the side, a sign for 'Blue Grasshopper', and a red flag with a logo.
A city street lined with historic buildings and parked cars.
A calm lake with a green boat and a rocky shore.

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

Find the best Portsmouth areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Portsmouth
Learn more about Portsmouth
A yellow storefront with a red door and a bicycle parked outside.

Downtown

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

A calm river reflecting buildings and a partly cloudy sky.

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.

A street scene with people sitting at outdoor cafes, a gazebo, and buildings with signs like "Breaking New Grounds" and "Jewelry Boutique".

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 Portsmouth Harbor Trail.

A harbor with several fishing boats docked, a pier, and a forested shoreline in the background.

Newington

Travelers like the shopping in Newington, and Regal Fox Run is a top attraction you might want to visit.

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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 The Music Hall.

Hampton Inn Portsmouth Central

Hampton Inn Portsmouth Central

2.5 out of 5
131 DOW AVENUE Portsmouth NH
$110 nightly
The price is $119 total per night from Dec 1 to Dec 2
$119 total
Dec 1 - Dec 2
Total with taxes and 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)
"Check staff was super helpful"

Reviewed on Nov 8, 2026

Hampton Inn Portsmouth Central
Hampton Inn & Suites Portsmouth Downtown

Hampton Inn & Suites Portsmouth Downtown

3 out of 5
23 Portwalk Pl Portsmouth NH
$130 nightly
The price is $141 total per night from Nov 29 to Nov 30
$141 total
Nov 29 - Nov 30
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this 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! (1,278 reviews)
"Clean with good location"

Reviewed on Nov 8, 2026

Hampton Inn & Suites Portsmouth Downtown
Anchorage Inn & Suites - Portsmouth

Anchorage Inn & Suites - Portsmouth

2.5 out of 5
417 Woodbury Ave Portsmouth NH
$81 nightly
The price is $88 total per night from Nov 29 to Nov 30
$88 total
Nov 29 - Nov 30
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Portsmouth. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our ...
7.2/10 Good! (1,001 reviews)
"The main problem I have here, is that the owners or franchisees of this "hotel" did NOT inform Hotels.com or ANYONE, that the hotel was being renovated! Completely renovated! I made this reservation months in advance, and heard NOTHING about any renovations, or cancellations, NOTHING! I arrived at ..."

Reviewed on Nov 5, 2026

Anchorage Inn & Suites - Portsmouth
See all 879 properties 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.
Treadwell Mansion

Treadwell Mansion

4 out of 5
93 Pleasant Street Portsmouth NH
Stay at this aparthotel in Portsmouth. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and parking (surcharge). Popular attractions Market Square and Governor John Langdon ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (29 reviews)
"Thank you!"

Reviewed on Nov 8, 2026

Treadwell Mansion
Portsmouth Downtown With A View And Bring Your Dog Too!

Portsmouth Downtown With A View And Bring Your Dog Too!

Portsmouth NH
Stay at this vacation home in Portsmouth. Enjoy a garden, laundry facilities, and tennis courts. Popular attractions Market Square and Jackson House Museum are ...
10/10 Exceptional! (356 reviews)
"Perfect location to walk to all of the sites and sounds of Portsmouth. The house is spotless and Michelle is an ideal host - always available if you need anything!"

Reviewed on Nov 2, 2026

Portsmouth Downtown With A View And Bring Your Dog Too!
Historic Downtown Water-view Loft on Ceres Street

Historic Downtown Water-view Loft on Ceres Street

Portsmouth NH
Stay at this condo in Portsmouth. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Market Square and Moffatt-Ladd House are ...
10/10 Exceptional! (37 reviews)
"A gorgeous little loft in the heart of Portsmouth, right by the main strip with lots of shops and restaurants. Clean, modern where it needs to be (kitchen, bathroom, laundry) while maintaining the old-fashioned feel of a brick building with wooden floors. Highly recommend!"

Reviewed on Nov 1, 2026

Historic Downtown Water-view Loft on Ceres Street
See all properties 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.

Stay near popular Portsmouth attractions

A public square with a water fountain, benches, and a stop sign.

Market Square

9.2/10 (1,088 reviews)
You can learn about the history of Portsmouth with a visit to Market Square. While in this family-friendly area, you can savor the top-notch restaurants.
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Frequently asked questions

Is Portsmouth worth visiting?
Portsmouth is worth visiting for its diverse dining, offering Italian and North American cuisine. Travelers can also explore standout attractions like Market Square and enjoy family fun at Water Country. The city also provides practical transit access with bus services.
When is the best time to visit Portsmouth?
The best time to visit Portsmouth is from May through September, when the weather is generally comfortable and inviting. For travelers seeking fewer crowds and better value, the cooler months of December through March are a good option, offering a different, quieter experience.
Where are the best neighborhoods to explore in Portsmouth?
The best neighborhoods to explore in Portsmouth depend on what you want to see:

  • Downtown is ideal for travelers interested in history and culture, featuring the scenic Portsmouth Harbor Trail, the historic Strawbery Banke Museum, and performances at The Music Hall.

What is Portsmouth known for?
Portsmouth NH is known for its lively Market Square and entertainment at The Music Hall. Travelers can also enjoy family fun at Water Country. The city, named after Portsmouth, offers a strong Italian food culture to explore.
What is a good itinerary length for Portsmouth?
A good itinerary length for Portsmouth is two to three days to explore Market Square, see a show at The Music Hall, and enjoy a bike tour. For an extended stay of four to five days, travelers can also visit Water Country, spend more time in Downtown, and try an epic scavenger hunt or a coastal e-bike tour. See Portsmouth Activities.
How do you get around Portsmouth?
Portsmouth offers bus service for getting around, with the Portsmouth Transportation Center serving as a key hub. For travelers preferring their own vehicle, car rentals are available in neighborhoods like Pease and Elwyn Park. Additionally, rideshare services provide convenient options for getting around the area.
What are the top things to do in and around Portsmouth?
Portsmouth offers a blend of history, culture, and outdoor exploration for travelers:

  • Visit Strawbery Banke Museum, a living history museum.
  • Explore Market Square, a lively downtown area.
  • See a performance at The Music Hall.
  • Take a City of Portsmouth Bike Tour to historic landmarks and sites.
  • Embark on a Pretty Portsmouth Scavenger Hunt.

How do I plan a trip to Portsmouth?
To plan your trip to Portsmouth, book flights and hotels in advance, especially during peak times. Consider staying in Downtown to easily explore Market Square or The Music Hall. Plan activities like a City of Portsmouth Bike Tour or an Epic Scavenger Hunt, but always have indoor options ready for weather flexibility. Search for rental cars on Expedia if you plan to explore beyond the city.
What cuisines can you find in Portsmouth?
In Portsmouth you can find Mexican cuisine, with popular dishes like tacos, burritos, and enchiladas. Travelers can also enjoy Italian dishes, North American options such as Southern Soul Food and New American fare, and various Asian cuisines including Chinese, Japanese, and Thai. Seafood and Mediterranean options are also available.
Can I book a refundable hotel in Portsmouth?
Yes, Expedia offers many flexible booking options, and you can look for refundable hotels in Portsmouth by entering your dates and using the refundable or fully refundable filter. Always check the hotel's cancellation policy before you book, since terms can vary by hotel, and visit Expedia help center for further details.
Why book a trip to Portsmouth with Expedia?
Expedia makes it easier to plan your Portsmouth trip with travel tools, flexible search options, and bookable trip components all in one place. You can organize your plans in one account and use Expedia to help build a trip that fits your budget and travel style. Find out more about how by visiting Expedia's Trip Planner page.
Should I stay in a hotel or vacation rental in Portsmouth?
The best choice depends on your travel style. Hotels in Portsmouth can be a good fit for convenience, on-site amenities, and shorter stays, while vacation rentals may offer more space, privacy, and home-style amenities for longer trips, families, or groups. With Expedia, you can compare both options side by side, read traveler reviews, and filter by amenities to find the right fit for your trip.
How can I manage my Portsmouth trip on Expedia?
Once you've booked your Portsmouth trip, you can manage it through your Expedia account or the Expedia app. You can view your itinerary, access booking details, make eligible changes, and check for updates in My Trips. The Expedia app can also help you stay organized while you travel.
What if I need help during my Portsmouth trip?
Expedia offers customer support before, during, and after your Portsmouth trip. If your plans change or something unexpected happens, you can review your booking in My Trips and use Expedia help center channels for help with eligible changes, cancellations, or travel issues.
How can Expedia help me plan my first trip to Portsmouth?
If it's your first trip to Portsmouth, Expedia can help you plan by bringing together stays, flights, activities, traveler reviews, and trip-planning tools in one place. With Expedia's Trip Planner you can compare options, read reviews from other travelers, and build an itinerary that matches your interests and budget.
How can I save on my Portsmouth hotel booking with Expedia?
Join One Key™ for free to unlock instant discounts with Member Prices on select hotels. You can also earn and use OneKeyCash™* on eligible bookings on Expedia. Booking in advance is usually another great way to save on your Portsmouth hotel.

*Excludes taxes and fees. OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia and other participating brands.

Cities near Portsmouth

An aerial view of a historic castle surrounded by a fortified wall, with a port and a lighthouse in the background.

Dover

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Durham

A marina with various boats docked at wooden piers, a bridge in the background, and a forested hillside.

Kittery

A yellow church with a green roof and a bell tower.

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