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, Portsmouth Harbor Trail and The Music Hall 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 Portsmouth Harbor Trail.

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 & Suites Portsmouth Downtown

Hampton Inn & Suites Portsmouth Downtown

3 out of 5
23 Portwalk Pl, Portsmouth, NH
$204 nightly
The price is $221 total per night from Aug 24 to Aug 25
$221 total
Aug 24 - Aug 25
Total includes taxes and 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! (1,009 reviews)
"The stay itself was good but when I booked this hotel, I specifically clicked on free parking. The parking was an additional $45 fee with a valet."

Reviewed on Aug 10, 2025

Hampton Inn & Suites Portsmouth Downtown
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
$127 nightly
The price is $137 total per night from Sep 7 to Sep 8
$137 total
Sep 7 - Sep 8
Total includes taxes and 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! (1,001 reviews)
"Great location, very close to downtown. The breakfast was awesome, and parking was easy and convenient. Had a great stay!"

Reviewed on Jul 31, 2025

Port Inn and Suites Portsmouth, Ascend Hotel Collection
Hampton Inn Portsmouth Central

Hampton Inn Portsmouth Central

2.5 out of 5
99 Durgin Ln, Portsmouth, NH
$152 nightly
The price is $165 total per night from Sep 1 to Sep 2
$165 total
Sep 1 - Sep 2
Total includes 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)
"We had a wonderful greeting by the hotel manager. He assisted with getting us checked in and provided us options for a late dinner. Our room was clean and easy to locate what we needed. The refrigerator was cold (not always the case). Pool was great. Breakfast was well stocked. I’d stay there ..."

Reviewed on Aug 5, 2025

Hampton Inn Portsmouth Central
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.
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 Aug 6, 2025

Historic Downtown Water-view Loft on Ceres Street
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 laundry facilities. Popular attractions Market Square and ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (298 reviews)
A perfect location
"We had a month stay here and loved every minute! The owner is wonderful and responsive. The place is gorgeous inside with plenty of room. So nice to be able to have the dog with us! A walk to downtown, kayaking at the boat launch just steps away, and 20 minutes to beaches! Highly recommend."

Reviewed on Aug 2, 2025

Portsmouth Downtown With A View And Bring Your Dog Too!
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 ...
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 May 20, 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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