Portsmouth

Travel Guide
Portsmouth showing a bay or harbour
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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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 CA $183 per night from Nov. 24 to Nov. 25
CA $183
CA $198 total
includes taxes & fees
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)
"Staff and property were amazing and super helpful! Thank you!!!"

Reviewed on Nov. 1, 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 CA $177 per night from Nov. 17 to Nov. 18
CA $177
CA $192 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 17 - Nov 18
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! (1,004 reviews)
"Stayed here for a night. Beds were comfortable and it felt very safe. The staff at the desk were very kind. My only complaint is that the AC/heater unit in our room kept turning on with a very loud crackling sound, so had to turn it off. Also Pillows were on the softer side and the bathtub had some ..."

Reviewed on Oct. 24, 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 CA $124 per night from Nov. 5 to Nov. 6
CA $124
CA $134 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 5 - Nov 6
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 (1,008 reviews)
"Compared to last year's stay, property improved (made a little upgrade). Room had microwave and refrigerator comparing to previous stay."

Reviewed on Nov. 1, 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! (276 reviews)
Location
"Nice house with character. Great location"

Reviewed on Oct. 26, 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 ...
Excellent get away
"This is my fourth year staying here, great walking access to downtown Portsmouth and easy driving distance to everywhere else in the area. Property Manager is a pleasure to deal with, apartment is well equipped and well kept up. Only trouble is that Every time I go there I wish I could stay ..."

Reviewed on Oct. 23, 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 ...
Weekend getaway
"My husband and I really enjoyed our stay in Portsmouth! The property was very close to everything and easily walkable. We will definitely stay at Darryl’s home again the next time we head to Portsmouth NH."

Reviewed on Oct. 14, 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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