Portsmouth

Travel Guide
Portsmouth showing a bay or harbor
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 centre. 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 cosy 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

When in West End, you can plan a visit to The Music Hall and Market Square, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

West End
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Pease

When in Pease, you can plan a visit to Fox Run Mall and The Music Hall, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

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

When in North End, you can plan a visit to The Music Hall and Portsmouth Brewery, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

North End
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Elwyn Park

While Elwyn Park isn't home to many top sights, Water Country and Wentworth by the Sea Golf Club are some notable places to visit nearby.

Elwyn Park
Hampton Inn & Suites Portsmouth Downtown
Hampton Inn & Suites Portsmouth Downtown
3 out of 5
23 Portwalk Pl, Portsmouth, NH
The price is RM584 per night from 1 Dec to 2 Dec
RM584
RM633 total
includes taxes & fees
1 Dec - 2 Dec
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! (1,003 reviews)
"The location to downtown is great."

Reviewed on 12 Nov 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 RM527 per night from 21 Nov to 22 Nov
RM527
RM572 total
includes taxes & fees
21 Nov - 22 Nov
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)
"The staff was pleasant and the breakfast area was clean! I appreciate there were food options offered consideration for those with sensitivities. The artificial fragrance in the lobby caused some discomfort (asthmatic symptoms) so would have preferred to not have encountered."

Reviewed on 1 Nov 2024

Hampton Inn Portsmouth Central
AC Hotel by Marriott Portsmouth
AC Hotel by Marriott Portsmouth
3.5 out of 5
299 Vaughn Street, Portsmouth, NH
The price is RM641 per night from 1 Dec to 2 Dec
RM641
RM816 total
includes taxes & fees
1 Dec - 2 Dec
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Portsmouth. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 bars/lounges, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the bar and the helpful ...
9/10 Wonderful! (801 reviews)
"We had such a great stay! Clean, cozy, walkable to great stores and restaurants. Staff were so kind and helpful! Best of all… Dog Friendly! Already booked reservations for February."

Reviewed on 11 Nov 2024

AC Hotel by Marriott 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.
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 Market Square and Odiorne Point State Park ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (57 reviews)
"Great apartment motel. I stayed 3 days. Quiet, super clean, and management could not have been more accommodating."

Reviewed on 12 Oct 2024

Rye Motor Inn: An Adults-Only Apartment Hotel
Ocean Air Suites
Ocean Air Suites
2.5 out of 5
22 C St, Hampton, NH
Stay at this aparthotel in Hampton. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a picnic area. Popular attractions Hampton Beach and Casino Cascade Water Slide are located ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (32 reviews)
"location was awesome. able to see fireworks right from deck in the back. It’s definitely family friendly would definitely be coming back again next year :)"

Reviewed on 3 Sep 2024

Ocean Air Suites
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 Portsmouth Harbor ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (113 reviews)
"Love the local culture and the apartment has everything we need for our stay. Communication was great. We booked on short notice and was able to check in Quickly with ease."

Reviewed on 24 Oct 2024

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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