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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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 RM573 per night from 25 Nov to 26 Nov
RM573
RM622 total
includes taxes & fees
25 Nov - 26 Nov
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 1 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 RM555 per night from 10 Nov to 11 Nov
RM555
RM602 total
includes taxes & fees
10 Nov - 11 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! (1,004 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 24 Oct 2024

Hampton Inn Portsmouth Central
Motel 6 Portsmouth, NH
Motel 6 Portsmouth, NH
2 out of 5
3 Gosling Rd, Portsmouth, NH
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is RM390 per night from 11 Nov to 12 Nov
RM390
RM423 total
includes taxes & fees
11 Nov - 12 Nov
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 1 Nov 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.
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! (56 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
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! (111 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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