We noticed that you're using an unsupported browser. The TripAdvisor website may not display properly.
We support the following browsers: Windows: Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox. Mac: Safari.

Portsmouth

Free Newsletter

Interested in Portsmouth?

We'll send you updates with the latest deals, reviews and articles for Portsmouth each week.

Nearby Cities

You may also be interested in these cities within five miles of Portsmouth:

Weekend Getaways to Portsmouth

Portsmouth
Downtown Portsmouth. Photo NHDTTD/Morang/NH Division Of Travel & Tourism Development.
Don your walking shoes, breathe in the ocean air and set out to discover this picturesque maritime town. You can join one of several organized walking tours or explore on your own. Portsmouth is filled with old homes and museums, and you'll have your pick of fascinating historic sites. Climb aboard the USS Albacore, a retired U.S. Navy submarine offering tours and exhibits. View an 18th-century garden, striking stairway and period furniture at the Moffatt Ladd House, the home of William Whipple, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, or follow a costumed guide through the John Paul Jones House, home of the Revolutionary War naval hero. For a broader look at the city's history, visit Strawbery Banke Museum, where over 40 buildings have been assembled to depict Portsmouth life from 1695 to 1950, complete with costumed actors. If you know architecture, Portsmouth's array of Colonial, Federalist and Neo-classical styles will dazzle you. Weary of walking? Sit down for a meal at one of Portsmouth's fine eateries or relax on a narrated harbor or whale-watching cruise.
 
Read more



Don't-Miss Attractions
TripAdvisor's editorial team reviewed our attractions database and selected the best local attractions to highlight in this itinerary. Some are popular, some are off the beaten path, but all are worth a visit.
Local heritageLocal heritage
Strawbery Banke Museum: View and visit some of the numerous buildings at this 10-acre outdoor museum that traces the history of this seaport town, with costumed interpreters providing demonstrations of trades and insights into earlier Portsmouth times.
Address: Hancock St., PO Box 300, Portsmouth, New Hampshire
Phone: 603 433 1106
Admission fee
For history buffsFor history buffs
John Paul Jones House: This 1758 colonial, gambrel-roofed house was the home of Revolutionary War naval hero John Paul Jones while in Portsmouth during the war, and now features a collection of furniture, toys, guns, canes and a historic garden.
Address: 43 Middle St, Portsmouth, New Hampshire
Phone: 603-436-8420
Admission fee; open from June to mid-October
Warner House: The governor's mansion when Portsmouth was state capital in the 1700s, this historic 1718 house was the site of many important decisions about New Hampshires future.
Address: 150 Daniel Street, PO Box 895, Portsmouth, New Hampshire
Phone: 603-436-5909
Admission fee; open from June to October
Moffatt Ladd House: Originally built for a wealthy merchant family, and later the residence of one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence, this splendid home features an elegant 18th-century garden, interesting carvings and much of the original furniture.
Address: 154 Market St, Portsmouth, New Hampshire
Phone: 603-436-8221
Admission fee
USS Albacore Museum: Kids will love exploring this retired 1953 U.S. Navy submarine which served as a test bed for other submarine systems and now gives visitors a feel for the tight quarters, tiny berths and general submarine lifestyle.
Address: 600 Market Street , Portsmouth, New Hampshire
Phone: 603-436-3680
Admission fee
Kid stuffKid stuff
Children's Museum of New Hampshire: A sense of energy and excitement pervades this arts and sciences museum where kids aged 1 - 11 get to put their hands on lots of fun and educational exhibits, from a working telegraph to a space shuttle cockpit.
Address: Six Washington Street, Dover, New Hampshire
Phone: 603 742 2002
Admission fee
Grab a cold oneGrab a cold one
Redhook Ale Brewery & Cataqua Public House: Live music, tours, beer samples and food are offered at this large brewery and pub that started with the first wave of American microbreweries and is now a celebrated name.
Address: 35 Corporate Drive, Portsmouth, New Hampshire
Phone: 603-430-8600
Admission fee
RestaurantsRestaurants
Friendly Toast: Casual and funky, the Friendly Toast serves up fun and quirky breakfasts like green eggs and ham. An eclectic crowd can be found dining at breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Address: 121 Congress St, Portsmouth, New Hampshire
Phone: (603) 430-2154
Open all night on weekends.
Things to doMore attractions
View all attractions in Portsmouth

Portsmouth Traveler Lists

Traveler Lists — Created by real travelers to give you ideas
on where to go and what to do on your next trip.
What to do in Portsmouth
Where to Stay
Our editorial team selected local hotels and resorts that have good reputations and good deals. Because we know travelers' budgets differ vastly, we chose hotels at different price points rather than listing the city's top five hotels, which might all be in the same price range.
Moderate hotelsModerate hotels
Fairfield Inn Portsmouth Seacoast
Popularity index: #8 in Portsmouth
Expedia.com Photos, Reviews and the Guaranteed Lowest Prices
FairfieldInn.com Get Marriott's Best Rate Guarantee & Earn Rewards
Travelocity Hotel rooms at up to 50% off.
View all travel offers for this hotel
Hampton Inn Portsmouth
Popularity index: #9 in Portsmouth
HamptonInn.com Official site for Hampton Hotels, get our best rates guaranteed!
Expedia.com Photos, Reviews and the Guaranteed Lowest Prices
ORBITZ.com Find great deals on Orbitz & pay no hotel change or cancel fees
View all travel offers for this hotel
Courtyard by Marriott Portsmouth
Popularity index: #10 in Portsmouth
Expedia.com Photos, Reviews and the Guaranteed Lowest Prices
Courtyard.com Get Marriott's Best Rate Guarantee & Earn Rewards
Travelocity Hotel rooms at up to 50% off.
View all travel offers for this hotel
Budget hotelsBudget hotels
The Port Inn
Popularity index: #1 in Portsmouth
Expedia.com Photos, Reviews and the Guaranteed Lowest Prices
Hotels.com Low Rates Guaranteed! Click or Call an Expert at 1-800-43-HOTEL
Travelocity Hotel rooms at up to 50% off.
View all travel offers for this hotel
Anchorage Inns & Suites
Popularity index: #3 in Portsmouth
Expedia.com Photos, Reviews and the Guaranteed Lowest Prices
Hotels.com Low Rates Guaranteed! Click or Call an Expert at 1-800-43-HOTEL
ORBITZ.com Find great deals on Orbitz & pay no hotel change or cancel fees
View all travel offers for this hotel

Recommended Reading
"Portsmouth, NH, Weekend Winter Getaway"  TravelLady, Mar 1, 2007
Discover the many fine restaurants, historic sites and natural attractions this scenic coastal town has to offer.
"Where Greek Ideals Meet New England Charm"  New York Times (free registration required), Mar 7, 2008
New England is home to many rare and historic book collections.
"Old, intriguing, always thriving Portsmouth"  Boston.com / Boston Globe, Nov 7, 2004
From a historic village to offshore islands, Portsmouth offers more than historic New England.
"Portsmouth Snap-shot"  AmericanJourneys.com
Visit Strawbery Banke and other historic sites in Portsmouth.
 View all articles, guidebooks and user reviews about Portsmouth