The second oldest city in the Unites States — and the oldest in New Hampshire — beautiful Portsmouth has a wonderfully lively buzz: perfect for a waterside holiday. A hugely popular place to visit, Portsmouth offers a broad range of accommodation options, from simple guesthouses to luxurious hotels with fantastic facilities. The best places to stay in Portsmouth NH are housed in striking heritage buildings, fusing the city’s fascinating history with chic, contemporary interiors.
Set alongside the Piscatagua River, the region was originally home to Abenaki and other Algonquian languages-speaking nations, who inhabited the area for thousands of years. First explored by Europeans in the early 1600s, Portsmouth grew wealthy as one of the busiest ports and shipbuilding cities in the United States. Delve into the city’s history to discover links to the slave trade, the American Revolution and the Civil War, all of which shaped the city’s development, as well as the rise and fall of its inhabitants’ fortunes.
Much of the city’s past can be glimpsed through its impressive architecture. Despite significant early nineteenth-century fires, Portsmouth NH’s leafy central streets remain lined with lovely colonial, Georgian and Federal-style houses. Many have been carefully preserved, and are now open to the public. The Strawbery Banke Museum, for instance, showcases 17 houses in the city’s oldest neighbourhood, offering a precious glimpse into the past -- best appreciated with a guided tour. There are ample individual house-museums dotted around the city centre, too.
When it comes to the great outdoors, Portsmouth NH offers activities aplenty: head out on a river cruise to spot marine life and admire spectacular views over Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse and Fort Constitution, enjoy a round of golf at one of the area’s many courses, or stroll through riverside Prescott Park. For the best boutiques, cafes and restaurants, amble along Market Street to Market Square, and make sure to catch a show at The Music Hall one evening.
In addition to heaps of history and culture, Portsmouth NH has a fun, youthful vibe, ideal for unwinding with friends or family. Our pick of best places to stay in Portsmouth NH ranges from grand waterfront hotels with indulgent spas to smart guesthouses in beautifully restored heritage properties, promising fabulous food and lots of charm. This is a very popular destination, so book your stay well in advance to avoid missing out!
