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!

The best places to stay in Portsmouth NH

For a chic central stay

• The Hotel Portsmouth offers 32 indulgent rooms with classic furnishings and a soothing colour palette in a masterfully restored Queen Anne building. Pick this B&B for the hearty breakfasts, central Portsmouth location, and thoughtful nods to the building's heritage. Helpful staff are full of local foodie recommendations.
• The Sailmaker's House is a chic boutique guesthouse with 10 cosy rooms in the heart of downtown Portsmouth. A converted sailmaker's home, the property fuses maritime touches and contemporary comfort with traditional New Hampshire style. Lovely & laid-back!

For a classic seaside stay

• Wentworth by the Sea is splendid coastal hotel near Portsmouth, with classic interiors and beautiful sea views. Boasting a restaurant, swimming pool, spa and gym, and easy access to golf courses and the marina, this is a grand, resort-style base for a charming New Hampshire stay.

For an apartment or villa

If you'd prefer a self-catering option, we suggest that you visit our online partner Booking.com.

Travel information

• Fly to either Manchester International Airport, Portland International Airport or Boston International Airport, all of which are about an hour's drive from Portsmouth NH.
• Contact our online partner Rentalcars if you would like to hire a car.
• Alternatively, regular train services run from nearby cities to Dover. You can then catch a bus to Portsmouth NH.
• Visit during the summer months (June to August) for warm weather, with temperatures averaging at around 24°C. This is also a beautiful area to explore in the winter, but do come prepared for freezing, sub-zero temperatures!

Still not sure?

• Expand your search to see our pick of the best places to stay in New Hampshire.
• Or perhaps look at our recommendations for the best hotels in New England.
• Alternatively, you could contact one of our friendly Gurus for advice.

Weather

Monthly Weather in Portsmouth NH