Good to know: Visit and neighborhood recommendations in Portsmouth
Portsmouth thrives on its maritime heritage, creative community, and walkable downtown filled with boutiques, breweries, and cultural venues. The city is alive year-round with theater performances, harbor tours, and local events. Nearby beaches and islands add a natural balance to its urban energy. It’s a destination where classic New England ambiance meets modern sophistication.
Top areas to stay at in Portsmouth
Downtown Portsmouth
Downtown is the cultural and culinary heart of the city, featuring Market Square, Prescott Park, and dozens of local shops. Staying here puts visitors steps away from waterfront dining, independent bookstores, and galleries. Vacation rentals include lofts in brick buildings, historic townhomes, and stylish studios.
South End
This picturesque neighborhood is filled with historic homes, tree-lined streets, and proximity to the water. Guests can stroll to Strawbery Banke Museum or walk along the South Mill Pond. Rentals include colonial houses with character and cozy coastal cottages. It’s a quiet, refined area perfect for couples or families seeking charm and peace.
West End
The West End has a more residential and eclectic feel, with independent cafes, shops, and a growing arts scene. Airbnbs here offer a mix of mid-century homes and updated properties with local flair. It's still within walking or biking distance to downtown.
Islington Creek Neighborhood
Nestled between the downtown and West End, this neighborhood features a mix of newer condos and restored historic buildings. The area provides quick access to both nightlife and quiet residential streets. Vacation rentals are modern, stylish, and centrally located.
New Castle (nearby island)
Just across the water, New Castle is a tiny, picturesque town connected by bridge and known for its scenic views and 17th-century charm. Rentals here include waterfront cottages and serene seaside escapes. Visitors can enjoy quiet walks, lighthouse views, and beach access.
Must-visit places and attractions in Portsmouth
Strawbery Banke Museum
This living history museum covers over 300 years of Portsmouth’s past, featuring preserved buildings, reenactments, and hands-on exhibits. Visitors can walk through colonial homes, gardens, and traditional shops. The seasonal skating rink adds winter charm.
Prescott Park
Located along the waterfront, this beautiful green space is home to seasonal gardens, summer concerts, and outdoor theater productions. The park offers a peaceful place to picnic, relax, or enjoy river views. The annual arts festival draws big crowds in warmer months.
Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse
Situated on nearby New Castle Island, this historic lighthouse dates back to 1771 and offers guided tours during the summer. The views of the harbor and Atlantic Ocean are breathtaking. It’s a favorite spot for history buffs and photographers. The adjacent Fort Constitution adds to the experience.
Market Square
Market Square is the heart of downtown, filled with historic buildings, boutiques, and local restaurants. It’s a lively area ideal for shopping, people-watching, and tasting regional cuisine. Street performers and seasonal decor add to the festive atmosphere.
The Music Hall
This beautifully restored Victorian theater hosts concerts, films, comedy shows, and literary events. The venue is a centerpiece of Portsmouth’s cultural life. It draws renowned performers and offers an intimate yet grand setting. A night at The Music Hall is a must for art and entertainment lovers.
USS Albacore Museum
This decommissioned Navy submarine is now a museum that allows visitors to walk through and experience life aboard a sub. Interactive exhibits and audio tours add depth to the visit. It’s fascinating for both kids and adults. The surrounding park area makes it a great family stop.
Portsmouth Athenaeum
Founded in 1817, this historic library and museum houses rare books, artifacts, and rotating exhibitions. It’s open to the public for research and browsing during select hours. The building itself is beautiful and filled with literary charm.
Four Tree Island
Just a short walk from downtown, this tiny island park offers open space, picnic areas, and water views. It’s great for catching the sunset, watching boats, or enjoying a peaceful break from the city. The views of the bridges and harbor are stunning.
Where to Find a Vacation Rental Near Portsmouth
Newburyport, Massachusetts
Roughly 45 minutes south, Newburyport is a coastal town with Federal-style homes, harbor views, and a vibrant arts scene. Visitors can enjoy whale watching, boutique shopping, and farm-to-table dining. It’s a perfect stop along the New England coastline. Book a few nights in an apartment in Newburyport overlooking historic wharves and cobbled streets.
Concord, New Hampshire
Roughly 45 minutes west, Concord is New Hampshire’s state capital and a great stop for travelers interested in political history and small-city charm. It features sites like the New Hampshire State House and the Capitol Center for the Arts. Concord’s stately character and community feel make it a relaxing counterpart to Portsmouth’s harbor buzz. Spend a night in a house in Concord with tree-lined views and proximity to downtown cafés.
Boston, Massachusetts
Just over an hour south, Boston is one of the most iconic cities in the United States, blending revolutionary history with a vibrant modern edge. Visitors can walk the Freedom Trail, explore Harvard Square, or enjoy waterfront dining in the Seaport District. Boston’s energetic, urban vibe contrasts perfectly with Portsmouth’s small-town seafaring charm. Stay in a vacation rental in Boston whether you prefer a harbor-view loft or a brownstone in Beacon Hill.
Portland, Maine
About an hour and a half north, Portland is a dynamic coastal city known for its artsy neighborhoods, historic Old Port, and renowned food scene. From lobster rolls on Commercial Street to gallery hopping in the Arts District, it offers a creative and culinary adventure. Portland and Portsmouth both share a love of coastal culture but offer distinct flavors of New England life. Rest in an apartment in Portland tucked above cobbled streets or along the working waterfront.
Kennebunkport, Maine
Located just under an hour northeast, Kennebunkport is a classic Maine coastal town famous for its picturesque harbor, boutique shopping, and seafood eateries. It’s a top choice for visitors seeking a luxurious yet laid-back getaway. Kennebunkport’s upscale coastal vibe beautifully complements Portsmouth’s maritime heritage and walkable downtown. Settle into a cottage in Kennebunkport with harbor views and easy access to art galleries and clam shacks.
Discover coastal charm and historical treasures across North America.
Immerse yourself in the charming coastal ambiance that defines Portsmouth, where the Atlantic coast brings fresh sea breezes and vibrant maritime culture. Explore further along the coast for unforgettable retreats; find vacation rentals in Astoria where you can savor Oregon's scenic vistas. In the heart of California, you can discover places to stay in Capitola, renowned for its colorful beachfront homes and inviting sandy shores. For a distinctive coastal experience, explore airbnb in Corolla, with its exceptional wild horse tours and serene beach landscapes in North Carolina.
Portsmouth's history is alive in every corner, from its well-preserved Strawbery Banke Museum to the majestic Portsmouth Athenaeum. Extend your historical discoveries across North America by booking airbnb in Laurel and delving into Mississippi's rich past, or choose to find a rental in Cody, where Wyoming's cowboy heritage and the renowned Buffalo Bill Center of the West await your exploration. For an international historical journey, look to airbnb in Halifax, where Nova Scotia's maritime heritage and the historic waterfront evoke tales of yesteryear.