Sightseeing in Portsmouth - what to see. Complete travel guide
Portsmouth is one of the three oldest cities in America, which strikes visitors by its rich cultural and historical heritage. The city was founded in 1623; many old buildings and beautiful mansions have survived till our days. It seems that the atmosphere of the city does not change with time. Small streets of the city are always calm and quiet. They are more like English quarters of the last century rather than streets of a modern city.
As Portsmouth is rather small, one can easily get around on foot and see all major attractions of this place. One of the attractive spots is the home of Warner built in 1716. It's a beautiful building made of red brick, which is decorated with fine wall paintings. The residence of John Longdon is located nearby. This building was founded in 1785. This house is famous by one fact - George Washington himself stopped in it.
The most beautiful parks and alleys can be found on the banks of the Piskataqua River. Here are also located excellent restaurants opened in the buildings of past centuries. Besides the fact that you will be served delicious food, the decor of restaurants is simply delightful. Everything is chosen with great taste and all details emphasize the welcoming atmosphere of this place. Shops and shopping centers can be found near the coast, here are also located a network of popular restaurants and cafes. During warmer months, the beaches become the location of colorful festivals and parades. Here are organized performances for children, and on evenings tourists can enjoy fireworks or attend a music concert featuring local bands.
St. John's Episcopal Church has always been an important symbol of the city. The one-story building is remarkable for its beautiful bell tower. For local residents, this ancient church is one of the main national landmarks. During the years of various wars and disasters, they used the church building as a hospital.
Nearby you can see another historical symbol - the old court building, which is among the oldest buildings in Portsmouth. Since its construction, this building is used exclusively for its intended purpose - sessions are held here even today. The richly decorated court building retains ancient marble staircases and columns, and one of the main adornments of the city court is a sculpture called "Hands of Justice".
The city is famous for its picturesque parks, and Prescott Park is among the most beautiful ones. It features an incredible landscape design: beautiful walking paths are laid, flowerbeds are formed and various ornamental plants are planted throughout the park. During warmer months, the park is decorated with several picturesque operating fountains. In the park, there is a small stage where interesting open-air concerts are held in summer.
Fans of the foamy drink will be interested in visiting the historic Red Hook Brewery, which has been producing beer according to secret recipes for many years. Visitors to the brewery will go on an exciting tour, after which they can relax in a cozy beer restaurant and try the best varieties of the amber drink. In addition to special types of beer, in the restaurant, you can also try popular national dishes.
In Portsmouth, you will find several great art galleries. An old brick building houses Piscataqua Fine Arts Studio and Gallery. Inside you can admire some interesting paintings by local artists and buy any works you like.
If holidays in Portsmouth falls on a warm season, nature enthusiasts should explore the charming Celia Thaxter's Garden located on a small hill near the coast. By the end of spring, dozens of wildflowers blossom in this garden. Some of its areas offer a wonderful view of the coast, it would be hard to find a more beautiful place for walking.
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City tours, excursions and tickets in Portsmouth and surroundings
Reference information
National and city parks around Portsmouth
♥ State Park 'Pierce Island' , 1.4 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ State Park 'Odiorne Point' , 4.3 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ State Park 'Rye Harbor State Park' , 7.9 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ State Park 'Vaughan Woods' , 16.1 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ Local Park 'Demerritt' , 17.8 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ State Park 'Pierce Island' , 1.4 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ State Park 'Odiorne Point' , 4.3 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ State Park 'Rye Harbor State Park' , 7.9 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ State Park 'Vaughan Woods' , 16.1 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ Local Park 'Demerritt' , 17.8 km from the center. On the map Photo
Art galleries in Portsmouth and around
♥ Art museum 'Ogunquit Museum of American Art' Ogunquit, 22.9 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ Art museum 'Ogunquit Museum of American Art' Ogunquit, 22.9 km from the center. On the map Photo
Sights around Portsmouth from our guide 'Extreme places on Earth'
Nylo Hotel
From the series “Best industrial-style loft hotels”
Check on the map: Distance from Portsmouth center - 160.6 km.
The Loft restaurant is the pride of the hotel. Its hall is decorated in blue and silver tones. The restaurant offers a wide selection of traditional national dishes to guests. There is also a bar with a rich selection of signature cocktails in it. Spacious wooden terraces are available for guests to relax in the warmer months. They are decorated with designer furniture and live plants. Nylo Hotel is very popular with couples. A significant part of its rooms is designed specifically for them. Many interesting tourist sites are located near the hotel. Roger Williams Zoo, the charming village, and Buttonwoods City Park are among them. …
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Orpheum Theatre
From the series “Deserted Places Causing the Feeling of Chill”
Check on the map: Distance from Portsmouth center - 144.7 km.
In 1962, the old theater was converted into a warehouse, which stored tobacco. Today a small part of a historic building is occupied by a supermarket. The rest of the construction is vacant and, despite the fact that it is privately owned, it’s not difficult to get into the old theater. It preserved a stage and an auditorium with seating area. You can still see the old furniture and even carpets in some rooms. However, the former luxury of the Orpheum Theatre has gone. The ambience is scary. Drifting scratches and other strange sounds everywhere increase the discomfort of staying in this place. …
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Thailand Relaxes Its COVID-19 Policy
New Year events in Thailand are likely to bring more people this year because everyone is tired of lockdowns and craving normal life. Many tourists, who book hotels in Pattaya, Krabi, or Phuket for the holiday season, also want to participate. As champagne has become an essential drink for New Year celebrations, the question regarding alcohol consumption comes to mind. The government allowed serving alcoholic drinks during the New Year countdown but only open-air cafes and restaurants with good ventilation will be permitted to do this until 1 am on 1 January 2022. This rule is nationwide. Read this
19.03.2024
New Year events in Thailand are likely to bring more people this year because everyone is tired of lockdowns and craving normal life. Many tourists, who book hotels in Pattaya, Krabi, or Phuket for the holiday season, also want to participate. As champagne has become an essential drink for New Year celebrations, the question regarding alcohol consumption comes to mind. The government allowed serving alcoholic drinks during the New Year countdown but only open-air cafes and restaurants with good ventilation will be permitted to do this until 1 am on 1 January 2022. This rule is nationwide. Read this
19.03.2024
Search touristic sites on the map of Portsmouth
All about Portsmouth, USA - sightseeings, attractions, touristic spots, architecture, history, culture and cuisine. Prepare your trip together with OrangeSmile.com - find out the 'must see' things in Portsmouth, which places to visit, which excursions to take, where the breathtaking views are waiting for you. Planning your trip with this travel guide will help your to get the most out of Portsmouth in few days.