Portsmouth is a port city on Portsea Island, the only English city not primarily on the mainland. The Royal Navy dockyard and Historic Dockyard dominate the waterfront, with the Spinnaker Tower rising above Portsmouth Harbour, while Southsea forms the city's seaside resort, with two piers, a large common and the hovercraft service to Ryde on the Isle of Wight.
For a visitor, the useful split is between the historic waterfront and the seafront. The Historic Dockyard, Gunwharf Quays and Old Portsmouth sit at the south-west of the island, Southsea runs along the seafront to the south, and the main railway stations connect the city to London and southern England. This guide covers which areas to base yourself in, not individual places to book.
Best areas to stay in Portsmouth
1. Old Portsmouth and the seafront edge of Southsea
Old Portsmouth is where the city began, and the streets around it put you within walking distance of the Historic Dockyard, Gunwharf Quays and the seafront. This is the most convenient base for a first visit, since the naval attractions, the cathedral quarter and the waterfront are all reachable on foot.
You find guesthouses and small hotels here rather than large chains. It suits visitors who want to walk to the sights and families who want the common and the piers close by. Note that the seafront and old town sit at the southern edge of the island, so journeys to the ferry port or the mainline stations take a little longer.
2. Southsea
Southsea is Portsmouth's seaside resort, named after Southsea Castle, with Clarence Pier amusement park, South Parade Pier, Southsea Common and the hovercraft terminal to Ryde. It is a resort setting rather than a dockyard one, and it works well for families and for anyone who wants the sea within a short walk.
Accommodation here includes upmarket hotels set just back from the seafront, and the area is in easy reach of the rest of the city. The common hosts events through the year, so expect crowds on those dates.
3. Gunwharf Quays
Gunwharf Quays is the redeveloped former HMS Vernon shore establishment, now a large retail outlet destination on the waterfront. Staying here puts you beside the Spinnaker Tower, the harbour and the Historic Dockyard, with shops and leisure on the doorstep.
This suits visitors who want the waterfront on foot and prefer a modern, busy setting. It is a commercial and leisure area rather than a residential one, so the character is different from Old Portsmouth or Southsea.
4. City centre, near Portsmouth & Southsea station
The centre around the main station is the practical choice if you are arriving by train or moving on quickly. You find larger, straightforward places to stay here, and the station connects to London Victoria and London Waterloo among other southern lines.
It suits budget-conscious travellers and anyone using the city as a base for the wider south coast. The dockyard and seafront are a walk or a short ride away rather than immediately outside.
5. North End and Hilsea
North End and Hilsea sit further north on the island, away from the visitor waterfront. Hilsea has the lido, the rugby club and fitness centres, with a running track along the water, so it suits travellers who want sport and open space rather than the dockyard.
These areas are within easy reach of the continental ferry port and the Isle of Wight ferry, which makes them useful for early sailings. Expect to travel into the centre for the main sights.
Where to stay on a budget, mid-range or splurge
- Budget: chain hotels and simpler guesthouses, including options in the city centre and further out towards North End and Hilsea.
- Mid-range: established hotels near the station and the centre, plus guesthouses in Old Portsmouth and Southsea within walking distance of the attractions.
- Splurge: the city's boutique and upmarket hotels, set just back from the Southsea seafront and in easy reach of everything.
Best area for a first visit
Base yourself in Old Portsmouth or on the Southsea seafront edge. From there the Historic Dockyard, Gunwharf Quays, the old town and the seafront are all within walking distance, which is what most first-time visitors come for. It also gives you the choice of guesthouses and small hotels rather than a single type of accommodation.
Frequently asked questions
How do I book accommodation in Portsmouth?
Accommodation can be browsed online via the official VisitPortsmouth website, and the Visitor Info Centre can make bookings or check availability on your behalf.
Which area is best if I am arriving by ferry?
Places in North End and Hilsea are within easy reach of the continental ferry port and the Isle of Wight ferry, which helps if you have an early sailing.
Where should I stay if I want to be near the shops and the harbour?
Gunwharf Quays puts you beside the retail outlet destination, the Spinnaker Tower and the Historic Dockyard, all on the waterfront.
Is there anywhere to stay near the seafront?
Yes. Southsea is the seaside resort, with the piers, the common and the hovercraft terminal, and the city's boutique accommodation sits just back from the seafront there.
Compare live prices for your dates with the booking tools on this page before you decide.