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Portsmouth, New Hampshire - NEU

Northeastern University

Portsmouth, New Hampshire - NEU

One-day Trip Itinerary to Portsmouth, New Hampshire

 “Sneak a Peek at the Soulful fusion of longing and Discovery”

Estimated Trip Duration: 10 to 12 hours | Total Estimated Amount: $90 - $105 | Reading Time: 7 minutes

Are you tired of roaming around Boston and there is nothing left for you untouched? Then it’s the right time to set your eyes on Portsmouth, New Hampshire. It’s just an hour's drive away and you will find yourself beaming with the sun of this historic coastal city.

This one-day itinerary is designed to give you a break from your daily academic life and take you on a journey of exploration and freedom. From Market Square to Strawberry Banke Museum and from here to Portsmouth Athenaeum, Portsmouth offers you a chance to enjoy the charm of this city.

Full Itinerary

Extras

7:30 AM: Departure from Northeastern University

Mode of Transportation:

  • Travel Option 1: Bus (C&J Bus Lines). Visit their official Website for more details.

Directions: Take the Orange Line from Ruggles Station to North Station, then transfer to C&J Bus Lines from Boston’s North Station to Portsmouth.

Duration: Approximately 1.5 to 2 hours.

Cost: $25 one-way.

Pro Tip: Check the bus schedule in advance.

  • Travel Option 2: Car Rental or Rideshare (Uber/Lyft)

Travel Time: About 1 hour 10 minutes by car

Parking: Paid parking is available in downtown Portsmouth; parking garages cost about $2/hour.

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9:00 AM: Arrival in Portsmouth

As soon you will reach Portsmouth the wind will whisper nostalgia in your ears. You will feel a sense of curiosity and intrigue as you walk down the street. Carry on with these mixed feelings of emotions and grab your first meal of the day.

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9:15 AM: Breakfast at Lexie’s Joint

📍Route Guide

  • Location: 105 Daniel St, Portsmouth, NH
  • Direction: 5 to 10 minutes walk via Summer St and Islington St
  • Overview of the Place: It is a popular spot for hanging out and enjoying casual breakfast options. This place is locally celebrated for offering a variety of burgers.
  • Know more! about this place.
  • Recommended Dishes: Burgers, Sandwiches, and Fries
  • Cost: Around $10-15 (per person)
  • Recommended Time: 30 to 40 minutes
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10:00 AM: Visit Prescott Park

📍Route Guide

  • Location: 105 Marcy St, Portsmouth, NH
  • Direction: 5-minute walk along Marcy Street.
  • Overview of the Place: Prescott Park is a serene waterfront park with fountains, gardens, and relaxing views of the Piscataqua River.
  • Cost: Free to visit
  • Recommended Time: 30 to 45 minutes

List of Activities:

  • Prescott Park Arts Festival: This park hosts an art festival every Summer including outdoor theatre and live music.
  • Fishing and Boating: the park has well-designated spots where you can opt for fishing or boating across the Piscataqua River.
  • Picnic Areas: The park consists of picnic tables and benches across the river for anyone who wants to enjoy a relaxed space.
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10:45 AM: Head Towards Strawberry Banke Museum

📍Route Guide

  • Location:14 Hancock St, Portsmouth, NH
  • Direction: 2-minute walk from Prescott Park
  • Overview of the Place: It's an open-air history museum. This place is famous for featuring over 300 years of the history of Portsmouth. Tap here! For more information.
  • Cost: Around $10 with student ID.
  • Recommended Time: 1.5 hours

List of Activities:

  • Historic Houses: Around 30 restored buildings from the period of 1600 to the 1950s are present here. These buildings offer the architecture, lifestyle, and culture of their time.
  • Seasonal Events: Candlelight Stroll during winter, Fall Festival, Vintage and Vine, a wine-tasting fest are the top highlights.
  • Different Gardens: You can enjoy gardens reflecting different periods and purposes, ranging from ornamental gardens to vegetable plots.
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Noon: Lunch at The Friendly Toast

📍Route Guide

  • Location: 113 Congress St, Portsmouth, NH
  • Direction: 10-minute walk along Marcy Street and Penhallow Street to Congress Street.
  • Overview of the Place: A colorful place popular among the locals, is known for unique sandwiches, salads, and brunch. Know more! about this place
  • Recommended Dishes: Avocado Toast, Sklarmageddon, and Cinnamon Roll Pancakes
  • Cost: $15to $20 (per Person)
  • Recommended Time: 1 hour
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1:45 PM: Market Square and Historic Downtown Exploration

📍Route Guide

  • Location: Congress St & Market St, Portsmouth, NH
  • Direction: 2-minute walk down the Congress Street
  • Overview of the Place: Located at the heart of Portsmouth, Market Square provides a cultural vibrancy to this place. Lined with colonial-era buildings, local boutiques, and art galleries, Market Square is an excellent place to explore on foot.
  • Historic Downtown: This place is just a few steps away from Market Square. It offers a blend of colonial history, modern shops, and cozy cafes. Visit Portsmouth Music Hall where you can witness live performances.
  • Cost: Free to explore, shopping is optional.
  • Recommended Time: 1 hour
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3:00 PM: Explore Portsmouth Centre and Portsmouth Athenaeum

📍Route Guide

  • Location: 10 Middle St, Portsmouth, NH
  • Direction: 3-minute walk from Market Square
  • Overview of the Place: Portsmouth Centre is a vibrant spot engulfed with historic architecture, cultural attractions, and different local shops. Tap here! For detailed information.
  • Portsmouth Athenaeum: It is one of the oldest libraries in New England this place provides a treasure trove of historical books and manuscripts.
  • Cost: Free of cost.
  • Recommended Time: About 45 minutes.
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4:00 PM: Harbor Trail Walk

📍Route Guide

  • Location: Starting point at Prescott Park, ending near Market Square.
  • Direction: 5-minute walk back to Prescott Park.
  • Overview of the Place: This place offers a leisurely along the waterfront, perfect for exploring the city's maritime heritage.
  • Cost: Free to visit.
  • Recommended Time: Around 45 minutes.

List of Activities:

  • Waterfront Views: Cherish the breathtaking views of the Piscataqua River.
  • Historic Landmarks: You will pass by Strawbery Banke Museum and Prescott Park.
  • Local Wildlife: You may witness different birds along with wildlife along the shorelines depending on the month of your travel.
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5:00 PM: Espresso Shot at La Maison Navarre

📍Route Guide

  • Location: 121 Congress St, Portsmouth, NH
  • Direction: 5-10 minutes walk from the endpoint of Harbor Trail.
  • Overview of the Place: A chic French café widely known for its artisan pastries and premium coffee. For more information Click here!
  • Recommended Dishes: Macrons, fresh Croissants, Sandwiches, and Soups.
  • Cost: $5-$15
  • Recommended Time: 30 minutes
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5:45 PM: Wrap up at Four Tree Island

📍Route Guide

  • Location: 10-minute walk across Peirce Island Road
  • Boat Access: Rent a boat or take a kayak from the Portsmouth Harbor to reach Four Tree Island.
  • Overview: A secluded spot for panoramic views of the river, bridge, and nearby islands. It’s a great final stop for relaxing and reflecting on the day.
  • Cost: Free of cost
  • Recommended Time: 30 minutes
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6:30 PM: Return to Boston

Mode of Transportation:

  • Option 1: Take the C&J Bus Lines from Portsmouth back to North Station.
  • Option 2: Rideshare or car rental for the return journey.

Travel Time: About 1.5 hours by bus, 1 hour 10 minutes by car.

Cost: $25 one-way for bus fare.

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Trip Summary

7:30 AM: Departure from Northeastern University

9:00 AM: Arrival in Portsmouth

9:15 AM: Breakfast at Lexie’s Joint

10:00 AM: Visit Prescott Park

10:45 AM: Strawbery Banke Museum

Noon: Lunch at The Friendly Toast

1:45 PM: Market Square and Historic Downtown Exploration

3:00 PM: Explore Portsmouth Centre and Portsmouth Athenaeum

4:00 PM: Harbor Trail Walk

5:00 PM: Espresso Shot at La Maison Navarre

5:45 PM: Four Tree Island

6:30 PM: Return to Boston

Packing Checklist

Essential Items: Sunscreen, Sunglasses, Mobile charger, Sanitary pads (for our beauties out there), and a First-aid kit.

Snacks: Light Eatables, Water Bottle

Budget Breakdown

Transportation (Round-Trip)$50.00
Breakfast$10 - $15
Strawberry Banke Museum$10.00
Lunch$5 - $10
Coffee Break$5 - $10
Total Estimated Amount$90 - $105

In a Nutshell

This one-day itinerary will provide you with a gist of how to plan your day trip from Northeastern University to Portsmouth. It will cover all the major hot spots and will give you the experience of an unforgettable journey.

The Skidoo has thoughtfully curated it to make your trip a well memorable one. We hope you have a fun time. If you need any further assistance, feel free to reach out. #Safe travels!

Map with Marked Destinations