One of America’s oldest cities, Providence offers historic attractions and architecture along with a vibrant food scene and unique shopping.
Providence has a long and rich history so a great place to start your visit is on the East Side at Benefit Street’s “Mile of History.” Take a stroll through the colonial thoroughfare, past restored homes, churches and museums, or pay for a guided tour to learn more about the city’s historic waterfront.
The Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) Museum is one of the country’s largest art museums. Here, you can browse more than 80,000 works of art that span many cultures, time periods and media. Artifacts include a collection of Paul Revere’s silver. Combine your visit to the RISD with a trip to the nearby Museum of Natural History & Planetarium.
From here, take a short walk to Thayer Street, where you will find eclectic shops filled with quirky souvenir items, gifts, imported clothing, handmade crafts, art and books.
You’ll find plenty of nightlife and restaurant options in Providence. Italian cuisine lovers won’t want to miss dining in the Federal Hill neighborhood. This historic section of the city is also known as Little Italy. Sip a strong espresso at an open-air café or enjoy an upscale meal at number of gourmet Italian eateries. In this same neighborhood you can step into a Middle Eastern-style lounge for an after-dinner drink and dessert.
Head downtown for upscale martini bars and hip-hop clubs, or check out the eclectic bars near the university colleges. For Broadway musicals, concerts and comedy acts, look to the schedule of performances at the art deco Providence Performing Arts Center. Lupo’s Heartbreak Hotel is a legendary venue for live music.
Avoid driving in Providence if you can as parking is limited. The best alternative to walking is the inexpensive and reliable public transport.
Providence
Where to stay in Providence
Downtown Providence
Dive into the cultural heart of the city, with historic 19th-century architecture, Burnside Park, and the Westminster Arcade for shopping. Catch a performance at the Providence Performing Arts Center or explore AS220's community arts center.
College Hill
Historic architecture and charming Thayer Street's cafes, restaurants, and shops await, along with attractions like the Rhode Island School of Design Museum and Providence Athenaeum.
Fox Point
Retaining its historical charm, Fox Point boasts 18th and 19th-century housing, with Gano Street Park offering athletic fields and a dog park. Nearby, India Point Park provides picturesque views along Narragansett Bay.
Smith Hill
The cafes, historic sites, and shopping are just a few things travelers enjoy about Smith Hill. If you want to experience more of the area, check out Veterans Memorial Auditorium or Rhode Island State Capitol Building.
Blackstone
If you're spending some time in Blackstone, Rhode Island Jewish Historical Association and Brown Stadium are top sights worth seeing.
Upper South Providence
Discover the city's vibrant arts scene with WaterFire, an environmental art installation, and explore diverse ethnic neighborhoods. Enjoy the highest number of restaurants per capita in the US and easily navigate with the "Great Streets" initiative.
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Popular places to visit
Brown University
Walk around the campus of Brown University, a top college in Providence. Attend a sporting event or visit the shops in this family-friendly area.
Roger Williams Park Zoo
Discover the many delights of this historic park, which features ponds, rolling landscapes and numerous attractions, including a museum, zoo and botanical gardens.
Dunkin Donuts Center
Catch an event at Amica Mutual Pavilion during your trip to Providence. Experience the area's acclaimed theater scene and entertainment choices.
WaterFire Arts Center
You can study the exhibits at WaterFire Arts Center, a museum with a storied past, during your trip to Providence. Experience the area's great live music and entertainment choices.
Providence Performing Arts Center
See local and international acts performing live music, Broadway shows, stand-up comedy, circus and more at this enormous 1920s movie theater.
Rhode Island State Capitol Building
After visiting Rhode Island State Capitol Building, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Providence. Experience the area's entertainment choices and acclaimed theater scene.
