Providence, RI

Travel Guide

Providence featuring a city
Providence showing a city
Providence showing a statue or sculpture, a park and outdoor art
WaterFire Providence which includes a river or creek and a city
Photo provided by Providence Warwick Convention & Bureau/Marianne Lee
The capital city of Rhode Island draws visitors for its world-class museums, thriving arts community and picturesque streets lined with historic buildings.

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.

Where to stay in Providence

Rhode Island showing a house

Downtown Providence

4.5/5(991 area reviews)

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.

Downtown Providence
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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.

College Hill
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Federal Hill

Federal Hill is popular for its abundant dining options, and if you're looking for more to see and do, you might think about a trip to DePasquale Plaza or Columbus Theater.

Federal Hill
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West End

While visiting West End, you might make a stop by sights like The Wilbury Theatre Group and Long Live Beer Works.

West End
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Fox Point

4/5(67 area reviews)

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.

Fox Point
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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.

Upper South Providence
Omni Providence Hotel

Omni Providence Hotel

4 out of 5
1 W Exchange St, Providence, RI
The price is NT$4,709 per night from Aug 21 to Aug 22
NT$4,709
NT$5,415 total
Aug 21 - Aug 22
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Providence. Enjoy 2 restaurants, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (2,666 reviews)
"Our door key didn’t work and they quickly fixed the problem."

Reviewed on 2025/8/6

Omni Providence Hotel
Neptune, an Ash Hotel

Neptune, an Ash Hotel

3.5 out of 5
122 Fountain Street, Providence, RI
The price is NT$3,463 per night from Aug 17 to Aug 18
NT$3,463
NT$3,983 total
Aug 17 - Aug 18
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Providence. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 bars/lounges, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,001 reviews)
Comfy stay in Providence
"The stay was very nice. The staff was friendly. It's in a nice area of town. My only complaint is that the name of the hotel in not on the front of the hotel making it difficult to find."

Reviewed on 2025/8/6

Neptune, an Ash Hotel
Graduate by Hilton Providence

Graduate by Hilton Providence

4 out of 5
11 Dorrance St, Providence, RI
The price is NT$5,288 per night from Aug 17 to Aug 18
NT$5,288
NT$6,566 total
Aug 17 - Aug 18
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Providence. Enjoy a full-service spa, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the restaurant ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,328 reviews)
"I love how unique the property is but the parking situation is bad."

Reviewed on 2025/8/5

Graduate by Hilton Providence
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
The Underwood-Hale House

The Underwood-Hale House

2 out of 5
137 Power St, Providence, RI
Stay at this aparthotel in Providence. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Popular attractions Amica Mutual Pavilion and Roger Williams Park Zoo are ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (26 reviews)
Historic home with everything we needed!
"Delivering my daughter to grad school we needed an extra special night at the last minute. I was lucky to find the Underwood Hale House had a private modernized apartment available close by solving many of our immediate issues: parking and both of us getting a good night's sleep! Highly recommend ..."

Reviewed on 2025/8/6

The Underwood-Hale House
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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