Providence Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Providence which includes a city
Providence which includes a city
Providence showing a statue or sculpture, a park and outdoor art
WaterFire Providence which includes a city and a river or creek
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. Artefacts 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 neighbourhood. 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 neighbourhood 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 Centre. 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 featuring a house

Downtown Providence

A noteworthy feature of Downtown Providence is its popular shops. While you're in town, be sure to stop and check out Providence Performing Arts Center and Providence City Hall.

Downtown Providence
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College Hill

You'll enjoy the churches and architecture in College Hill. You might want to make time for a stop at Thayer Street or Brown University Bookstore.

College Hill
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Federal Hill

Federal Hill is known for its abundant dining options, and you can plan a trip to DePasquale Plaza and Columbus Theater while you're in town.

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

Unique features of Fox Point include the restaurants and waterfront views. Make a stop by India Point Park or Providence Ferry Terminal while you're exploring the area.

Fox Point
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Smith Hill

Travellers come to Smith Hill for its abundant dining options, and you can see top attractions like Candace Street Park and Smith Hill Library while you're in town.

Smith Hill
Omni Providence Hotel

Omni Providence Hotel

4 out of 5
1 W Exchange St, Providence, RI
The price is AU$280 per night from 18 Nov to 19 Nov
AU$280
18 Nov - 19 Nov
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! (2,819 reviews)
"Probably the best place we have stayed so far in Providence and we have been in many of the hotels there. The stay was great (hotel, bar and restaurant) except for the area around the hotel- a little sketchy. Lots of police sirens and loud cars late into night and early am. Was nervous walking to ..."

Reviewed on 13 Oct 2025

Omni Providence Hotel
Neptune, an Ash Hotel

Neptune, an Ash Hotel

3.5 out of 5
122 Fountain Street, Providence, RI
The price is AU$206 per night from 2 Nov to 3 Nov
AU$206
2 Nov - 3 Nov
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! (1,009 reviews)
"There is only public paid parking & it’s very expensive. The describe says limited onsite parking but there isn’t any! There’s no coffee maker in the room."

Reviewed on 13 Oct 2025

Neptune, an Ash Hotel
Aloft Providence Downtown

Aloft Providence Downtown

3 out of 5
191 DORRANCE STREET, Providence, RI
The price is AU$301 per night from 16 Nov to 17 Nov
AU$301
16 Nov - 17 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Providence. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 bars/lounges, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9/10 Wonderful! (685 reviews)
"All good"

Reviewed on 3 Oct 2025

Aloft Providence Downtown
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 ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (39 reviews)
"Convenient location with parking."

Reviewed on 8 Oct 2025

The Underwood-Hale House
The Cellar-Suite at Silver LakeNEW 1-Bed APT

The Cellar-Suite at Silver LakeNEW 1-Bed APT

2 out of 5
Providence
Stay at this apartment in Providence. Enjoy air conditioning. Popular attractions Amica Mutual Pavilion and Roger Williams Park Zoo are located nearby.
10/10 Exceptional! (1 review)
"The bed was comfortable, the place was accurate to the description. Not located in the best part of town, but quiet for the most part. The neighbors upstairs were noisy and up all hours of the night."

Reviewed on 15 Sept 2025

The Cellar-Suite at Silver LakeNEW 1-Bed APT
Vintage 1969 Boat on the Providence Marina near Brown University and RISD

Vintage 1969 Boat on the Providence Marina near Brown University and RISD

Providence
Stay at this houseboat in Providence. Enjoy air conditioning. Popular attractions Amica Mutual Pavilion and Roger Williams Park Zoo are located nearby.
8.8/10 Excellent! (15 reviews)
"Great little boat for a fun stay. The clubs nearby were loud that night but it's part of the ambiance. The upper deck was so great for hanging out at night. Overall, highly recommend for a great time."

Reviewed on 13 Sept 2025

Vintage 1969 Boat on the Providence Marina near Brown University and RISD
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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Cities near Providence