Providence

Travel Guide

Providence showing a city
Providence featuring a city
Providence showing a statue or sculpture, outdoor art and a garden
WaterFire Providence featuring 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 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 which includes a house

Downtown Providence

4/5(6 area reviews)

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 Long Live Beer Works and Knight Memorial Library.

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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Upper South Providence

When in Upper South Providence, you can plan a visit to Big Blue Bug and Providence River, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Upper South Providence
Omni Providence Hotel
Omni Providence Hotel
4 out of 5
1 W Exchange St, Providence, RI
The price is S$233 per night from 27 Jul to 28 Jul
S$233
27 Jul - 28 Jul
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! (2,602 reviews)
"Love staying here. Will be back soon"

Reviewed on 6 Jul, 2025

Omni Providence Hotel
Graduate by Hilton Providence
Graduate by Hilton Providence
4 out of 5
11 Dorrance St, Providence, RI
The price is S$282 per night from 20 Jul to 21 Jul
S$282
20 Jul - 21 Jul
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 ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,332 reviews)
"Nice hotel"

Reviewed on 29 Jun, 2025

Graduate by Hilton Providence
Neptune, an Ash Hotel
Neptune, an Ash Hotel
3.5 out of 5
122 Fountain Street, Providence, RI
The price is S$181 per night from 28 Jul to 29 Jul
S$181
28 Jul - 29 Jul
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 ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,003 reviews)
"Providence Proper"

Reviewed on 3 Jul, 2025

Neptune, an Ash Hotel
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
2.5 out of 5
137 Power St, Providence, RI
Stay at this aparthotel in Providence. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Roger Williams Park Zoo and Twin River Casino ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (25 reviews)
"Beautifully furnished, elegant large rooms, clean, lovely stay, right in heart of Brown University. Loved it!!!"

Reviewed on 3 Jul, 2025

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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