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
Default Image

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
Default Image

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
Default Image

West End

While visiting West End, you might make a stop by sights like Long Live Beer Works and Knight Memorial Library.

West End
Default Image

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
Default Image

Upper South Providence

When in Upper South Providence, you can plan a visit to Providence River and Providence Performing Arts Center, 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$226 per night from 5 May to 6 May
S$226
includes taxes & fees
5 May - 6 May
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! (2,484 reviews)
"Front desk! Outstanding"

Reviewed on 17 Apr, 2025

Omni Providence Hotel
Aloft Providence Downtown
Aloft Providence Downtown
3 out of 5
191 DORRANCE STREET, Providence, RI
The price is S$229 per night from 11 May to 12 May
S$229
includes taxes & fees
11 May - 12 May
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! (573 reviews)
"Clean absolutely amazing!!!!"

Reviewed on 17 Apr, 2025

Aloft Providence Downtown
The Dean Hotel, an Ash Hotel
The Dean Hotel, an Ash Hotel
3.5 out of 5
122 Fountain Street, Providence, RI
The price is S$175 per night from 5 May to 6 May
S$175
includes taxes & fees
5 May - 6 May
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! (1,001 reviews)
"everyone was nice and super helpful. room was clean and very cool."

Reviewed on 14 Apr, 2025

The Dean Hotel, 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 Providence Place Mall and Amica Mutual Pavilion ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (10 reviews)
"Only one night stay. But the room is very nice, clean, and homey feeling, and it is very close to brown university. Walkable distance to major part of the university."

Reviewed on 13 Apr, 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.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Other places like Providence