Providence Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

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

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

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
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 £136 per night from 17 Aug to 18 Aug
£136
17 Aug - 18 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Providence. Enjoy 2 restaurants, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (2,646 reviews)
"Our stay was very pleasant. The staff were all wonderful. Our stay was only slightly marred by what sounded like maniacs drag racing in the streets outside at around 2am until the cops came and stopped them."

Reviewed on 28 Jul 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 £108 per night from 10 Aug to 11 Aug
£108
10 Aug - 11 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Providence. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 bars/lounges and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,017 reviews)
"The staff was lovely, however we noticed the room was dusty, below the bed did not get cleaned, corners were full of dust. It was obvious because they had so much painted in dark grey and black where the white dust was noticable. Also, the toilet did not flush correctly so we felt like the room smelled ..."

Reviewed on 22 Jul 2025

Neptune, an Ash Hotel
Graduate by Hilton Providence

Graduate by Hilton Providence

4 out of 5
11 Dorrance St, Providence, RI
The price is £165 per night from 10 Aug to 11 Aug
£165
10 Aug - 11 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Providence. Enjoy a full-service spa, breakfast (surcharge) and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the restaurant and ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,352 reviews)
"Lovely place to stay, nice decor and friendly staff."

Reviewed on 28 Jul 2025

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

2.5 out of 5
137 Power St, Providence, RI
Stay at this aparthotel in Providence. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a garden. Popular attractions Roger Williams Park Zoo and Twin River Casino are located ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (26 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
Big family gatherings

Big family gatherings

Providence, RI
Stay at this holiday home in Providence. Enjoy laundry facilities and an in-room coffee maker. Popular attractions Roger Williams Park Zoo and Twin River Casino ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (31 reviews)
"Great place!!"

Reviewed on 13 Jul 2025

Big family gatherings
🌟Spacious + Backyard🌟50ft to Atwells & Downtown!🍝🎇

🌟Spacious + Backyard🌟50ft to Atwells & Downtown!🍝🎇

Providence, RI
Stay at this holiday home in Providence. Enjoy laundry facilities and air conditioning. Popular attractions Roger Williams Park Zoo and Twin River Casino are ...
9/10 Wonderful! (28 reviews)
"great scenery, amazing host"

Reviewed on 14 Jul 2025

🌟Spacious + Backyard🌟50ft to Atwells & 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.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Cities near Providence