Providence

Travel Guide

Providence showing a city
Providence which includes 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 featuring a house

Downtown Providence

Travelers to Downtown Providence praise its popular shops. If you've got some more time to explore, be sure to make a stop by 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 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

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

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Upper South Providence and surrounding area, you can visit Providence River and Providence Performing Arts Center.

Upper South Providence
Omni Providence Hotel

Omni Providence Hotel

4 out of 5
1 W Exchange St, Providence, RI
The price is P9,006 per night from Sep 1 to Sep 2
P9,006
P10,356 total
Sep 1 - Sep 2
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! (2,692 reviews)
"We loved our stay at this hotel. The staff was wonderful and the location is convenient."

Reviewed on Aug 12, 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 P7,211 per night from Sep 8 to Sep 9
P7,211
P8,293 total
Sep 8 - Sep 9
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)
Fun designed place, dark room
"Fun building furnishings. Newly renovated bath, etc. The Desk staff were gracious and helpful. Our room was very dark, the windows look to a brick wall and the indoor lighting was minimal. Had a small TV at far end of a 20ft room. We werent there to watch TV but still. No fridge in the room . I have ..."

Reviewed on Aug 12, 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 P10,290 per night from Aug 24 to Aug 25
P10,290
P12,759 total
Aug 24 - Aug 25
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! (1,317 reviews)
"Checked in late with small children . Security was very helpful and the concierge checked us in fast . Thanks"

Reviewed on Aug 11, 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 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! (28 reviews)
Gorgeous old home in residential Providence
"Loved this property. It was gorgeous and the room very spacious and well-appointed. Set in quiet residential setting. There was however absolutely no management present on the property the entire visit and when I tried to contact them through two different phone numbers about a late checkout there ..."

Reviewed on Aug 12, 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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