Providence, RI

Travel Guide

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

Downtown Providence

4.5/5(991 area reviews)

Dive into the cultural heart of the city, with historic 19th-century architecture, Burnside Park, and the Westminster Arcade for shopping. Catch a performance at the Providence Performing Arts Center or explore AS220's community arts center.

Downtown Providence
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College Hill

Historic architecture and charming Thayer Street's cafes, restaurants, and shops await, along with attractions like the Rhode Island School of Design Museum and Providence Athenaeum.

College 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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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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Fox Point

4/5(67 area reviews)

Retaining its historical charm, Fox Point boasts 18th and 19th-century housing, with Gano Street Park offering athletic fields and a dog park. Nearby, India Point Park provides picturesque views along Narragansett Bay.

Fox Point
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Upper South Providence

Discover the city's vibrant arts scene with WaterFire, an environmental art installation, and explore diverse ethnic neighborhoods. Enjoy the highest number of restaurants per capita in the US and easily navigate with the "Great Streets" initiative.

Upper South Providence
Omni Providence Hotel

Omni Providence Hotel

4 out of 5
1 W Exchange St Providence RI
The price is ¥26,074 per night from Jan 21 to Jan 22
¥26,074
¥30,245 total
Jan 21 - Jan 22
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! (2,907 reviews)
Great location for concerts

Reviewed on Jan 13, 2026

Omni Providence Hotel
Hotel Providence

Hotel Providence

4 out of 5
139 Mathewson Street Providence RI
The price is ¥18,338 per night from Feb 9 to Feb 10
¥18,338
¥24,847 total
Feb 9 - Feb 10
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Providence. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,006 reviews)
Bed was comfy, breakfast was surprisingly included.

Reviewed on Jan 18, 2026

Hotel Providence
Providence Marriott Downtown

Providence Marriott Downtown

3.5 out of 5
1 Orms St Providence RI
The price is ¥26,722 per night from Jan 26 to Jan 27
¥26,722
¥30,998 total
Jan 26 - Jan 27
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Providence. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,002 reviews)
Clean room and friendly staff.

Reviewed on Jan 14, 2026

Providence Marriott 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

4 out of 5
137 Power St Providence RI
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Providence. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Popular attractions Amica Mutual Pavilion and Roger Williams Park ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (57 reviews)
Great location. We parked the car in the lot and walked everywhere (note we are big walkers - most places were .5 to a mile away). The house was fully decorated for Christmas which was really nice. Great place to stay to tour, eat and shop around providence.

Reviewed on Jan 4, 2026

The Underwood-Hale House
New Studio in ❤️ of Providence with FREE Parking

New Studio in ❤️ of Providence with FREE Parking

Providence RI
Stay at this apartment in Providence. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and onsite car rentals. Popular attractions Roger Williams Park Zoo and Twin River Casino are ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (71 reviews)
Everything went smoothly from beginning to end. 2 blocks from Atwell Street which is main drag on Federal Hill. Bed comfortable, safe parking full kitchen. Right at corner small Latino store to get some staples if needed. Would definitely go back

Reviewed on Nov 3, 2025

New Studio in ❤️ of Providence with FREE Parking
🌟Spacious + Backyard🌟50ft to Atwells & Downtown!🍝🎇

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

Providence RI
Stay at this vacation home in Providence. Enjoy laundry facilities and air conditioning. Popular attractions Roger Williams Park Zoo and Twin River Casino are ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (34 reviews)
great scenery, amazing host

Reviewed on Jul 14, 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.

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