Location: Providence
Top Things to do in Providence
7 Traveler Resources in Providence That You Shouldn't Miss
Years of careful urban planning and meticulous restoration have rendered this former rum and molasses trading town one of the best places to live in the United States, star of an eponymous television show and a swell place to spend a weekend. Historic sites, wonderful museums and theaters seamlessly blend with newer attractions on the block including a modern mega-mall, scenic Riverwalk, outdoor skating arena, convention center, plus new hotels and restaurants. The Roger Williams Zoo, with its updated Tropical Rainforest Building where "spunky monkeys" roam free in a constructed jungle-like environment, remains one of the city's top attractions and offers hours of entertainment for children and adults alike. Wander back in time on Benefit Street, where eminent Federal period homes recall the city's wealthy past. For a modern experience, check out the more than 100 stores at Providence Place. Or tantalize your taste buds on "The Hill," a historic area that boasts many award- winning restaurants, from the Italian and Mediterranean cuisine for which "Little Italy" got its name, to Caribbean, Mexican, Chinese, seafood and baked goods. For a different perspective, take a romantic river cruise on an authentic Venetian gondola. No matter what your vantage point, Providence sparkles.
Restaurants in Providence
1. Providence Visitor Information Center
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 8 reviews
The Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau's Visitor Information Centers are open to answer questions and provide expert advice on how to make the most of your stay in the Providence area. Our information specialists can assist you with planning either an entire trip - from accommodations to transportation - or a fun-filled day.
2. Providence Athenaeum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 116 reviews
The Providence Athenæum is an independent, member-supported library and cultural center located on Providence’s historic Benefit Street. Over its nearly 200 years of existence, the library has welcomed illustrious writers, spirited thinkers, and energetic community members through its doors to engage in reading, conversation, and debate. At its heart, the Athenæum encourages a love of reading and learning to all. Free & open to the public.
Reviewed By 349cynthiae - Boston, United States
Inside this beautiful building is a world of real books (complete with card catalogue!) and helpful docents. The architecture and decor would be worth a visit; the rare books collection astonishing. The shelves are filled with books, some familiar, others waiting to be explored. The Raven tour (Edgar Allan Poe was a visitor) is fun and informative. Throughout the year, special events are offered to members. Easily worth the price of admission to membership!
3. Rhode Island Historical Society Library
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2 reviews
Maintained by the Rhode Island Historical Society, the library holds the largest and most important historical collections in existence relating to Rhode Island. The RIHS Library houses some 5,000 manuscripts, 100,000 books and printed items, 400,000 photographs and maps, 9 million feet of motion-picture film.
4. John Hay Library
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 25 reviews
Reviewed By JohnBJ_13 - Providence, United States
Named for Abraham Lincoln's secretary of state, the John Hay Library is Brown University's special collections library. When you enter the lobby you come face to face with a HUGE book of Audubon's paintings of American birds, and the treasures keep going on from there, including a First Folio of Shakespeare's plays and sonnets and an extensive collection of Gorham sterling silver tableware. The John Hay also houses such varied collections as one of both Right Wing and Left Wing books and pamphlets, first editions of American poems and plays, and more than 140,000 pieces of sheet music of American popular songs, one of the largest repositories of American popular music anywhere, including the Library of Congress.
5. Roger Williams National Memorial
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 113 reviews
Roger Williams National Memorial commemorates the founder of Rhode Island and his ideal of the Liberty of Consciousness. Roger Williams arrived in what he named Providence in 1636, attracted by a freshwater spring. The site grew into a settlement with a government that ensured freedom of religion via separation of church and state. Williams built his house across the street from the spring and lived there on and off until his death. The spring was revealed in the early 20th century, later enshrined within the Hahn Memorial. Completed in 1982, the urban park hosts winding paths, open lawns, and groves of trees on 4.5 acres. Visit the Antram-Gray House, which includes a visitor center, exhibits, video, and bookstore. Free 2-hour parking is available for park visitors. Roger Williams National Memorial is the venue for many outdoor activities and events throughout spring, summer, and fall including Junior Ranger programs, festivals and cultural events.
Reviewed By mgerhardt - Providence, United States
Operated by the NPS, an oasis near downtown Providence. The park is a nice place to walk and relax and the small visitors center (at corner of Smith St.) has a great 5 minute video and is staffed by very knowledgeable park rangers . Easy parking.
6. Rhode Island Convention Center
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 102 reviews
Reviewed By angliealandrum - Boston, United States
Volleyball Tournament was awesome, Girls Tournament, people from all of the Northeast, teams were great to watch playing hard against each other! Very long days for us parents as well as the players, we came home with 2 wins.
7. Providence Public Library
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 9 reviews
Providence Public Library is a 139-year-old nonprofit organization providing free public library services through print, recorded and digital collections, information resources, programs of interest and relevance, and expert staff. As the state's premiere personal learning institution, the Library is focused on building and strengthening our core mission and services for all Rhode Islanders -- expanding our reach and fostering critical connections with individuals and groups statewide -- to nurture and enhance the educational, historical and cultural fabric of Rhode Island. As a historic building on the National Register of Historic Places, the Library welcomes tourists for free guided architectural tours offered on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays* of each month. (*Call ahead to check that tour is running.) The Library's recently renovated historic spaces also serve as a popular event venue.
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