Location: College Hill
Top Things to do in College Hill
The 10 Best Sights & Landmarks in College Hill, Rhode Island (RI)
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. Cathedral Church of St. John & Graveyard
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
2. The Stephen Hopkins House
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 114 reviews
TEMPORARILY CLOSED DUE TO CORONAVIRUS Take a tour of the 1707 home of Declaration-signer Stephen Hopkins, his family and their slaves, eight rooms full of antiques, Hopkins heirlooms and 18th century atmosphere. Learn about Rhode Island's own Founding Father and his house, the city's oldest, moved twice but virtually unmodernized, where George Washington was a guest in 1776 & 1781. Relax in our parterre garden designed by Alden Hopkins of Williamsburg. We're on Benefit Street between the John Brown House and First Baptist Church, a block from the RISD Museum, the Providence Athenaeum, the Brown campus and spectacular WaterFire. Open all year, Wednesdays 11AM to 2PM, April though November, Saturdays 10 AM to 4 PM, and year-round by appointment *** til 10 PM when it falls on FULL lightings of WaterFire (last tour at 9:30)*** Not 12/26th Tour highlights available in Chinese, Spanish, Italian, and soon French!
Reviewed By garygDC
This is a 1700s house with lots of history that has been well preserved with love and attention to detail. Some of the contents are original and some period pieces added for context. The former are carefully ID'd. We got an excellent tour from Dan, who permitted us to come into the middle of one, which he then completed for us. Chris also added additional color and commentary in the kitchen, where we dawdled and chatted about history and its relationship to current events (read between the lines). We learned a lot about local history and enjoyed the architecture and contents. Very well done. I would say a 'must see'.
3. Benefit Street
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 217 reviews
A mile of history is packed onto this cobblestone street lined with historic buildings. The Nightingale-Brown House, built in 1792, home to five generations of the Nicholas Brown Family (of Brown University) is a "must see" on the block.
Reviewed By MayLehmannNYC - New York City, United States
Shy of two miles long, Benefit street is a veritable "stroll" back in history as the street highlights 18th and 19th architecture. Modern street lights are replaced by faux gas lights which only add to the charm of this street. A walk at dusk when the lights come on is a must!
4. 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!
5. Brown University
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 444 reviews
University located in Providence.
Reviewed By JBlanc197 - Miami, United States
Although not comparable to nearby Harvard, this is nonetheless a beautiful campus. Buildings are fine old brick structures reminiscent of the old world. The fence bordering the main heart of campus is a thing of beauty in itself, and bears dates which commemorate events and persons integral to the founding and early years of Brown U. The Brown family home can be seen close by and modest by present presidential mansions of other universities. Take the time to venture out to visit this sprawling campus.
6. Rhode Island School of Design
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 37 reviews
Reviewed By barryn680 - Coventry, United States
To go to this school of Art you must be very,very good.When you apply here they want to see your work.What do you do outside of school,what are your interests. And on and on and on. Rightly so, as this is one of if not the finest school of Art in the world. Students from all over the world come here to refine their work. This is the school where when you get out and graduate you can write your own ticket to the best companies in the world. Or you can become an artist on your own or work if you take the classes for great architecture companies. It does not have a fancy campus,mostly single buildings laid out across the school area.Near the nice campus nearby of Brown University. Attached to the school itself is its outstanding museum.World class.A large,very high class place where art is all around you of every kind from every part of the art world. It is a must see if you are in Rhodel Island as it is the finest museum in the State of Rhode Island. If you are a young high school student or the parent of one who wants to make their mark in the world of Art,this is the place to look at, bar non. below info is for the museum to go to visit. check the days and hours it is open.
7. Nightingale Brown House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3 reviews
Built in 1791 for Colonel Joseph Nightingale, a merchant who traded with China, this structure is the largest wood frame Federal-style house in the city.
8. First Baptist Church in America
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 86 reviews
The oldest Baptist church in America, gathered by Roger Williams in 1638. Open for tours: Monday - Friday 10AM - Noon and 1PM - 3PM and on Sunday immediately following the Worship Service Worship Service is at 11 AM September - May and at 10 AM June, July and August.
9. Lippitt House Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 35 reviews
A National Historic Landmark, Lippitt House has one of the best preserved interiors in America, allowing visitors to experience exceptional Victorian design and American craftsmanship. Following the Lippitt family’s example of public service, the museum’s cultural programming promotes civic engagement, the arts, and history of Providence. August 2020 - Lippitt House welcomes guests to the Museum for a private outdoor tour experience. Private tours are offered, for free, on Thursdays and Fridays throughout August at 9:00 AM and 10:30 AM. Private tour times are also available Saturday August 8 and August 22. Private Outdoor Tours are one hour long and can accommodate a group up to 6 people
Reviewed By historytraveler19
Lippitt House is easy to find and surrounded by a quaint neighborhood. The estate is beautiful and well preserved. I went on an extensive tour and was able to ask many questions. There are tours available at scheduled times and if you contact them, you may be able to schedule a tour at a time that is not listed. I highly recommend taking a tour and spending some time on the grounds. The furnishings and wares are reflective of a late19th-century mansion, much of it from the Lippitt family. It is like a walk back in time. Worth the time to visit, better than expected.
10. Prospect Terrace
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 98 reviews
Reviewed By TravelingMerm - Monrovia, United States
This lovely park was part of a self-guided walking tour of College Hill I attempted that I found and I highly recommend it! Prospect Terrace is a peaceful, green haven with panoramic hilltop views of all of Providence! It was fantastic! There’s tons of benches, a lovely memorial statue to the founder of Providence and some informative plaques scattered around the grounds. One of the plaques even points out what buildings you’ll see in the skyline! And you get a magnificent view of the capital building! It’s in a residential area near Brown University which is lovely in and of itself. Highly recommend!
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