Location: Providence
Top Things to do in Providence
The 5 Best Things to do for Honeymoon in Providence, 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. La Gondola
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 473 reviews
Experience Providence from a new perspective! Benvenuto! We invite you to revel in the sights of the City from a unique vantage point that captures the heart of Providence. Enjoy an excursion along the Woonasquatucket and Providence Rivers and witness the revitalization of the City, river walks, and waterfront parks. Whether you are celebrating an anniversary or birthday, looking to propose to that special someone, or just on a vacation to the city, a gondola trip is a great way to make your visit to Providence memorable and unique. La Gondola operates three authentic Venetian gondolas along the Providence Riverwalk, accommodating up to six passengers at a time on each gondola. Reservations are highly recommended and are always exclusive to your party. We are open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. Our season is from 1 May to 31 October, and of course trips are always subject to availability and the weather. La Gondola Providence: For Lovers, For Families, For Everyone.
2. Rhode Island Red Food Tours
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 122 reviews
A guided Food Tour visiting at least 6 food-tasting locations in the Downcity Arts District Neighborhood. Between bites and sips, you’ll get an insider’s view of the "hot" modern day culinary landscape, where food, art & history collide in a very walkable, scenic, small city. Discover Providence’s epicurean favorites, hidden murals, art, speakeasies & local festivals found in the Creative Capital.
3. WaterFire
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,856 reviews
WaterFire Providence is an independent, non-profit arts organization whose mission is to inspire Providence and its visitors by revitalizing the urban experience, fostering community engagement and creatively transforming the city by presenting WaterFire for all to enjoy. This award-winning sculpture by Barnaby Evans installed on the three rivers of downtown Providence, has been praised by Rhode Island residents and international visitors alike as a powerful work of art and a moving symbol of Providence’s renaissance. WaterFire’s over eighty sparkling bonfires, the fragrant scent of aromatic wood smoke, the flickering firelight on the arched bridges, the silhouettes of the fire-tenders passing by the flames, and the enchanting music from around the world engage all the senses and emotions of those who stroll the paths of Waterplace Park. WaterFire has captured the imagination of over ten million visitors, bringing life to downtown, and revitalizing Rhode Island’s capital city.
Reviewed By pattih409 - Providence, United States
The firelight at dusk, the river of music floating from unseen outdoor speakers playing off the sound and silence of first enthralled and then reverently attentive crowds, the heat of the lit cauldrons and all the smells sweet and savory, exotic and familiar from invited street vendors combine to create a beautiful sensory experience. Weather you like to be in the thick of a crowd or observing from a distance, Waterfirer provides a memorable night in for people of all ages to come together under the backdrop of the City of Providence.
4. Historic Federal Hill
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 668 reviews
Sip a strong espresso at an outdoor cafe, grab a quick pizza for lunch or dine in style at a gourmet Italian restaurant in this historic section of the city, also know as Little Italy. You'll know you have arrived by the huge arched gateway, with a bronzed pinecone, which marks the entry to the neighborhood.
Reviewed By TaLeOz - Providence, United States
Federal Hill is full of Italian Restaurants. In the summer you see a lot of people walking up and down Atwells Ave. There are so many restaurants to choose from, shops to visit or you can just sit on the square and enjoy the fountain. There is a little park that has checker/chess boards painted on the tables if you're interested in playing. You always see older Italian men sitting across from the square reminiscing & drinking coffee or smoking cigars. Along with a bunch of restaurants to choose from there are cigar bars if that's what you're craving. There are bakeries, steakhouses, Chinese food, hair salons, nail salons and places you can have your Tarot Cards read. If you are the dancing type come at night and you'll find a lot of Dance Clubs that are open until 2 in the morning. Back in the day there were Mafia all over the Hill but it's not like that today. There were even "hits" that made the front page of the Providence Journal Bulletin. Today it's a foodie's dream.
5. Seastreak Ferry
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 47 reviews
Experience the majesty of Narragansett Bay on your way to the charming New England enclaves of Newport, and Bristol, R.I. Whether traveling from Providence, Boston, or points north or south, skip the traffic and parking on your way to explore the distinctive shops, renowned restaurants, diverse accommodations, world-class events, and miles of unspoiled beaches and scenic trails. Our ferry features plush seating with spacious legroom, a climate controlled cabin and an open-air top deck, and a full-service cash bar with cocktails, beer, wine, sodas, tea, coffee, and snacks. Hands-down, the ferry from Providence really is the best way to get there.
Reviewed By 934MichaelK934 - New York City, United States
1 hour trip, that was simple and easy to use. The ride was smooth, staff efficient. Had pre-booked tickets, and one of the legs I needed to change the time of departure, which the staff were more than accommodating.
