Location: Providence
Top Things to do in Providence
Top 10 Free Things to do 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. 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'.
2. Rhode Island State House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 404 reviews
This imposing marble building houses King Charles' 1663 charter of the Rhode Island colony.
Reviewed By Decaf7
Take the half hour free guided tour, worth your time. See the House and Senate chambers, the library, portraits of former governors, portrait of George Washington painted by our very own Gilbert Stuart and learn about the history of this beautiful building. Dome is a beautiful piece of architecture.
3. Water Place Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 190 reviews
Watch a street artist sketching the city, enjoy a lovely stroll by the river past Venice inspired bridges or see some wonderful public art, all at this well-designed four-acre park and scenic riverwalk, considered to be the heart of the restoration of Providence's downtown area.
Reviewed By travelingirlz - Drummond Island, United States
We were just there a short time but did enjoy the bridges and walkways of the Riverwalk. Sadly we arrived the day after the final FireWater show. Nearby are PF Changs, Panera Bread and other restaurants, the train station is a 5 to 10 min walk (depending on your abilities) so if you arrive for your train really early then it's a nice place to take a walk. Capitol Building is right across from the train station so it too is a place to visit. I. always enjoy when multiple things are near each other, so was delighted to realize the RiverWalk, train station, Capitol Building and restaurants are nearby!
4. College Hill
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 25 reviews
Off-beat neighborhood located between Brown University and the Rhode Island School of Design.
5. 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!
6. 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!
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. DePasquale Plaza
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 106 reviews
Romantic area with a fountain.
Reviewed By lrv21 - Miami, United States
Live music and a piazza reminiscent of Italy. I fell in love with this town. The food was delicious and we enjoyed dancing it off after with the live music.
