Things to do & places to visit in Providence, Rhode Island, United States

Providence seamlessly blends the old and the new with historic attractions, museums and theaters situated alongside more recent additions like the scenic RiverWalk, outdoor skating center, downtown mall, convention center, hotels and acclaimed restaurants. Wander back in time while strolling down historic Benefit Street or explore Roger Williams Park Zoo with the kids. Tantalize your taste buds on Federal Hill or tour the city from a unique perspective on an authentic Venetian gondola.

Providence city in Rhode Island, United States. Timezone: America/New_York, current date and time: Saturday, May 04, 2024, 13:50.

Top things to do (23)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 The Stephen Hopkins House (116 reviews)
- Governor of RI & signatory of the Declaration of Independence
Spent < 1 hour Historic Sites

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! See more..
5.0 Seastreak Ferry (48 reviews)
- Perfect
Saturday: 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Ferries

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. See more..
5.0 The Vets (27 reviews)
- Nice Venue for Music, Theatre and Concerts
Theaters

This is a beautiful theatre. Large, but not too large. Comfortable seating and good acoustics. Nicely decorated. It is adjacent to a Renaissance Hotel that has a nice restaurant. You can park there or in the Mall lot near Nordstrom's for $2 for 5 hours. Lots of nearby restaurants. See more..
5.0 Providence Art Club (23 reviews)
- See this exhibit!
Saturday: 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM Art Galleries

This is said to be the oldest art club in the nation, designed to foster an appreciation for local arts. See more..
4.5 Roger Williams Park Zoo (1.191 reviews)
- Good animal exhibits & armadillo encounter- BRING MASK FOR INDOOR SITES
Saturday: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Zoos • Parks

Located amid 40 acres of beautiful woodlands, the Roger Williams Park Zoo provides visitors the opportunity to see animals from all over the globe – some more than a million years old. Naturalistic surroundings are home to more than 100 species of animals including a Komodo dragon, as well as zebras, red pandas, African elephants, Masai giraffes, snow leopards, bears, flamingoes, sloths, and more! Kids from two to 102 have the opportunity to feed giraffes and harbor seals, as well as an array of farmyard animals. For something slightly out of the ordinary, visit our new Explore and Soar area offering an exhilarating zip ride, a train excursion through the woodlands, and ice cream station. The Zoo is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), and is home to many endangered species. As a result, the Zoo participates in cooperative conservation and breeding programs to help ensure the future survival of many endangered species. See more..
4.5 Rhode Island School of Design Museum of Art (975 reviews)
- Great art museum in downtown Providence
Saturday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Art Museums

This innovative and internationally renowned museum showcases more than 80,000 works of art from Paul Revere's silver and caricatures of 18th century Europe, to French Impressionists and the avant-garde works of recent alumni. A 12th-century Japanese Buddha has its own room with benches for meditating. See more..
4.5 Historic Federal Hill (678 reviews)
- Diversity, Charm and...FOOD!
Neighborhoods • Historic Walking Areas

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. See more..
4.5 Providence Performing Arts Center (613 reviews)
- Providence Performing Arts Center
Architectural Buildings • Theaters

It is a very very old fashioned place. Nothing modern about it which I guess is the good part. I saw how the Grinch stole christmas. I think its good to take families because its such a different experience watching the live performance than a movie theater. Drinks and snacks overpriced but aren't they everywhere? I would recommend this place. See more..
4.5 Brown University (450 reviews)
- Beautiful campus
Universities & Schools

University located in Providence. See more..
4.5 Rhode Island State House (420 reviews)
- One of the Largest Domes In the World!
Saturday: Architectural Buildings • Government Buildings

This imposing marble building houses King Charles' 1663 charter of the Rhode Island colony. See more..
4.5 Roger Williams Park (283 reviews)
- Beautiful Urban Park
Saturday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Parks • Gardens

Roger Williams Park is a tranquil, pretty, and inviting park that makes for a lovely way to spend the day. While on vacation in Rhode Island, we took our 7 year old daughter to the zoo, then for a stroll in the nearby Japanese Garden, and rented an electric boat from the "swan boat" stand and had a relaxing ride on the pond. My daughter enjoyed seeing swans and Canadian geese throughout the park, and we even spotted a muskrat while on our boat ride. Although the Japanese Garden can use some better upkeep on the grass especially, we found the park overall to be quite pristine. This is a great way to spend a quiet day in Providence. See more..
4.5 Benefit Street (223 reviews)
- THE MOST BEAUTIFUL STREET IN PROVIDENCE!
Neighborhoods • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Historic Walking Areas

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. See more..
4.5 Providence Children's Museum (199 reviews)
- My toddler (2 year old) loves it here.
Children's Museums

New museum located in the Jewelry District. See more..
4.5 Water Place Park (194 reviews)
- A fun place to take kids to in the city
Parks

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. See more..
4.5 Swan Point Cemetery (150 reviews)
- Beautiful place!
Biking Trails • Cemeteries

I’d have to say this is probably one of the most beautiful cemeteries I’ve ever visited...just wow! I came here to visit the final resting place of my fave author, HP Lovecraft, but ended up staying a good while and exploring the gorgeous grounds! HPL isn’t the only notable internment...there are many scientists, authors, congressmen and even several Civil War Veterans also! Not to mention the fall foliage and utterly peaceful tranquility of the entire place! The entrance is a little hidden....it’s at the end of a long stone wall with several other closed entrances, so it almost fools you into thinking it’s closed. If you’re looking for HPL’s grave, the family plot is at the intersection of Pond Avenue and Avenue B and very easy to find. The website has an interactive map that is somewhat helpful, except that it gets blurry when you try to zoom in - but good enough to figure it out. See more..
4.5 Providence Athenæum (118 reviews)
- Historic library with self-guided tours
Saturday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Historic Sites • Architectural Buildings • Libraries

The Providence Athenæum (founded 1836) is an independent, member-supported library located on Providence’s historic Benefit Street. One of the oldest cultural institutions in Rhode Island, the Athenæum has welcomed illustrious writers, spirited thinkers, and engaged community members for almost 200 years, including Edgar Allan Poe, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Bronson Alcott, and Charlotte Perkins Gilman. The collections contain more than 175,000 items, including circulating materials, rare and beautiful volumes, and 19th-century artwork. Visitors are welcome to take one of three self-guided tours to learn more about the Athenæum's history, building and collections. Suggested donation: $5. See more..
4.5 DePasquale Plaza (110 reviews)
- Nice plaza
Points of Interest & Landmarks

Romantic area with a fountain. See more..
4.5 Prospect Terrace (100 reviews)
- Elevated view of the city
Lookouts • Parks

I thoroughly enjoyed the elevated view offered by this small park that overlooks the city. The view of the state house in particular was impressive. Well worth the time and effort involved in making the short walk from my downtown hotel. See more..
4.5 John Brown House Museum (88 reviews)
- Benefit Street Tour - interesting but long!
Saturday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours History Museums

The premier 18th-century historic house and museum in the state, presenting important aspects of the social and cultural history of the period when our country was new. The Museum is maintained by the Rhode Island Historical Society. We are currently in our seasonal hours and only open on Saturdays from December 2019 until April 2020. Guided Tours may be at 10:30, 12:00, 1:30, & 3:00 pm on Saturdays but are subject to volunteer availability. Audio and Self Guided Tours are available from 10:00 until 3:15 PM. Last admission into the museum is at 3:30 pm. We have a free parking lot located off of Charlesfield Street. We hope to see you soon! See more..
4.5 Roger Williams Park Botanical Center (71 reviews)
- Small but nice
Saturday: 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Parks • Gardens

Not much to see outside in October, except the roses. But some nice displays in the large greenhouses and there are goats! That was the best part. Worth the small admission fee, would be a great cool weather activity as the majority of plants are inside. See more..
4.5 Providence College (57 reviews)
- Always a special place
Educational sites

The grounds of the college itself are very well kept. We were there to visit St. Dominics chapel and then St. Pius across the street. the surrounding blocks are full of gorgeous old homes, nice place to visit and find peace See more..
4.5 Avon Cinema (51 reviews)
- An enjoyable trip back in time
Theaters

Local Providence theater. See more..
4.5 Atwells Avenue (51 reviews)
- Come Hungry
Points of Interest & Landmarks
Providence street home to many restaurants. See more..
4.5 Johnson & Wales University - Providence, RI (48 reviews)
- These guys KNOW their marketing!
Educational sites

Rhode Island university known for its food program. See more..
4.5 The Providence Flea (44 reviews)
- Unique Artisan Flea
Saturday: Spent 2-3 hours Flea & Street Markets

Award-winning community market with changing lineup of 75 local vintage vendors, indie makers, artisans, food trucks, bakeshops, live music and community nonprofits. FREE ADMISSION & FREE PARKING. NO TICKETS NEEDED. 2023 Winter/Spring: Sundays, Feb. 5 - May 7, 2023. 11am - 3 pm. Indoors at Farm Fresh RI Market Hall, 10 Sims Ave in Providence. Dogs not allowed indoors. 2023 Summer/Fall: Sundays, June through September, 10am-3pm. Outdoors at 275 South Water St, Providence, RI. Dogs allowed outdoors. 2023 Winter/Holiday: TBA Select Friday Night Markets: Check providenceflea.com for latest. See more..
4.5 Lippitt House Museum (39 reviews)
- A must see in PVD
Saturday: Spent < 1 hour Historic Sites • History Museums

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. Surround yourself in the Golden Age and experience what city life was like for one of Providence's leading manufacturing families. The guided tours with advance online reservation, take guests through the elaborately decorated rooms of Lippitt House, exploring how Providence’s history shaped the Rhode Island of today. During the tours, staff share the stories of those who lived and worked in the house, illustrating ideas about industry, immigration, design, and civic engagement. See more..
4.5 Rhode Island School of Design (39 reviews)
- Another great campus
Universities & Schools

Another great campus in the center of Providence. It basically runs into the Brown campus. Worth seeing if you’re in the area. They also have a craft fair on the weekends, which is worth checking out as well. See more..
4.0 Providence Place Mall (308 reviews)
- Amazing Experience!
Saturday: 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM Shopping Malls

One-hundred-fifty store mall that is home to New England's first Nordstrom store. See more..
4.0 Thayer Street (199 reviews)
- 1 mile walk from convention center
Points of Interest & Landmarks

Students from Brown University, and other schools in the area, congregate on this funky street that boasts vintage clothing shops, bookstores, music shops and cafes. See more..
4.0 Providence Train Station (123 reviews)
- Tidy and handy
Points of Interest & Landmarks

A nice,convenient location and easily navigable. We train into here from Boston (and back) on the MBTA commuter rail. Small, well-kept and centrally located. Can also catch shuttle bus from here to other locales in Providence. See more..