Visiting Providence: What Not to Miss
- This Cafe Life
- Jul 6, 2024
- 7 min read
Updated: Nov 9
Known as the Creative Capital, Providence, Rhode Island is a city of contrast - historic and modern, coastal and urban, refined and quirky. Whether you're a student, food enthusiast, art lover, or weekend traveler, Providence offers a unique mix of neighborhoods, cultural gems, and culinary treasures. Here’s your guide to the best of what the city (and its nearby escapes) has to offer.
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Best Neighborhoods in Providence
Federal Hill: Known as Providence's Little Italy, Federal Hill has excellent Italian restaurants, markets, cafes, and bakeries. It's a great place to enjoy authentic Italian cuisine and vibrant nightlife.
Downcity: The heart of Providence's downtown area, Downcity is home to historic architecture, theaters like the Providence Performing Arts Center (PPAC), and a variety of dining and shopping options.
College Hill: This neighborhood is home to Brown University and the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD). Wander around Benefit Street to see beautiful historic homes, museums, and galleries.
West End: An artistic neighborhood with a mix of historic houses and new developments, known for community gardens, cafes, and art studios.
Fox Point: Located along the waterfront, Fox Point offers scenic views of the Providence River. Visit India Point Park for outdoor activities or explore Wickenden Street for eclectic shops and cafes.
East Side: A residential area known for its upscale homes and tree-lined streets. Wayland Square, Thayer Street & Hope Street are popular spots for dining and shopping.
Whether your attending University or seeking ideas for a quick getaway, Providence has its own charm and character, making it a city full of diverse experiences waiting to be explored!
Culinary Adventures - Favorite Providence Restaurants
Persimmon: A local gem offering contemporary American cuisine with an emphasis on locally sourced ingredients.
Bacaro: Italian-inspired dishes and an extensive wine list in a stylish setting overlooking the waterfront. Try their sister restaurant Otra for authentic Portuguese & Spanish cuisine.
New Rivers: Farm-to-table dishes in a cozy, historic building, known for its creative, eclectic menu and intimate atmosphere.
Waterman Grille: Part of a Rhode Island restaurant group, excellent menu and service.
Gourmet House: Cheap eats, Thai & Asian, BYOB
Favorite Bakeries & Cafes
Seven Stars: Several locations scattered throughout the city. Great place for coffee, breads and pastries, and conversation.
Madrid Bakery: Exceptional European bakery in Wayland Square.
Pastiche: Iconic bakery off Federal Hill.
Coffee Exchange: Beloved local favorite.
Allepo Sweets: Middle eastern treats.
Top Things to do
John Brown House Museum: Visit this historic mansion to learn about Providence's colonial past and the influential Brown family. Try to plan for a summer concert on the lawn.
Benefit Street: Stroll along this "Mile of History" to see beautifully preserved 18th and 19th-century homes.
Roger Williams National Park: The smallest National Park, only a few blocks wide, is dedicated to the founder of Rhode Island and honors his contributions to religious freedom and the establishment of Rhode Island as a colony. The visitor center provides exhibits and information about Roger Williams' life and historical context of early Rhode Island.
Providence’s Art & Culture Scene
Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) Museum: A world renown, extensive collection of art and design, featuring works from ancient times to contemporary pieces.
Providence Performing Arts Center (PPAC): Catch a Broadway show, concert, or other live performances at this stunning historic theater.
Providence Art Club: Visit one of the oldest art clubs in the country, offering galleries with rotating exhibits, artist studios, and historical charm.
Trinity Repertory Company: World-class theater productions; this renowned regional theater is known for its innovative and engaging performances.
Veteran's Memorial: The VETS hosts an array of performances, from the Philharmonic and ballet to comedians and family shows
Gallery Night: A free, citywide, popular event held on the third Thursday of each month where art galleries, museums, and cultural institutions open their doors to the public for special exhibitions, talks, and events.
Educational Institutions
Brown University: Walk through the picturesque Ivy League campus, visit the Haffenreffer Museum of Anthropology, and enjoy the tranquil greenspaces.
Rhode Island School of Design (RISD): Beyond the museum, check out student galleries and events showcasing cutting-edge art and design.
Johnson & Wales University: Explore this prestigious culinary arts and hospitality management school, known for its hands-on approach and international campuses.
Shopping in Providence
Bangled Tiger Boutique: Vintage treasures.
Simple Pleasures: Beautiful gifts.
Symposium Books: Independent bookstore; knowledgeable staff.
Green River Silver: Imported and local jewelry; love their sea glass pieces.
Paper Nautilus Book Store: Used books, artwork, lithographs.
Frog & Toad: Local treasures, fun selection.
Outdoor Activities
Roger Williams Park: Don't miss this expansive park featuring the Roger Williams Park Zoo, a botanical center, and beautiful walking trails.
India Point Park: Relax by the waterfront, take a walk or bike ride along the East Bay Bike Path, and enjoy views of Narragansett Bay.
East Bay Bike Path: Cycle along this scenic path, stretching from Providence to Bristol, offering picturesque views of the coastline and local wildlife.
Hidden Gems & Local Favorites
WaterFire: Home to this iconic art installation, featuring bonfires on the rivers of downtown Providence, often accompanied by music and performances.
Providence Athenaeum: An historic library, a favorite of H.P. Lovecraft and Edgar Allan Poe. Admire its beautiful architecture and literary collection.
Providence Flea: Browse this eclectic outdoor market featuring local vendors, artisans, and food trucks, held on Sundays during the warmer months; indoors during fall and winter.
Best Day Trips from Providence
Newport: Take a short drive to Newport to explore the famous Gilded Age mansions, scenic Cliff Walk, and historic downtown. Newport Polo: Summer Saturday outings.
Bristol: A sleepy, east bay town hosts the oldest 4th of July parade in the nation. Small shops & restaurants add to its charm.
Wickford: Charming seaside village with historic homes, unique shops, art galleries, and beautiful harbor views; perfect for a relaxing day trip.
Westerly: Beautiful beaches, historic downtown, and Wilcox Park, a lovely green space with gardens and walking paths.
Rhode Island Beaches Near Providence
Well, it is called the Ocean State after all! There are an abundance of beautiful beaches and parks throughout the state, anywhere between 15 minutes and an hour from the city.
Westerly - Situated along the Pawcatuck River, this town on the western edge is a great choice for a beach outing or holiday. Misquamicut State Beach, is a local favorite with over a half mile of beautiful shoreline. If you're seeking a quieter experience, the Napatree Point Conservation Area has stretch of sand with migrating shorebirds, ideal for relaxed beach walks.
Block Island - Accessible by ferry or plane, the island offers breathtaking coastal cliffs, pristine white sand beaches, and charming town - New Shoreham. Whether you're into surfing, biking, day-hiking, or relaxing with family and friends, a visit to Block Island is a must.
Narragansett - If you're looking for rough waves, top-notch fishing, busy beaches with loads of restaurants and activity, visit Narragansett. Popular beaches include Roger Wheeler State Beach, Salty Brine State Beach and Scarborough State Beach and Narragansett Town Beach.
Charlestown - Known as one of Rhode Island's hidden treasures, this coastal town is a haven for nature enthusiasts. Bring your equipment for saltwater fishing at Charlestown Breachway State Beach or pitch a tent at one of the town's expansive beachfront campgrounds. Visit the family-friendly Blue Shutters Town Beach or East Beach, a secluded barrier beach with stunning views.
Middletown - In the middle of Newport County's Aquidneck Island, Middletown boasts two noteworthy shores. Sachuest Beach (or Second Beach, as we know it) has excellent surfing conditions and extensive amenities (think: surfboard rentals, showers and grills). Third Beach, by comparison, on the lee side has calm waters and thinner crowds, very much a young family destination.
Exploring New England:
Coastal Towns, City Streets & Timeless Charm
Planning a trip to New England? Whether you’re chasing the perfect lobster roll, wandering cobblestone streets, or soaking up ocean views, this collection of travel guides covers the region’s most inviting destinations. From the creative pulse of Providence to the windswept beauty of Nantucket and the rugged Maine shoreline, you’ll find the best places to stay, dine, and explore - in every season.
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Tides of Flavor - A New England Seafood Guide - A recent drop about everything seafood!
Providence - Rhode Island’s Creative Capital
Visiting Providence: What Not to Miss - Art, history, charm wrapped into one walkable city.
Top 10 Dining Destinations in Providence - Chef -centric culinary experiences.
Visit Providence: Where to Stay in the Creative Capital - Boutique hotels, historic inns.
Coastal Calm: Day Trips from Providence That Skip the Crowds - Coastal escapes a short drive.
Block Island - Weekend Getaway
Massachusetts - Cape & Islands Getaways
Nantucket Revisited: A Weekend to Remember - A return to the island with fresh discoveries.
Where to Stay in Nantucket: Embrace Coastal Living - Historic inns to breezy beachfront retreats.
Coastal Maine - Seaside Towns & Timeless Charm
Under the Elms & By the Sea: A Weekend in Castine, Maine - Maritime history meets coastal living.
Summer in York: A Maine Coastal Escape - Beaches, harbor walks, peaceful.
Whether you're a solo traveler seeking adventure, an academic staying in Providence, or a small group or family looking for a low-key getaway, the creative capital has a mix of historical charm, cultural richness, and modern amenities, making it an exciting destination for all types of travelers.
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