Today I’m going to be sharing things to do and see on your next trip to Providence, Rhode Island. My boyfriend and I did Providence as a day trip, and enjoyed the mini getaway. While it may not be on everyone’s initial bucket list- I would still happily recommend it as a New England day trip destination and will share some of my favorite spots below.
(Last Updated May 3, 2023)
The Location
Providence is the capital of Rhode Island and is one of the country’s oldest cities, founded in 1636. Providence is home to eight college and university campuses, including Ivy League member Brown University. Providence is nicknamed “The Creative Capital”, with a thriving arts community, historic architecture, and New England scenery.
Transportation
Located an hour from Boston, Providence makes for a great day trip! We drove down, and found it the most convenient way to get around the city. The roads in Providence are a bit confusing, and there are a lot of one way streets, but I didn’t have trouble finding parking and liked having my car available to explore the various neighborhoods. Like any major city, make sure to lock and do not leave any valuables exposed.
Public transportation options include Amtrak from South Station to Providence Station using the Acela or Northeast Regional or the Providence/Stoughton line using the MBTA. Via Amtrak you’ll arrive in 35 minutes, and via MBTA a little under an hour and 15. The train drops you at Providence Station, a mere .7 miles from Downtown, and from there you can continue to explore the city on foot.
Things to Do/Sights to See
The Providence Flea
The Providence Flea features small and micro businesses, encouraging shoppers to buy local. During summer and early fall months, the outdoor market is located along the river on South Water Street in downtown Providence. During mid-Fall through Winter and Spring the market takes place at Farm Fresh RI Market Hall, 10 Sims Ave every Sunday from 11am-3pm. I was pleasantly surprised by the number and variety of vendors at the indoor market. Entry is free and street parking was easily accessible and available. Vendors ranged from clothing boutiques to knick-knacks, pet accessories, bakery goods, and more.
In addition to the market, Farm Fresh RI also has a number of food and farm-related small businesses that lease the remaining space including New Harvest Coffee Roasters and Wright’s Creamery. As ice cream lovers, we couldn’t resist stopping in Wright’s Creamery for ice cream while perusing the different stands, and would recommend! The ice cream isn’t cheap, but you pay for quality and it is worth the price tag.
Rhode Island State House
The Rhode Island State House is an impressive and unmissable sight while driving around Providence due to its shear size. This beautiful building is constructed of Georgian marble, and is free and open to the public for visits Monday through Fridays. Unfortunately, it was closed when we went as it was a Sunday, but from photos online I would highly recommend taking a trip inside if you go during the week as it looks absolutely stunning.
College Hill
One of six neighborhoods in the Providence East Side. The most affluent neighborhood in Providence home to Brown University, Rhode Island School of Design and Pembroke College. It truly lives up to its name- as the hill is quite steep! There are a lot of one way streets and pedestrians, so make sure to pay attention to where you’re driving. We parked next to Brown University and walked around the area from there. There are meters by the University, but metered parking in the city is free on Sundays.
John Brown House
The John Brown House is one of the historic buildings located on College Hill and is Providence’s first Mansion. The mansion is now a museum owned by the Rhode Island Historical Society, and offers historic tours showcasing memorabilia from the 18th-century and history on Rhode Island’s role in the Revolution, slavery and the slave trade. Regular admission is priced $10, and senior, veteran and student discounts available at $8, with additional discount categories. We didn’t go inside ourselves, but walked by the exterior while wandering around College Hill.
Brown University
Located on College Hill, Ivy League institution Brown University is the seventh-oldest institution of higher education in the US and was founded in 1764. We parked on Prospect Street next to Brown’s Van Wickle Gates which symbolize the university’s 250-year history. From there, we wandered around the campus’ main greens to admire the architecture. During the week, Brown’s John Hay Library is open to the public and is home to collections of rare books, manuscripts and University archives.
Prospect Terrace Park
Located on Congdon Street, Prospect Terrae Park is certainly a hike, but well worth it for the wonderful city views. This park has a line of picnic benches, overlooking the city and grassy greens perfect for a warm spring day picnic. Nicknamed “The Jewel of the City” for its panoramic views. The park features a 15 foot statue of Roger Williams, whose remains lie in a tomb directly beneath his statue.
Benefit Street
Located below College Hill, Benefit Street is a mile long street home to historic 18th and 19th century residences. We just walked around on our own but during summer and early fall months, The Rhode Island Historical Society offers 90-minute walking tours.
Providence Athenaeum
Located on Benefit Street, The Providence Athenaeum is the fourth oldest library in the US. The library is open Tuesdays through Sundays, and closed on Mondays. Admission is free with a quite strongly suggested $5 donation at the visitor check in area. When you check in you’re offered a hard copy guide for your self-guided tour, or you can get the mobile version. We just took the book to flip through while walking around. It’s quite an impressive Library, and you’ll most likely see students/patrons studying and reading at the various desks throughout. Photography is allowed, just no flash. There is a rare books room downstairs, unfortunately its staff only but you can peer through the door to see in.
Providence Independence Trail
A 2.5 mile self-guided walking trail that takes you by 20 different significant sites in the city. The circular trail has no official beginning or end, and covers 4 centuries of American history, architecture and culture. We actually didn’t walk the full route, although it might’ve been more time efficient if we had- but we did walk portions of it.
I’d recommend walking the full loop if you have the time. It is very hilly, especially over by Prospect Park and even up to the Rhode Island State House, so be sure you’re wearing good walking shoes.
The Arcade
The Arcade is oldest indoor mall in the country, built in 1828 in Greek Revival architectural style. There is not a lot to do in the actual mall itself but neat to walk through if you’re already downtown. There are a few shops on the bottom floor, with micro-lofts on the second floor.
Federal Hill Italian Neighborhood and Atwells Avenue
The Italian-American Neighborhood of Providence featuring the iconic Atwells Avenue and surrounding streets. In the center of Federal Hill you’ll find DePasquale Square, home to the DePasquale Fountain and outdoor dining area during summer months. Since we went during the off-season, the Square was pretty desolate, but I can image it’s a wonderful spot for a summer date night. We parked a couple of streets over on a residential street and walked over, as it was hard to find parking on the main strip. There are a number of Italian restaurants and cafes, as well other dining options including American, Asian, Middle Eastern, and more. There are also a number of Hookah Lounges/Bars on the street. We stopped here for dinner and enjoyed the atmosphere of the neighborhood.
Providence Place
Providence Place is the largest shopping mall in Rhode Island with three floors and over 150 stores. Open 7 days a week, with the exception of Holidays. Free 2 hour parking in their garage with reasonable rates beyond that point. A full directory of stores and restaurants is available here.
Beyond shopping, the mall is connected to the nearby Westin Hotel, has entertainment options including an IMax theater and Dave and Buster’s and is home to well-known chain restaurants including The Cheesecake Factory, Fire + Ice, Panera Bread and more.
Unfortunately this wasn’t one of our stops this trip, as the mall is so large it would’ve needed an afternoon on its own and we had other sights we were hoping to see, but If I were to go back I’d definitely check it out.
Roger Williams Park
Nicknamed “The People’s Park” the Roger Williams Park is a 10 minute drive from Downtown Providence and packed with things to do: take a walk through the park on the various walking paths and trails, download a self-guided tour, go boating, and more. This park is also home to the Museum of Natural History and Planetarium, the Roger Williams Zoo, Botanical Center, and Carousel Village.
The Roger Williams Park Botanical Center is New England’s largest glasshouse display garden. Open Tuesday-Sunday 10AM-4PM. General Admission is $5 with discounted rates available.
The Museum of Natural History and Planetarium is open daily 10AM-4PM with Planetarium shows 2PM on Weekends. Museum admission is $2, Planetarium show tickets are $5.
The Roger Williams Park Zoo is home to over 160 species from around the world including a Komodo dragon, African elephants, red pandas, snow leopards and more. Founded in 1872, the Roger Williams Park Zoo is the third oldest in the country. Daytime zoo admission is $20.95 for adults.
Carousel Village is located a quarter fo a mile from the Roger Williams Park Zoo. Comprised of a carousel, carousel express train, and playground.
We didn’t get to enjoy the park this time around, but now that we know what we missed out on we’ll have to come back.
Where to Eat
Ogie’s Trailer Park
Retro modern 1950s and 1960s style pub opened in 2014. Serving American comfort food and cocktails. Didn’t make it to this stop, but has over 1 thousand google reviews averaging a 4.5 star rating and is a unique spot to check out.
PV Donuts
Founded by Lori and Paul Kettelle, their mission is to provide people with new and exciting donuts through monthly menus of 25+ rotating items, and to support Rhode Island through community involvement and partnerships. In addition to their store front location at 79 Ives Street, the shop also caters weddings and private events. With over 1 thousand google reviews raving about the different donut varieties and unique flavors, I will definitely be stopping here during my next trip.
Providence Coal Fired Pizza
Serving up handcrafted, gourmet pizzas as well as other coal-inspired menu items. With two locations, 385 Westminster Street and 6105 Post Road North Kingston, this is Rhode Island’s only Coal-Fired Pizza Restaurant. Highly reviewed on google reviews and yelp, with customers raving about the pizza, toppings and atmosphere.
“THE ORIGINAL” Haven Brothers Diner Providence
Food truck with carry-out window offering classic American eats, featuring an extensive milk shake menu. Open late, and good for a midnight bite right in downtown Providence.
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