Providence Travel Guide

Read this comprehensive travel guide to learn about the best places to visit, delicious foods to try, and important safety tips in Providence, Rhode Island.


Introduction to Providence

Providence, the capital city of Rhode Island, is known for its rich history, magnificent architecture, and scenic beauty. Located in the northeast region of the United States, Providence is home to prestigious Ivy League institutions such as Brown University and Rhode Island School of Design. It is a popular tourist destination, drawing visitors from all over the globe. In this comprehensive travel guide, we will show you all the must-see places, delicious foods to try, and safety tips to keep in mind during your visit to Providence.

List of Places to Visit in Providence

Here is a list of top places to visit in Providence:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  1. The Rhode Island State House: The State House is a grand and beautiful marble building that houses the legislative and executive branches of Rhode Island.
  2. The Providence Athenaeum: This beautiful library is home to many rare books and is one of America’s oldest circulating libraries.
  3. The RISD Museum of Art: Part of the Rhode Island School of Design, this museum has an extensive collection of art and artifacts from around the world.
  4. The John Brown House Museum: This Georgian-style mansion is a National Historic Landmark and the former home of a wealthy merchant.

Natural Attractions of Providence: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  1. Roger Williams Park: This 435-acre public park is perfect for outdoor activities such as walking, jogging, picnicking, and more.
  2. Waterplace Park: This urban park features beautiful waterways, footbridges, and a series of intriguing sculptures that create an idyllic setting.
  3. Prospect Terrace Park: A panoramic view of the city of Providence is visible from this park, including the State House, Providence River, and much more.
  4. India Point Park: This park is a popular spot for boating and fishing on the Providence River.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Providence

Providence is a great destination for those who like to hike and bike. Here are some of the routes you can take:

  1. The East Bay Bike Path: This trail runs 14.5 miles from Providence to Bristol and offers stunning views of the Narragansett Bay.
  2. Roger Williams Park Botanical Center: This park offers beautiful hiking trails and is home to a spectacular greenhouse.
  3. Blackstone River Bikeway: This trail follows the Blackstone River and connects to several parks and historical sites.
  4. Lincoln Woods: This park offers hiking trails, picnic areas, and a freshwater beach.

Best Things to Do in Providence: Activities and Tours

Here are some activities and tours that are a must in Providence:

  1. Take a food tour and sample some of the city’s most popular dishes
  2. Visit the Roger Williams Park Zoo
  3. Take a boat tour on the Providence River
  4. Attend a concert or play at the Providence Performing Arts Center

Week-Long Itinerary for Providence

Here is an itinerary for a week-long trip to Providence:

Days Activities
Day 1 Explore the historic Providence Arcade
Day 2 Visit the RISD Museum of Art and take a walk through Waterplace Park
Day 3 Take a scenic bike ride along the East Bay Bike Path
Day 4 Tour the Rhode Island State House and visit the Providence Athenaeum
Day 5 Hike and picnic at Roger Williams Park
Day 6 Visit India Point Park and enjoy a boating tour on the Providence River
Day 7 Take a food tour and explore the city’s vibrant restaurant scene

Food and Drink Scene of Providence

Providence’s food scene is not to be missed. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  1. Clam cakes and clam chowder
  2. Stuffies (stuffed quahogs)
  3. Del’s Frozen Lemonade
  4. Grinders (a type of sandwich)

Local Beverages

  1. Coffee milk
  2. Narragansett Beer
  3. Rhode Island Red (cocktail)
  4. Yacht Club Soda

Where to Stay in Providence: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Providence offers a variety of accommodation options for visitors, from luxury hotels to budget-friendly hostels. Here are some popular options:

  1. The Dean Hotel
  2. Hotel Providence
  3. NYLO Providence/Warwick
  4. HI Providence Hostel

What to Buy in Providence: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Here are some souvenirs and local products to bring home from Providence:

  1. Rhode Island-shaped cutting boards
  2. Del’s Lemonade mix
  3. Coffee syrup for “coffee milk”
  4. Tile coasters with nautical themes

Local Culture and Customs of Providence

When visiting Providence, it is important to be mindful of the local customs and culture. Here are some tips:

  • Rhode Islanders are known for their accent, which may sound unique to out-of-towners.
  • It is customary to tip at least 20% in restaurants.
  • Wearing casual clothing is common, even in upscale restaurants or venues.

Best Time to Visit Providence

The best time to visit Providence is from May to September when the weather is mild and many of the outdoor attractions are open.

Do’s and Don’ts of Providence

Do:

  1. Try the local seafood dishes
  2. Explore the city’s architecture and art museums
  3. Take a scenic bike ride along the river
  4. Visit the Roger Williams Park Zoo

Don’t:

  1. Jaywalk or ignore pedestrian signals
  2. Leave your car unlocked or valuables inside
  3. Overlook the small shops and boutiques in the downtown area
  4. Speak loudly or use profanity in public places.

Safety and Health

Safety in Providence

Like any other large city, Providence has its share of crime and safety concerns. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

  1. Be aware of your surroundings, especially at night.
  2. Avoid leaving valuables in plain sight in your car or hotel room.
  3. Lock your doors and windows at night.
  4. Stay in well-lit areas.

Health in Providence

Providence is generally a healthy city, but it is still important to take care of your health during your visit. Here are some tips:

  1. Wear sunscreen and protective clothing during the summer months.
  2. Stay hydrated if you are out in the sun for an extended period.
  3. Wash your hands often, especially during flu season.
  4. Seek medical attention immediately if you feel sick.

Getting to Providence: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Providence

  1. T.F. Green International Airport
  2. Boston Logan International Airport

Bus Stations Near Providence

  1. Providence Bus Terminal
  2. Mega Bus Terminal

Other Options

  1. Amtrak Train Station
  2. Rental car services such as Enterprise, Hertz, and Avis

How to Get Around in Providence

Providence is a relatively small city, and it is easy to get around on foot. Here are some other options:

  1. Public transportation: Providence’s public transportation system includes buses and a commuter rail line.
  2. Bike rentals: You can rent a bike from local bike shops or from the city’s bike share program, called JUMP.
  3. Taxi and ride-share services: Uber and Lyft operate in Providence, and there are also local taxi companies.

Where to Go Next from Providence: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Here are some nearby destinations and excursions to explore after visiting Providence:

  1. Cape Cod, Massachusetts
  2. Newport, Rhode Island
  3. Boston, Massachusetts
  4. Mystic, Connecticut

Conclusion

Providence is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in history, culture, and natural beauty. With its scenic parks, world-class museums, and delicious cuisine, there’s something for everyone in Providence. We hope this comprehensive travel guide has helped you plan your trip to Providence!

Downtown Providence Downtown Providence River walk along Waterplace Park River walk along Waterplace Park Downcity Providence overlooking Waterplace Park Downcity Providence overlooking Waterplace Park Roger Williams Park Roger Williams Park Bunny on the street at Foo Fest 2009 Bunny on the street at Foo Fest 2009


    College Hill
    Federal Hill
    Smith Hill
    South Providence