City guides
United States of America
Rhode Island
Things to do in Providence
A vibrant destination that's perfect for a few days away, attractions in Providence include art, history, and recreational activities. Known to be compact, modern, and a little eccentric, the city has a loyal population and is well loved in the broader region.
The history of Providence means that there are numerous historical sites and districts, such as Federal Hill and the East Side. Exploring them is a wonderful way to soak up the culturally diverse spaces of the state capital city.
The beautiful Rhode Island State House is home to the original Rhode Island Charter of 1663. Visitors will discover other architectural landmarks such as the RISD Museum, which is the leading museum of art and design in the state. Benefit Street helps understand the architectural heritage of Providence, while John Brown House was the first mansion built in the state.
For the artistic, the Providence Performing Arts Center holds concerts, contemporary plays, comedy, and Broadway shows. WaterFire Providence is an exciting attraction for those looking for something different, offering a sensory experience on the river like no other.
Home to the prestigious Brown University, Providence is rich in academics, arts, and student life. The city has some renowned restaurants from which to choose, as well as great shopping districts. Visitors enjoy outdoor recreation at any one of the spectacular parks and golf courses in the city.
State Capitol
Rhode Island's magnificent Georgian-marble state house was inspired by London's St Paul's Cathedral and the US Capitol. It has the distinction of sporting one of the largest self-s…
State Capitol
Rhode Island's magnificent Georgian-marble state house was inspired by London's St Paul's Cathedral and the US Capitol. It has the distinction of sporting one of the largest self-supporting domes in the world. The beautiful building in Smith Street houses the original Rhode Island Charter of 1663 and an historic portrait of George Washington painted by Gilbert Stuart, a Rhode Island native. The Washington portrait is renowned for being the one used on the American dollar bill.
Website sos.ri.gov/publicinfo/tours/
John Brown House
Designed by Joseph Brown for his brother John in 1786, sixth president John Quincy Adams once described the three-storey mansion on Power Street as being the most incredible and el…
John Brown House
Designed by Joseph Brown for his brother John in 1786, sixth president John Quincy Adams once described the three-storey mansion on Power Street as being the most incredible and elegant private mansion ever seen on the continent of North America. The Georgian architecture features elaborate woodwork, French wallpaper, and 18th-century locally made furnishings. John Brown House also contains silver and decorative oriental objet d'art, gathered by John Brown who made his fortuning trading with China.
Website www.rihs.org/museums/john-brown-house/
Waterplace Park
Providence's renovated downtown waterfront is known as Waterplace Park, a haven of romantic Venetian footbridges and cobblestone walkways that has won national and international de…
Waterplace Park
Providence's renovated downtown waterfront is known as Waterplace Park, a haven of romantic Venetian footbridges and cobblestone walkways that has won national and international design awards. Sited at the junction of three rivers, the river walk was the centre of the shipping trade in the city's early years. Today it draws enthusiastic crowds to the popular WaterFire events, held several times a year. This multimedia festival involves nearly 100 blazing braziers that rise from the river, seemingly to dance atop the water to the tune of rhythmic music. WaterFire events are not held to schedule and visitors can find out from the visitor information centre in the clock tower (open daily from 10am to 4pm) when the next is to be held. Free concerts and plays are also frequently held in the Waterplace Amphitheatre.
Website www.waterfire.org/
Rhode Island School of Design Museum
The small but comprehensive museum attached to the Rhode Island School of Design features many changing exhibitions, particularly relating to textiles. The museum's permanent colle…
Rhode Island School of Design Museum
The small but comprehensive museum attached to the Rhode Island School of Design features many changing exhibitions, particularly relating to textiles. The museum's permanent collection includes the Abby Aldrich Rockefeller collection of Japanese prints, Chinese terracotta, Greek statuary, and some French Impressionist paintings. Highlights are works by masters such as Monet, Cezanne, Rodin, and Picasso. There is also an American section containing paintings by Gilbert Stuart, John Singleton Copley, and John Singer Sargent. Visitors should note that there are two entrances to the museum, the Museum's Benefit Street entrance and the Chace Center entrance at 20 North Main Street.
Website www.risdmuseum.org
Roger Williams Park Zoo
Providence's zoo is situated in 16 hectares (40 acres) of beautiful woodlands and is accessed from Elmwood Avenue on the south edge of the city. The Roger Williams Park Zoo focuses…
Roger Williams Park Zoo
Providence's zoo is situated in 16 hectares (40 acres) of beautiful woodlands and is accessed from Elmwood Avenue on the south edge of the city. The Roger Williams Park Zoo focuses on conservation and also contains a museum of natural history and a planetarium, as well as offering a relaxing spot to picnic, feed the ducks, ride a pony, or rent a paddleboat. The zoo is home to more than 900 animals from 156 different species, with display areas divided into different habitats, including rainforest and swamp. Animals on exhibit include cheetahs, elephants, snow leopards, red wolves, bison, and many more. Special features include an exhibit focusing on survival and adaption, as well as separate environments illustrating the natural worlds of both Africa and North America. There is also a wetlands trail, a mini trek reproducing the journey of Marco Polo, and a rainforest exhibition.
Website www.rwpzoo.org
Benefit Street
Lined with an impressive concentration of original colonial-style homes, Benefit Street, Providence boasts one of the most extensive collections of 18th and 19th century urban arch…
Benefit Street
Lined with an impressive concentration of original colonial-style homes, Benefit Street, Providence boasts one of the most extensive collections of 18th and 19th century urban architecture in America. The 'Mile of History' takes in all the well-restored buildings that were home to merchants and sea captains. The street overlooking the city's waterfront also features churches and museums. The Providence Preservation Society cares for the area, providing information about the buildings and escorted tours from their office at 21 Meeting Street.