Explore Providence: a vibrant city where rich history meets modern dining, culture, and art. Discover all it has to offer.
Providence, Rhode Island is conveniently located between New York City and Boston, and is easy to get to by car, train or plane. Blending the urban sophistication of a big city with the charm of a small town, Providence is home to fabulous restaurants, a thriving arts scene, and a diverse and dynamic LGBTQ+ community.
While scores of immaculately preserved houses display the cityโs rich history, it is also modern and vibrant. Eight college campuses give Providence a youthful vibe and a myriad of public art installations around the city add color and creativity. The red-hot restaurant scene mixes fine dining with food trucks and everything in between.
From authentic Italian cuisine on Federal Hill to seafood fresh from Narragansett Bay, Providence offers a dazzling array of restaurants that will delight even the most discerning palate. The newest addition to the Providence dining scene, Track 15, showcases some of the best local chefs and cuisines in a food hall setting. And as home to the worldโs largest culinary educator, Johnson & Wales University, Providence reaps the rewards of having many of the schoolโs alumni and students demonstrate their talents in local restaurants.
Red Stripe (Photo by GoProvidence)
Each of Providenceโs neighborhoods has its own distinct personality. The compact streets of downtown provide a busy hub of restaurants, shops and theaters, while the Fox Point neighborhood has a much more relaxed atmosphere, with a mix of cool vintage shopping and modern dining. Federal Hill, recently named โOne of the Five Best Little Italy Neighborhoods in the U.S.โ by Travel + Leisure, is known for its Italian influence, while the Broad Street area features a more varied flair with a concentration of international markets, bodegas and restaurants. Hang out with the students on College Hill, Benefit Street and Thayer Street or take a stroll along the RiverWalk and enjoy the scenery. For a unique experience, glide along the Providence River in an authentic Venetian gondola.
La Gondola (Photo by GoProvidence)
Providence boasts an impressive array of green space, providing the perfect opportunity to add a little relaxation to your visit. Take an outdoor yoga class in Roger Williams Park, rent a kayak and explore by water, or stretch your legs on one of Providenceโs many walking tours, featuring everything from art and architecture to Providence Ghost Tourโs journey through the spooky side of the city.
Providenceโs vibrant nightlife features a variety of bars and clubs, where you can hit the dance floor or relax and catch up with friends. Channel your inner rock star at karaoke or show off your smarts at a trivia night. Providence offers a diverse music scene, so thereโs always a cool show lined up. For something fun(ny), head to the Comedy Connection of Rhode Island for a night of giggles.
With a thriving arts district and a commitment to historical preservation, Providence offers a variety of entertainment options and unique venues. Tony award-winning Trinity Rep draws throngs of theatergoers into the city, while the Providence Performing Arts Center hosts concerts, comedians and tours of Broadwayโs hottest shows. The VETS, situated across from the iconic State House, also features a variety of shows and comedians.
Rooftop at the G (Photo by GoProvidence)
For museum lovers, the RISD Museum at the Rhode Island School of Design houses more than 100,000 works of art, ranging from Greek sculpture and French Impressionist paintings to contemporary multimedia art. The Museum of Natural History and Planetarium serves as a unique educational and culture resource with exhibits and programming designed to inspire an enjoyment of the natural world.
One of Providenceโs most popular cultural events is WaterFire, a multisensory art installation, highlighted by a series of bonfires installed on the three rivers of Downtown Providence. Illuminating nearly two-thirds of a mile of public spaces, the event features a flotilla of performers traveling the river in torch-lit vessels. Typically held from May to October, WaterFire has drawn hundreds of thousands of visitors to the city. The combination of aromatic wood smoke, flickering firelight and enchanting music creates a truly singular experience.
WaterFire (Photo by GoProvidence)
Providence is also home to several annual festivals and events that mean thereโs almost always something happening. During the summer, Flickers Rhode Island International Film Festival brings together independent films of every format and genre to Providence for a week of screenings, industry meet-and-greets and filmmaking seminars. RI Comic Con in November features guests from all the hottest fandoms for a weekend of celebrity sightings, autographs and cosplay. PrideFest and PVDFest fill the streets each summer with celebrations of Providenceโs unique personality. Seasonal events like the Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular at Roger Williams Park Zoo in October and Providenceโs Three Nights of Lights in December provide the perfect way to experience the city during the holidays.
With so many options in Providence, you can curate a getaway that is uniquely yours. Plan now at GoProvidence.com.
