Top 30 Things To Do In Providence, Rhode Island

1. Watch a wonderful performance at Trinity Repertory Company

Watch a play in this theater that presents world premieres, contemporary and classic works. Prepare yourself for unparalleled theatrical and educational experiences that aim at connecting with the audience in meaningful and sometimes surprising ways. This theater is recognized nationally for excellence and innovation and it is loved locally for its high quality and diverse programming. Utilize this opportunity to get entertained by a play whose creation is out of this world, in a theater that is highly respected in the country.

Trinity Repertory Company

Address: 201 Washington St, Providence, RI 02903, USA

Website: Trinity Repertory Company

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 10am - 6pm (Box Office Hours); Wed, Sat & Sun: 2pm (Performance time)

2. See the beautiful 'WaterFire'

WaterFire Providence is an independent nonprofit arts organization that installed the award-winning sculpture by Barnaby Evans on the three rivers of downtown Providence. It has been termed by locals and visitors as a powerful work of art and a moving symbol of Providence’s renaissance. Marvel at the view of over eighty sparkling bonfires, the scent of aromatic wood smoke, the flickering firelight on the arched bridges, the silhouettes of the fire tenders passing by the flames, the torch-lit vessels traveling down the river and the enchanting music from around the world. Such an amazing and unique spectacle that is worth the visit.

WaterFire

Address: 4 N Main St, Providence, RI 02903, USA

Website: WaterFire

Opening hours: 24 hours

3. Pick up local products at Hope Street Farmers Market

Shop at this farmer’s market that was created and is managed by a number of farmers and food artisans in Rhode Island. Enjoy buying a variety of fruits, vegetables, flowers, cheese, breads and pastries, pasture-raised meats, seafood, poultry and eggs that are grown, produced or raised locally. Pick from a wide selection of foods and from different farmers. Freshness and quality of the products you purchase are guaranteed in this market. You also get to listen to live music as you shop.

Hope Street Farmers Market

Address: Blackstone Blvd, Providence, RI 02906, USA

Website: Hope Street Farmers Market

Opening hours: Wed: 3pm - 6pm; Sat: 9am - 1pm (closed on Mon, Tue, Fri & Sun)

4. Tour John Brown House

Explore this mansion that was the first mansion to be built in Providence in 1788 by one of the wealthiest and most influential families back then, the Browns. As you tour the house, you will be enlightened on some issues of that era such as slavery, the American Revolution, the China trade and the major role Rhode Island played in the history of the United States. Choose from either self-guided audio or docent-led guided tour of the mansion which takes approximately one hour. Get to learn about the social and cultural history of the country.

John Brown House

Address: 52 Power St, Providence, RI 02906, USA

Website: John Brown House

Opening hours: Tue - Fri: 1pm - 4pm; Sat: 10am - 4pm (closed on Mon & Sun)

Price: 6 - 10 USD

5. Be amazed by visiting Governor Henry Lippitt House

Visit Governor Henry Lippitt House which is considered one of the best-preserved Victorian-era houses in the US. It was built in 1865 and belonged to Rhode Island Governor Henry Lippitt who was also a textile mogul. Marvel at the large three-story brick house with its interior decor featuring beautiful wallpaper, ornate woodwork, plasterwork, stained glass windows on the stair landings and original furnishing. Choose from a one-hour self-guided tour or a guided tour that takes you through the museum’s art and architecture and back in history to the era of the Lippitt family and servants who lived and worked in the house.

Governor Henry Lippitt House

Address: 199 Hope St, Providence, RI 02906, USA

Website: Governor Henry Lippitt House

Opening hours: Fri & Every 3rd Sat: 12pm - 4pm

Price: 10 USD

6. Tour The Botanical Center at Roger Williams Park

Located on an island, this botanical garden covers 23,000 square feet (0.5 acres) of indoor garden space. It features two connected greenhouses with several different plant species, fountains, a fish pond and a small beautiful waterfall. Admire the over 150 different species and cultivars of plants. Go on a tour that enlightens you on cultural and environmental information regarding the plants, their uses and benefits to us humans, their physical characteristics and their adaptation to climate. Learn a lot from the tour and also relax and unwind with the beautiful view of the garden and the pleasant scent emanating from the plants.

The Botanical Center at Roger Williams Park

Address: Floral Ave, Providence, RI 02905, USA

Website: The Botanical Center at Roger Williams Park

Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 11am - 4pm (closed on Mon)

Price: 2 - 5 USD

7. Check out the remarkable architecture on Benefit Street

Tour Benefit Street and marvel at the unique architecture of the well-preserved homes from the 1700s and 1800s, along cobblestone roads. See a variety of residential, institutional and religious architecture of the Colonial and Victorian eras comprising of both grand buildings and simple houses. Admire the beautifully restored houses, churches and museums. Some of the buildings you will see include the Nightingale-Brown House, John Brown House and the Providence Athenaeum. This is such a beautiful street to walk in that will take you back in time.

Benefit Street

Address: Benefit StProvidence, RI, USA

8. Enjoy shopping at The Arcade

A step into this shopping mall, one cannot help but admire the beautiful building with its ionic columns and granite steps. Located at the heart of downtown Providence, this mall offers convenience to its shoppers. On the first floor, there are a variety of small business retails, a full-service local foods restaurant and a coffee shop/whiskey bar. Shop at Carmen & Ginger for vintage clothing, housewares and decor, Cured Collection for menswear, Split Apart Secondhand for vintage clothing, Bad Taste for vintage streetwear and many more shops. There is something for everyone here.

The Arcade

Address: 65 Weybosset St, Providence, RI 02903, USA

Website: The Arcade

Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 11am - 7pm; Sun: 12pm - 5pm (closed on Mon)

9. Visit the historic Pomham Rocks Light

Pomham Rocks Light is a lighthouse that is part of a group of New England lighthouses. It towers about 42 feet (12.8 m) off the shoreline of the Providence River. Over the past seven years, it has undergone renovations to restore its exterior luster and its landscape is kept as pristine as is possible. Though not open to the public, this marvelous lighthouse can be seen from the East Bay Bike Path in East Providence. It is a worthy attraction to see even from afar.

Pomham Rocks Light

Address: Riverside, RI 02915, USA

Website: Pomham Rocks Light

10. Have fun with kids at the Museum of Natural History and Planetarium

Tour Rhode Island’s only natural history museum that is also home to the state’s only public planetarium. The museum displays various exhibits containing natural and cultural objects that explain areas such as popular parks, wildlife, ornately feathered Birds-of-Paradise, early years of lunar exploration and natural selection. The planetarium, which is a dome theater with a Zeiss projector, casts images of stars, planets and constellations to simulate the night sky. You and your kids will have fun here while also learning a lot about the world and its people.

Museum of Natural History and Planetarium

Address: 1000 Elmwood Ave, Providence, RI 02907, USA

Website: Museum of Natural History and Planetarium

Opening hours: 9.30am - 3.30pm (daily)

Price: 2 USD (Museum), 3 USD (Planetarium)

11. Take an exciting ride with La Gondola

Go on a fun and engaging tour of the city on a gondola for an authentic Venetian experience in the heart of Providence. Enjoy amazing views of Providence from various vantage points aboard one of the three equally beautiful gondolas with hand-sculpted ornaments. Create those amazing memories of your experience by capturing splendid photos on your trip which takes approximately 40 minutes. This is a beautiful way to explore the city and to relax and unwind.

La Gondola

Address: 1 Citizens Plz, Providence, RI 02903, USA

Website: La Gondola

Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 10am - 10.15pm; Fri - Sat: 10am - 11.30pm

12. Visit the wonderful Roger Williams Park Zoo

This zoo is located on 40 acres (16.2 ha) of beautiful woodlands and it has over 160 animal species in their natural settings from all over the globe. See animals such as agouti, alpaca, anaconda, anteater, aoudad, babirusa, bear, boa, camels, cheetah, giraffes, kangaroo, komodo dragon and various birds showcased in themed exhibits such as North America, Faces of the Rain forest, Our Big Backyard and Fabric of Africa. Enjoy feeding the beautiful giraffes as well as several farm animals. This is such a fun way to spend your day admiring the cute animals and even feeding some of them.

Roger Williams Park Zoo

Address: 1000 Elmwood Ave, Providence, RI 02907, USA

Website: Roger Williams Park Zoo

Opening hours: 10am - 5pm (daily)

Price: 17.95 USD (Adults), 12.95 USD (kids 2-12 years), 15.95 USD (Seniors 62 years and above)

13. Explore the scenic trails of Blackstone Park

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Asia Ariana (@asia_photography25)

Wear your hiking shoes and head out to this 45-acre (18.2 ha) park with meadows, woodlands, ponds, a giant staircase and easy scenic walking trails for you to explore. Catch a breath of fresh air as you observe nature at its finest. Admire the vegetation and wildlife you might spot as you go on your leisurely walk. It is the perfect way to keep fit, relax and unwind.

Blackstone Park

Address: 600 Blackstone Blvd, Providence, RI 02906, USA

Website: Blackstone Park

Opening hours: 5am - 9pm (daily)

14. Catch a show at Providence Performing Arts Center

Providence Performing Arts Center has a capacity of 3100 seats and it is a world-class theater located in the heart of Providence’s art and entertainment District. Upon entry, marvel at its beautiful interior decor including opulent chandeliers, marble columns and detailed moldings on the walls. Such a breathtaking view. Sit in its very comfortable auditorium with great acoustics and enjoy an amazing show. The theater takes pride in entertaining audiences with shows that are diverse for all family members and have been excellently produced.

Providence Performing Arts Center

Address: 220 Weybosset St, Providence, RI 02903, USA

Website: Providence Performing Arts Center

15. Enjoy burgers at Harry’s Bar and Burger Providence

Visit this restaurant that is famous for their burgers. Boasting of making their burgers using the highest quality ingredients such as 100% pure Hereford beef and fresh local produce, you are in for a treat. Enjoy very tasty burgers coupled with Craft beers or refreshing alcoholic shakes and fresh ground sliders with all the trimmings. Here, you are guaranteed value for your money and tasty burgers that will leave you craving for more until your next visit here.

Harry’s Bar and Burger Providence

Address: 121 N Main St, Providence, RI 02903, USA

Website: Harry’s Bar and Burger Providence

Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 11.30am - 1am; Fri - Sat: 11.30am - 2am

Price: Under 10 USD

16. Check out Victorian-style houses in Downcity

Explore Downcity, which is Downtown Providence that functions as the central economic, political and cultural district of the city. Most of the downtown is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Tour this area and get to see several 19th-century commercial buildings in the Federal and Victorian architectural styles. Admire their unique architecture and the beauty of the restored buildings as you take a stroll in this easily walkable neighborhood.

Downcity Providence

Address: Providence, Rhode Island

17. Try barbecue at Durk’s Bar-B-Q

Treat yourself to authentic Texas-style mouthwatering barbecue accompanied by craft beer, craft cocktails, wine or a selection of American Whiskey. Taking their time to cook their meats, Durk’s Bar-B-Q marinates their meat using a dry rub spice blend and then smokes it for 8 to 14 hours over local Rhode Island oak in a Hickory smoker. End result, a finger-licking barbecue that is to die for. Visit this restaurant and enjoy the scrumptious barbecue and refreshing drinks.

Durk’s Bar-B-Q

Address: 275 Thayer St, Providence, RI 02906, USA

Website: Durk’s Bar-B-Q

Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 11.30am - 9pm; Fri - Sat: 11.30am - 10pm

Price: 11 - 30 USD

18. Try Italian food at Al Forno

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Johanne Killeen (@johanniejo)

Indulge in some tasty Italian cuisines at this upscale restaurant that is famous for its amazing dishes. Using creative techniques, they make their signature dishes such as grilled pizza, high-heat roasted veggie entree, dirty steak with hot fanny sauce, clams Al Forno, baked pasta and desserts such as hand-churned ice cream and fresh fruit tarts. Visit this restaurant and try out one of their signature dishes that you will definitely love. It brings Italy to Providence through their well-crafted dishes.

Al Forno

Address: 577 S Water St, Providence, RI 02903, USA

Website: Al Forno

Opening hours: Tue - Fri: 5pm - 10pm; Sat: 4pm - 10pm (closed on Sun & Mon)

Price: 31 - 60 USD

19. Dine at Jacky's Waterplace and Sushi Bar

Dine at this contemporary restaurant that serves vegetarian-friendly Chinese, Japanese and Asian cuisines, seafood and sushi. To add to the amazing and delicious food, have your meal at a sleek lounge or outdoor patio that opens up to spectacular waterfront views. At this joint, a mix of scrumptious food, friendly staff, great ambiance, and breathtaking views combine to give you a splendid dining experience. Accompany your meal with refreshing drinks from the bar.

Jacky's Waterplace and Sushi Bar

Address: 200 Exchange St, Providence, RI 02903, USA

Website: Jacky’s Waterplace and Sushi Bar

Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 11.30am - 10.30pm; Fri: 11:30am - 11pm: Sat: 1pm - 11pm; Sun: 1pm - 10pm

Price: 31 - 60 USD

20. Take a tour of Rhode Island State House

Go on a free guided tour of this building that features neoclassical style and is on the National Register of Historic Places. From the exterior, admire the white Georgia marble and the dome with a gold-covered bronze statue of the Independent Man. Once inside, explore rooms such as the Rhode Island General Assembly, the chamber of the Rhode Island Senate, the chamber of the Rhode Island House of Representatives, the rotunda that is beneath the dome, the State Library and the State Room. This is such a beautiful building to explore as you learn about the government structure.

Rhode Island State House

Address: 82 Smith St, Providence, RI 02903, USA

Website: Rhode Island State House

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 8.30am - 4.30pm (closed on Sat & Sun)

21. Sing it out at The Boombox

Head out to The Boombox which is located at The Dean Hotel in Downtown Providence. It features traditional “karaoke boxes” commonly found in Asia, and offers both a lounge area and five private rooms with each room having its own karaoke system complete with iPad control, TV, speakers and numerous frequently-updated songs to choose from. Sing your heart out at this joint and have fun while at it. You can also enjoy a variety of beverages including beer (local or Asian favorites), wine on tap, sakes and sake-based cocktails.

The Boombox

Address: 122 Fountain St, Providence, RI 02903, USA

Website: The Boombox

Opening hours: Wed - Thu: 5pm - 1am; Fri - Sat: 5pm - 2am; Sun: 7pm - 1am (closed on Mon & Tue)

22. Stroll in India Point Park Playground And Mosaic Mural

Take a leisurely stroll in this waterfront park that is very green and clean. Follow the nicely landscaped paths that take you along the Providence River with a lot of benches for you to sit on and enjoy amazing views of the water, sunrise or sunset. You will definitely feel at peace here as you let go of the hustles and bustles of life, relax and unwind. Relish the cool breeze from the water that leaves you feeling rejuvenated.

India Point Park Playground And Mosaic Mural

Address: 201 India St, Providence, RI 02903, USA

Website: India Point Park Playground And Mosaic Mural

Opening hours: 6am - 9pm (daily)

23. Check out the books at The Providence Athenaeum

A haven for bookworms or those interested in looking at a variety of books, The Providence Athenaeum is an independent, member-supported library and cultural center. It features; a general collection which has both rare and contemporary books for different ages, a special collection in the subjects of literature, history, biography, travel, fine arts and natural sciences, and an eclectic art collection with about 150 objects. Visit this library and let your love of reading be encouraged and learn a lot while at it.

The Providence Athenaeum

Address: 251 Benefit St, Providence, RI 02903, USA

Website: The Providence Athenaeum

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 10am - 6pm; Sat: 10am - 2pm (closed on Sun)

24. Have fun at Providence Children's Museum

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Prov CM (@pvdchildmuseum)

Enjoy a day with your kids at this museum which aims to inspire and celebrate learning through a hands-on creative learning environment, active play and exploration. The hands-on learning environments and programs include exhibits such as; Water Ways where they explore ice, mist and whirling ways of water; The Children’s Garden where they explore a garden of native plants; ThinkSpace, where they can experiment with shapes and spaces through puzzles and challenges. Aside from the interactive exhibits, this museum also has intricate murals, sculptures, paintings and carvings that add to its beauty and also inspires creative exploration while introducing kids to the world of art and artists. Children learn through play and this museum offers the ideal learning with play environment.

Providence Children's Museum

Address: 100 South St, Providence, RI 02903, USA

Website: Providence Children’s Museum

Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (daily)

Price: 12 USD

25. Take a wonderful tour of Brown University

Located in historic Providence and founded in 1764, Brown University is a private Ivy League research university that is the seventh-oldest college in the United States. Admire the retro style of the buildings that are truly spectacular. Explore important buildings and structures such as John Hay Library, John Carter Brown Library, Haffenreffer Museum and Annmary Brown Memorial. Tour the expansive area that the university sits on as you admire its buildings and get to learn about its history.

Brown University

Address: Providence, RI 02912, USA

Website: Brown University

26. Visit the First Baptist Church of America

Explore this church as you admire its splendid Georgian architecture. You can also attend a service for your dose of spiritual enrichment. Apart from weekly worship services, it also hosts concerts, talks, and lectures by world-renowned artists, performers, academics, and elected officials. You might be able to attend some if it coincides with your time of visit. It is a truly beautiful and peaceful place to be in.

First Baptist Church of America

Address: 75 N Main St, Providence, RI 02903, USA

Website: First Baptist Church of America

27. Tour the bizzare Big Nazo Lab

Big Nazo is a renowned audience-interactive performing arts group in Providence, Rhode Island. Incorporating a mix of visual artists, puppet performers and masked musicians, they create bizarre and hilarious larger-than-life sized characters and spectacles. See Renegade circus family contortionists, a rowdy rodeo horse, a giant three-eyed robot percussionist, break dancing police officers, Mountain Trolls, blob-like GO-GO Dancers, a charismatic lab rat and his giant man-eating chia pet create an entertaining act. Enjoy their unique performance which is very hilarious.

Big Nazo Lab

Address: 250 Westminster St, Providence, RI 02903, USA

Website: Big Nazo Lab

28. See the art works at RISD Museum of Art

Explore this art museum that features a collection of about 100,000 objects from all around the world, including ancient Egypt, Asia, Africa, ancient Greece and Rome, Europe and the Americas. See works of art from artists such as Picasso, Monet, Manet, Paul Revere, Chanel, Andy Warhol, and Kara Walker and Rhode Island artists and designers like Goddard and Townsend and John Noble Barlow. The collection is subdivided into ancient art, Asian art, contemporary art, costumes & textiles, decorative arts, painting & sculpture and prints, drawings & photographs. This museum is definitely a must-visit for art lovers.

RISD Museum of Art

Address: 20 N Main St, Providence, RI 02903, USA

Website: RISD Museum of Art

Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 10am - 5pm (closed on Mon)

Price: 8 - 15 USD

29. Enjoy an exhilarating ride with Providence River Boat Company

Go on this boat tour designed to appeal to everyone and get to see unbeatable views of Providence from various vantage points. Board an open-air 18-passenger vessel that will take you along the river as you enjoy spectacular city views and listen to an expert narration of your tour guide. Choose from daytime tours, sunset cruises, vineyard voyages, where you get to sample wine and refreshing Prosecco, power lunch tour inclusive of lunch at one of the best restaurants in town, haunted boat tours where you will learn about some of Providence’s longest-lingering residents or boat rides with Santa. No matter your choice of tour, you are guaranteed an amazing experience.

Providence River Boat

Address: 525 S Water St, Providence, RI 02903, USA

Website: Providence River Boat

Opening hours: Mon & Thu - Sun: 11am - 7pm; Wed: 1pm - 7pm (closed on Tue)

30. Enjoy comfort food at Red Stripe Restaurant

Dine at this American brasserie restaurant to enjoy creatively refined comfort food with an upscale French influence. As you step into it, one cannot help but admire its interior decor that features a red outdoor awning, dark wood walls, high tin ceiling and striking black-and-white floor pattern. Select a meal from its diverse menu and be prepared to be treated to a finger-licking meal. At Red Stripe Restaurant, exceptional food, beverage, service, and value for your money in a comfortable atmosphere is exactly what you get.

Red Stripe Restaurant

Address: 465 Angell St, Providence, RI 02906, USA

Website: Red Stripe Restaurant

Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 11.30am - 10pm; Fri - Sat: 11.30am - 11pm; Sun: 10am - 10pm

Price: 11 - 30 USD

Explore Providence for a mix of history and amazing architecture

The city of Providence is a place full of many surprises. Consisting of buildings with medieval architecture, museums and history, theaters, unique attractions such as WaterFire, a zoo, garden, parks, scenic boat rides and restaurants serving up finger-licking dishes, you can never get bored here. Plan a trip here and explore using our list of things to do in Providence, Rhode Island.