Total Days: 2 Days | Accommodations: Hotel in Downtown Providence | Transportation: Car and walking for the most part | Traveled: Friends | Type of Trip: Cultural weekend getaway | Highlights: Exploring Benefit Street and colonial homes, Rhode Island State House tour, excellent Italian food
Providence doesn’t get much credit when it comes to New England cities. However, it sneaks in world-renowned universities, beautiful colonial homes, a walkable downtown alongside romantic waterways and a very good f&b scene.
DAY 1
At a glimpse: walking tour of the main landmarks and cultural sights
Travel agenda: Today begins with a tour and very scenic loop of the east side of Providence. Start at iconic Brown University. Explore the incredible campus walking west in the direction of Benefit Street, also called the “Mile of History” because of all the original homes built during the colonial era. Stop into the Providence Athenaeum. The main library, Children’s Library and Reading Room are open to the public, but if you’re a library aficionado, you can book a tour or private viewing of the impressive Rare Book Room.
From the Athenaeum, the Stephen Hopkins House is just one block west. Open Wednesdays and Saturdays, this is the oldest home in the city visited by many including George Washington. Built in 1707 and 1742 the home is furnished with antiques and family heirlooms. Just a 5 minute walk down the street, the stately John Brown House Museum is a great alternative. John Quincy Adams wrote this house was “the most magnificent and elegant private mansions that I have ever seen on this continent.”
From here, walk up Power Street and turn left on Thayer Street, a popular and eccentric street with students and the locals. Pop into the boutiques and cafes until it’s time for lunch! If you are so excited you can’t possibly sit down for a meal, East Side Pockets is where everyone goes for falafels. Otherwise, Harry’s is a great stop, consistently named one of the best burgers in Rhode Island.
From here head west walking 10 minutes on Angell Street, then Thomas Street and finally picturesque Steeple Street until you cross the river. Walk through Burnside Park in the direction of The Arcade, the nation’s oldest existing indoor shopping mall built in 1828 and a National Historic Landmark.
Then stroll west to the Providence Public Library. This walk will give you a sense of the city, a major industrial, medical, and financial center for New England. Just down the street, take a look at Grace Episcopal Church. You will know you are close: the bells ring every half hour, a tradition that began in 1861.
A 10-minute walk north leads you to the Rhode Island State House which is very impressive for the smallest state in the US (it even has the world’s second largest unsupported marble dome.) Tours are available during the week. Head back to the hotel to rest your legs and get ready for an incredible dinner.
In the evening plan dinner at, in my opinion, the very best Italian restaurant Al Forno. There will be a wait unless you arrive at 5pm, so put your name in. Then walk across the street and have a drink at waterfront The Hot Club while you wait.
Tip: At Al Forno, go upstairs and ask by a spot near the windows so you can see the sunset!
DAY 2
At a glimpse: Morning activity at a museum or zoo, river cruise and night out in Federal Hill
Travel agenda: In the morning, take a stroll before the city wakes up with the destination of The Coffee Exchange, an institution in Providence. From there you have a choice! It’s either a museum morning at the RISD Museum or an animal adventure at Roger Williams Park Zoo. Both are highly rated experiences in New England.
In the afternoon, see the sights from the waterways on a narrated hour long River Boat Cruise along the banks. It will give you a whole new perspective!
Tip: if you want to step up the romance, there are also Gondola Tours. These are not meant to be informational, but instead peaceful, gliding through the waterways with blankets and buckets of ice for beverages (BYOB).
From Waterplace Park, it’s a 10 minute drive to Federal Hill for an early dinner. This area was settled by Italian-American immigrants in the early 1900s and feels like you have stepped back in time. It’s noisy and boisterous with an amazing aroma.
Meander the streets to say hi to the friendly locals and stroll through DePasquale Square, often with concerts, dancing and local merchant stands. Toss a coin in the fountain to ensure you’ll be back! Enjoy a meal at Enoteca Umberto or Providence Oyster Bar. Don’t leave the area without stopping by for a dessert at Pastiche.
For entertainment, catch a show at the Providence Performing Arts theatre, an original theatre from 1928 restored to its full opulence and often holding a rotating mix of shows, concerts and broadway theatre.
Tip: Check beforehand to see if the WaterFires are happening while you are in Providence! The city comes alive with nearly 100 wood-burning fires, music and street performers along the three rivers.
If you’re in town for more than 2 days, consider a side trip to Newport, RI! In just 45 minutes you’ll have access to beaches, mansions and old colonial charm. Click here for an itinerary or more suggestions about what to do in Newport.
