- WaterFire is a magical event where bonfires are lit on the rivers downtown—check the schedule.
- Federal Hill is 'Little Italy'—the food here is legendary (try the calamari).
- RISD Museum has an incredible collection for its size—from ancient Egypt to modern design.
- Benefit Street is a 'Mile of History' with preserved colonial homes.
- The Roger Williams Park Zoo is one of the oldest in the country and great for families.
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When to go: Summer or Fall
Summer/Fall is WaterFire season. Fall is beautiful on the Brown campus.
Spring is nice. Winter is cold.
- Best: May-Oct.
- Event: WaterFire.
- Fall: Foliage.
Getting there: Train or PVD
T.F. Green Airport (PVD) is 15 mins away. Train connects to downtown.
Amtrak stops in Providence (1 hr from Boston, 3 hrs from NYC).
- Train: Amtrak/MBTA.
- Airport: PVD.
- Car: I-95.
Where to stay: Downtown
Downtown is central to everything. The Dean Hotel is cool and hipster.
Omni and Graduate are good upscale options.
- Downtown: Central.
- The Dean: Hipster.
- Graduate: Near Brown.
What to see: Fire and Art
See WaterFire if you can. Visit the RISD Museum. Walk Benefit Street.
Tour the State House (it has the 4th largest self-supported dome in the world).
- WaterFire: Must see.
- RISD: Art.
- Benefit St: History.
- State House: Architecture.
Food: Italian and Seafood
Federal Hill for Italian. Al Forno invented grilled pizza.
Seafood is fresh. Coffee milk is the official state drink.
- Italian: Federal Hill.
- Pizza: Grilled.
- Seafood: Fresh.
- Donuts: Knead.
Getting around: Walk
Providence is very walkable. RIPTA buses cover the city.
Uber is easy.
- Walk: Compact.
- Bus: RIPTA.
- Train: To Boston.
Budget: Moderate
Cheaper than Boston. Food is great value.
WaterFire is free.
- Food: Good value.
- Events: Free.
- Hotels: Mid-range.
1 Day in Providence
Morning: Walk Benefit Street. RISD Museum.
Lunch: Federal Hill (Italian).
Afternoon: Walk around Brown University. Waterplace Park.
Evening: WaterFire (if on) or dinner downtown.
- Morning: History/Art.
- Lunch: Little Italy.
- Afternoon: Campus.
- Evening: River.
FAQ
Is it part of Boston?
No! It's the capital of Rhode Island. But it's close (1 hour train).
What is WaterFire?
An art installation. 80+ bonfires on the river, music, smells. It's magical.
Is it safe?
Yes, downtown and college areas are safe.