Rhode Island’s capital, and the second city of New England, is an exciting blend of historic architecture, cutting-edge art, and delicious cuisine. With just 24 hours in Providence, you’ll have just enough time to experience its unique flair and style. I think that this place is often overlooked so, with this post, I’m determined to show you how to make the most of one day exploring this historic city.
24 Hours in Providence | Your Quick Guide
Why visit Providence?
Providence is a truly vibrant city. It was founded in 1636 by Roger Williams as a haven for religious freedom and is one of the oldest cities in the United States. It also played a key role in the American Revolution and the Industrial Revolution. Nowadays, tourists can dive into this history and the incredible culture of this city. For instance, visitors can explore the historic Benefit Street, where they’ll find some of the best preserved colonial architecture. They can also wander through Waterplace Park during the evening, where the famous WaterFire art installation lights up the river. Providence is also known for its world-class restaurants and I would thoroughly recommend a food tour here. In the city are prestigious institutions like Brown University and the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), which are quite nice to stroll around. You’ll also find a lively arts and theatre scene.
Getting to Providence
Getting to Providence is easy and convenient. If you have rented a car (which is ideal on Rhode Island), the city is about an hours drive from Boston and three hours from New York City. Providence is located along I-95, meaning that the drive is really straight forward and easy, plus gorgeous in the autumnal months.
Amtrak and MBTA commuter rail services connect Providence to major cities along the Northeast Corridor, with the train station of the city conveniently located downtown. The train services are regular and super reliable, so if you don’t fancy driving this is an ideal option. Alternatively, the Greyhound and Peter Pan bus services offer some cheap transportation to and from Providence. If you want to sit back and enjoy the scenery, this option is probably best. We did this as part of our overall trip and found it really straightforward.
If you are visiting Providence from further afield, perhaps internationally or a different part of the USA, then T.F. Green International Airport (PVD) is just 10 miles south of the city. There are plenty of links from here into central Providence so you’ll find it easy enough to get to your hotel.
Where to stay in Providence
Personally, Downtown is a great choice for people who want to be close to attractions. You’ll find the RISD Museum, Waterplace Park, and the city’s renowned restaurants nearby. We chose to stay at The Dean, a stylish boutique hotel on Fountain Street, with an on-site karaoke lounge, craft cocktail bar and great coffee!
How to Spend 24 Hours in Providence
Morning: Historic Charm and Coffee
Start with Breakfast
Begin your day at one of Providence’s great cafes. After all, Providence was named one of the best coffee cities in the country. Our favourite had to be Seven Stars Bakery which has locations on Hope Street, Point Street or Broadway. The baked goods are absolutely incredible!
Stroll Through Benefit Street
After breakfast, head across to the eastern side of the river, into the quarter known as College Hill. You’ll leave the urban glass-and-steel industrial nature of downtown behind and will soon experience a more bookish, residential and colonial ambience. It is clear that it was here where William’s Providence was born!
Your first stop should be Benefit Street. Also known as the “Mile of History,” here you’ll find a rich and diverse display of residential, institutional and religious architecture.
Providence transformed into a successful trading centre in the 1780s. As it did so, it was clear that the city needed to expand. Graves, which had previously occupied the hilly area on the eastern bank of the Providence River were moved, and Benefit Street was laid out. The street soon became a fashionable place to live and the city’s well-to-do families descended on the area, building fancy houses overlooking the city.
Many of the grand houses still stand today with the house of John Brown, the namesake of Brown University, amongst them. I absolutely loved walking around here and think that this is the perfect place to stroll about.
Visit the RISD Museum
Spend the rest of your morning exploring the RISD Museum, home to an impressive collection of fine art, design, and decorative pieces from around the world. Don’t miss works by Rhode Island School of Design alumni and the rotating contemporary exhibits.
If the RISD museum is not for you, the try a tour of the ivy-covered Brown campus (look out for the famous Brown Bear!) or explore Thayer Street, a bustling strip filled with cafés, bookstores, and eclectic shops.
Afternoon: Culinary Delights and Riverwalk Views
Lunch at Federal Hill
Make your way to Federal Hill, Providence’s renowned Italian district. Of course, the first thing to do here is to have an exceptional lunch. I would suggest either Andino’s or Caserta Pizzeria, which both capture that Italian-American cuisine which is best served on the East Coast.
Walk Along Waterplace Park
After lunch, take a stroll along Waterplace Park. If you happen to be visiting during the spring, the riverwalk is especially good! One of the best things about the riverwalk is the magical WaterFire event, where bonfires are lit along the river. This takes place at various points throughout the year, so make sure that you check out the official website ahead of time. Dates for 2025 are released in April.
Near to Waterplace Park is the neoclassical Rhode Island State Capitol building which overlooks the city. The building is crowned with the third largest self supporting marble dome in the world, after St Peter’s Basilica and the Taj Mahal. It represents the historical importance of the city and reflects the values and visions of its founding fathers. Whilst you are there, look out for the Independent Man (originally named ‘Hope’) on top of the dome, who represents the spirit of freedom of thought and action. Once again, it ties into the independent spirit of the city’s founder Williams.
Providence is also home to some really cool street arts and murals. You’ll find a handful along Mathewson Street and can then continue on to Weybosset Street where you’ll find the Providence Performing Arts Centre, a historic 1928 Loews theatre which narrowly escaped being turned into a car park in the seventies. Also in the vicinity was the campus of Johnson & Wales University, well known for its Culinary Arts program, which now claims to be the largest food service educator in the world.
Evening: Creative Dining and Arts
Dinner at Oberlin or Gracie’s
For dinner, I would suggest Oberlin. One thing I love about Rhode Island is the cosy feel and, of course, the fresh seafood. If you are in the mood for something extra special, then check out Gracie’s, famously one of the best restaurants in the city. It is pretty pricey, but well worth it.
On the pricey note, I would also consider the Dorrance. This beautiful restaurant, with its high ornate ceilings, extensive bar and fine cuisine, is an iconic restaurant in the city. If you were looking to treat yourself, this is where I would suggest. You won’t regret it.
Explore the Creative Capital’s Nightlife
End your evening with a cocktail. If you are at the Dorrance, then the craft cocktails here are amazing and you can stay put. Alternatively, if you fancy somewhere different, check out the Eddy. This is a speakeasy-style bar with a curated menu of creative drinks. Or, if you’re in the mood for live music, check out The Columbus Theatre or AS220.
Suggestions for an extended stay in Providence
Newport: If you have time for a side trip, head to Newport, just a 40-minute drive or ride from Providence. Newport is famous for its opulent mansions, coastal views and trails, and sailing heritage. My blog post on a day trip to Newport tells you all you need to know.
Block Island: Block Island offers a peaceful retreat with unspoiled nature and a quaint coastal vibe. See the Mohegan Bluffs, stunning cliffs with panoramic ocean views, the Southeast Lighthouse or relax on one of the beautiful beaches like Crescent Beach.
Plymouth, Massachusetts: Ideal for history buffs and nature lovers looking to experience New England’s heritage. Highlights include the Plimoth Patuxet Museums where you can explore recreated 17th-century Pilgrim and Wampanoag villages and Plymouth Rock, a historic symbol of the Pilgrims’ landing. This is also a great spot to head out on a Whale Watching tour.
Tips for Your Trip:
Accommodation: Stay downtown or near College Hill for easy access to major attractions.
Getting Around: Providence is a very walkable city (although there are a few hills to navigate), but you might like to rent a car if you’re planning a trip to Newport or want to explore more of the surrounding area.
Best Time to Visit: Spring, summer, and fall offer the most pleasant weather and seasonal activities. We visited in early March and were lucky with the weather, although we had just avoided a snow storm by all accounts!
Final Thoughts | 24 Hours in Providence
A fully day gives you enough time to see the main sights of the city before you carry on exploring the East Coast. I really like Providence and the overall vibe and atmosphere. If you are looking for somewhere a bit different, definitely do not overlook this city; it might just surprise you. I hope that you enjoyed reading this post and, as ever, just let me know if you have any questions! I always love hearing from you.
1 comment
I come from Rhode Island, but haven’t lived there in over 20 years. It was a pleasure to read your blog and enjoy the photos. While some things have changed in Providence, other things remain exactly the same, especially College Hill. Just one correction, though, the state was founded by Roger Williams, not Robert. This blog entry was lovely. I’m so glad you enjoyed my home state.