What to do in Providence, RI

Activities, attractions and tours

Providence which includes a city
Providence which includes a city
Providence showing a city
Providence which includes outdoor art, a garden and a statue or sculpture
WaterFire Providence featuring a river or creek and a city
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What to do in Providence

Popular places to visit

Providence, Rhode Island. City in New England region of the United States. Brown University, Department of Economics.

Brown University

Explore the campus of Brown University during your trip to Providence. Attend a sporting event or visit the shops in this family-friendly area.

Brown University
Rhode Island which includes a garden

Roger Williams Park Zoo

Discover the many delights of this historic park, which features ponds, rolling landscapes and numerous attractions, including a museum, zoo and botanical gardens.

Roger Williams Park Zoo
Parking garage, Providence RI

Amica Mutual Pavilion

Catch an event at Amica Mutual Pavilion during your trip to Providence. Experience the area's entertainment choices and great live music.

Amica Mutual Pavilion
It's a Friday night, leaving the office on way to my car, I came across this view of downtown Providence. I really like the drama in the sky, dark ominous, foreboding. And it stands in such stark contrast to the bright, well lit buildings.

Providence Place Mall

During your trip to Providence, you can enjoy retail therapy at Providence Place Mall. Experience the area's entertainment choices and great live music.

Providence Place Mall
Brown University campus on College Hill, Providence, Rhode Island, United States.

Providence College

Explore the campus of Providence College during your trip to Providence. Amble around the area's riverfront or attend a sporting event.

Providence College
Providence Performing Arts Center which includes street scenes

Providence Performing Arts Center

See local and international acts performing live music, Broadway shows, stand-up comedy, circus and more at this enormous 1920s movie theater.

Providence Performing Arts Center
Xavier Hall, at Johnson and Wales University, in Providence, Rho

Johnson and Wales University

Take a campus tour or just explore the area of Johnson and Wales University during your trip to Providence. Experience the area's entertainment choices or attend a sporting event.

Johnson and Wales University
This shot was taken in front of RISD, the Rhode Island School of Design. In the foreground, two rivers meet, the Moshassuck and the Woonasquatucket. In the background one can see the 'new' Providence. Most of these buildings have gone up within the past 25 years, after these two rivers were moved. In the warmer weather, Waterfire can be seen illuminating these rivers. #snow #BVSBlue

Rhode Island School of Design

Enjoy the student vibe when you visit Rhode Island School of Design during your trip to Providence. Experience the area's acclaimed theatre scene or attend a sporting event.

Rhode Island School of Design
WaterFire Providence featuring a river or creek and a city

WaterFire Arts Center

You can study the exhibits at WaterFire Arts Center, a museum with a story of its own, during your holiday in Providence. Experience the area's great live music and entertainment choices.

WaterFire Arts Center

Explore areas of Providence

Providence downtown skyline and buildings at sunset over Providence River Walk, Rhode Island

Downtown Providence

4/5(6 area reviews)

A noteworthy feature of Downtown Providence is its popular shops. While you're in town, be sure to stop and check out Providence Performing Arts Center and Providence City Hall.

Downtown Providence
Great city views

College Hill

You'll enjoy the churches and architecture in College Hill. You might want to make time for a stop at Thayer Street or Brown University Bookstore.

College Hill
Providence

Federal Hill

Federal Hill is known for its abundant dining options, and you can plan a trip to DePasquale Plaza and Columbus Theater while you're in town.

Federal Hill
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West End

While visiting West End, you might make a stop by sights like Long Live Beer Works and Knight Memorial Library.

West End
Fox point at night

Fox Point

Unique features of Fox Point include the restaurants and waterfront views. Make a stop by India Point Park or Providence Ferry Terminal while you're exploring the area.

Fox Point
The Rhode Island State House is the capitol of the U.S. state of Rhode Island. It is located on the border of the Downtown and Smith Hill sections of the state capital city of Providence.; Shutterstoc

Smith Hill

Travellers come to Smith Hill for its abundant dining options, and you can see top attractions like Candace Street Park and Smith Hill Library while you're in town.

Smith Hill

Day trip destinations from Providence

The sun just crested over the horizon when I took this photo of the Slater Mill Historic Site in Pawtucket, Rhode Island. This historic mill is said to be the birthplace of the American Industrial Revolution. It was modeled after cotton spinning mills first established in England. Although it was a bitter 22°F outside, a scene like this does make me forget the cold for a few minutes. #BVSBlue #MyBackyard.

Pawtucket

Providence River Bridge connecting Route 195 to 95 South and North in Rhode Island

North Providence

Frequently asked questions

Is Providence worth visiting?
Whether you're coming to discover the local charm and cultural attractions or try unique foods and venture into nature, there's no shortage of things to do in Providence.
How do I spend a day in Providence?
Start your sightseeing with a visit to Roger Williams Park Zoo and United Skates of America. Then, tour other areas of Providence for a bite to eat and some souvenir shopping.
What is the top tourist attraction in Providence?
You can't leave without exploring Roger Williams Park Zoo, rated the top tourist attraction in Providence.
Is three days enough to stay in Providence?
Three days in Providence is more than enough to enjoy the city's main attractions. Many guests stay for two days on average. Roger Williams Park Zoo, Veterans Memorial Auditorium and United Skates of America are among the top-rated sights. Want to discover more? Hang around a little longer to check off nearby hotspots such as Newport.
Is Providence a walkable city?
With popular neighbourhoods and top sights within walking distance of the city centre, Providence is a great place to discover on foot. Have fun wandering between Roger Williams Park Zoo and Veterans Memorial Auditorium. Then take a stroll around Downtown Providence, located 0.16 kilometres from downtown, and Fox Point, which is about 2 kilometres away.
What are some activities to do in Providence with kids?
Planning what to do in Providence with kids has never been simpler. Whether you have toddlers or teenagers, there's a range of family-friendly sights to keep everyone busy here.

What to do in Providence for adults?
There's no shortage of things to do in Providence, with entertainment for adults of all ages. Finish your day off at Bucket Brewery or Rhode Island State Capitol Building.
Are there free things to do in Providence?
From enjoying parks to strolling around hip neighbourhoods, it's simple to discover free things to do in Providence. If you're in need of ideas, ask a local tour guide for recommendations. Twin Rivers Beach East is a great spot for anyone wanting to save on their travelling adventures.