The 15 Best Things to Do in Providence, Rhode Island

Providence, Rhode Island, is one of the oldest cities in New England, located in one of the oldest states in America.

As one of the country’s first industrial cities, you’ll see plenty of historic textile and steel mills, now home to boutique hotels and trendy restaurants.

With so many things to see and do, you might not know where to begin. So we’ve compiled our list of the absolute best things to do in Providence, Rhode Island, for you.

Image courtesy of Providence Athenæum

Witness the annual WaterFire exhibition

WaterFire is an annual celebration of community and art in Providence. It’s a public art installation, an urban festival, and a Providence bucket list item for locals and visitors alike!

01.

Explore Roger Williams Park

The 427-acre Roger Williams Park is an idyllic, relaxing locale perfect for a stroll around the lake. But there are plenty of Providence attractions here, too – like the botanical gardens, the zoo, a museum, a carousel, and even a park train and swan boats.

02.

Admire unique works at the RISD Museum of Art

Standout exhibits include the Asian Art and European galleries, where you’ll find many unique pieces. Although the gallery isn’t massive, you can easily spend over three hours on a single visit and still have more to discover when you return.

03.

Wine and dine in historic Federal Hill

To really experience the beating heart of Providence, head to Federal Hill. This historic district is a hotspot for the best shopping and dining in Rhode Island!

04.

Stroll through the historic Brown University campus

Providence is home to several historic institutions, and Brown University is the most famous. It’s the seventh-oldest university in the United States and an Ivy League university to boot.

05.

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