Providence

Providence City Overview

Providence, the capital of Rhode Island, is one of the oldest cities in the United States. It is known for its rich history, diverse neighborhoods, and thriving arts and culinary scenes. Home to Brown University and the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), Providence has a creative and intellectual vibe.

Where is Providence Located?

Providence is located in eastern Rhode Island at the head of Narragansett Bay. It is about an hour south of Boston and three hours northeast of New York City.

Best Time to Visit Providence

The best time to visit Providence is from June to November. Summer offers warm weather for exploring, while fall brings beautiful foliage. The WaterFire art installation, a major city attraction, typically takes place on scheduled evenings from May to November.

Best Ways to Get Around Providence

Downtown Providence and the College Hill area are very walkable. The Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) offers bus service throughout the city and state. For exploring beyond the city center, a car or rideshare service is useful.

Top 5 Things to Do in Providence

• Experience WaterFire: A must-see award-winning sculpture by Barnaby Evans installed on the three rivers of downtown Providence, featuring over 80 sparkling bonfires.
• Visit the Roger Williams Park Zoo: One of the oldest zoos in the country, located within a beautiful Victorian park.
• Explore the RISD Museum: Home to a vast collection of art ranging from ancient to contemporary, associated with the prestigious design school.
• Walk along Benefit Street: Known as the "Mile of History," this street features one of the highest concentrations of Colonial architecture in the country.
• Tour the Rhode Island State House: Visit the state capitol building, featuring one of the largest self-supported marble domes in the world.