Guide to a Weekend in Providence, RI
Providence is such an underrated city. As the capital of Rhode Island, Providence is filled with historic landmarks, classic New England architecture, a thriving arts community, and one of the best restaurant scenes on the East Coast. With its hidden gem status, Providence draws fewer crowds than other top New England destinations, making it perfect for a weekend trip. This travel guide will cover when to visit, where to stay, and all the best things to do on your weekend in Providence.
This is your guide to a weekend in Providence, RI.
How to Get to Providence
T.F. Green International Airport (PVD) is just a quick 15-minute drive from Providence. Rent a car or use a rideshare app to get downtown from the airport. There is also an MBTA train that goes from the airport into Providence, but it only operates on weekdays, and trains arrive 1-2 hours apart, so it’s not always convenient.
Alternatively, you can fly into Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) and make the hour journey to Providence. If you don’t want to drive from Boston, you can take the Silver Line Shuttle from Logan Airport to South Station and then catch the Providence/Stoughton train to Providence. Trains leave South Station approximately every two hours.
How to Get Around Providence
WALK
Neighborhoods in Providence are very walkable! If you’re staying in central Providence, you’ll easily be able to walk around downtown and College Hill. But take note, College Hill is, in fact, located up a hill.
CAR
A car isn’t really necessary in Providence. However, if you’re planning to take any day trips or go beyond central Providence, you’ll need a car to do so.
RIDESHARE
If you don’t want a rental car in Providence, you can use Uber or Lyft to get around. Use rideshare apps to get to the neighborhood you want to visit and then walk around from there.
Listen on the Drive: New England Road Trip Playlist
Best Time to Visit Providence
Summer
Summer is a great time to explore Providence. Temperatures are generally pleasantly warm with the occasional heat wave. June through August is peak tourist season in Providence, so expect higher rates during this time.
Autumn
Autumn is almost perfect in Providence. Temperatures can stay summer-like throughout September, but then it cools down to quintessential sweater weather from October through early November. College Hill comes to life with the return of University students, and the final WaterFire lighting (more on this later) is in November.
Winter
Winter weather in Providence is mild compared to other parts of New England, but it still gets plenty cold. Pack warm layers and be prepared for some snow. However, hotel prices will be at their lowest during this time.
Spring
Providence stays pretty chilly through March, but after that comes beautiful spring weather. The beloved WaterFire also typically starts back up in April. Prices and crowds are still pretty low in the spring, with the exception of commencement weekend in May.
Where to Stay for a Weekend in Providence
The Dean Hotel
This super cool boutique hotel is perfectly located in downtown Providence. It’s also home to one of three Bolt Coffee locations, which is a local favorite coffee roaster.
The Graduate
Located in the historic former Biltmore Hotel building, The Graduate is the most stunning hotel in Providence. Its location downtown is also very convenient.
AirBnB
Hotel prices can run a little high in Providence. For something more budget-friendly, look for an apartment rental in downtown Providence or in the College Hill neighborhood.
Best Things to Do on a Weekend in Providence
Providence River Walk
Stroll the scenic 2.4-mile promenade in downtown Providence to take in the city’s historic landmarks, colonial architecture, and Waterplace Park. From April through early November, you can even book a classic Venetian-style Gondola ride down the river.
The River Walk is also the site of the city’s WaterFire art event. The fires are lit several times a month from April through November. Check the WaterFire website to see the current season’s schedule.
Brown University Campus
As one of the eight Ivy League institutions, Brown University is one of the oldest colleges in the country. The campus is beautiful and is absolutely worth a stroll. You’ll find the entrance, or Quiet Green, off Prospect Street. From there, meander over to the Main Green followed by Ruth J. Simmons Quadrangle and Wriston Quadrangle.
Explore College Hill
After you finish strolling the Brown campus, be sure to explore the rest of the College Hill Historic District as well. If you love historic colonial architecture, you’re going to love College Hill. Benefit Street and Thomas Street are good places to begin your journey.
The Providence Athenaeum
The historic Providence Athenaeum library is not only beautiful, but it was also once frequented by Edgar Allan Poe. Although he never lived in Providence, Poe spent a great deal of time at the Athenaeum courting fellow poet Sarah Helen Whitman. At one point, she showed him a favorite poem that had been published anonymously in one of the library’s books. Poe declared that he was the secret author of the poem and signed his name in the book. You can often see the book and signature on display in the Athenaeum today.
The two were briefly engaged before Sarah called off the wedding right here in the Athenaeum. It’s said that the ghost of Edgar Allan Poe now haunts the library, with many spectral sightings having been reported.
John Brown House Museum
The John Brown House was the first mansion in Providence. The original owner was one of the founding brothers of Brown University and was also an active participator in the American Revolution. The museum now hosts a collection of historic artifacts (many from the original home) as well as exhibits on Providence’s role in U.S. history.
Enjoy Providence’s Incredible Food Scene
The restaurant scene in Providence has somehow remained pretty under the radar, but I’m here to tell you it’s one of the best food cities in the country. Al Forno is definitely a favorite – I would go back to Providence just for dinner at Al Forno alone. They’re famous for their grilled pizza (which lives up to the hype), but their pasta is incredible as well.
Other must-dines include Los Andes for Peruvian dishes, Nick’s on Broadway for seasonal fare, New Rivers for locally sourced dishes, and Dolores for Oaxacan cuisine. Oh, and Plant City for a food hall that’s entirely vegan.
Explore Downtown Providence
Downtown Providence is compact, easy to walk, and also just pretty dang cute. It’s filled with cool coffee shops and small, independent stores for you to peruse. String lights blanket several blocks along Westminster Street where you’ll find some of the best shops.
RISD Museum
Not only is Providence home to an Ivy League, but it’s also home to one of the top art and design colleges in the country. It’s only fitting that the Rhode Island School of Design would also host an impressive art museum filled with works dating from ancient times through today.
Admission to the RISD Museum is free on Sundays from 10am – 5pm and Thursday evenings from 5 – 8pm.
Get Italian Food in Federal Hill
Federal Hill, also known as Little Italy, is the hub of Providence’s Italian community. Authentic Italian restaurants, markets, and shops adorn Atwells Avenue and beyond. As you stroll the streets of Federal Hill (which are pretty flat, despite the name), it’s not uncommon to overhear locals speaking in fluent Italian.
Prospect Terrace Park
This tiny little park has one of the best views in the city. Perched on a hill overlooking downtown Providence, Prospect Terrace Park offers a panoramic view of the city’s skyline. It’s the perfect place to grab a bench and watch the sunset over Providence.
Overall
As the largest city in the smallest state, Providence feels like a small town with the benefit of big-city amenities. A weekend in Providence will give you the chance to experience the best of the city’s history, art, scenery, and incredible food.
Have any questions about your upcoming trip to Providence that I didn’t answer here? Let me know in the comments.
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