Providence, USA-7-day-itinerary

Providence, Rhode Island Travel Itinerary: 7 Days of History, Culture, and Charm

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration

  • Morning: Arrive in Providence and check-in at the Hotel Providence, a stylish hotel in the heart of downtown.
  • Afternoon: Visit the Providence River Greenway, a scenic pedestrian path along the Woonasquatucket River. Stop by the nearby Riverwalk for shopping and dining options.
  • Evening: Head to Federal Hill, one of Providence’s oldest neighborhoods, for Italian-American cuisine at Café Antica. Try their famous cannoli!

Day 2: History and Art

  • Morning: Visit the John Brown House Museum (10am-4pm), a historic mansion showcasing 18th-century Rhode Island life. Take a stroll through the adjacent Waterplace Park.
  • Afternoon: Explore the Providence Children’s Museum, an interactive museum with hands-on exhibits for kids of all ages.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at The Duck and Goose, a farm-to-table restaurant in the heart of downtown.

Day 3: College Town Charm

  • Morning: Visit Brown University, one of the Ivy League’s oldest universities. Take a guided tour of the campus, which includes the historic Van Wickle Gates.
  • Afternoon: Browse the shops and galleries along Thayer Street, Brown’s main shopping street. Stop by the List Art Center, featuring contemporary art exhibitions.
  • Evening: Grab dinner at Newport Creamery, a Rhode Island institution serving up delicious burgers and ice cream.

Day 4: Waterfront Delights

  • Morning: Visit the Providence Harbor, where you can take a scenic boat tour or stroll along the waterfront.
  • Afternoon: Stop by the RISD Museum of Art, featuring an impressive collection of art from around the world. Be sure to visit the adjacent Flint Public Library for its stunning architecture and beautiful gardens.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at The Capital Grille, a high-end steakhouse with a great selection of wines.

Day 5: Cultural Attractions

  • Morning: Visit the Providence Preservation Society, a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving historic buildings and sites throughout the city.
  • Afternoon: Explore the Riverview Arts District, featuring a collection of art galleries, studios, and shops showcasing local artists’ work.
  • Evening: Catch a performance at The Providence Performing Arts Center (PPAC), one of New England’s premier theaters.

Day 6: Neighborhood Exploration

  • Morning: Visit the trendy East Side, where you’ll find boutique shopping, art galleries, and hip restaurants. Be sure to stop by the Fried Chicken Club, a popular spot for Southern-style comfort food.
  • Afternoon: Explore the charming College Hill neighborhood, featuring historic homes, quaint shops, and beautiful parks.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at The Grange, a farm-to-table restaurant with a focus on local ingredients.

Day 7: Last Day in Providence

  • Morning: Visit the Newport Art Museum, featuring an impressive collection of American art from the colonial period to the present.
  • Afternoon: Stop by the Providence Place Mall, a large shopping center with a variety of stores and restaurants. Don’t forget to grab some souvenirs!
  • Evening: Farewell dinner at Hemenway’s Restaurant, offering upscale American cuisine with stunning views of the city.

Things to Know

  • Transportation: Providence has a public transportation system, including buses and a water taxi. You can also walk or bike around the city.
  • Weather: Summer temperatures are warm (70s-80s F), while winters can be cold (20s-30s F). Spring and fall are mild and perfect for outdoor exploration.

Tips

  • Be sure to try some of Providence’s famous coffee at Neuron Coffee or Café Moderna, a hip cafe with a great selection of sandwiches and salads.
  • Don’t miss the annual Providence RiverFest, featuring live music, food vendors, and stunning views of the river.

Additional Information

  • Accommodations: Book your accommodations in advance to ensure availability. Consider staying at a hotel or bed-and-breakfast for easy access to downtown attractions.
  • Food: Providence has an amazing food scene with plenty of options for all budgets and cuisines.
  • Safety: As with any city, be mindful of your surroundings and keep valuables secure.

Getting Around

  • Walking: Providence is a compact city, making walking a great way to explore neighborhoods and attractions.
  • Public Transportation: Use the Providence Public Transit Authority (PRTA) bus system or take a scenic water taxi ride along the Woonasquatucket River.
  • Taxi/Ride-hailing: Uber and Lyft are widely available in Providence.

Bonus Tips

  • Visit during spring (April-May) for stunning blooms at the Providence Botanical Gardens.
  • Attend one of the many outdoor concerts or events held throughout the city during the summer months.

Come and experience all that Providence has to offer!