Summary
The city of Providence serves as the capital of the state of Rhode Island and is situated in the scenic northern region of Narragansett Bay.
The area is recognized for its historical significance, featuring numerous culturally and historically relevant sites. If you appreciate exquisite period architecture, Providence will certainly meet your expectations.
A significant portion of the city is encompassed within a designated historical district; however, Providence also offers more contemporary sectors for exploration.
These modern areas include parks and zoos, along with a variety of fascinating museums. The outdoor spaces in Providence provide numerous playgrounds and attractions for younger visitors, including trains and carousels.
Lastly, Providence boasts the prestigious Brown University, allowing visitors to enjoy the laid-back student environment of the city, alongside collegiate landmarks such as the Rhode Island School of Design and Providence College.
1. Roger Williams Park
Roger Williams Park extends over an impressive 435 acres in Providence, adorned with beautiful gardens, lakes, and greenhouses, making it one of the city’s esteemed green spaces.
Alongside its diverse flora and fauna, visitors can discover historic structures such as the original bandstand dating back to 1915 and the Betsy Williams Cottage, built in 1773. For younger children, the park offers a carousel, train rides, and playgrounds, ensuring a captivating experience.
The park also houses the Museum of Natural History and the Roger Williams Park Zoo.
2. WaterFire
Visitors to Providence between May and November should not miss the renowned event known as WaterFire.
In the Downcity area of Providence, one can observe the river illuminated by over 80 bonfires positioned on braziers in the water.
The fires extend from Waterplace Park to South Main Street Park, and smaller events take place throughout the city, including areas near the Providence Place Mall.
3. John Brown House
The John Brown House, constructed in 1786, belonged to a former merchant.
Recognized as one of the most exquisite homes in Providence, it graces a stunning rolling hillside, offering views that are worth the visit alone.
The house presents an intriguing glimpse into 18th-century Rhode Island life, allowing visitors to explore period decor and antiques that once belonged to the Brown family.
4. Benefit Street ‘Mile of History’
As indicated by its name, Benefit Street extends for a mile adjacent to Brown University and is an excellent location to appreciate the stunning period architecture for which Providence is renowned.
Along the street, visitors will discover a variety of architectural styles, including Federal and Victorian homes, along with distinct attractions such as Art Deco structures and unique residences that enhance the neighborhood’s diversity.
Key highlights include the Governor Stephen Hopkins House and the Athenaeum, which has close ties to Edgar Allen Poe.
Additionally, the John Brown House can also be found here, and the Providence Preservation Society offers a walking tour booklet for a self-guided experience through this historic area.
5. RISD Museum of Art
Commonly referred to as the Rhode Island School of Design, the RISD Museum is a prime destination for art enthusiasts in the Providence region.
The museum showcases an extensive collection of exhibits ranging from works by French Impressionists to Asian art, as well as artifacts from ancient Egypt.
Contemporary art is also prominently featured, encompassing various mediums such as textiles, paintings, and sculptures.
Moreover, visitors can explore examples of vintage Federal rooms complete with antique furnishings.
6. Museum of Natural History
Situated within Roger Williams Park, the Museum of Natural History stands as a significant attraction for visitors.
The museum is essential for those seeking insights into Rhode Island’s flora and fauna, as well as Providence’s geology, featuring exhibits on fossils, minerals, and even insects.
In addition to its various galleries, the museum also encompasses the only planetarium in Rhode Island.
7. Brown University
Established in 1770, Brown University is located on College Hill.
The university remains active, welcoming thousands of students annually; nonetheless, it is also open for public tours, showcasing various areas and galleries.
Noteworthy sites include the John Hay Library, renowned for its stamp collections, and the John Carter Brown Library, famous for its maps.
The David Winton Bell Gallery hosts exhibitions spanning historical and contemporary art, and guided tours by current students provide deeper insights.
A serene conservatory awaits those seeking tranquility during their visit to Providence.
8. Governor Henry Lippitt House
Situated in a historic section of Providence, the Governor Henry Lippitt House was constructed in 1865. This mansion encompasses an impressive 30 rooms and reflects the Renaissance Revival architectural style with striking Italian features, including a palatial design and exquisite marble details.
The house is renowned for its ornate craftsmanship, featuring intricate wood carvings and other decorative elements, making it a must-visit for enthusiasts of period design.
9. Roger Williams Park Zoo
The Roger Williams Park Zoo is situated within the broader Roger Williams Park.
Spanning 40 acres, it is a prominent establishment within the local community and is recognized as one of the oldest zoos in the United States. Despite its history, ongoing renovations have modernized the zoo, with enclosures designed to emulate the animals’ natural habitats.
Here, visitors can explore expansive environments hosting wildlife like giraffes, elephants, zebras, and snow leopards, alongside diverse species from around the globe such as kangaroos and red pandas.
Many attractions within the zoo are interactive, allowing children to participate in activities like camel rides and explore playgrounds featuring magnificent tree houses.
10. The Arcade
The Arcade has recently reopened after undergoing five years of refurbishment, now restored to its historical grandeur.
Notably, The Arcade is recognized as America’s first shopping mall, having been built in 1828. The structure, constructed from granite, showcases a blend of architectural styles due to the unconventional decision of its owners to commission two architects for separate ends of the building, resulting in its distinctive design.
11. Culinary Arts Museum
For those with an interest in culinary arts, this unique museum is an essential destination.
Dedicating itself to all aspects of food, the Culinary Arts Museum features an extensive selection of over 250,000 artifacts related to cooking and cuisine.
Visitors can explore remarkable collections, including replicas of famous dining interiors and memorabilia such as historic cookbooks.
A noteworthy highlight is a stagecoach tavern dating back to 1833, which provides insights into ancient Roman culinary practices.
12. Downcity
Downcity refers to the downtown areas of Providence, which also function as the city’s historical district.
Many of the buildings in this area have been preserved from earlier times, providing visitors an opportunity to experience the historical architecture through walking tours.
Key sites include magnificent Art Deco buildings and structures designed in the Beaux-Arts style, along with numerous late Victorian homes preserved due to wooden façades that safeguarded them from demolition.
Notable locations include the Beneficent Congressional Church, the oldest building in the area, recognized for its impressive dome and portico.
13. Federal Hill
Many visitors may be unaware that Providence is home to a vibrant Italian American community, with Federal Hill as the prominent hub for those wishing to immerse themselves in this culture.
This area boasts numerous exceptional Italian restaurants, along with inviting cafés and shops selling traditional Italian products and delicacies.
Some of the culinary delights available include flavorful cured meats, fresh mozzarella, pickled cherry peppers, and artisanal pastries.
14. Pomham Rocks Light
Pomham Rocks Light, also recognized as Pomham Lighthouse, is located off the coast of East Providence in the tranquil Providence River.
Dating back to 1871, this functioning lighthouse is one of the region’s historical attractions, having been re-lighted in 2006 following an extended period of inactivity.
15. First Baptist Church of America
The First Baptist Church of America, also referred to as the First Baptist Church of Providence, stands as the oldest congregation in the United States, representing a significant historical landmark.
Established in 1638, the church holds the distinction of being a National Historic Landmark in the city.
Meetings were convened inside this church as early as 1775, and visitors are welcome to explore the building or attend a service.
