Things to do in Providence

THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Providence

Things to Do in Providence


Book these experiences for a close-up look at Providence.

Top Attractions in Providence

These rankings are informed by traveller reviews—we consider the quality, quantity, recency, consistency of reviews, and the number of page views over time.
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What travellers are saying

  • HIZ
    19 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This is actually an extraordinary museum, both in the breadth and extent of its collection. To avoid the potential crowds of Sunday (when admission is free) , we went on a cold Saturday afternoon for $15 per head for seniors; this seemed to be a good call, since we never shared any gallery with any more than a handful of other patrons. This is a confusing collection of interconnected buildings; rather than detracting from the the experience, it allows wonderful transitions from one collection to the other. And that range indeed needs some transitions: Contemporary, colonial and modern American; ancient Egyptian, Greek, Asian, Egyptian; Textiles, sculpture, paintings. We kept a good pace throughout, and it still took us three hours, without taking a coffee break at the cafe. Having been to many of the majors: the Louvre, New York Metropolitan, Philadelphia, Smithsonian, I would still include this facility as a well worth the visit.

    A tip re parking: the museum is within the RISD / Brown University campus area. It has no no parking area of its own and much of the surrounding street parking reserved for the schools, or is 2hr limit Monday thru Saturday. there are enough pay lots to the north and across the river to the northwest and west several blocks away. We found plentiful free street parking 8 minutes' walk to the southeast on Power street east of Benefit. Hills are steep in that area, and to avoid some challenging effort, If you park on the southeast side, you can enter the museum directly from Benefit street, through Cafe Pearl; though their map mentions this entrance clearly, there is virtually no signage indicating this as a museum entrance from the street; look for the cafe at 224.
    Written February 24, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Dana T
    2 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Came from NYC to see the band Bush here. What a stunningly gorgeous theater! Everyone was blown away by the golden accents and architecture. The sound was also great! Highly recommend a visit! Amazing location, too. Plenty of bars and stuff nearby!
    Written November 27, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • BlackRoseCher
    Malibu, CA344 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Excellent tour by Ann. Very informative. She is a great tour guide. The tour lasted for an hour, and she was able to answer all the questions that the guests had asked her. Beautiful capitol.
    Written October 26, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Linn F
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Brown University sits on the top of the hill. The vibrations around campus are so amazing. I am simply infused by the beautiful quality of the campus.
    Written October 7, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • NYCkk
    5 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Opportunity for up close observation of veterinarian in action. Friendly and informative guides. “Free play” space for kids that taps imagination and creativity. Manageable size.
    Written February 24, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • travelwithallergy
    United States12 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Such a unique and beautiful library! The children’s section is so welcoming with a low horseshoe shaped bench surrounded by low bookshelves. So much fun!
    Written December 10, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • SNM
    Manila, Philippines328 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Lots to see and lots to eat, come with an empty stomach and have some of the best Italian food in the world! From cannolis to pasta and paired with a lovely local beer :)
    Written June 9, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • DLP
    New Jersey1,949 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A very spacious, well maintained Park. There is an area with athletic fields, a zoo, gardens, lakes(boating), a museum, trails for both walking & biking, playgrounds for younger children and lots of green grass for picnicking or relaxing in the sunshine. You can easily spend a day here.
    Written May 12, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Laurel W
    7 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Cool looking historic homes up on a hill overlooking the city. Driving can be a bit tight with the 2 way streets that only have ONE lane…. Lots of alleyways and restored homes. Worth a look and also seating at Prospect Terrace overlooking the city
    Written October 5, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Samantha S
    11 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Most beautiful cemetery I’ve visited. Definitely use the walking tour map. So much history and info. It’s 60 acres with 40,000+ interments. Definitely worth a visit
    Written April 23, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Pat M
    San Francisco, CA6 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    The museum is a beautifully preserved home with original wall, ceiling and woodwork finishes and mostly original furniture. The guide for our tour went far beyond describing the building—she placed the various members of the Lippitt family, their servants and the architecture of the home itself in the financial, social and cultural context of mid-1850’s Providence, RI and America as a nation. Jane was an excellent interpreter for this wonderful museum. I would go again and enjoy it just as much, I am sure.
    Written October 6, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Adventurer253407
    Monroe, OH1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Stephen Hopkins was the founding father and governor of Rhode Island and signatory of the Declaration of Independence. George Washington had stayed at this house. Their are many gorgeous artifacts and heirlooms. The tour is fascinating and highly recommended.
    This is NOT the house of Stephen Hawking the English theoretical physicist, cosmologist, and author - as one of the reviewers posted.
    Written January 14, 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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