Location: Providence
Top Things to do in Providence
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Things to do in Providence, Rhode Island (RI): The Best Tours
Years of careful urban planning and meticulous restoration have rendered this former rum and molasses trading town one of the best places to live in the United States, star of an eponymous television show and a swell place to spend a weekend. Historic sites, wonderful museums and theaters seamlessly blend with newer attractions on the block including a modern mega-mall, scenic Riverwalk, outdoor skating arena, convention center, plus new hotels and restaurants. The Roger Williams Zoo, with its updated Tropical Rainforest Building where "spunky monkeys" roam free in a constructed jungle-like environment, remains one of the city's top attractions and offers hours of entertainment for children and adults alike. Wander back in time on Benefit Street, where eminent Federal period homes recall the city's wealthy past. For a modern experience, check out the more than 100 stores at Providence Place. Or tantalize your taste buds on "The Hill," a historic area that boasts many award- winning restaurants, from the Italian and Mediterranean cuisine for which "Little Italy" got its name, to Caribbean, Mexican, Chinese, seafood and baked goods. For a different perspective, take a romantic river cruise on an authentic Venetian gondola. No matter what your vantage point, Providence sparkles.
Restaurants in Providence
1. Rhode Island in a Day
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 5 reviews
This tour gives you the cuisine, scenery, and story of Rhode Island in one trip! It is the perfect blend of history, food, and sightseeing. No tour in the state gives you a better overall picture of Rhode Island.
Inclusions: All Fees and Taxes
Exclusions:
Reviewed By Travellagal40
Excellent tour of downtown Providence city and local sites. Lovely Victorian houses. Knowledgeable tour guide.
2. Welcome to Providence Walking Tour
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 10 reviews
Providence is a perfect blend of the community feel of a small town and the urban sophistication of a big city. This tour introduces guests to all of the essentials of the city, including an overview of Providence and Rhode Island history, architectural marvels, universities, and quirky characters.
Inclusions: Top-tier Guide
Exclusions:
Reviewed By charsimarmalade
Had an amazing tour of this fascinating & beautiful city with Bradley. He designed a special tour just for our group (we’re hikers) because we wanted something longer than his typical tours. We walked for approximately 8 miles & were delighted by all that we saw & learned! I highly recommend taking a tour with Providence Tour Company.
3. Twilight River Cruises
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3 reviews
Bathed in the serenity of a softer light, the city's architecture, picturesque bridges and cobblestone walkways take on a whole new life beneath the setting sun. Climb aboard and wind down with a selection of complimentary wine or Prosecco from RI's own Gooseneck Vineyards while you experience unparalleled views of the evening skies! We're taking "date night" to new depths...join us in 2021! Additional Info: - This is an evening cruise ONLY. There is NO TOUR OR NARRATION offered during this boat ride. - All passengers must be 21+ (sorry, no infants/children) - Kindly remember that our passengers are looking forward to a relaxing experience; please be mindful of your noise level. If you are looking for a rowdy "booze cruise," this is not the ride for you. Give us a call and we can assist you with a more appropriate ride. - There is no smoking or vaping allowed on our boats, at any time. - Not a wine drinker? You may BYOB in a small cooler.
Inclusions: Wine & Prosecco only
Exclusions: Gratuities
Reviewed By phmjem
This was a great adventure for young and old. Informative Captain. We even saved a damsel in distress! She leaned too far and fell off of her kayak.
4. Boat Tour of Green Jacket Shoal
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
Join us as we welcome David Robinson, Director of the Massachusetts Board of Underwater Archaeological Resources aboard for a 75-minute exploration of the Providence waterways & Green Jacket Shoal. Here, David has found the remains of a historical floating dry dock & 26 wooden-hulled vessels, deemed “Rhode Island’s largest ship graveyard” and a reminder of the industrial fervor that transformed Providence into a thriving commercial waterfront. David's knowledge and experience with Green Jacket Shoal is fascinating and we are thrilled to welcome him back again for the fifth consecutive year! This limited series tour sells out quickly, so reserve your seats soon!
Inclusions: Local guide
Exclusions: Parking, Gratuities
Reviewed By phmjem
This was a great adventure for young and old. Informative Captain. We even saved a damsel in distress! She leaned too far and fell off of her kayak.
5. Providence Walking Tour
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
Join us for a wonderful walk through the heart of one of America’s prettiest cities! On this entertaining 1.5 mile stroll you will explore magnificent architecture, learn amazing history, and pause in beautiful settings. This tour will take you along rivers, through parks, and into charming neighborhoods. Come and see why so many people have fallen in love with this city!
Inclusions: Guided Tour
Exclusions:
Reviewed By Travellagal40
Excellent tour of downtown Providence city and local sites. Lovely Victorian houses. Knowledgeable tour guide.
6. Discover Providence
Overall Ratings
4.9 based on 38 reviews
This tour is outstanding because it brings you to all the sights you should see, and tells you all the stories you should know about this very special city in America. It gives you a wonderful lay of the land, and introduces you to places and areas you will want to go back to and explore further on your own.
Inclusions: Tour Guide
Exclusions:
Reviewed By Travellagal40
Excellent tour of downtown Providence city and local sites. Lovely Victorian houses. Knowledgeable tour guide.
7. Narrated Boat Tours
Overall Ratings
4.9 based on 50 reviews
Discover the historic and contemporary milestones of the Providence waterways on our fun & relaxing narrated daytime tours and sunset cruises. Come explore the Providence River, Riverwalk, Waterplace Park, the Fox Point Hurricane Barrier and the Providence Industrial Harbor as we highlight historical, nautical and architectural points of interest! We also offer "Sunset Cruises," "Twilight River Cruises," "Haunted Boat Tours," "Vineyard Voyages" (a floating wine tasting), "Boat Tours of Green Jacket Shoal" and "WaterFire Boat Rides" on specific dates. Please check our website for special event schedules.
Inclusions: All taxes, fees and handling charges, Local guide
Exclusions: Price does not include parking fees. There is free & metered parking throughout our neighborhood., Gratuities (optional). Our Captains and Crew appreciate your cash gratuities!, Alcoholic/soft drinks are available for purchase next door, or you may BYOB.
Reviewed By n-sous1
Highly recommend this cruise. The staff were friendly and made the experience enjoyable. The trip was scenic and very relaxing. We enjoyed our time and would do it again.
8. Newport: Rhode Island's Spectacular City by the Sea
Overall Ratings
4.7 based on 3 reviews
As you travel on the 45-minute ride from Providence to Newport, your host will take you through beautiful towns along our East Bay. Along the way, he will tell you the story of the places you are passing through. During the first half of the tour, you will be on the tour bus as your guide tells you all about the places you are seeing, introduces you to many sights you may want to explore on your own, and gives you lots of opportunities to get out and take pictures. During the second half of the tour, which is free time on your own, your tour bus will become a hop on/hop off shuttle to move you around to the areas you would like to spend more time in. This relaxing day gives you the best of both worlds - a guided tour and free time.
Inclusions: Private transportation
Exclusions:
Reviewed By Travellagal40
Excellent tour of downtown Providence city and local sites. Lovely Victorian houses. Knowledgeable tour guide.
9. Providence, RI day trip to Martha's Vineyard
Overall Ratings
4.6 based on 16 reviews
Enjoy a self-guided daytrip to Martha’s Vineyard! Do sightseeing, shopping, or have fresh "right-off-the-boat" seafood! We will pick you up in our comfortable, semi-private vans at your desired location in the Providence, RI area and take you to the historic seaport of New Bedford, Massachusetts. Your driver will say good-bye as you enjoy a luxurious cruise to Martha’s Vineyard on the SeaStreak Fast Ferry. The ferry glides through the waters between the islands ensuring a smooth, relaxing trip! When you arrive on the island, explore the sights that interest you at your leisure (self-guided). Follow the walking tour of Oak Bluffs including the Flying Horse Carousel, Ginger Bread Houses, and picturesque marina. Enjoy authentic New England seafood or just relax on one of the many beaches. Feeling adventurous? Take a shuttle over to the Aquinnah cliffs! At the end of the day, your driver will meet you in New Bedford for your return ride to the Providence, RI area.
Inclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, Round-trip shared transfer from Providence to ferry port at New Bedford, Round-trip ferry from New Bedford to Martha's Vineyard
Exclusions: Gratuities, Shuttle bus on Martha's Vineyard (approx. $10), Food and drinks, Guided tour on the island
Reviewed By JDM92012
We used Yes we van for our airport transfers for 6 adults. The process was very easy they were very prompt with responses and right on time to pick us up. They confirmed by text each day prior to our transfers. We had Sean take us to The airport and Dave bring us back, both were great! Will definitely use them again.
10. Providence Scavenger Hunt: Providence Adventure
Overall Ratings
4.3 based on 3 reviews
Let’s Roam is the #1 app-led scavenger hunt company. Walk to all the best landmarks and hidden gems, answering trivia questions and solving challenges. Work with your team or compete against them, as you learn new facts and create memorable experiences. Let’s Roam Scavenger Hunts are great as an everyday activity, or for bachelorette parties, birthday parties, corporate team building events and more! Each player chooses an interactive role, with challenges varying by person.
Inclusions: All taxes, fees and handling charges, Digital Copies of your scavenger hunt photos, Local taxes
Exclusions: Food and drinks, Transportation to/from attractions
