What to do and see in Providence, Rhode Island (RI): The Best Points of Interest & Landmarks

October 25, 2021 Carley Gatson

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. Market Square

Providence, RI http://www.eastsidemarket.com/
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 2 reviews

Market Square

Providence area where there are street performers.

60 Valley St #5, Providence, RI 02909-2499 +1 917-655-1497 [email protected] http://www.yellowperilgallery.com
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 2 reviews

Yellow Peril Gallery

3. Temple Beth-El

70 Orchard Ave, Providence, RI 02906-5425 +1 401-331-6070 http://www.temple-beth-el.org
Excellent
88%
Good
13%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 8 reviews

Temple Beth-El

Reviewed By JohnBJ_13 - Providence, United States

Designed by a prominent architect, with its magnificent dome the sanctuary in Temple Beth-El is an example of cutting-edge religious architecture of any denomination. In addition to its Friday evening and Saturday morning religious services, Temple Beth-El offers a broad spectrum of educational and cultural events of interest to anyone, Jewish or not, some in conjunction with Rhode Island's Lifelong Learning program. Recently it offered a short-story writing workshop and a concert of American popular songs with lyrics by immigrant Jewish songwriters since the turn of the 20th century.

4. Benefit Street

Providence, RI http://www.visitrhodeisland.com/listing/benefit-streets-mile-of-history/97
Excellent
55%
Good
38%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 217 reviews

Benefit Street

A mile of history is packed onto this cobblestone street lined with historic buildings. The Nightingale-Brown House, built in 1792, home to five generations of the Nicholas Brown Family (of Brown University) is a "must see" on the block.

Reviewed By MayLehmannNYC - New York City, United States

Shy of two miles long, Benefit street is a veritable "stroll" back in history as the street highlights 18th and 19th architecture. Modern street lights are replaced by faux gas lights which only add to the charm of this street. A walk at dusk when the lights come on is a must!

5. DePasquale Plaza

Providence, RI +1 401-331-8240 http://places.singleplatform.com/caffe-dolce-vita/menu
Excellent
57%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
3%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 106 reviews

DePasquale Plaza

Romantic area with a fountain.

Reviewed By lrv21 - Miami, United States

Live music and a piazza reminiscent of Italy. I fell in love with this town. The food was delicious and we enjoyed dancing it off after with the live music.

6. Thayer Street

Thayer Street, Providence, RI 02903 +1 401-456-0200 https://www.goprovidence.com/neighborhoods/thayer-street-providence/
Excellent
40%
Good
43%
Satisfactory
13%
Poor
3%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 199 reviews

Thayer Street

Students from Brown University, and other schools in the area, congregate on this funky street that boasts vintage clothing shops, bookstores, music shops and cafes.

Reviewed By searchingforsand - Lexington, United States

Awesome street filled with shops and restaurant. Definitely check this street out if your in Providence looking at schools. The perfect street for college kids to gather, eat, etc. the Brown University Book Store is in Thayer Street. The best place to go grab a bite to eat while exploring the beautiful campuses of RSID and Brown. Everything from Ben & Jerry’s, Shake Shake, Chipotle, pizza, pita, smoothies, fro yo, Starbucks. I know my kid would have plenty to choose from while in college here.

7. Wickenden Street

Providence, RI
Excellent
47%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
24%
Poor
3%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 34 reviews

Wickenden Street

International and off-beat youthful area with antique shops, galleries and cafes.

8. Atwells Avenue

Providence, RI http://federalhillprov.com/about
Excellent
47%
Good
39%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
2%
Terrible
4%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 49 reviews

Providence street home to many restaurants.

Reviewed By jerb2014 - Bristol, United States

Atwells Avenue is the main street in the Federal Hill Italian neighborhood and it is lined with a large number of international restaurants, including several very good Italian one. There are bars, coffee shops, Italian specialty groceries, and shops. It is definitely a place to visit when in Providence and most of the restaurants provide very good food in general.

9. Providence Train Station

100 Gaspee St, Providence, RI 02903-1133 +1 401-727-7379
Excellent
34%
Good
40%
Satisfactory
20%
Poor
4%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 120 reviews

Providence Train Station

Reviewed By N5092KMjohnw - Gatesville, United States

A nice,convenient location and easily navigable. We train into here from Boston (and back) on the MBTA commuter rail. Small, well-kept and centrally located. Can also catch shuttle bus from here to other locales in Providence.

10. Howard Phillips Lovecraft Grave

585 Blackstone Blvd Swan Point Cemetery, Providence, RI 02906-5034
Excellent
45%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
30%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 20 reviews

Howard Phillips Lovecraft Grave

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