Providence holidays
Once overlooked for Rhode Island’s coastal playgrounds, Providence has transformed into New England’s coolest city. A state capital with a small-town feel, it stands out for its diverse neighbourhoods, renowned food scene and history dating back to 1636. Whether you’re here for the Colonial homes, cobblestone streets or fresh clams, a holiday to Providence promises an unforgettable time.
Providence holiday highlights
Rhode Island Commerce/Visit Rhode Island
American history
You’ll get a feel for Providence’s past on the Mile of History on Benefit Street, home to the Providence Athenaeum and 19th- and 20th-century buildings. And the Rhode Island State Capitol offers free self-guided tours, Mondays to Fridays. For even more history, stop by the Culinary Arts Museum at Johnson and Wales University to see White House crockery, 16th-century cookbooks and kitchen curios.
Creative spirit
From downtown’s colourful murals to the RISD Museum and the Providence Performing Arts Center, the city wears its nickname, ‘The Creative Capital’, with pride. Time your holiday to Providence between May and November when the famous WaterFire art installation takes place — a monthly attraction featuring 100 bonfires perched along the city’s three rivers.
Where to stay
Bustling downtown is where to stay for historical architecture, nightlife and riverside walks. And College Hill is where you’ll find Brown University, the RISD Museum and the Providence Athenaeum. For a scenic stay on the waterfront, try Fox Point, which has parks, a boating centre and the East Bay Bike Path.
Providence: Know before you go
Language
English
Currency
United States dollar ($)
Time zone
UTC-5 (EST) and UTC-4 (EDT)
High season
July – August
Low season
January – February
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Things to do in Providence
Providence
Getty Images/iStockphoto
Places to eat
The birthplace of the diner and consistently named one of the hottest food cities in America, Providence isn’t lacking in good restaurants. You’ll find some of the city’s best Italian eateries in Federal Hill. And the Riverwalk is known for its sushi and seafood spots. Looking for a local delicacy? Try ‘stuffies’ — chopped clams mixed with spiced breadcrumbs, baked and served in the shell.
Shopping
History and retail therapy go hand in hand at the Westminster Arcade, the United States’ oldest indoor shopping centre. And Wickenden Street in Fox Point is where to go for antique stores and art galleries. Looking for independent fashion boutiques? Thayer Street near Brown University is always popular with the college crowd.
Beaches
There’s no shortage of beaches near Providence — this is the ‘Ocean State’, after all. Buttonwoods Beach is just a 30-minute drive south and offers sandy shores, picnic areas and baseball fields. Conimicut Point is a favourite with photographers for its sunset views and scenic lighthouse. If you’re prepared to drive a little further, Narragansett Town Beach is one of Rhode Island’s best.
FAQs about Providence holidays
The hottest month in Providence is July, with maximum temperatures of 29ºC (84ºF).
English is the language you'll hear most while on your city break in Providence.
With an average rainfall of 12 cm, October is the rainiest month to go on a Providence holiday. When the drizzle sets in, head indoors and make the most of the city's shops, museums, cafes and more.
If you’re looking for a city that combines history, culture and great food, a holiday in Providence is a great choice. It’s also a convenient base for exploring other New England destinations like Boston, with Amtrak train and bus services connecting the two cities with ease.
You’ll need at least three to four days to explore Providence’s historic landmarks, restaurants and unique neighbourhoods. If you plan on taking day trips to Newport, Boston or Cape Cod, consider extending your Providence holiday to five days or a week to make the most of the wider area.
January brings the coolest conditions for a Providence holiday. Plan your trip then and you'll find lows of -8ºC (18ºF).
The official currency in Providence is the United States dollar (USD). It's a good idea to bring some cash during your trip to Providence, but cards and digital payments are typically accepted in most places.
Providence is generally a safe place, especially if you're sticking to the popular tourist areas. As with any destination, be aware of your surroundings and keep valuables secure. Read up on any travel advisories or safety recommendations to ensure your holiday to Providence is relaxing and hassle-free.
Whether you're a go-big-or-go-home traveller or a wherever-the-road-leads explorer, the cost of your city break in Providence will depend on what you want to do and see. Be sure to factor in everything from entry fees to dining out, on top of your Providence flights and hotels.
The best time to visit Providence is between June and August or September and November. These are peak tourist seasons, however. If you’re travelling on a budget, consider booking your flights and hotels to Providence in winter or early spring. Temperatures get frosty, so pack a warm coat.
