You're Going to Love Providence
Providence is the capital of Rhode Island and the third-biggest city in New England. This former industrial city has undergone a renaissance and reinvented itself as a historic place with great nightlife and excellent open spaces.
Top 5 Reasons to Visit Providence
1. Culture
Providence has a host of museums and galleries, from the Culinary Arts Museum at Johnson & Wales University, celebrating the hospitality industry, to the Roger Williams Park Museum of Natural History and Planetarium.
2. Architecture
Highlights such as the Rhode Island State House, Brown University, and the 18th- and 19th-century mansions of College Hill make the city a rewarding destination for lovers of architecture.
3. Parks
Roger Williams Park covers more than 400 acres and has seven lakes. It has lots of attractions and is a wonderful place to take a boat ride or a stroll.
4. Live Music
The area around Washington Street and Elbow Street is home to a number of good music venues offering rock, blues, and contemporary bands and DJs.
5. Nightlife
The presence of Brown University helps to create a lively nightlife scene on Washington Street, Richmond Street, and Pine Street.
When to Visit Providence
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Providence has a humid subtropical/continental climate with warm summers and cool winters. It can be wet at any time of the year.
How to Get to Providence
Plane
Providence is served by T.F. Green Airport (PVD) in the nearby town of Warwick. It has many domestic flights from cities across the US. The bus fare into Providence is $6. The taxi fare is around $27.
Train
There are regular train services operated by MBTA and Amtrak into Providence. The fare from Boston is $10.
Car
The I-95 is the main route from Boston and New York, while Route 146 connects from western Massachusetts. The I-195 comes in from Cape Cod.
Bus
Providence has a number of intercity bus services from operators like Greyhound and MegaBus. The fare from Boston is around $20.
Airports near Providence
Airlines serving Providence
Where to Stay in Providence
Providence Marriott Downtown on Orms Street offers dependable quality in a central location, while Hotel Dolce Villa on DePasquale Square is a boutique hotel in the historic Federal Hill area.
Popular Neighborhoods in Providence
College Hill - this is a handsome neighborhood renowned for its antique stores, galleries, and trendy cafes. It's also home to the Brown campus.
Downcity - this is the downtown district of Providence and is home to many of the city's historic buildings, along with Kennedy Plaza and Capitol Hill.
Federal Hill - this neighborhood is located just to the west of Downcity and is sometimes known as "Little Italy". It has lots of good restaurants and shops, especially on Atwells Avenue.
Most popular hotel in Providence by neighbourhood
Where to stay in popular areas of Providence
Most booked hotels in Providence
How to Get Around Providence
Public Transportation
The city bus network, run by RIPTA, is modern and efficient. Fares are from $2.
Taxi
Taxis are plentiful and reliable. Meter drop is $3.50 and then the fare is $2.50 per mile.
Car
The road network in Providence is well maintained and traffic generally flows well. Car rental is widely available from $40 per day.
Car rental agencies in Providence
The Cost of Living in Providence
Shopping Streets
Downcity is the place to go to for the major retail outlets. Thayer Street is good for crafts, arts, and books and has many independent local stores.
Groceries and Other
A quart of milk in Providence will cost $0.92, while a dozen eggs is $3.26.
Where to Eat in Providence
Rogue Island on Weybosset Street serves good local food and craft beers. Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar on West Exchange Street, meanwhile, is an excellent steak restaurant. You will pay around $18 for a meal in a low-key restaurant and upwards of $30 in a more upscale place.