Overview
Downtown Providence (also known as Downcity Providence) includes the core of the downtown area as well as Waterplace Park, the Providence Place Mall, and Capitol Hill.
11 sights · 9 things to do · 11 places to eat · 7 bars & cafés · 9 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Downtown
Rhode Island State House
Built from 1894 to 1901. A wonder sculpted from white Georgia marble, containing the world's fourth largest self-supported marble dome. This monumental amazement is 300 feet long, 180 wide, and 233 feet high. Features in…
The Arcade
The first enclosed shopping mall in America, completed in 1828. Built in the style of Greek Revival, this building has a unique twist: Due to a disagreement between the two principal architects, columns on one end are Io…
City Hall
Finished in 1878, the Second Empire Baroque City Hall only survives today because of former Mayor Buddy Cianci's careful restoration in 1975.
Waterplace Park and Riverwalk
Finished in 1994, Waterplace Park is a well-accepted addition to the city owing to its historic and unassuming look. Featuring cobblestone paths and unobtrusively shaped concrete form, the park follows Providence's downt…
Burnside Park
This small park is named for Ambrose Burnside, a general in the American Civil War. Several sculptures, including an equestrian statue of General Burnside, dot this quiet park.
Providence Performing Arts Center
A historic theater built in 1928 as a Loew's Movie Palace. Located in the center of Providence, and hosts a plethora of shows, from stand-up comic Larry the Cable Guy, to the kid's show Dora the Explorer, to the Rhode Is…
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: May–Oct. Summer highs reach about 84°F; winter lows dip to about 22°F. Cold months (Jan, Feb) can bring snow and ice; check road conditions. Wettest: Mar and Dec. (climate data from nearby Providence)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- PVD Rhode Island T. F. Green International Airport, Providence/Warwick — 7 mi away (major hub). Directions
- NPT Newport State Airport, Newport — 21 mi away. Directions
See Providence for details on how to reach the city Providence.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.
Sample 3-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning University of Rhode Island Providence Campus Gallery, The Strand Ballroom, Trinity Repertory Theater
- Lunch Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar
- Afternoon AS220, Trinity Repertory Company
- Dinner Small Point Café
- Evening The Dark Lady
Day 2
- Morning The Arcade, Industrial Trust Tower, Burnside Park
- Lunch Union Station Brewery
- Afternoon Bank of America Skating Center, Biltmore Hotel
- Dinner Café Nuovo
- Evening The Salon
Day 3
- Morning Providence Children's Museum
- Lunch Capriccio
- Afternoon Gallery Night Providence
- Dinner Hemenway's Seafood Grill & Oyster Bar
- Evening Mirabar
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Photos
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Understand
A number of Providence's historic buildings are downcity, as are many businesses, as well as Rhode Island's main public transportation station, Kennedy Plaza (KP). Parking is hard to find, with meters and lots scattered throughout the city. Downcity Providence is home to a growing number of interesting restaurants, nightclubs, and shops.
Get in
See Providence for details on how to reach the city Providence.
Within Providence, driving or RIPTA buses will take you to Downtown.
Get around
Downtown Providence is very compact and can easily be covered walking. There is some parking available throughout the city, but RIPTA's public transport network is extensive and an alternative to driving.
By bus
Although public transit in Providence is almost entirely comprised of buses, the buses are on-time, reliable, and much of RIPTA's bus fleet is new. Kennedy Plaza, RIPTA's downtown bus station is well laid out with digital displays at each terminal that tell when the next bus will be coming.
Two of the downtown lines are run completely on natural gas trackless trolleys (called the Providence LINK Trolley), and cover most of historic Providence. Base fare is $2.00, though e-riptiks or ride passes may be purchased either on-board or at local Shaw's and Stop and Shop supermarkets. Seniors or disabled persons ride for half-price during non-peak hours with the presentation of an ID. Students from some local colleges can buy discounted bus passes or use their school ID cards (policy varies depending on the school).
By car
Driving is another way to get around Downtown Providence. Once you are in the downtown area, everything is about a 5-minute drive from one location to the next. Parking on Federal Hill is available but fills up fast. There is also valet at almost every restaurant there. Parking on Thayer Street is available but you may be going up and down the streets around it a few times before you actually find a spot.
By taxi
If walking and/or bus trips don't suit your fancy, cab rides are also an option. Taxis are constantly idling in the area of Kennedy Plaza, just outside of the 7-Eleven, and also just a couple of blocks away at the Providence Westin (One West Exchange Street).
- USA Taxi, +1 401-516-3177
- City Express Cab. Providence, +1 401-286-9277
See
Museums
See Providence Children's Museum
Offers a variety of exhibits to provide hands-on fun. The museum accepts cash, check, Discover, Visa and MasterCard. Park a picnic lunch and eat either in one of the 3 assembly rooms or in the beautiful outdoor picnic area. The museum is fun for all ages and includes exhibits such as a water table, an exploration of the history of Rhode Island, wind rooms, dinosaur digs and building blocks.
Galleries
Architecture
See Rhode Island State House
Built from 1894 to 1901. A wonder sculpted from white Georgia marble, containing the world's fourth largest self-supported marble dome. This monumental amazement is 300 feet long, 180 wide, and 233 feet high. Features inside this gigantic building are: the Bell Room, American Revolution regiment flags, a Rotunda, Gun Room, the State Library, House and Senate Chambers and Lounges, Charter room, and many other fascinating tantalizing rooms including one that houses the original 1663 portrait of George Washington by RI native Gilbert Stuart; whose painting is the same face that went on the U.S. one dollar bill. Designed by the notable McKim, Mead, and White architectural firm. Come see the State House lit up in pink to support Breast Cancer Awareness every October. Accompany this visit of the pink State House with a walk around Providence's WaterFire (See below in 'do'). Guided tours of the building are offered M-F 9AM-noon. Self-guided tours may be taken M-F 9AM-3:30PM.
See The Arcade
The first enclosed shopping mall in America, completed in 1828. Built in the style of Greek Revival, this building has a unique twist: Due to a disagreement between the two principal architects, columns on one end are Ionic, and on the other, Doric. It has been converted to a residential building with about a dozen shops and restaurants.
See City Hall
Finished in 1878, the Second Empire Baroque City Hall only survives today because of former Mayor Buddy Cianci's careful restoration in 1975.
See Industrial Trust Tower (Bank of America Tower)
The tallest building in Providence is an intent Art Deco impression from 1928.
See Trinity Repertory Theater
This 1912 building, clad in terra-cotta houses the area's finest repertory company.
See Federal Courthouse
Parks
See Waterplace Park and Riverwalk
Finished in 1994, Waterplace Park is a well-accepted addition to the city owing to its historic and unassuming look. Featuring cobblestone paths and unobtrusively shaped concrete form, the park follows Providence's downtown rivers quietly below the level of automobile traffic. You'll usually find a few people enjoying the park quietly. Come here during Waterfire (below under "do") to see the park at its best.
See Burnside Park
This small park is named for Ambrose Burnside, a general in the American Civil War. Several sculptures, including an equestrian statue of General Burnside, dot this quiet park.
Do
Arts and culture
Do Providence Performing Arts Center
A historic theater built in 1928 as a Loew's Movie Palace. Located in the center of Providence, and hosts a plethora of shows, from stand-up comic Larry the Cable Guy, to the kid's show Dora the Explorer, to the Rhode Island Philharmonic. The center also features local and national music, and local musicians have the unique chance to perform before a large audience here. The audiences sometimes include students from grades 6-9, and at the end, the students will be asked to submit a card grading the performance.
Do AS220
A non-profit community arts center. The building features four art galleries, performance space, 19 artist studios and a bar/café. Events are booked every night at AS220; these include art exhibits, live music, and panel discussions. AS220 features many Rhode Island artists, but national acts are booked here often. Notable recurring events include:
*Fools Ball. AS220's signature gala event. This yearly party spans five days and countless exhibits. Every year brings a new theme. Major events usually include live music, art exhibits, dinners and film screenings. *Providence Poetry Slam. Held on the first and fourth Thursday of every month. This eclectic event, one of the venue's most popular, features both local and national poets and musicians. All artists (novice and professional) and spectators are welcome; the Providence Slam team has had great success in the National Poetry Slam over the past decade. *Geek Dinners. Held on the last Wednesday of every month. These dinners allow those involved in Rhode Island's technology industry to communicate and collaborate. Geek Dinners always have a featured presentation or discussion. Topics vary greatly, from startups to web services to hardware.
Do Trinity Repertory Company
A nationally-renowned theater downtown. Trinity Rep seats 820 and has an estimated annual audience of 160,000. Trinity Rep has produced over 50 world premiere plays and a balance of both contemporary and classic works. The venue features six subscription productions each year and an annual production of A Christmas Carol.
Do Amica Mutual Pavilion
A 14,500-seat indoor sports and entertainment arena located in downtown Providence which brings in over a million people annually. It holds various musical events, Providence Bruins ice hockey, basketball, and almost every type of show for kids. Has events such as Champions on Ice, featuring Olympic medalist Michele Kwan and others, Coheed And Cambria/Avenged Sevefold Co-Headline Tour, and every PC Friars and Providence Bruins home game. Ticket prices will usually vary depending on the event, and can range from $30 for a concert to $150 for a special event (such as ice skating). Wheelchair accessible.
- Rhode Island Convention Center Providence. A multipurpose facility available for almost any event, from dog shows to dinner banquets. Special Events at the Rhode Island Convention Center:
*Northeast International Auto Show - Automobile extravaganza featuring hundreds of new model cars, trucks, minivans and sport-utility vehicles from more than twenty import and domestic manufacturers. *Rhode Island Spring Flower and Garden Show - More than twenty-eight gardens, lectures and demonstration, children’s activities, bookstore and more than 200 garden-related vendor booths. *The Home Show - Largest and most informative consumer home show in southern New England. Features hundreds of exhibitors and displays of the latest products and services for building, remodeling and decorating homes. A variety of seminars and demonstrations.
Do The Strand Ballroom
A midsized musical venue in downtown Providence a few blocks from the Providence Place Mall. It's housed in a historic five-story theater and hosts punk bands, alternative, hip-hop, blues, reggae, and many other types of music which are set for a larger venue, but can't quite fill the Roseland Ballroom or similar larger gigs. However, it also brings the groups who would normally be set for a much larger stage, such as De La Soul, Coheed And Cambria, or George Clinton and the P-Funk. With slightly less expensive tickets than a bigger venue and a much more personal experience, Lupos is a great show worth going to any day.
Seasonal
Do Gallery Night Providence
On the third Thursday of the month, March through November, twenty-one of the city's museums and galleries open their doors to all. Free guided bus tours are organized around specific themes (contemporary art, emerging artists, artisan shops, etc.), and are often led by special guest speakers. Tours leave One Regency Plaza, (where you can park for free), every half hour between 5:30PM and 7PM. If you prefer a self-guided tour, visit Gallery Night's website for a detailed map.
Do Waterfire
Centers on a series of 100 fires that burn on the three rivers that pass through the middle of downtown Providence. The string of fires illuminates nearly two-thirds of a mile and residents and visitors gather to stroll along the river. The fires are burned from sunset to past midnight on select evenings (typically on weekends) from April or May through October. If you want to experience something that is very relaxing while still taking in the urban life of downtown Providence, go and see Waterfire. There are no admission charges. Concessions are available. There are outdoor stands set up hosting a Dunkin Donuts as well as kettle corn, pizza and doughboy (fried dough) distributors for modest prices. Boat rides are available if you would like to get a closer look at the fire. Pricing for the gondola during WaterFire is $159 for 2 passengers and $15 per additional person which can be added to your gondola up until the day of the ride. Proud Mary offers motor launch services on a pontoon boat with tours leaving every half hour from the north side of Waterplace Basin. WaterFire is quite popular with locals and visitors alike, and tends to draw large crowds. If you do plan to attend WaterFire, walking or taking public transportation into Kennedy Plaza is strongly recommended as most surrounding streets become very congested. If you are driving, parking is available at the Providence Place Mall for $1 for a 3 hour time block. The price increases after one surpasses 3 hours.
Buy
Downcity is the new place to grab a cappuccino or snag a great pair of jeans . You can drool over must-have furnishings or stop for a bistro lunch. Browse art books. Then toast a day well spent. You can do it all in Downcity Providence, home to a collection of fine design, fashion, and dining opportunities.
Shop Providence Flea
The Providence Open Market is the city’s only Open-Air Market where you can shop for artisan made goods, fine art, and fresh produce. In Lippitt Park on the East Side of Providence, the Market features a different group of artists every week ensuring that each visit will be unique.
- Westminster Street boasts much of the newest and most diverse local shopping in the city. Parking along this one-way street is nearly impossible; walk there if you can, or park in one of the nearby lots. A selection of the shops along Westminster include:
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Shop Eno
Eno is Downcity's full-service spirits shop, with an extensive selection of wine, beer, and fine liquors. The store, with its bank vault decor, is an environment for wine connoisseurs and novices alike, and an expert staff is on hand at all times to assist your selection. Eno hosts regular tastings and food pairings and offers delivery service to downtown residents and employees.
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Shop Homestyle
At Homestyle, fine art pieces sit among top-shelf/great value upholstery, accent home furnishings, and truly artful gifts. A savvy, creative, staff is available to assist you in selecting just the right piece, or come in and browse at your leisure. Extraordinary gifts in a wide range of price points make Homestyle the "go-to" place for unique gifts in all categories from hostess to housewarming to wedding to birthday.
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Shop Modern Love
Modern Love was opened in 2010 as a companion store to Queen of Hearts that carries an eclectic selection of women’s shoes and accessories such as jewelry, socks, hats, and handbags. You can expect the same funky and feminine charm from Modern Love’s unique merchandise as you can from that of its sister store just next door.
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Shop Queen of Hearts
Queen of Hearts is before all else, an original women's clothing and accessories boutique, but is also a showroom for visual art, home goods, gifts, and lifestyle paraphernalia. Merchandise is all one-of-a-kind, handmade material, designed and created by local and regional artists and designers.
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Shop Symposium Books
Symposium Books consistently offers some of the finest books in Providence. Browse their diverse selection of carefully chosen titles in a broad range of subjects, specializing in academic, scholarly, literary, art, architecture, photography, design, and university press books. Most books are discounted at 10-80% off all the time!
Eat
Downtown
Eat Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar
Fleming's is known for its prime steak and elegant, cherry wood atmosphere. Its wine list features over 100 wines available by the glass. This steakhouse also offers bar menu specials until 7PM.
Eat New Rivers
New Rivers Bistro prizes inventive presentation and taste over any pretension and it shows. The unassuming 18th-century interior yields a culinary masterpiece. Expensive but worth it if you are looking for a special night. Entrees $18-30.
Providence Place Mall
Eat P.F. Chang's
Be sure to make a reservation if you plan on eating here, the wait can be pretty long. Serves fine Asian cuisine in a nice friendly atmosphere.
Eat The Cheesecake Factory
Upscale dining, the Cheesecake Factory offers more than 200 menu selections including 50 cheesecakes and desserts. $10-20 entrées. The Cheesecake Factory is a nationwide chain. The wait can be long, it is always very busy, be prepared for that if you plan on making a trip.
Elsewhere
Eat Palo Tapas
Serving dishes like smoked trout and Maryland crab cakes within stone slate walls and wooden plank floors in the second-oldest industrial building in the United States. $16-33.
Eat Union Station Brewery
Serves bar & grill type food, but come for the beer! Union Station brews its own beer in 6 different styles. Can't decide which to get? They'll serve you 5oz of each for $7.50. The namesake comes from the fact that the restaurant was carved out of the original 1898 Union Station.
Eat The Capital Grille
Presented by the American Culinary Federation their “Achievement of Excellence Award” and referred to by The Miami Herald as a “culinary theme park full of dark wood, stuffed game heads, cigars, high-end drinks, wines and dry aged steaks.” Capital Grill is a high-end restaurant well known for its warm soothing environment, impressive menu of nationally renowned dry aged steaks, fresh seafood award-winning wine list of more than 5,000 bottles. This franchise is actually the original restaurant in the Capital Grille chain.
Eat Café Nuovo
With a capacity to seat 130 people inside, 60 people outdoor (when in season) and offering valet parking. Café nuovo is recognized for their cuisine as a blend of flavors from around the globe; skillful preparation and distinctive balance of components by serving, fresh, and pure appetizing, seasonal ingredients; from a network of growers and local farms to distant market. Café Nuovo has also gained a reputation of displaying spectacular plate presentation that.
Eat Capriccio
Located in the Downtown financial district, Capriccio is a classic, sophisticated restaurant that features international cuisine with a Northern Italian taste. They have been awarded over 40 awards for fine dining, wines and decor. Cappriccio’s has elegant furnishings an appetizing menu and wines to its tuxedoed service staff to match. This restaurant is one of the top high-end restaurants in all of Rhode Island.
Eat Small Point Café
Small Point is a cozy coffee shop in the middle of Downcity. They serve everything from gourmet style sandwiches - with vegetarian options, to boot - to parfaits, but their lattes and latte art are the real selling point. Perfect for breakfast on the go or a quiet study spot.
Eat Hemenway's Seafood Grill & Oyster Bar
This upscale restaurant is the definition of fine dining. If you’re looking for an excuse to get dressed up while dining on the finest seafood, this the place to be.
Drink
Night life
Drink PVD Social Club (Jerky’s Bar)
Once referred to as Jerkey's, the PVD Social Club hosts concerts of different artists, both local and not local, along with other events. Can make for a fun night, only thing to be aware of is the bathrooms. There are two toilets in the same space, neither of which is gender specific. Can be a bit of a shock for a first timer. 18+ for most events, 21+ to drink.
Drink Murphy's Deli and Bar
This is a great spot to relax and grab a beer, watch a game, and begin or end your night. It’s a small place, but the food is excellent, the beer is very good, and the prices are even better. If you go, a sandwich is highly recommended as they also serve as a delicatessen.
Drink Trinity Brewhouse
In addition to a great selection of beer on tap, features six beers (two light, two dark, two amber) that are brewed daily on-site. The same beer is never brewed two days in a row. Serves a full menu of food, lunch through late night.
Drink The Salon
The Salon is a downtown bar that hosts DJs, live music acts, and downstairs dance parties, typically Thursday - Saturday nights. They have become known in town for their pickle back shots; that's a shot of whiskey chased with a shot of pickle juice, folks. They also serve late night snacks like peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. A great place to play pinball, foosball, or table tennis after work or dance your cares away later in the evening.
Drink Colosseum
Inspired by "The Renaissance City", to create a trip back to the Gods and Goddesses. The Colosseum is broken into three themed night clubs, "The Ruins", "Mythology" and "The Arena". Mythology is where the real party is, with live DJs and VIP booths for those who want to be catered to. The Colosseum is also home to Shake Wednesdays. This is an Indie/Electro dance night held every Wednesday. Each Wednesday there is a different theme for the night. 18+ on Thursdays and 21+ Friday and Saturday. One of the hottest nightclubs in the city. Make sure to get there early because it usually reaches capacity by 11PM on Thursdays.
Drink Mirabar
Self-proclaimed Rhode Island's best gay men's bar and dance club. Laser lights, high-energy dance floor, shirtless shot boys and themed nights. Fun for girls and boys! This is a hot-spot for the trendy gay male crowd and their gal pals. Not recommended for those who don't like loud dance music and/or like to mingle.
Drink The Dark Lady
Always has something going on. A popular spot for cross-dressers and transsexuals, with live drag shows featuring local talent. The Dark Lady's performers are known to socialize with patrons. Great place for meeting those in the transsexual/cross-dressing scene.
Sleep
Stay The Graduate Providence
In a historic 1922 building (on National Register of Historic Places). A plaque high up on the lobby columns commemorates the high-water mark of the 1954 hurricane that struck Providence. Adjacent to Kennedy Plaza. Featuring elegantly appointed rooms furnished to the highest standards and their very own Spa. Food and dinning services are provided by McCormick & Schmick's.
Stay Hampton Inn and Suites
Hampton Inn is a select-service hotel that offers guests amenities and a spacious accommodating environment. Some of the amenities they offer are wireless high speed Internet access, shuttle service to/from TF Green Airport, suite shop on-site convenience store, full service 24-hour business center, fitness center, and free valet parking. The Hampton Inn is a member of the Hilton family of hotels.
Stay Renaissance Providence Hotel
Adjacent to the Rhode Island State House and Providence Place Mall and a visitor favorite, it's one of the highest visitor-ranked places to stay in the area. The service is friendly and quick and very accommodating. The building is an old Masonic temple, which provides beautiful structure and an interesting history for anyone's stay.. 24-hour room service, high speed internet wireless, valet parking and on-site parking-$26 daily, smoke-free hotel, comfortable rooms.
Stay Hilton Providence
A luxury hotel next to the Dunkin Donuts Center. On-site dining includes Shula's 347 Grill.
Stay Providence Marriott Downtown
Located in the Capitol District. Nearby shopping, restaurants and features a brand new salon on-site. Restaurants include Temple Restaurant featuring Mediterranean cuisine.
Stay The Dean
An arts-oriented boutique hotel in a downtown building that once housed a brothel, The Dean cultivates a hipster ambiance. There's an Asian-style karaoke lounge, a German restaurant and a beer hall, but its 52 rooms are not equipped with phones or dressers, though a few have bunk beds.
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