Planning a trip to Providence and looking for the best way to spend your time? You’ve found the experts!
Providence is a small city, but that didn’t fool us. From historic buildings, museums, and street art to fun shows and a seriously good seafood scene, we knew we wouldn’t be spending much time at our hotel. And don’t even get me started on the waterfront! If your trip lines up with WaterFire, it really does make for the perfect getaway.
So, to make sure you see the best of Providence without wasting your time on the planning side of things, we’ve put together this 2-day itinerary. All you have to do is follow along and enjoy yourself. Ready? Let’s go!
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Our Top Choice
The tour we loved the most and suggest booking ASAP is this one!
Our favorite thing we did in Providence was this Arts District food tour! With six delicious stops, hidden murals, local stories, and everything from lobster rolls to Nigerian food, it’s basically a crash course in Providence—with plenty of snacks along the way!
Itinerary Overview
🚌 Day 1: Art, Sightseeing & Ghosts
Discover Providence on a sightseeing bus tour with a local, check out art and artifacts at the Rhode Island School of Design, grab Italian dinner, and finish the day with a ghost tour exploring the city’s haunted past.
🥐 Day 2: From Park Walks and Local Bites to Boat Rides
Start with breakfast and a walk through Roger Williams Park, eat your way through the city on a food tour, cruise along the water, then finish with seafood and cocktails downtown.
Day 1
Breakfast – Small Point Café
It’s your first day in Providence, so we’re taking it nice and easy. You can sleep in and, when you’re ready, head to Small Point Café for breakfast. It’s right downtown, where your morning tour starts, and you don’t have to get here super early since the sightseeing tour doesn’t start until 11 am.
This funky and friendly cafe opens at 7:30 am on weekdays and 8 am on weekends, but it’s closed on Tuesdays. If you happen to be here on a Tuesday, don’t worry, you’ll have no trouble finding another cafe nearby. Depending on your mood and cravings, you can go for anything from bagels or sandwiches and chocolate chip cookies to matcha and all kinds of coffee. And don’t skip the cinnamon roll (even for later)!
Be here around 9 am, which gives you enough time to eat without rushing and wander around downtown before your tour. You’ll have about an hour to look around, and that’s enough time to see quite a bit.
Make Waterplace Park your first stop and enjoy the green space in the middle of the capital, then walk along the waterfront. From there, wander the streets and check out the architecture and quaint little shops, including The Arcade Providence. Downtown isn’t huge, so you won’t have far to go before reaching your tour meeting point.
Morning – See Providence’s top sights with a local
If this is your first time in Providence and you want to see more of the city without all the walking, this sightseeing bus tour is a fun option. You can choose an 11 am or 1 pm departure depending on the day. We went with the morning tour, but if the 1 pm slot is your only option, just swap it with your afternoon activity.
Over about 2 hours, we made several stops, with around 15 minutes at each one to soak it all in. We started at Brown University, where we walked around College Green and learned a little about the university. Then we headed to Historic Federal Hill. We got off the bus and checked out the cafes, markets, and pastry shops, and of course, we had to grab something sweet!
Next was WaterFire, which is such a cool art installation and one of Providence’s most famous attractions. The fires start along the rivers at sunset and usually burn until midnight. Just a heads-up, it only happens once a month, so plan your trip around the dates if you really want to see it! At Benefit Street, we saw some of the oldest buildings in the city, including a library dating back to 1753.
You don’t get to see everything in depth, but we really loved that it helps you figure out what you want to come back to. Better yet, this tour fits into almost any itinerary. If I could change one thing, I’d make it a little longer. Best of all, everyone can join, so it’s a fun option for families too.
Lunch – Ocean State Sandwich Company
With the tour wrapping up around 1 pm, it’s definitely time to grab lunch! Ocean State Sandwich Company is just a 5-minute walk from where the tour ends, and honestly, these are some of the best sandwiches I’ve had in years!
The place is small and can get pretty loud, but it’s a quick spot for lunch with tons of sandwiches to choose from. The Apple Valley Turkey seemed to be the hit, and I certainly wasn’t going to complain. Now, I don’t normally write this much about a sandwich, but this one was so yummy!
It was stuffed with fresh turkey that was sliced nice and thick, so it wasn’t dry, plus a generous amount of bacon. The thin slices of whole wheat bread complemented it perfectly. If you’re not a meat fan, go for the vegan wrap with hummus. Another yum!
The sandwiches aren’t huge, but they’re great value, so if you’re a couple, I’d get three different ones and share. The place is open until 3 pm on weekdays and closed on weekends, so if you take the 1 pm tour, you’ll want to find somewhere else nearby for lunch.
Afternoon – Check out the Rhode Island School of Design
After lunch, head to the RISD Museum, one of Providence’s top sights. The city is known for its history and arts community, so naturally, we had to check this one out. It’s part of the Rhode Island School of Design, which is both an art and design school and a museum. I thought it was really cool that a group of women started the school back in 1877!
Inside, you’ll find all kinds of art and historical pieces, from ancient Egyptian artifacts to works by Picasso. And even if you’re not the museum person, there are lots of fun things to see, so you can easily spend a few hours here before aperitivo.
It’s open every day except Monday, and admission is $22 USD. If you happen to be here on a Monday, I’d simply stretch out aperitivo and dinner a little longer.
Late Afternoon – Moniker Brewery
Providence isn’t just about history and art. It also has a strong craft beer scene, so if you’re a beer person, Moniker Brewery is definitely worth a stop before dinner for a cold pint. This is one of the city’s most popular breweries, and it’s award-winning too. You’d never guess it was built inside an old auto body shop!
The outdoor patio is dog-friendly and has lots of seating, fire pits, and heaters, and honestly, it’s even more fun when you can sit back and watch people go by.
Better yet, it’s located in Federal Hill, where we’ll be heading for dinner too, so you don’t need to walk far. Aim to get here around 4 pm, which gives you an hour before dinner. It opens at 2 pm on Fridays and noon on weekends, while Monday to Thursday it opens at 4 pm, so you might even be among the first ones there!
Dinner – Federal Hill (Little Italy)
Federal Hill is a real heaven for foodies! Guess who’s that? It’s known as Little Italy, so of course, we had to have some Italian food. There are tons of great restaurants here, but Pane e Vino is our pick because we’ve been there, loved it, and it’s also top-rated!
Like it or not, you’ll start with bread and olive oil, but it’s so delicious that you’ll need to pace yourself and leave room for the good stuff coming your way. We started with the calamari, and the Peppadew tomatoes were unreal! They added the perfect sweet and tangy flavor to the dish.
For our entrees, we had the chicken Parmesan and steak, and both were absolutely delicious. The portions were huge, so we ended up taking leftovers. They even threw in a round of limoncello for our table at the end!
Since your evening tour starts around 7 or 7:30 pm, depending on the day you book, dinner will be a little earlier than usual. Aim to get here around 5 pm, which gives you enough time to enjoy your meal without feeling rushed. It’s also only about a 10-minute drive from Federal Hill to the tour meeting point.
Evening – Discover Providence’s spooky side
Maybe you want to linger over dinner a little longer or have another Aperol Spritz, and honestly, we could have done the same. But then you’d be missing out on something pretty fun! If you love a good spooky story, trust us, this ghost walking tour through the College Hill neighborhood is such a cool way to spend the rest of your evening. Some might even say it beats another round of Aperol Spritz!
So after dinner, head from Federal Hill to Prospect Terrace Park. It’s just a 10-minute drive, and the tour lasts around 2 hours, so you should be done by 9:30 pm at the latest. That leaves you plenty of time to get back to your hotel, think about all the stories you just heard, and build up the fright just enough to sleep with the lights on. We didn’t have that problem (well, one of us didn’t).
You’ll join your guide, who carries a lantern, by the way, and a small group as you explore local landmarks and hear stories about local legends and ghosts. There’s quite a bit of walking and some hills, but the frequent stops to listen to the eerie tales make it a tad easier. Our guide was also pretty dramatic with her storytelling, which definitely kept us hooked.
You’ll pass Benefit Street, the oldest street in the city and one of the most famous haunted streets in the U.S. Need I say more? You’ll also pass George Street, Providence Art Club, and Brown University and learn about the haunting tales tied to them, but I’m not going to reveal anything else. You’ll have to wait and find out for yourself!
Why We Book Tours with Viator
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Day 2
Breakfast – Ellie’s
Day 2 also starts unrushed, and since you had an early night (hopefully!), you’re ready for another fun day. For breakfast, we’re heading to Ellie’s, a local favorite inspired by the Parisian way of life. It definitely has that little French je ne sais quoi!
From croque monsieur to avocado toast and English muffins with tomato jam, you’ll be in heaven here if you love your pastries. We went for the chocolate croissants and soft, fluffy quiche du jour, but everything looked so delicious. Maybe grab a few pastries for later (just in case), and don’t skip the London Fog latte either!
This warm and inviting cafe is open Tuesday through Sunday from 8 am, and since your afternoon tour doesn’t start until noon, there’s no need to rush this morning. Take your time, enjoy your breakfast, then head to Roger Williams Park, just a 10-minute drive away.
Morning – Roger Williams Park
Roger Williams Park is a massive park! There are sports fields, a zoo, a lake where you can feed the ducks, ponds for paddle boating, trails for walking and biking, playgrounds for younger children, and lots of green grass for picnicking. That said, you could spend all day here with everything there is to do. But just a few hours this morning will give you enough time to check out some of the best spots!
If you happen to be here in April, the tree blossoms are popping! The Japanese Garden is also spectacular at this time of year, and admission is free. If you want to check off another museum on your list, head to the Museum of Natural History and Planetarium, which currently opens at 9:30 am during its summer hours.
You can also swing by the Roger Williams Park Botanical Center, which opens at 10 am. This massive indoor garden has tropical and desert plants, greenhouses, fountains, a koi pond, and even a small waterfall. Admission is just $5, and it’s definitely worth a look.
Once you’ve had enough of the park, head to Downcity Arts District for your 12 pm food tour.
Afternoon – Taste your way around the city
If you’re a foodie like us or just curious to try new things, this walking food tasting tour is such a fun way to explore the local food scene and Arts District. This is exactly how we like our tours, with fun locals, pedestrian-friendly streets, and all the food you can eat.
You’ll meet your guide and small group in the Downcity Arts District, which is less than a 10-minute drive from the park. Just make sure you get here a little before noon, as you’ll need to check in 15 minutes early.
From there, you’ll visit at least six restaurants, from mom-and-pop spots and a Chinese bun shop to a seafood shack and more upscale eateries. And the food? We’re talking everything from clam chowder and pretzels to margaritas and tacos, authentic Nigerian food and wine, a cider with pretzels, boba tea, Taiwanese chicken, lobster rolls, and even cereal ice cream! Sunday tours also have a stop at a wine shop for a tasting and charcuterie!
Our guide, however, made everything a lot more fun! Michelle is a tour guide by day and a chef by night, so she definitely knew her food! She also didn’t stop talking about the hidden murals and art, hard-to-find speakeasies, local festivals, and the city’s culture. Needless to say, we were hooked from the beginning.
Around 3 pm, we ended the tour with full bellies and a much better appreciation for this small but seriously diverse city. And I also learned Providence is much more than just great Italian food and Aperol Spritzes on Federal Hill!
Evening – Enjoy a scenic cruise
After your food tasting tour, you won’t be hungry for a while, and instead of going back to more walking and sightseeing, why not sit back, relax, and enjoy this short boat tour? Scenic cruises are my kryptonite, especially sunset ones, but this one was something else! You can also bring your own refreshments, which you’ll probably appreciate after all that walking and eating earlier!
There are several departure times around 4, 5, or 6 pm, and the cruise is only about an hour long, so it’s easy to fit into your afternoon. Plus, seeing Providence from the water gives you a whole new perspective of the city.
You’ll meet your captain and crew right downtown, at a little shop with local arts and gifts. Even with a quick turnaround from your food tour, you should have enough time to get here without rushing. If you have a later start time, enjoy some downtime on your own before the tour.
The boat is small and holds a maximum of 17 guests, which we really liked. The captain and guide were happy to answer all our questions, and we even made friends with a bunch of people. As we cruised past the landmarks, we got live commentary about everything from the Fox Point Hurricane Barrier and Providence Industrial Harbor to Waterplace Park and the pedestrian paths of Riverwalk.
Honestly, this was such a fun little break and a nice change of pace from the busy morning. We’d do it again in a heartbeat!
Dinner – Gift Horse
I hope you’re hungry by now, because it’s dinner time! Tonight, we’re sending you to Gift Horse, one of the best restaurants in Providence, and their chef even won the 2025 James Beard Award for Best Chef: Northeast. Depending on when you booked the boat tour, you should be here no later than 7:30 pm, and that’s with a little stop at your hotel to freshen up and dress up!
This place specializes in seafood, which makes sense since Rhode Island is nicknamed “The Ocean State.” But what got us hooked was the lovely space and fantastic vibe. It’s stylish but relaxed, which is exactly my kind of place. I could easily sit here for hours.
The menu is creative, with 11 different types of oysters from the region. All yummy and fresh! My suggestion is to tell your server your preference, start with a variety, then go for a second (or third) round. We also had monkfish toast and Jonah crab claws, but the claws were definitely the standout for me. Fresh, meaty, and absolutely delicious! Pairing them with one of their cocktails made my day.
It opens at 4 pm (closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays) and is mainly walk-in, but if you’re coming with a larger group, it’s best to make a reservation. Either way, check ahead if you’re going on a weekend.
Night – Enjoy cocktails with a view
The night isn’t over yet! After dinner, you’ve got lots of time before calling it a night, and since today was pretty relaxed, you shouldn’t be feeling tired just yet. Our suggestion? Cocktails with a great view of Providence! It seems only fitting for your final night here.
For that, we’re heading to the Rooftop at the Providence G, which is less than a five-minute walk from the restaurant. If you can, grab a spot on the open-air terrace, preferably near one of the fire pits. Weekend DJ nights are common here, so you might end up staying longer than planned. We know we did!
After drinks, take one last walk around downtown before you head back to your hotel. And if your trip happens to line up with the WaterFire Art Installation, go for it! Watching the fires light up the water is such a cool way to finish your stay in Providence. Just check the dates before you come, because they only do it about once a month.
Where to Stay in Providence, Rhode Island
Now that we’ve planned your entire getaway from morning till bedtime, let’s figure out where to stay! Downtown is the most central option and puts you closest to the action. Most of the tour meeting points are here too, so you won’t have much trouble getting around.
Here are our top hotel picks, from budget-friendly options to a little more splurgy.
Omni Providence – $$$
If you want a hotel where you can walk straight out the door and be right in the middle of Providence, Omni Providence is exactly where you’ll want to stay. It’s connected to the Rhode Island Convention Center and Providence Place Mall, plus you’re just steps from the historic downtown core, Waterplace Park, Brown University, and RISD. Basically, everything you need is right at your doorstep.
I love the heated indoor pool here, but the fitness center is pretty big and cool too. You can even get complimentary in-room fitness kits, so there really is no excuse not to squeeze in a workout! Food-wise, you’ve got a steakhouse and wine bar, an Italian restaurant, and a cafe serving fresh pastries and a light breakfast.
Prices start around $170 USD per night, which, if you ask us, is a pretty great deal for the location and all the perks you get with your stay. If you like the sound of it, check availability and lock in your stay here!
Aloft by Marriott Providence Downtown – $$
There’s no need to blow your entire travel budget on a hotel, especially when you can get somewhere this good for less. Aloft by Marriott Providence Downtown gives you a lot more than a place to spend the night.
I really like the modern loft-style look here, and it seems to be a popular choice with younger travelers. But honestly, I think anyone who likes a stylish room and fun shared spaces without the crazy price tag would be happy here. There’s a rooftop bar, a lobby lounge with live music, a 24-hour marketplace, and it’s pet-friendly, so what more could you want?
You’re also within a short walk of Brown University and Johnson & Wales University, plus the hotel sits right across from the scenic riverfront park. Price-wise, expect to pay anywhere from around $160 to $400+ USD per night, depending on your room and travel dates. Browse current rates and book your stay at Aloft by Marriott Providence Downtown here!
Hampton Inn & Suites Providence Downtown – $
If you’re looking for something more affordable but still charming and historic, Hampton Inn & Suites Providence Downtown is it. Not only does the hotel offer a free shuttle service to nearby businesses and local transit hubs, but you also get free breakfast every morning.
The rooms are spacious, and the suites come with small kitchenettes, which is really handy for families or larger groups who want to save a little by cooking meals themselves. It’s also the closest hotel to Brown University, so it’s super convenient if you’re visiting someone on campus.
There’s no bar or restaurant here, apart from the morning breakfast served in the lobby, but you’re surrounded by pizzerias and a ton of other dining spots, so grabbing dinner won’t be a problem. With prices starting at around $140 USD per night, it’s definitely one of the more affordable hotels in the area. Check your dates and book your stay at Hampton Inn & Suites Providence Downtown here!
Didn’t find the right place? Check out more hotel options for Providence here!
Book your Airport Taxi in advance
Start your trip stress-free by booking your airport taxi before you arrive. You’ll skip the long lines, avoid overpriced fares and scams, and won’t have to worry about explaining your hotel address to a driver. Simply prebook your airport pickup online here, and your driver will be ready to take you directly to your hotel!
Renting a Car in the USA
The United States is a vast country with diverse landscapes, from bustling cities to scenic national parks. While public transportation exists in major cities, renting a car is often the best way to explore the country’s wide-open spaces and hidden gems.
We always book with Discover Cars and can’t recommend them enough. It’s super easy to compare prices, check company ratings, find the right vehicle for your needs, and add affordable full coverage insurance. If you want a full breakdown, check out our Discover Cars review here.
Tips for Renting a Car in the USA
What You Need to Rent a Car in the USA
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Thanks for reading!
Two days in Providence might not sound like much, but you can pack a surprising amount into a weekend here! Between exploring historic neighborhoods, eating your way around the city, cruising the river, checking out the local art scene, and squeezing in a few spooky stories, you’ll get a great taste of what makes Rhode Island’s capital so much fun.
Before you head off, check out all of our USA travel blogs! We have more weekend itineraries, where to stay guides, and lists of the best things to do to help plan your next adventure. Or keep reading with a few of our related blogs below!
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How to Spend THREE Days in Newport, Rhode Island: 3-Day Itinerary
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The Services We Recommend
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