Providence, RI, Guide & Information | Discovery Map
Your Guide to Providence, RI.
Welcome to Providence
Nestled along the banks of the Providence River, Providence, Rhode Island, is a vibrant and culturally rich city that seamlessly blends history, art, and culinary delights. Known as the "Creative Capital," Providence offers visitors an immersive experience filled with architectural wonders, renowned educational institutions, and a thriving arts scene.
One of the highlights of Providence is its historic architecture, particularly in the College Hill neighborhood. The area is home to prestigious institutions like Brown University and the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), which contribute to the city's intellectual and artistic ambiance. Visitors can explore the historic campus grounds, admire the beautiful colonial-era buildings, and immerse themselves in the academic atmosphere.
The city's arts scene is evident throughout Providence, with numerous galleries, theaters, and performance spaces showcasing a diverse range of artistic expressions. The RISD Museum, one of the country's finest art museums, houses an impressive collection spanning ancient civilizations to contemporary art. The Providence Performing Arts Center offers a venue for Broadway shows, concerts, and other live performances, while WaterFire, a unique public art installation, illuminates the river with flickering bonfires and captivating music.
Providence's culinary scene is a gastronomic delight, with a wide array of restaurants, cafes, and food trucks offering a diverse range of cuisines. From innovative farm-to-table eateries to beloved neighborhood diners, there's something to satisfy every palate. Visitors can savor delectable seafood, indulge in Italian specialties on Federal Hill, or enjoy a local favorite: a "New York System" hot wiener.
The city's riverside location provides ample opportunities for outdoor activities. Visitors can stroll along the picturesque Riverwalk, take a gondola ride along the waterways, or rent a kayak to explore the Providence River and nearby parks. Waterplace Park, with its serene water basins and pedestrian bridges, is a popular spot for relaxation and events.
Providence also hosts a variety of festivals and events throughout the year, including the Providence International Arts Festival, FirstWorks Providence, and the Rhode Island Chinese Dragon Boat Races and Taiwan Day Festival. These celebrations bring the city to life, showcasing the diversity and cultural vibrancy of Providence.
With its rich history, thriving arts scene, and culinary delights, Providence offers a dynamic destination for visitors seeking a blend of culture, creativity, and charm. Whether you're exploring its historic architecture, immersing yourself in the arts, or indulging in culinary delights, Providence promises a memorable experience that highlights the city's unique character and spirit.
Providence on our Web Map
Discovering Providence: A 5-Day Itinerary
Providence, Rhode Island is a charming city with a rich history, beautiful architecture, and plenty of delicious food. Here is a 5-day itinerary to help you make the most of your visit:
Start your trip by exploring downtown Providence. Begin with a visit to the State House, the impressive marble-domed building that serves as the state's capital. Then, head over to Waterplace Park and stroll along the riverwalk to admire the picturesque views of the river and the historic bridges. Stop for lunch at the famous Providence Oyster Bar, where you can indulge in fresh seafood and delicious cocktails. In the afternoon, visit the RISD Museum to admire the impressive collection of art and design, including works by Monet, Van Gogh, and Degas.
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Providence Annual Events
Providence, Rhode Island, is a city known for its rich history, diverse cultural offerings, and lively events scene. Throughout the year, the city plays host to a wide variety of seasonal events that draw crowds from near and far. From festive holiday celebrations to outdoor concerts and art festivals, there's always something happening in Providence. In this article, we'll explore some of the most popular seasonal events in Providence and what you can expect to see and experience at each one.
Fall is a particularly lovely time to be in Providence, as the leaves turn vibrant shades of red and gold and the weather cools down to a comfortable temperature. There are plenty of seasonal events happening in the city during this time of year, including:
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Shop Til You Drop in Providence!
If you are planning a shopping trip to Providence or simply looking for some retail therapy, read on to discover our favorite shopping districts in this vibrant city.
Thayer Street is a popular shopping destination for students from nearby Brown University and Rhode Island School of Design. The street is lined with unique shops, vintage clothing stores, and cafes.
Our Favorite Hotels and B&Bs in Providence
Providence, Rhode Island, is a charming and vibrant city that offers visitors a unique blend of culture, history, and entertainment. Whether you're visiting for business or pleasure, there are plenty of fantastic places to stay in Providence. Here are some of the best.
The hotel features 52 beautifully designed rooms, each with its own unique character and charm. Amenities include a restaurant, coffee shop, and bar, as well as a rooftop lounge that offers stunning views of the city.
Local's Corner: Providence, RI Best Kept Secrets
Most Discovery Map franchise owners live and work in their map territories. The ones that do not spend significant time in those territories (think vacation home, seasonal visits). As a result, they’re experts in all things local.
We asked Amy Newman from Discovery Map of Providence about some of her favorite local spots. Read on for an informed local's perspective!
Discovering Providence: A 5-Day Itinerary
Providence, Rhode Island is a charming city with a rich history, beautiful architecture, and plenty of delicious food. Here is a 5-day itinerary to help you make the most of your visit:
Start your trip by exploring downtown Providence. Begin with a visit to the State House, the impressive marble-domed building that serves as the state's capital. Then, head over to Waterplace Park and stroll along the riverwalk to admire the picturesque views of the river and the historic bridges. Stop for lunch at the famous Providence Oyster Bar, where you can indulge in fresh seafood and delicious cocktails. In the afternoon, visit the RISD Museum to admire the impressive collection of art and design, including works by Monet, Van Gogh, and Degas.
Local's Corner: Providence, RI Best Kept Secrets
Most Discovery Map franchise owners live and work in their map territories. The ones that do not spend significant time in those territories (think vacation home, seasonal visits). As a result, they’re experts in all things local.
We asked Amy Newman from Discovery Map of Providence about some of her favorite local spots. Read on for an informed local's perspective!
Discovering Providence: A 3-Day Itinerary with the 2022/2023 Discovery Map
Providence, Rhode Island, may be a small city, but it's packed with character and charm. With a rich history, vibrant art scene, and delicious food, there's no shortage of things to do and see. And when it comes to exploring the city, there's no better way than by visiting the local businesses featured in the 2022/2023 Providence Discovery Map!
The Almost Complete Guide to Providence
One of the oldest cities in the United States, Providence is steeped in history while exuding a young, happening vibe. Home of Brown University, a renowned Ivy League school, as well as many other institutions of higher learning, Providence, the third largest city in New England, is everything but stodgy.
Discovery Map Travel Podcast Ep. 20: Providence, Rhode Island
On this episode we talk with Elise Swearingen from GoProvidence.com. We talk to her about this capital city located in the smallest state in the USA. You can follow them here:
Twitter: @ProvidenceRI
Shop Til You Drop in Providence!
If you are planning a shopping trip to Providence or simply looking for some retail therapy, read on to discover our favorite shopping districts in this vibrant city.
Thayer Street is a popular shopping destination for students from nearby Brown University and Rhode Island School of Design. The street is lined with unique shops, vintage clothing stores, and cafes.
Our Favorite Hotels and B&Bs in Providence
Providence, Rhode Island, is a charming and vibrant city that offers visitors a unique blend of culture, history, and entertainment. Whether you're visiting for business or pleasure, there are plenty of fantastic places to stay in Providence. Here are some of the best.
The hotel features 52 beautifully designed rooms, each with its own unique character and charm. Amenities include a restaurant, coffee shop, and bar, as well as a rooftop lounge that offers stunning views of the city.
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