32 Best & Fun Things To Do In Providence (Rhode Island)

Bonfires on the river. Three-cent candy shops. Ritzy movie palaces.

These are just a few of the attractions that you’ll find in Providence, Rhode Island, a fun and quirky destination in New England.

Originally settled in 1636, Providence has always been different.

Its founder was exiled by Puritans for his so-called “radical” ideology, so he decided to start his own city founded on his own principles.

The citizens, too, delight in being unique.

For example, many of them call downtown Providence “downcity” Providence.

What does all of this mean for you as a traveler?

It means that you’ll have a ball in Providence!

Far from being a stuffy, old-fashioned New England town, it’s a place where there’s always something new to discover.

Whether you’re into exciting adventures or leisurely explorations of new places, you can experience it here.

Are you ready to pack up and see the city for yourself?

Here are just a few fun things to do in Providence, Rhode Island.

1. Roger Williams Park

Covering more than 400 acres, Roger Williams Park is one of the major points of interest in Providence.

It’s full of tourist attractions for visitors of all ages, including a zoo, planetarium, botanical garden, and natural history museum.

Established in 1872, the park is dedicated to the founder of Providence, Roger Williams.

His spirit is kept alive through the many activities drawing travelers to the land like a beacon.

There are greenhouses and boathouses; there are carousels and bandstands.

If you like history, you can take a historical tour of local landmarks, including an 18th century cottage once owned by Roger William’s family.

If you enjoy nature, there are numerous ponds, flowers, gardens, and trails, including one that ends in a waterfall.

All things considered, Roger Williams Park is one of the top attractions in Providence.

Go ahead and channel the spirit of Mr. Williams to take a look.

He would approve of your curiosity and discovery.

Address: Pine Hill Ave, Providence, RI 02907, United States

2. Providence Performing Arts Center

The Providence Performing Arts Center is one of those cool vacation spots that you’ll talk about for years to come.

How many times in your life will you get the chance to visit an authentic, old-fashioned movie palace?

Built in 1928, the building has all of the razzle-dazzle style of the era, including a gigantic marquee that lights up the whole sidewalk on the outside.

Inside, your eyes will be just as awed; there are marble columns, crystal chandeliers, plush red seats, and cathedral-style patterns and mosaics on the ceilings.

As for the entertainment on offer, you’ll find everything from plays to music concerts to comedy routines.

One night might have Les Miserables or My Fair Lady while another night hosts Jersey Boys or the Blue Man Group.

Take a step back in time with the Providence Performing Arts Center.

It’ll offer a lavish experience for everyone with a bit of flapper spirit in them, which is why it’s one of the best destinations in Providence.

Address: 220 Weybosset St, Providence, RI 02903, United States

3. WaterFire

The aptly-named WaterFire is one of the most unique things to see in Providence.

In fact, it might be unique in the entire world.

Where else can you watch 100 bonfires crackling on top of rivers?

Though it looks like magic, it’s actually art.

A series of burning art installations are put on boats and floated down the three rivers that flow into downtown Providence.

Between them, other boats carrying mimes, musicians, and fire twirlers provide entertainment for spectators strolling down the riverbanks.

One thing to know about WaterFire is that it takes place on a schedule: 1 – 2 times a month on Saturday nights between May and November.

In other words, you’ll need to be in Providence on a non-winter weekend to see it.

Ultimately, however, it’s worth arranging your travel itinerary to see WaterFire this weekend.

Not only is it one of a kind among Providence attractions, but it’s an experience that you’ll be hard-pressed to find anywhere else on the planet.

Address: 4 N Main St, Providence, RI 02903, United States

4. Neutaconkanut Hill Conservancy

You don’t have to spend money to have a good time in Providence.

There are plenty of free things to do in and near the city, especially if you enjoy the outdoors.

One such option is the Neutaconkanut Hill Conservancy.

Located almost 300 feet above sea level, Neutaconkanut Hill offers some of the highest aerial views that you can get without taking a helicopter tour, making it a top sightseeing destination for hikers, trekkers, and wildlife trackers.

It’s also a beautiful destination in its own right, one filled with forests, meadows, tree groves, and freshwater springs.

Visitors can explore a number of trails or enjoy park amenities like a playground and a multipurpose athletic field.

In the winter, there are hills for sledding and snowshoeing; in the autumn, there are observation spots for admiring the changing colors of the leaves.

Enjoy Providence without spending a dime when you visit the Neutaconkanut Hill Conservancy.

It’s fun, beautiful, affordable, and memorable, so it’s easily one of the best locations in the city.

Address: Legion Memorial Dr, Providence, RI 02909, United States

5. RISD Museum

Run by the Rhode Island School of Design, the RISD Museum is a massive collection of photos, paintings, sculptures, wood blocks, silk prints, and more.

Whether you’re into Chinese calligraphy or ancient Egyptian pottery, you’ll find something to admire in works that span the globe.

Permanent exhibitions include everything from Spanish coins to Tibetan Buddhas to Greek and Roman busts.

Special exhibits have names like “Striking Chords: Music in Ukiyo-E Prints” and “A Changing Reflection: Silver, Metalwork, and Jewelry in the 19th – 21st Centuries.”

There are a number of events held at the museum as well, and they generally reflect the same civic engagement and commitment to diversity and cross-cultural understanding that the museum was built on.

For example, there might be musical performances with traditional instruments or disability seminars to raise awareness about issues in contemporary society.

All in all, if you’re wondering what to do in Providence during a vacation, you won’t want to miss the RISD Museum.

It’s a wonderful place that can teach you a lot while also deepening your understanding of art.

Address: 20 N Main St, Providence, RI 02903, United States

Exploring other parts of Rhode Island? Why not check out some of the things to do in Newport, RI?

6. West Side Diner

Did you know that the concept of a “diner” was invented in Providence?

Established in the 1800s as a way for nighttime workers to scarf down a quick meal, the idea quickly spread throughout New England and, later, the United States as a whole.

The West Side Diner isn’t one of the originals, but it’s a near-perfect replica, so it’s a great way to pay tribute to history.

Its design includes everything from vintage neon signage to red-topped stools pulled up at the countertops.

Its menu is equally nostalgic, serving burgers, shakes, and bottomless cups of coffee at all hours of the day.

If you’re wondering what to do in a city like Providence, grab a bite to eat at the West Side Diner.

It’s not just delicious.

It’s tradition!

Address: 1380 Westminster St, Providence, RI 02909, United States

7. Providence Children’s Museum

With a large, colorful dragon wrapping around its brick building, you can tell with one glance that the Providence Children’s Museum isn’t like other museums.

It’s a treasure trove for fun, hands-on activities that will also encourage a child’s interest in STEM.

Places to visit in the museum include an “Innovation Lab” where kids can build crafts and simple machines, a “Water Ways” where they can splash around while learning about the natural world, and a “Thinkspace” where they can challenge themselves with riddles, puzzles, and other cognitive games.

There’s even a garden that includes an underground section for education on everything from burrowing animals to the science of sounds and echoes!

If you’re traveling to Providence with kids, you won’t want to miss the Providence Children’s Museum.

It’s a top 10 destination for the young and the young at heart alike.

Address: 100 South St, Providence, RI 02903, United States

8. Rhode Island Seafood Festival

Nicknamed “The Ocean State,” Rhode Island has a long and proud history of fishing, crabbing, and general seafaring.

Nowhere is this legacy more apparent than the Rhode Island Seafood Festival.

Held every fall, the Rhode Island Seafood Festival is a multi-day celebration of everything that can be caught in the water and served with tartar sauce.

The food is served from stalls, booths, and trucks, and it ranges from shrimp tacos and clam chowders to lobster grilled cheeses and fish filet sandwiches.

There are many local inventions as well, so if you’ve ever wanted to try maple bacon scallop skewers or Cajun crab nachos, here’s your chance!

When you’ve gotten your plate, wander the grounds and check out other fun attractions of the festival, including music, beer, and various games and contests.

Don’t visit the ocean without taking full advantage of what it offers, including a delightful assortment of seafood.

Go to Providence during the Rhode Island Seafood Festival and enjoy!

Address: 201 India St, Providence, RI 02903, United States

9. Roger Williams Park Zoo

As one of the oldest zoos in the country, Roger Williams Park Zoo has been delighting visitors for more than 150 years.

However, it’s come a long way from its roots as a small animal show in the park.

Today, it’s among the biggest and most celebrated of Providence’s attractions, and it offers a rollicking good time for “kids aged 2 – 102.”

The animals are the biggest draw of the zoo, of course, and you’ll find everything from Flemish giant rabbits to Amazonian poison dart frogs.

The critters are free-roaming in natural habitats and not cages.

Most are divided by geographic region, so you’ll go to “Fabric of Africa” to see elephants and giraffes, “Faces of the Rainforest” to see toucans and tarantulas, and “The Wetlands Trail” to see fish, turtles, and waterfowl.

Other activities at the zoo include sky trams, train rides, carousel rides, petting zoos, kids’ camps, and animal encounters.

Special events range from food truck days to Asian lantern festivals.

Ultimately, the Roger Williams Park Zoo is a destination that you won’t want to miss.

It’s fun for the whole family, and it offers so much stuff to do that you won’t even know where to start!

Address: 1000 Elmwood Ave, Providence, RI 02907, United States

10. Providence Ghost Tour

Get a little spooky with a Providence Ghost Tour.

It’ll take you on a journey through “the dark side of the East Side,” offering all kinds of gory tales and ghastly sights that serve as the basis for local legends.

Halloween tours are the most fun; you can dress in costume and join a group of like-minded revelers as you walk the streets on the most haunted night of the year.

Treats are also provided for your own version of trick-or-treat.

Even if it isn’t Halloween, however, you can still get thrills and chills: Tours are conducted by lantern light, and you’re encouraged to snap photos of any shadows or apparitions that you see around buildings, landmarks, and tombstones.

If you’re trying to decide between different places to go in Providence, why not go to them all?

With a Providence Ghost Tour, you can learn about the city’s history, see some of its most interesting landmarks, and give yourself some hair-rising scares.

It’s a win-win-win!

Address: 60 Congdon St, Providence, RI 02906, United States

11. John Brown House Museum

Hailed as “the most magnificent and elegant private mansion (…) ever seen on this continent” by one of the country’s earliest presidents, the John Brown House was the first residence of its kind in 18th century Rhode Island.

It’s been carefully preserved since then, so even though it’s registered as a National Historic Landmark, visitors today can tour it like it was built yesterday.

What makes it so impressive?

For starters, it has three stories of grand old architecture that includes columns, porticos, marble busts, and ornate staircases and balustrades.

It’s also furnished with authentic antiques ranging from silvers and textiles to paintings and wall maps.

Other places to visit at the museum include a fully restored 18th century carriage as well as a lovely garden on the grounds.

Tours are available year round, though hours will vary depending on the season.

History comes alive at the John Brown House Museum.

If you’d like a glimpse of high society life in the late 1700s, book your tickets and walk a mile in Mr. Brown’s shoes.

Address: 52 Power St, Providence, RI 02906, United States

12. Federal Hill

Known as the “Little Italy” of the city, Federal Hill is a neighborhood known for its Italian and Italian-American population.

Between the food, drink, art, theater, and overall culture, you’ll feel like you stepped into Rome as soon as you hit the block.

Atwells Avenue is the main street that runs through Federal Hill, and it’s famous primarily for its cuisine: There are more than 20 restaurants in a quarter mile.

Whether you’re in the mood for hearty pasta or light and fluffy gelato, you can find it here.

Follow the Italian flags strung up on the streetlights to explore more of the neighborhood, including markets, bars, bakeries, bistros, and specialty shops.

A centrally-located plaza will let you sit or stroll among the crowds.

During the summer months, you might be serenaded by buskers playing traditional Italian violins.

If you’re looking for unique things to do in and near Providence, consider enjoying authentic Italian culture in the heart of New England.

It’ll definitely make a story for when you get home!

Address: Providence, RI, United States

13. Gallery Night

Held on the third Thursday of every month from March to November, Gallery Night is a city-wide event that celebrates art, culture, and history.

It’s a coordinated effort where galleries and museums open their doors to all at no charge.

You can even take a free trolley tour to the hot spots of the evening!

Including tours of the participating sites, you can also enjoy music and refreshments provided at the stops.

Some sites even hire guides, including local celebrities, to lead you from one attraction to the next.

You’ll wander through exhibits, galleries, workshops, demonstrations, landmarks, and more.

Gallery Night can be an unforgettable evening for those visiting Providence.

Not only is it one of the best free things to do in the city, but since it’s filled with sights from all over the world, it can be a globetrotting experience contained within a single trolley ride.

Address: Providence, RI, United States

14. Lincoln Woods State Park

Located a few miles north of Providence, Lincoln Woods State Park is a great place to get away from it all.

It’s far from the commotion of the city, so you’ll be able to enjoy fresh air and sunshine in a natural landscape, but it’s also developed enough to offer a wide range of outdoor activities.

In the summer, you can go swimming, fishing, hiking, biking, or horseback riding.

In the winter, you can go sledding, snowmobiling, or ice skating.

Places to visit range from freshwater beaches to deeply forested trails to cliffs that are perfect for bouldering.

You can bring your own equipment or rent whatever you need from the concessionaire; they even offer lessons in things like kayaking and canoeing if you’re a first-timer!

Recharge your batteries with a trip to Lincoln Woods State Park.

It’s beautifully rugged, so it’ll heal your soul, but it’s also conveniently modern, so you won’t have to be totally off the grid while you get relaxed and refreshed.

Address: 2 Manchester Print Works Rd, Lincoln, RI 02865, United States

15. Providence Place

Covering more than 1.4 million square feet, Providence Place is the largest shopping mall in Rhode Island, and it feels even bigger thanks to its skybridges, glass ceilings, and open-air architecture.

You’ll get lost in the very best of ways as you fall down the rabbit hole of retail therapy!

Stores range from inexpensive kiosks and knickknack shops to high-end fashion boutiques and technology hubs.

A food court serves cuisines from all around the world, and an IMAX theater plays all of the latest blockbusters.

You’ll also want to see the mall’s “winter garden.”

It’s an elaborate, four-level structure with glass walls, and it provides breathtaking views of the city.

It also makes the mall a great place to visit during inclement weather since it’ll keep you warm and dry no matter what kind of storm is raging outside!

If you’re wondering what to do on a rainy or snowy day in Providence, this could be your best bet.

Grab your wallet.

Put on your most comfortable pair of sneakers.

It’s time to hit up Providence Place.

Address: One Providence Pl, Providence, RI 02903, United States

16. Downtown Providence

Downtown, or “downcity,” is a great destination in Providence.

Not only does it offer tons of activities for the intrepid adventurer, but it’s also just as unique as the rest of the city, offering an eclectic blend of old and new.

Parts of downtown date back centuries, including the historic homes and theater palaces that make up the Downtown Providence Historic District.

Other places are newer, including the shops, bars, restaurants, malls, and markets that line the retail and business plazas.

One iconic landmark is the Industrial Trust Company Building, also known as the “Superman Building” thanks to its resemblance to Daily Planet headquarters.

It’s a skyscraper of dizzying height and amazing art deco architecture.

Other well-known sites include the Rhode Island Convention Center and the Rhode Island School of Design.

If you don’t know where to start during your vacation, start downtown.

From craning your neck at skyscrapers to walking down sidewalks dotted with boutiques and bakeries, there are many things to do in downtown Providence.

Address: Providence, RI, United States

17. Candy4pennies

Candy4pennies is exactly what it sounds like: a store where you can buy chocolates, gummies, toffees, and lollipops for literally pennies on the dollar.

It’s one of the last remaining candy shops that sells “by the piece” rather than “by the pound,” so not only is it budget-friendly, but it’ll also give you a feeling of nostalgia for the good old days.

Aside from its attractive prices, it’s a fun place to visit, too.

The shelves are lined with jars and jugs of every color.

Stuffed animals are propped up on the countertops.

Posters are everywhere.

You’ll definitely feel like a kid again as you explore.

All in all, Candy4pennies is one of the best things to do in Providence.

It doesn’t matter if you’re stretching your budget or just looking for unique experiences in the city.

Before you leave, you’re sure to be popping bubblegum and layering candy necklaces around your neck.

Address: 280 Elmwood Ave, Providence, RI 02907, United States

18. Swan Point Cemetery

Do you hear the call of Cthulhu?

His creator, gothic horror writer H.P. Lovecraft, is buried here.

His grave is often visited by fans.

You might be surprised to learn that Swan Point Cemetery is a tourist attraction.

Why would people want to spend their leisure time among the dead?

But Swan Point Cemetery is no ordinary cemetery: It’s a stunning collection of gardens, gazebos, sculptures, fountains, and burial sites that cover a wide range of cultures and time periods.

Many visitors come to the cemetery just to enjoy the beauty and tranquility of the area.

There’s even a two-mile walking trail that curves around the riverbank!

Other things to see at the cemetery include the graves themselves.

From simple headstones to elaborate tombs and burial vaults, you could spend hours exploring all of the monuments, statues, stone markers, crypts, and sarcophagi.

It might not be listed among the travel guides of the city, but if you’re looking for cool, unusual things to do in Providence, go exploring in Swan Point Cemetery.

It’ll remind you to appreciate life even as it honors death.

Address: 585 Blackstone Blvd, Providence, RI 02906, United States

19. Rhode Island State House

It would be a shame to visit Rhode Island without visiting Rhode Island’s state capitol, but thankfully, it can be found right on the crest of downtown.

You’ll know the state house when you see it: Its white neoclassical marble is topped by a gigantic dome, and on top of that, a golden statue called The Independent Man raises his arm over the city.

He’s a representation of Roger Williams and the independent spirit that led him to found Providence back in the 17th century.

Today, the state house is a place where you can take both guided and self-guided tours to see how Rhode Island’s politicians operate.

There are also cool things to see like a replica of the Liberty Bell and a gun from the battle of Gettysburg.

Did we mention that there’s no charge for admission?

If you’re looking for free things to do in and near Providence, the Rhode Island State House can be a fun afternoon trip that doesn’t cost a dime.

You might even learn a thing or two about law, history, or government while you’re there!

Address: 82 Smith St, Providence, RI 02903, United States

20. Waterplace Park

Have you ever dreamed of taking a romantic gondola ride with your significant other?

Well, you don’t have to travel to Venice to do it.

Waterplace Park is located in the heart of Providence, and they offer gondola rentals down the river both day and night.

Gondolas aren’t the only way that the park embodies the Venetian spirit, either.

From cobblestone streets to arched pedestrian bridges over the water, you’ll feel like you’re in a classic Italian painting even though you’ve never left Rhode Island.

Foodies can indulge in the many eateries lining the riverwalk.

Shoppers can check out tons of stores and boutiques.

Even sightseeing is amazing when you plan your trip during WaterFire; the park offers amazing views of the blazes on the river!

If you’re looking for romantic things to do during your trip to Providence, you’ve found one.

Book a gondola for tonight and say buongiorno!

Address: Memorial Blvd, Providence, RI 02903, United States

21. Thayer Street

A ramble down Thayer Street can be one of the most fun things to do in Providence.

It’s the main avenue of a young, trendy neighborhood geared towards college students, so there’s always something new to see, and there’s always a lively audience to appreciate it.

Businesses range from quirky tearooms and smoke shops to vintage bookstores and secondhand clothing boutiques.

Local hot spots include an old-fashioned cinema and a diverse range of food options from all four corners of the globe, including many “hole in the wall” types with cheap menus catering towards the young folk.

You’ll find plenty of regular brands, too, so don’t worry if you start craving Chipotle, Shake Shack, or other favorites.

They’re well-represented here.

Tourist attractions aren’t always listed in travel brochures.

Sometimes, they’re places known only to the people who are actually living in Providence, and that includes Thayer Street.

Go and live like a local for awhile!

Address: Thayer Street, Providence, RI 02903, United States

22. Verde Vineyards

Though it’s located a few miles east of Providence, Verde Vineyards is such a beautiful sight that it’s worth a short trip outside of the city.

You’ll exit the cold gray freeways and enter a land of lush, vivid greenery that includes rolling hills, sun-dappled trees, and glittering views of the local lake.

Once you’re at the vineyard, you can choose how to spend your time.

Some folks just come for the tours and tastings; others like to bring a picnic lunch and enjoy the wine over the course of a long afternoon.

If you fall in love with any of the bounty, you can purchase it by the bottle at the shop.

If you’re looking for great places to visit near and around Providence, go for a scenic drive that ends at Verde Vineyards.

It’ll get you drunk on fine wine and even finer scenery, making it a feast for all of your senses, not just your taste buds!

Address: 50 Hopkins Ave, Johnston, RI 02919, United States

23. Providence Atheneum

Established in 1836, the Providence Atheneum is among the oldest libraries in America, and it has a collection to reflect that.

You could spend days wandering among its shelves of dusty, yellow-edged books that span a wide range of fictional and nonfictional topics.

It isn’t all ancient history, however.

It’s a modern library with plenty of contemporary books as well as digitized archives of art, music, film, poetry, and other forms of media.

It even has designated sections with themes like “pamphlet section,” “travel and exploration collection,” and “natural history collection.”

If you decide to visit the Providence Atheneum, you should know that you’re in good company, too.

Edgar Allen Poe once courted Sarah Whitman in secluded alcoves of the library!

An afternoon at the Providence Atheneum is one of the best things to do in Rhode Island.

Whether you’re interested in a 1482 edition of Ptolemy’s Cosmographia or the complete eight-film collection of Harry Potter, there’s a lot to be discovered here.

Address: 251 Benefit St, Providence, RI 02903, United States

24. Museum of Natural History and Planetarium

Look up at the night sky.

Do you see all of those glittering stars?

It’s possible to count them one by one when you visit the Museum of Natural History and Planetarium.

Located within Roger Williams Park, the museum is dedicated to the natural history of not just Rhode Island but the entire world.

Exhibits cover a broad range of social, cultural, and scientific topics such as seismic shifts, urban wildlife, oceanography, space exploration, and prehistoric civilizations.

The planetarium is a must-see as well.

It offers shows every weekend that will dazzle you with gigantic dome displays while also educating you on celestial matters.

The Museum of Natural History and Planetarium is one of the best things to do in Providence.

Whether you’re interested in the dirt beneath your feet or the twinkling planets far above your head, this is the place to explore them, so go ahead and book your tickets for this weekend.

Address: 1000 Elmwood Ave, Providence, RI 02907, United States

25. Harry’s Bar and Burger

If you like thick, juicy burgers with oozing cheeses and finger-licking sauces, you’ll want to leave a notch on your belt for Harry’s Bar and Burger.

Their burgers have been ranked first in America by CNN.com and first in the world by Burgered.com.

What’s their secret?

It’s a combination of fresh ingredients and natural, home-grown beef… and that’s it.

Rather than relying on any gimmicks, they make everyday burgers with high-quality ingredients, and the results speak for themselves.

Other menu items include chili, chicken wings, hot dogs, and sliders.

The bar offers a variety of craft beers and hard shakes.

Don’t forget a side of cheese fries with your order!

A visit to Harry’s Bar and Burger is one of the most delicious things to do in Providence.

When you’ve worked up an appetite during your vacation, this is the place to go.

Address: 121 N Main St, Providence, RI 02903, United States

26. Brown University

Brown University is another one of those places that might not strike you as a tourist attraction, but curious, broad-minded travelers can find plenty of fun things to do on campus.

The libraries, for example, have extensive collections of books, maps, films, and U.S. postage stamps, so they’ll be a delight for collectors, history buffs, and cartography enthusiasts.

The environmental center has glass greenhouses filled with amazing jungles.

The art gallery hosts four or five exhibitions a year, and the anthropology museum hosts even more than that.

The campus itself is also worth a tour.

You don’t have to be an aspiring undergraduate to schedule one.

Brown is so old that some of its buildings have been around for centuries, including its University Hall, which served as both barracks and a makeshift hospital during the Revolutionary War.

Brown University can be one of the most interesting places to go for folks with intellectual curiosity.

If you want to get more out of your vacation than just beers on the water, consider a visit.

Address: Providence, RI 02912, United States

27. Providence River Boat Company

Pretend like you’re an European settler coming to Rhode Island for the first time when you take a trip with the Providence River Boat Company.

They offer a variety of boat tours for travelers of all types, and their trips are catered towards the coolest, most interesting things to see around the city.

Explorers, for example, might like a tour of the Green Jacket Shoal, a notorious “ship graveyard” where many vessels have come to a watery end.

Romantics might enjoy a vineyard voyage or a twilight river cruise that takes place during sunset.

Grown-up kids can treat their parents to a Mother’s Day Mimosa Tour or a Father’s Day Boat Tour.

There are also plenty of tours that will put you right on the river during WaterFire!

The best way to see Providence is on the water, and the Providence River Boat Company will take care of all of the logistics.

All that you have to do is book a boat, slather on some sunscreen, and enjoy a great time this weekend.

Address: 101 Dyer St, Providence, RI 02903, United States

28. First Baptist Church in America

Built in 1775 and dating back to 1638, the First Baptist Church in America is one of the oldest of its kind in all of New England.

It’s so old, in fact, that it’s been designated as a National Historic Landmark.

What to do at the church depends on your areas of interest.

If you’re religious, you can attend weekly mass and worship services.

If you enjoy spiritual music, you can drop by for Sunday morning concerts, choir practices, or demonstrations of the authentic 1800s organ.

If you’re completely secular, there are things for you to do, too.

For example, you can tour the church, marvel at its architecture, and appreciate its history.

Did you know that it was designed by an astronomer?

The First Baptist Church in America isn’t just for Christians.

It’s a Providence landmark that can be admired by travelers from all over, especially those who enjoy throwbacks to older times.

Address: 75 N Main St, Providence, RI 02903, United States

29. Bally’s Twin River Lincoln Casino Resort

This is another attraction that’s just a little outside of the city, but if you’re willing to drive about 15 minutes out of your way, you can enter a whole new world at Bally’s.

Thousands of slot machines are jingling and jangling at any given moment.

Dealers are constantly shuffling at poker, blackjack, and baccarat tables.

The event center is never without a new simulcast or thoroughbred or greyhound racing.

Other cool things at the casino include bars, lounges, cigar shops, concert stages, and steak and seafood restaurants.

It’s an adult playground with all kinds of fun and games for those old enough to play.

Are you feeling lucky?

Toss down a few chips at Bally’s.

It’s one of the most exciting things to do in Providence, and if you hit the jackpot, it’ll also be one of the most lucrative.

Address: 100 Twin River Rd, Lincoln, RI 02865, United States

30. Federal Hill Summer Festival

Held every summer when the last of winter has faded and the sun is shining high in the sky, the Federal Hill Summer Festival is a celebration of good food, good company, and good weather.

It lasts an entire weekend at the end of June, usually after Father’s Day, so it’s the perfect way to kick off the season.

Food is offered from more than two dozen stalls and trucks.

Music is played nonstop from three different outdoor stages.

Carnival games are aplenty, and on some years, there are amusement park rides to go along with them.

Kids and adults will both have plenty of opportunities for fun.

The Federal Hill Summer Festival is one of the biggest and brightest of Providence attractions, especially if you’re a sun baby who loves being outdoors when the weather is nice.

Are you headed to the city in the summer?

Celebrate your trip in style with a festival of fun.

Address: Providence, RI 02909, United States

31. Moniker Brewery

Date night doesn’t get better than this.

If you’re looking for the coolest and most contemporary of Providence’s attractions, look no further than the Moniker Brewery.

Brimming with industrial chic, this brewery is small enough to have indie charm but developed enough that its menu is top notch.

Whether you’re looking for a cold canned beer or a classic draft, they’ve got you covered.

They also have a small selection of non-alcoholic drinks including coffee and kombucha tea.

Aside from its menu, you might also enjoy its location.

Between its tap room and its beer garden, you can have a “choose your own adventure” date night in terms of ambience.

Impress your sweetheart with one of the most fun places to go in Providence.

Between its menu, atmosphere, and staff, Moniker Brewery will definitely make you a date to remember.

Address: 432 W Fountain St, Providence, RI 02903, United States

32. Prospect Terrace Park

Say goodbye to Providence with one last look at the skyline via Prospect Terrace Park.

Nicknamed “the jewel of the city,” it’s a picturesque destination that offers sweeping views of the entire downtown Providence area, so it’ll be perfect for your final selfies.

Elevated by a hill, Prospect Terrace Park is an observation point for many things to see, including famous tourist attractions like the Providence Place Mall and the Rhode Island State House.

It’s also the final resting place of founder Roger Williams.

Just as you started your vacation with a trip to his park, you can end it by saying farewell to his tomb and to a granite statue bearing his likeness.

Finish your trip in style with a trip to Prospect Terrace Park.

It’ll have meaning, and it’ll serve as the backdrop for some stunning sunset pics of the city skyline.

What more could you want?

Address: 60 Congdon St, Providence, RI 02906, United States

Start Planning Your Trip To Providence

From gondola rides to ghost tours, these are just a few of the best things to do in Providence, Rhode Island.

It’s a lively place filled with history, legacy, and personality, so no matter where you choose to go, you should have a blast.

Happy travels!