12 Best Things to Do in Providence, Rhode Island

See a Show at One of Providence's Historic Theatres

Providence Performing Arts Center first opened as a movie palace in 1928 and now is a popular venue featuring everything from comedy shows and concerts to Broadway musicals like "Wicked," "Hamilton," "Jesus Christ Superstar," and "Jersey Boys," among others. 20 national Broadway tours have launched in this impossibly beautiful theater, listed on the National Register of Historic Places today despite nearly being destroyed by two horrific hurricanes in 1938 and 1954. Following a rough patch in the 1970s when it mainly served as a concert venue and fell into disrepair, it was revamped in the 1980s and is now better than ever.

Nearby, the Trinity Repertoire Company makes its home in the Lederer Theater Center, which used to be the Emery Majestic Theater, a major center for vaudeville back in the day. It's currently made up of the Elizabeth and Malcolm Chace Theater and the Sara and Joseph Dowling, Jr. Theater, offering a mix of stage plays and musicals meant to entertain and thrill guests of all ages.

Take the Kids to the Providence Children's Museum

If you're traveling with little ones in tow, ideally between the ages of one and 11, spend a few hours at the Providence Children's Museum, where they can blow off some steam climbing and crawling their way around tree houses and a "bear cave" in Littlewoods, and creating their own works of art in the Maker Studio. Other hands-on play-centric exhibits let them float boats, learn about plants and the power of water, try their hand at puzzles and brainteasers, do arts and crafts, and hear stories of people from all different cultures who now call Rhode Island home.

Interact With the Animals at Roger Williams Park Zoo

There's always something new at the third-oldest zoo in the U.S. More than just a place to observe the diversity of life on our planet, Roger Williams Park Zoo offers Providence visitors once-in-a-lifetime interactive encounters with animals, although most are for a small additional fee. Feed a giraffe. Ride a camel. Book a behind-the-scenes tour of the harbor seal exhibit. Feed exotic birds when they swoop down and land on your arm. With species from alpacas to zebras, the zoo appeals to animal lovers of all ages.

Families with young children will especially enjoy mingling with the sheep and goats in the Alex and Ani Farmyard and exploring Hasbro’s Our Big Backyard, one of the coolest playgrounds in New England. If you're planning to visit in the fall, don't miss the Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular, a must-see display of elaborately carved pumpkins.

Tour the Rhode Island State House

One of the city's highlights won’t even cost you a penny, but'll you have make sure you get there Monday through Friday. That's when the Rhode Island State House—the capitol building designed by the famed architectural firm of McKim, Mead, and White—is open to the public for free guided or self-guided tours.

You won't just see the chambers where state legislators meet, this government building is also home to treasures like Rhode Island's Royal Charter, handwritten in 1663. Even more significant is Rhode Island-born artist Gilbert Stuart's original portrait of George Washington, the one you know well from the one-dollar bill. You'll also be able to look up and appreciate the fourth-largest self-supported marble dome in the world.

Experience WaterFire

WaterFire, held on select evenings along the rivers that converge in the heart of Providence, is a soul-stirring work of art. Sculptor Barnaby Evans has been the creative force behind this installation since its inception in 1994, and this creative fusion of fire, water, and music has become the city's signature. It's New England's most romantic experience and the region's best free event. As bonfires crackle and sparkle, they cast a shimmering glow on the water. Evans changes the haunting soundtrack each time WaterFire is staged, which only adds to the magic.

Tour Providence by Boat

When you see Providence from the water, you'll feel as if you're touring a European—not a New England—capital city. This is especially true if you book an excursion with La Gondola. The charming gondoliers who steer authentic Venetian gondolas along the city's rivers even sing to passengers, who are allowed to bring their own wine or Champagne aboard.

If you prefer a history lesson to a serenade, ​Providence River Boat Company offers informative narrated tours by day and relaxing sunset cruises by night. Note that both boat tour operators book reservations months in advance for WaterFire nights, so be sure to plan ahead. Seeing WaterFire from a boat is an absolutely unforgettable experience.

Enjoy an Italian Feast in Federal Hill

Providence's Italian neighborhood, Federal Hill, is home to restaurants old and new, plus gourmet tours, a cooking school, and a ravioli shop, among other indulgent attractions. Don't miss the braciola and other favorites your Italian nonna used to make at Angelo's Civita Farnese, where some menu items haven't changed in more than 90 years. DaVinci Ristorante & Cigar Lounge is another favorite for its burrata.

Chef Cindy Salvato leads Savoring Federal Hill gourmet tours, which are tasty and informative, while Chef Walter Potenza, of Guy's Grocery Games fame, will teach you how to prepare authentic Italian fare at his cooking school. Meanwhile, Venda Ravioli​​ sells more than 150 kinds of fresh and frozen pasta, plus every Italian culinary product imaginable. Don't leave without stopping at ​Scialo Bros. Bakery for Italian cookies.

Take a Guided Tour of Benefit Street

It's known as the "Mile of History," and whether you explore on your own or join one of the Rhode Island Historical Society's guided Benefit Street walking tours, offered mid-June through October, this architecturally significant stretch is a Providence must-see. Colonial business owners began building homes along Back Street—now Benefit Street—in 1758 and you won't find a larger concentration of houses from the pre-Revolution period anywhere else in America. The street also has excellent examples of Federal and later architectural styles. Fans of horror writer H.P. Lovecraft, a Providence native, will want to keep their eyes out for ​135 Benefit Street, his inspiration for "The Shunned House."

Visit the City's Many Museums

Providence's colleges and universities operate many impressive museums. The RISD Museum at the Rhode Island School of Design has more than 91,000 creations in its collection, ranging from ancient Greek and Roman sculptures to contemporary works. The Culinary Arts Museum at Johnson & Wales University is a repository for all things cooking and restaurants, including more than 30,000 cookbooks. And don't overlook Brown University's Haffenreffer Museum of Anthropology, especially if you'd prefer something free to do in Providence. Exhibits feature highlights from the museum's collection of more than one million artifacts from around the world.

Admire the View From Prospect Terrace Park

Petite but exceptionally scenic, Providence's Prospect Terrace Park on Congdon Street is known for its immense statue of Rhode Island founder Roger Williams. What you might not realize if you've only seen photos of this iconic spot is that it's also where Williams' remains are parked. Shoot panoramic pictures of the Providence skyline, or simply spread out a blanket or claim a bench and treat yourself to a picnic on a sunny day.

Peek Inside the Big Nazo Lab

Providence brands itself as "The Creative Capital," and there are art galleries, performance venues, and cultural organizations galore—far more than you'd expect to find in such a small city.

One of the wildest workshops you've ever seen is located on Fulton Street across from Providence City Hall. So hideous they're adorable, the giant, wearable "puppets" that come to life inside Big Nazo Lab have become a city signature as well as an international sensation. Don't miss the chance to gawk at the creatures displayed in the windows. You can wander inside to observe if artists are at work, or check the website for special appearances.

Explore Brown University

Brown University is an Ivy League college located in the heart of Providence that was founded in 1764—before the American Revolution—which makes it the seventh-oldest university in the country. Besides having one of the most beautiful campuses on the East Coast, it is set in a vibrant part of town with tree-lined streets full of cozy coffee shops, trendy boutiques, and laid-back bars. Thayer Street is the main artery and home to the annual Thayer Street Arts Festival, which showcases local crafters and street performers. Around the corner on Angell Street, you'll find outdoor movies and art exhibits at the Perry and Marty Granoff Center for the Creative Arts.