3 Days in Providence, Rhode Island
Disclaimer: We are not paid to promote any restaurant, hotel, activity, product, or attraction. All opinions are subjective and based on our personal experience. Your experience may be different.
Providence, the largest city & capital of Rhode Island, is jam-packed with interesting things to do. Whether you are a history buff, foodie, nature enthusiast, or avid shopper, you are bound to have a fantastic time. A weekend trip is enough time to enjoy many of the city’s best sights. As a residence of the metro for the past few years, I have explored many of the wonderful historical and recreational activities this city has to offer.
The city was founded in 1636, making it one of the oldest in the US. It also happens to be one of the most populated cities in the New England region. The city is very compact, making it easy to walk or bike around. After moving here, I learned that this city is most well-known for its’ “Little Italy” neighborhood, comprised of an abundance of authentic Italian restaurants. It’s a low-key alternative to Boston’s busier North End neighborhood. I’ve enjoyed lots of great authentic Italian dining experiences here before attending city events.
Check out my handy itinerary where I have incorporated a few of the best attributes found within this great city: history, entertainment, shopping, nature, and Italian dining. As for hotel options, I recommend the Hilton Garden Inn. This hotel is located next to India Point Park which is the starting point of the beautiful bike path which I mention in this article. There are great views of the harbor, an on-site restaurant, and it is within a quick drive to many attractions featured in my guide including: Blackstone Blvd., The Rhode Island College of Design, Benefit St., and the Rhode Island State House.
Day 1
7:00am – Get up early and enjoy a refreshing walk along the Blackstone Blvd. Walking Path. This beautiful tree-lined path is located in the beautiful College Hill section of town, near Brown University. The path is especially scenic during the peak of fall. I absolutely love leaf peeing here – it’s my favorite place for a fall stroll or jog.
9:00am – Grab breakfast at Nick’s on Broadway, rated as one of the world’s best restaurants by Fodor’s International. Be prepared for a long wait at this trendy American favorite. Options vary from Black Beans and Eggs to Buttermilk Pancakes at this foodie favorite. They also serve dinner but I prefer the breakfast selections – so far I have enjoyed a wonderful veggie frittata and a delicious breakfast burrito. The menu changes frequently so you can always expect something fresh and exciting.
11:00am – Take a tour of the Rhode Island State House, located just down the street from the mall. Free 50 minute tours are offered Monday-Friday at 10 and 1pm. Self-guided tours are also available.
1:00pm – Take an afternoon break shopping at beautiful Providence Place Mall, the grandest shopping area in the state. This urban shopping oasis is home to a great mix of upscale and casual shops. You will also find: an IMAX theater, Dave and Busters, and 10+ popular restaurant chains. You will have plenty of fantastic options for lunch, including: The Cheesecake Factory and P.F. Chang’s. I really love this mall – it is one of my all time favorites. Mike and I love that there is so much to do all in one place – it really is the perfect date night destination.
5:00pm – Treat yourself to a healthy dinner at CAV, one of the most interesting restaurants in the area. I really love the exotic design and interesting antiques – it’s anything but your common chain. Dinner includes a selection of seafood dishes and pasta entrees. You will find lots of vegetarian friendly fare including paninis and Wild Mushroom Risotto. If you are looking for an eclectic dining experience, CAV has you covered.
7:00pm – Take a stroll around WaterPlace Park. The riverfront path is the perfect place for a night time stroll. The views of the city and State House at night are enchanting. During the summer months, a wonderful artistic show called Water Fire takes place over the river. During the winter months, make sure to walk over to Kennedy Plaza for an ice skating session on the beautiful ice rink (the rink is huge, rarely crowded, and the city views are gorgeous). To be honest, I love this rink more than the overcrowded Frog Pond in Boston. The city views are beautiful and there are so many great restaurants within walking distance. Plus, it’s super easy to find parking.
8:00pm – Take a stroll around historic Federal Hill, the place to go for authentic Italian dining. It’s not as magnificent as Boston’s North End neighborhood, but a bit quieter and easier to find parking which is a plus in my book. Andino’s is a great place choice for dinner or lunch. The pizza is fantastic and I love the seasonal butternut squash ravioli. You will also find typical appetizers, sandwiches, pasta dishes, steak, and seafood dishes on the menu. The vibe is old world with nostalgic decor and Frank Sinatra playing in the background. If looking for more of a fine dining experience, be sure to check out Siena or Joe Marzilli’s Old Canteen.
Day 2
9:00am – If you need a great cup of coffee to get your day going, I recommend a local bakery called Pastiche. Although they are most well known for their amazing desserts, they also serve great coffee and espresso drinks. Muffins, scones, lemon tarts, and other treats available to accompany your cup of joe. The setting is very quaint, and thus, perfect for a breakfast date.
10:00am – Spend the rest of the morning at peaceful Slater Memorial Park in Pawtucket, just a quick 10 minute drive away. Numerous amenities are available here, including: multiple tennis courts, a dog park, a 3 mile tree-lined bike path, hiking trails, the world’s oldest Loof standing carousel, an art gallery, an animal shelter, and a beautiful pond with walking paths and summertime paddleboat rentals.
12:00pm – While in Pawtucket, I recommend stopping for a treat at Wildflour Bakery, an all vegan specialty bakery, featuring delicious one-of-a-kind treats. The raw cheesecake and peanut butter brownies are out-of-this- world! Coffee, tea, smoothies, and juice drinks are available to compliment your treat.
2:00pm – Enjoy a delicious Italian lunch at Pizzico Ristorante. This charming local Italian restaurant offers both traditional and unique cuisine in a classy New York style casual upscale setting. Most tourists rave about their oyster bar & seafood entrees, although I prefer pasta. I recommend treating yourself to the pumpkin ravioli – it’s delicious! Tuscan Grilled Pizza is another specialty here.
4:00pm – Take an afternoon stroll around historic Benefit Street, home to the 4th oldest library in the US and the John Brown House Museum. This mile long walk will take you past some of the most impressive Colonial architecture in the city. You can also walk a few additional blocks to tour the beautiful Brown University campus. If you are into art, I recommend checking out the Rhode Island School of Design’s Art Museum.
7:00pm – It’s time to enjoy another fantastic Italian dinner! There are so many great choices, you might as well take advantage while you can. Spirito’s, located on Broadway St., is the perfect place for a romantic night out, due to the beautiful setting in an old Victorian house. UPDATE: Spirito’s is unfortunately closed! Massimo and Camille’s are popular alternatives.
9:00pm – Providence does not disappoint in the nightlife department. With pubs, wine bars, and nightclubs, this vibrant city offers a good mix. Bodega Malasana is a fantastic option for a wine bar. Wicked Good Bar is a great choice for a casual night out on the town.
Day 3
7:00am – Take a scenic ride along the East Bay bike path, one of the best rail trails in the country. This former railroad route now operates as a multi-use path, filled with tremendous views of the coast, forests, the skyline, and even a lighthouse. Your ride will start in East Providence and end at Independence Park in Bristol. Whether you feel like biking just a mile or 2 or the entire 14 mile course, this is one scenic journey. At points, the water lines both side which is really spectacular. I love the scenery and opportunity to connect to local parks.
11:00am – After your ride, enjoy a nice leisurely lunch at the Providence Place Mall. I recommend going casual as you will be tired, worn down, and sweaty after a long ride. Alternatively, there are a number of restaurants near the start of the bike trail in Independence Park. Quito’s is a low-key seafood joint offering a nice patio. There is also a seasonal ice cream stand which is quite popular.
Noon – Check out the Roger Williams Park Zoo. Most tourists like this zoo better than the bigger zoos in the Boston metro (me included). With a founding date way back in 1872, it holds the title as the nation’s third oldest zoo. The zoo is on the smaller side, easy to navigate, and there are a lot of interesting animals to see including this adorable red panda.
