Add dates

Things to do in Providence

Our most recommended things to do in Providence

Providence Ghosts: Phantoms and Poltergeists Tour

1. Providence Ghosts: Phantoms and Poltergeists Tour

Walk in the footsteps of writers, like H.P. Lovecraft and Edgar Allen Poe, on this haunted Providence tour by US Ghost Adventures. Providence has a long history with artists, writers, and creatives and that history comes with a dark side explored on this walk through the city. Hear bone-chilling, campfire tales of deadly apple trees, books bound with human skin, a Rhode Island vampire, and a ghostly writer who watches people sleep. Visit the real-life Shunned House from H.P. Lovecraft’s short story, and delve into the strange details of Angela O’Leary’s death at Fleur de Lys Studio. Along the way, uncover Providence’s weird and spooky history. You may even look into the eyes of a ghost. By the time you reach the seventh and final stop, you’ll have more than a few reasons to keep the lights on at bedtime.

Providence, RI: Small-Group Tour with Local Guide

2. Providence, RI: Small-Group Tour with Local Guide

Join in on this delightful guided bus tour around Providence, Rhode Island. Begin your day meeting up with your expert guide and hop aboard a climate-controlled tour bus as you head into the city. Explore some of the most exciting neighborhoods in the state's capital city. Your expert guide will tell you the stories of Providence, the celebrated citizens from here, and its contribution to American history. From Brown University to Federal Hill, you will admire the most beautiful settings in the city and discover places you will want to go back to and explore at your own pace. Along the way, there will be opportunities for you to get out, take pictures, and see things up close. After making your way around town, your tour will conclude where you first met.

Providence: Self-Driving Audio Tour

3. Providence: Self-Driving Audio Tour

Explore Rhode Island's capital city on a self-driving audio tour and discover the city's history, culture, and architecture. Start your self-driving adventure from the Convention Center downtown and head into the historic Federal Hill area, home to both history and the city's best restaurants. Enter the Welcome Gateway, featuring the iconic pineapple, and learn about how this neighborhood grew and changed over the years — including the infamous Macaroni Riots and the secret of the Coin-O-Matic. Continue past the 9-acre park which was a gift from one of the greatest philanthropists in Providence's history. Explore the Wedding Cake House, a 3-story historic house located in the Broadway-Armory Historic District, and other architectural marvels, such as the State House and Barnaby Castle. Finish your tour at the Lippitt House Museum, a National Historic Landmark. It is one of the finest Italianate mansion houses in the state and considered one of the best-preserved examples of Victorian-era houses in the US.

From Providence: Day Trip around Rhode Island

4. From Providence: Day Trip around Rhode Island

Marveling at scenic views and learn about the history and culture of the Ocean State on this full-day bus tour. Uncover the things that make Rhode Island so attractive, including the quaint New England villages, scenic islands, magnificent beaches, picturesque lighthouses, and spectacular mansions. Start your day meeting up with your expert guide and hop aboard a climate-controlled tour bus as you embark on this full-day journey. Explore the smallest state in America, at 48 miles long and 37 miles wide. Begin in historic Providence and wind your way around the largest estuary in New England. Pass through charming Wickford, stunning Newport, Bristol (deemed America’s most patriotic town), and many other places. Along the way, there will be opportunities for you to get out, take pictures, and see things up close. After a full day of exploration, your tour will conclude where you first met.

Frequently asked questions about Providence

What top attractions are a must-see in Providence?

The must-see attractions in Providence are:

Other Sightseeing Options in Providence

Want to discover all there is to do in Providence? Click here for a full list.

What people are saying about Providence

Overall rating

4.8 / 5

based on 30 reviews

The bus trip was well organised and our guide was very informative and amusing. It was a nice idea to stop by the Italian Food Market to get some lunch if necessary. We learned much more about Providence by taking the bus trip than we would have on our own.

This was a great experience! It was a bit of a rainy day in Providence so we were still able to see everything in the comfort of our own car. AMAZING!

Emily was a wonderful host and guide. We really enjoyed the history and the spooky stories looking into Providence's past.

Our guide Ted, was great! He was funny, knowledgeable and very nice! We had a great time on the trip!!!!

Very knowledgeable guide, good animator and dynamic. Loved it!