17 Things You Can Do in an Afternoon in Providence
While we certainly want everyone to stay longer, sometimes there are only a few hours to make a quick pit stop in The Creative Capital. For those on the go, here are 17 things you can do in Providence in one afternoon.
Lunchtime
1. Head up to Federal Hill for a leisurely lunch in one of the country’s top Little Italys.
2. Grab some provisions at Geoff's Superlative Sandwiches and head to Waterplace Park.
3. Providence is the birthplace of the diner. Pay homage by chowing down at Olneyville New York System.
4. Pick up a coffee or Gifford's ice cream at The Landing and enjoy it as you stroll the RiverWalk.
Midafternoon
5. Stop into the nation’s oldest indoor shopping center, the ornate and airy Arcade Providence.
6. Pay homage to Providence’s favorite writer and find H.P. Lovecraft’s grave in gorgeous Swan Point Cemetery.
7. Take a walking tour of one of Providence’s historic neighborhoods, using one of our guides.
8. Hit the water. Glide through the rivers of Providence in a gondola or learn a little something on the Providence River Boat.
9. Bring the kids or be a kid at the Providence Children’s Museum.
10. Shop like a local in fashion-forward neighborhoods like Hope Street, Wayland Square and Westminster Street.
11. Feel the summer warmth any time of year at the Roger Williams Park Zoo's Faces of the Rainforest exhibit.
12. Marvel at the exhaustive and expansive collection at the RISD Museum.
Late Afternoon
13. Grab a beer at local landmark The Hot Club, made famous in the movie “There’s Something About Mary.”
14. Pick up a pick-me-up with a sweet treat from Ellie's.
15. Zip around town with any of the bikes or scooters available throughout the city.
16. Stand tall above the Providence skyline with a cocktail at the Rooftop at the Providence G.
17. Snag a souvenir from your quick visit at Hope Street's Rhody Craft.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What can I do in Providence in one afternoon?
In a few hours, you can have lunch on Federal Hill, stroll the RiverWalk, visit the RISD Museum, take a gondola ride, and end with a rooftop cocktail downtown.
- Where should I eat lunch on a short visit to Providence?
Federal Hill, Providence's Little Italy, is a classic choice. For something quick, Olneyville New York System is a local favorite, or grab a sandwich to enjoy in Waterplace Park.
- Is Providence really the birthplace of the diner?
Yes. The diner traces its roots to Providence, where the first lunch wagon began serving late-night meals in the 1870s.
- What is there to do in Providence with kids?
The Providence Children's Museum and Roger Williams Park Zoo are both great options for a family afternoon.
- Can I rent a bike or scooter in Providence?
Yes, shared bikes and scooters are available throughout the city for getting around quickly.
- Where can I buy local souvenirs in Providence?
Rhody Craft on Hope Street sells gifts and goods made by local artists and makers.
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