Providence tours

Discover Providence with Local Tour Companies

The fastest way to get to know a new city is to hop on a guided tour. With tours spotlighting everything from local food to the haunted history of the city, Providence's tour companies cover just about every topic you could think of. You can take a walking tour, hop on a comedian-hosted bus ride or even take a boat trip along the river with Roger Williams himself.

Providence Tour Companies

Visitors on a bench overlooking a Rhode Island harbor with sailboats on the Experience RI RI in a Day tour.

Experience Rhode Island’s Rhode Island in a Day tour is a one-of-a-kind showcase of everything that makes the Ocean State great. Led by an expert guide, guests experience the culture, cuisine, scenery, and history of America’s smallest state in a single unforgettable day. At just 48 miles long and 37 miles wide, Rhode Island is full of big surprises. The journey begins in Providence and travels by tour bus around Narragansett Bay, with breathtaking views and stories of what this small state has contributed to the nation. Along the way, guests see the sights Rhode Island is best known for, including picturesque beaches, colonial architecture, lighthouses, islands, quintessential New England towns, and Newport’s stunning mansions. From Providence to Newport and the charming towns in between, it’s the perfect way to see Rhode Island in a day.The tour requires a minimum of six participants, who do not need to be booking together.

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Visitors on a bench overlooking a Rhode Island harbor with sailboats on the Experience RI RI in a Day tour.

Experience Rhode Island’s Rhode Island in a Day tour is a one-of-a-kind showcase of everything that makes the Ocean State great. Led by an expert guide, guests experience the culture, cuisine, scenery, and history of America’s smallest state in a single unforgettable day. At just 48 miles long and 37 miles wide, Rhode Island is full of big surprises. The journey begins in Providence and travels by tour bus around Narragansett Bay, with breathtaking views and stories of what this small state has contributed to the nation. Along the way, guests see the sights Rhode Island is best known for, including picturesque beaches, colonial architecture, lighthouses, islands, quintessential New England towns, and Newport’s stunning mansions. From Providence to Newport and the charming towns in between, it’s the perfect way to see Rhode Island in a day.The tour requires a minimum of six participants, who do not need to be booking together.

From: $125.00
Duration: 8 hours 45 minutes
Experience RI tour group on the Providence pedestrian bridge with the downtown skyline behind them on a sunny day.

Experience Rhode Island’s Discover Providence Tour offers a delightful introduction to one of America’s favorite cities. Guests relax aboard a comfortable, climate-controlled tour bus while visiting the most exciting neighborhoods in Rhode Island’s capital and hearing the stories of this special place and its most famous citizens. Providence is full of intriguing tales. The route travels from College Hill to Federal Hill and from Brown University to the State House, passing some of the city’s loveliest settings and revealing places guests will want to return to and explore on their own. Stops along the way give everyone the chance to step off, take photos, and see the sights up close. Enjoyable for all ages, it’s a tour visitors won’t soon forget.

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Experience RI tour group on the Providence pedestrian bridge with the downtown skyline behind them on a sunny day.

Experience Rhode Island’s Discover Providence Tour offers a delightful introduction to one of America’s favorite cities. Guests relax aboard a comfortable, climate-controlled tour bus while visiting the most exciting neighborhoods in Rhode Island’s capital and hearing the stories of this special place and its most famous citizens. Providence is full of intriguing tales. The route travels from College Hill to Federal Hill and from Brown University to the State House, passing some of the city’s loveliest settings and revealing places guests will want to return to and explore on their own. Stops along the way give everyone the chance to step off, take photos, and see the sights up close. Enjoyable for all ages, it’s a tour visitors won’t soon forget.

From: $30.00
Duration: 1 hour 45 minutes
the exterior of the comedy bus with tour goers smiling and waving out the windows holding frinks
Nightlife & Live Music

Comedy Brunch Tour

Must be 21+ to book.

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the exterior of the comedy bus with tour goers smiling and waving out the windows holding frinks
Nightlife & Live Music

Comedy Brunch Tour

Must be 21+ to book.

From: $84.95
Duration: 3 hours
Comedy Bus 2
Nightlife & Live Music

Comedy Tour: Providence, RI

Must be 21+ to book.

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Comedy Bus 2
Nightlife & Live Music

Comedy Tour: Providence, RI

Must be 21+ to book.

From: $44.95
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Smiling group selfie on a Rhode Island Red Food Tours walking tour in Providence, RI.

On the Downcity Providence Food Tour, guests can expect a flavorful journey through the heart of Rhode Island’s capital city. This guided walking tour blends delicious tastings from some of Providence’s best eateries with fascinating stories about the city’s rich history, architecture, and culture. Along the way, you’ll sample local favorites and creative dishes that highlight the city’s diverse culinary scene — from classic RI foods and creative modern twists to ethnic dishes showcasing the diversity in the city. In between bites, you’ll discover hidden gems, vibrant street art, and the unique character that makes Downcity a hub of food and culture. It’s the perfect mix of sightseeing, storytelling, and savoring.

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Smiling group selfie on a Rhode Island Red Food Tours walking tour in Providence, RI.

On the Downcity Providence Food Tour, guests can expect a flavorful journey through the heart of Rhode Island’s capital city. This guided walking tour blends delicious tastings from some of Providence’s best eateries with fascinating stories about the city’s rich history, architecture, and culture. Along the way, you’ll sample local favorites and creative dishes that highlight the city’s diverse culinary scene — from classic RI foods and creative modern twists to ethnic dishes showcasing the diversity in the city. In between bites, you’ll discover hidden gems, vibrant street art, and the unique character that makes Downcity a hub of food and culture. It’s the perfect mix of sightseeing, storytelling, and savoring.

From: $79.00
Duration: 3 hours 15 minutes
View through a tasting room window into the Industrious Spirit Company distillery, with oak barrels and a copper still under purple light, and house-made bourbon and spirits lined along the bar in Providence, RI.

Sip your way through Providence’s best-kept secrets. The Nightcap: Cocktail & Spirits Tour is a thoughtfully crafted evening that takes you to three of Providence’s favorite cocktail destinations.

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View through a tasting room window into the Industrious Spirit Company distillery, with oak barrels and a copper still under purple light, and house-made bourbon and spirits lined along the bar in Providence, RI.

Sip your way through Providence’s best-kept secrets. The Nightcap: Cocktail & Spirits Tour is a thoughtfully crafted evening that takes you to three of Providence’s favorite cocktail destinations.

From: $80.00
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Large mural of an Indigenous woman holding a black-and-white portrait of a Narragansett elder, surrounded by sunflowers, strawberries and a red-winged blackbird, painted on a downtown building in Providence, RI.

Discover the vibrant Providence arts scene. Becoming Providence: Mural and Gallery Tour is an immersive exploration of Providence’s creative identity, experienced through vibrant murals and dynamic gallery spaces. You’ll encounter striking murals that offer a window into the city’s evolving identity, revealing the people, stories, and forces that have shaped Providence over time.Along the way, we’ll step inside three standout galleries, where that story continues through contemporary artists whose work is actively shaping what Providence is becoming today. The result is a visually rich, thoughtfully designed experience that reveals the city not as a static snapshot, but as a place in motion, continually redefining itself.HighlightsThe former Biltmore HotelShe Never Came MuralSalt Water MuralEmpire Rising MuralProvidence IndustrialOBEY MuralStill Here MuralProvidence Gallery Spaces

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Large mural of an Indigenous woman holding a black-and-white portrait of a Narragansett elder, surrounded by sunflowers, strawberries and a red-winged blackbird, painted on a downtown building in Providence, RI.

Discover the vibrant Providence arts scene. Becoming Providence: Mural and Gallery Tour is an immersive exploration of Providence’s creative identity, experienced through vibrant murals and dynamic gallery spaces. You’ll encounter striking murals that offer a window into the city’s evolving identity, revealing the people, stories, and forces that have shaped Providence over time.Along the way, we’ll step inside three standout galleries, where that story continues through contemporary artists whose work is actively shaping what Providence is becoming today. The result is a visually rich, thoughtfully designed experience that reveals the city not as a static snapshot, but as a place in motion, continually redefining itself.HighlightsThe former Biltmore HotelShe Never Came MuralSalt Water MuralEmpire Rising MuralProvidence IndustrialOBEY MuralStill Here MuralProvidence Gallery Spaces

From: $30.00
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Tour guest holds illustrated "unsolved" case cards, including one for victim Josephine Barnaby, a wealthy widow murdered in 1891, while riding to the next stop on Providence Tour Company's Clues and Brews mystery beer tour.

A Rhode Island True Crime Experience Paired with Providence’s Best Brews Looking for the most unique beer tour in Providence, Rhode Island? On Clues & Brews: Murder Mystery Beer Tour, you’ll visit three of Providence’s top craft breweries, enjoying a curated flight at each stop as you travel through the city in our comfortable tour van. The Providence beer scene is excellent and rapidly growing, making for an incredible tasting journey.But here’s where things get interesting: you don’t just go to the breweries, you have to uncover them. Through interactive puzzles and games, you and your group will solve clues that reveal your next destination. Each challenge moves the story forward and keeps the experience fun and immersive.At the center of it all is a real 19th-century Rhode Island murder case. You’ll step into the mystery of Josephine Barnaby, a wealthy widow, poisoned in what became known as the first murder by mail in U.S. history. As you piece together evidence, interrogate suspects, and follow the twists of the case, you’ll work to uncover the truth and finally answer the question: who did it?Can you and your crew crack the case before the final round?HighlightsSolve a real 19th-century murder mysteryPlay interactive mini gamesStop at 3 breweriesEnjoy a beer flight at each breweryA food tasting at one of the stops

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Tour guest holds illustrated "unsolved" case cards, including one for victim Josephine Barnaby, a wealthy widow murdered in 1891, while riding to the next stop on Providence Tour Company's Clues and Brews mystery beer tour.

A Rhode Island True Crime Experience Paired with Providence’s Best Brews Looking for the most unique beer tour in Providence, Rhode Island? On Clues & Brews: Murder Mystery Beer Tour, you’ll visit three of Providence’s top craft breweries, enjoying a curated flight at each stop as you travel through the city in our comfortable tour van. The Providence beer scene is excellent and rapidly growing, making for an incredible tasting journey.But here’s where things get interesting: you don’t just go to the breweries, you have to uncover them. Through interactive puzzles and games, you and your group will solve clues that reveal your next destination. Each challenge moves the story forward and keeps the experience fun and immersive.At the center of it all is a real 19th-century Rhode Island murder case. You’ll step into the mystery of Josephine Barnaby, a wealthy widow, poisoned in what became known as the first murder by mail in U.S. history. As you piece together evidence, interrogate suspects, and follow the twists of the case, you’ll work to uncover the truth and finally answer the question: who did it?Can you and your crew crack the case before the final round?HighlightsSolve a real 19th-century murder mysteryPlay interactive mini gamesStop at 3 breweriesEnjoy a beer flight at each breweryA food tasting at one of the stops

From: $90.00
Duration: 4 hours
Guide in a Victorian cape and bonnet holds a holly-trimmed candle outside a historic home on the Christmas on Benefit Street tour.

Stroll with the creators of Providence Ghost Tour as we share the history of Christmas celebrations in Providence, RI! From pious observance to carousing caroling, discover the many ways Christmas has been celebrated in our little city. Your costumed guide will lead you down one of the most beautiful streets in town and share with you tales of Providencers throughout the ages who have decked the halls (or not…).This tour shares factual information in a fun and festive way! Don't worry, we uphold the magic of the holiday and a certain bearded fellow in a red suit. Little ears will be just fine!

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Guide in a Victorian cape and bonnet holds a holly-trimmed candle outside a historic home on the Christmas on Benefit Street tour.

Stroll with the creators of Providence Ghost Tour as we share the history of Christmas celebrations in Providence, RI! From pious observance to carousing caroling, discover the many ways Christmas has been celebrated in our little city. Your costumed guide will lead you down one of the most beautiful streets in town and share with you tales of Providencers throughout the ages who have decked the halls (or not…).This tour shares factual information in a fun and festive way! Don't worry, we uphold the magic of the holiday and a certain bearded fellow in a red suit. Little ears will be just fine!

From: $15.00
Duration: 1 hour 30 mins
Black-and-white photo of four Providence Ghost Tours guides in dark dresses overlooking the downtown Providence skyline.
Historic Providence

Providence Ghost Tour

Immerse yourself in the spooky side of Providence’s history! Allow our guides to lead you by lantern light as we introduce you to Providence’s longest-lingering residents. As we creep among the shadows, we walk in the footsteps of local literary giants and humble servants alike, their restless souls still stirring among the living. Learn the tales that keep college students at Brown University and RISD jumping out of their beds at night as we weave history and mystery into a fine tapestry of spine-tingling delight.As you explore the university campuses and admire the beautiful architecture, your guide tells you about the fascinating and sometimes chilling history of the area. Your guide is an excellent storyteller, and their tales are sure to give you goosebumps. If you’re a fan of the supernatural, you can’t miss this ghost tour!Be sure to wear your walking shoes to explore the hills and streets of Providence. And don’t forget your camera! You might capture a ghostly presence during your tour.

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Black-and-white photo of four Providence Ghost Tours guides in dark dresses overlooking the downtown Providence skyline.
Historic Providence

Providence Ghost Tour

Immerse yourself in the spooky side of Providence’s history! Allow our guides to lead you by lantern light as we introduce you to Providence’s longest-lingering residents. As we creep among the shadows, we walk in the footsteps of local literary giants and humble servants alike, their restless souls still stirring among the living. Learn the tales that keep college students at Brown University and RISD jumping out of their beds at night as we weave history and mystery into a fine tapestry of spine-tingling delight.As you explore the university campuses and admire the beautiful architecture, your guide tells you about the fascinating and sometimes chilling history of the area. Your guide is an excellent storyteller, and their tales are sure to give you goosebumps. If you’re a fan of the supernatural, you can’t miss this ghost tour!Be sure to wear your walking shoes to explore the hills and streets of Providence. And don’t forget your camera! You might capture a ghostly presence during your tour.

From: $15.00
Duration: 1 hour 30 mins
Guide in Edwardian dress with a lace parasol, feathered hat, and pocket watch for Providence Ghost Tours' Parasols and Pocket Watches tour.

The Parasols and Pocket Watches Tour is a 90 minute (+/- 10 minutes) walking tour of historic Benefit Street, known as "The Mile of History." Get to know the people and events that have shaped this street, our city, and our state. It is an elegant stroll through time!Benefit Street is a fairly flat street. We will not ascend or descend College Hill on this tour. It is appropriate for people of most activity levels and mobility needs. Please note, the sidewalk is uneven, so please wear stable, comfortable footwear.This tour meets at the gates of the Tillinghast Cemetery, beside Barker Playhouse on Benefit St.

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Guide in Edwardian dress with a lace parasol, feathered hat, and pocket watch for Providence Ghost Tours' Parasols and Pocket Watches tour.

The Parasols and Pocket Watches Tour is a 90 minute (+/- 10 minutes) walking tour of historic Benefit Street, known as "The Mile of History." Get to know the people and events that have shaped this street, our city, and our state. It is an elegant stroll through time!Benefit Street is a fairly flat street. We will not ascend or descend College Hill on this tour. It is appropriate for people of most activity levels and mobility needs. Please note, the sidewalk is uneven, so please wear stable, comfortable footwear.This tour meets at the gates of the Tillinghast Cemetery, beside Barker Playhouse on Benefit St.

From: $15.00
Duration: 1 hour 30 mins
Gondolier in a striped shirt and straw hat rowing a couple on a romantic gondola ride, with rose petals in the boat and a red rose in hand.

The Viaggio dei Sogni, which translates to "Trip of Dreams," is the signature 40-minute gondola ride and a great fit for just about any occasion. Guests settle into an authentic Venetian gondola and take in the calm, quiet beauty of the Providence riverfront.A skilled gondolier rows at an easy pace along the Providence and Woonasquatucket Rivers, passing historic landmarks, winding through city parks, and slipping under charming bridges. It's an experience that stays with you long after you step back onto the dock.What's IncludedWine glasses, a wine bucket, and an opener. Bring along your own wine, prosecco, juice, or other beverages. Bottled water is often on hand at the dock, though availability can't be promised.Housemade Italian wine biscuits.A serenade from your gondolier. Every gondolier sings Italian songs during the ride, and they're happy to try any special requests.What to BringSomething to sip. Wine, beer, prosecco, juice, or whatever you prefer, and everything needed to chill and pour it will be ready when you board.Food if you'd like it, from light snacks to a full picnic. Pack your own napkins and utensils, as those aren't supplied. Wine biscuits are included with every ride.Layers or rain gear as the forecast calls for. Blankets and umbrellas are also available on the boat.A camera for the memories. Just ask, and staff will take photos of your group at the dock before or after the ride.

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Gondolier in a striped shirt and straw hat rowing a couple on a romantic gondola ride, with rose petals in the boat and a red rose in hand.

The Viaggio dei Sogni, which translates to "Trip of Dreams," is the signature 40-minute gondola ride and a great fit for just about any occasion. Guests settle into an authentic Venetian gondola and take in the calm, quiet beauty of the Providence riverfront.A skilled gondolier rows at an easy pace along the Providence and Woonasquatucket Rivers, passing historic landmarks, winding through city parks, and slipping under charming bridges. It's an experience that stays with you long after you step back onto the dock.What's IncludedWine glasses, a wine bucket, and an opener. Bring along your own wine, prosecco, juice, or other beverages. Bottled water is often on hand at the dock, though availability can't be promised.Housemade Italian wine biscuits.A serenade from your gondolier. Every gondolier sings Italian songs during the ride, and they're happy to try any special requests.What to BringSomething to sip. Wine, beer, prosecco, juice, or whatever you prefer, and everything needed to chill and pour it will be ready when you board.Food if you'd like it, from light snacks to a full picnic. Pack your own napkins and utensils, as those aren't supplied. Wine biscuits are included with every ride.Layers or rain gear as the forecast calls for. Blankets and umbrellas are also available on the boat.A camera for the memories. Just ask, and staff will take photos of your group at the dock before or after the ride.

From: $89.00
Duration: 40 minutes

Go Your Own Way

Prefer to tour at your own speed? Try the Avenue Concept's tour of public art or sign up for one of GoProvidence's mobile passes. From historic walking tours to a "set-jetting" look at film locations in the capital city, it's like having your own personal tour guide, right in your pocket.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What tours are available in Providence?

Providence offers walking tours, boat tours, ghost tours, food tours, and a comedian-hosted bus tour, covering everything from local history to haunted sites.

Is there a ghost tour in Providence?

Yes. Providence Ghost Tour leads 90-minute walking tours of haunted sites, starting at Prospect Terrace Park. Seasonal haunted boat tours are also offered with the Providence River Boat Company.

What is the Comedy Bus in Providence?

The Comedy Bus is a sightseeing tour hosted by local comedians. Some tours include brunch, with food and drinks at local restaurant stops.

Are there boat tours in Providence?

Yes. Boat tours travel along the Providence River, including narrated sightseeing cruises and a tour with a guide portraying Rhode Island founder Roger Williams.

Are there tours from Providence to Newport?

Yes. Experience Rhode Island Tours offers guided trips from Providence, including tours of Newport’s mansions and seasonal fall foliage tours.

Can I take a self-guided tour of Providence?

Yes. GoProvidence offers free mobile passes with self-guided historic walking tours and film-location tours, and The Avenue Concept offers a self-guided public art tour.

Keep in touch!

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