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Providence experienced sustained periods of economic success early in its history. This, combined with a rich legacy of preservation, has led to a wealth of well-preserved American architecture. Today, many of Providence's historic landmarks are open to the public, including the RISD Museum, the state's leading museum of art and design; the John Brown House Museum, a landmark from the 18th century; and the Governor Henry Lippitt House Museum, an American National Historic Landmark.
Historic landmarks and attractions are abundant throughout Rhode Island. Visit Newport's Gilded Age mansions and Touro Synagogue, the oldest synagogue in the U.S. Stroll the breathtaking grounds at Blithewold Mansion, Gardens & Arboretum in nearby Bristol. Explore Woonsocket's Museum of Work and Culture in the north or head south to 18th century Casey Farm in South County.
Post Date:
September 30, 2026
Some vacations you come home with a tan. Others you come home with a stack of books and a head full of stories you can't stop talking about. Providence is the second kind of trip. The bookstores are the kind worth lingering in, the literary history runs deep (and a little bit weird), and you can find a spot to curl up with a good book around just about every corner. Some vacations you come home with a tan. Others you come home with a stack of books and a head full of stories you can't stop talking about. Providence is the second kind of trip. The bookstores are the kind worth lingering in, the literary history runs deep (and a little bit weird), and you can find a spot to curl up with a good book around just about every corner.
Find Out More Find Out MoreSome vacations you come home with a tan. Others you come home with a stack of books and a head full of stories you can't stop talking about. Providence is the second kind of trip. The bookstores are the kind worth lingering in, the literary history runs deep (and a little bit weird), and you can find a spot to curl up with a good book around just about every corner.
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.
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.
There are 5 exhibit halls (2 levels) and a lobby exhibit. Current Exhibits are: Circle of the Sea: Re-Visited and Re-Imagined EGGSTRAVAGANZA: History and Science of Bird EggsJames Webb Space Telescope: Uncovering the Hidden UniverseUrban Wildlife: Nature at Your DoorstepSeismic Shifts: Earth through TimeWe are working on two new exhibits opening soon!
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!
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.
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.
Many of Providence’s landmarks are open to the public, including the RISD Museum, the 18th-century John Brown House Museum and the Governor Henry Lippitt House Museum, a National Historic Landmark. The Stephen Hopkins House and the Center for Reconciliation are also in the city.
Benefit Street is nicknamed “The Mile of History” for its row of well-preserved historic homes on College Hill. Guided walking tours share the people and events that shaped the street and the city.
Yes. Options include walking tours of Benefit Street (“The Mile of History”) and downtown, narrated boat tours on the Providence River, and a bus tour from College Hill to Federal Hill.
Yes. Lantern-lit walking ghost tours explore the spooky side of the city’s history around Brown and RISD, and haunted boat tours run along the rivers.
Many are. Family-friendly options include the narrated and haunted boat tours, the downtown walking tour and the Christmas on Benefit Street tour.
Within a short drive you can tour Newport’s Gilded Age mansions and Touro Synagogue, the oldest synagogue building in the U.S., plus Blithewold Mansion in Bristol and the Museum of Work and Culture in Woonsocket.
Situated on a 40-acre peninsula, Castle Hill Inn offers guests the seclusion and extraordinary beauty of a private oceanfront resort. Situated on a 40-acre peninsula, Castle Hill Inn offers guests the seclusion and extraordinary beauty of a private oceanfront resort.
Find Out More Find Out MoreThe 2026 James Beard Award Semifinalists have been announced and GoProvidence partners are well represented this year in categories ranging from Outstanding Restaurant to Best Chef New England. The 2026 James Beard Award Semifinalists have been announced and GoProvidence partners are well represented this year in categories ranging from Outstanding Restaurant to Best Chef New England.
Find Out More Find Out MoreWhile most restaurants offer lunch on the weekend, it can take a little searching to find out just who is open during the week. Luckily, we've done the searching for you! Read on for some of our favorite Monday through Friday lunch spots. While most restaurants offer lunch on the weekend, it can take a little searching to find out just who is open during the week. Luckily, we've done the searching for you! Read on for some of our favorite Monday through Friday lunch spots.
Find Out More Find Out MoreHistorically known as the lobby of Providence Gas Company, built in 1920, the Ballroom boasts many of the original architectural details, adorned with the original marble floors, crystal chandeliers, crisp white walls, and intricate Greek key molding. The space offers 4,800 square feet of simple yet elegant design to accommodate any color palette and style preference. We can accommodate up to 200 guests seated with a dance floor or up to 350 for a cocktail-style event. The Ballroom offers a variety of layout options, giving you the ultimate freedom to customize the room to your tastes. Only one event is booked per day, ensuring ample time for your vendors to bring your dream to reality. Historically known as the lobby of Providence Gas Company, built in 1920, the Ballroom boasts many of the original architectural details, adorned with the original marble floors, crystal chandeliers, crisp white walls, and intricate Greek key molding. The space offers 4,800 square feet of simple yet elegant design to accommodate any color palette and style preference. We can accommodate up to 200 guests seated with a dance floor or up to 350 for a cocktail-style event. The Ballroom offers a variety of layout options, giving you the ultimate freedom to customize the room to your tastes. Only one event is booked per day, ensuring ample time for your vendors to bring your dream to reality.
Find Out More Find Out MoreLooking for information on upcoming events, dining info, promotions and deals? Stay in the know with our GoProvidence e-newsletter.
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