Select a section below to go to that area of the page…
Stroll along the area around the Providence River and discover a number of quaint shops and tantalizing restaurants, as well as historic monuments and landmarks of note. South Main Street offers a number of great options for browsing. The dining choices are plentiful and just one meal may help you understand why Providence was named one of the “Hottest Food Cities” by Zagat.
Post Date:
September 24, 2026
Providence was founded as a home for free thinkers, and that creative spirit is still present nearly 400 years later. From the RISD Museum's world-class collection to jazz in a speakeasy-style social club, art here isn't confined to museum walls. It spills into the streets, the waterways and every corner cafe. Providence is a city where makers, performers and dreamers converge, and where a single weekend can leave you genuinely inspired.
Providence is the rare destination that rewards visitors who travel smart. World-class art museums, one of the most storied food neighborhoods in New England, a calendar full of free community events, and a dining scene that ranges from food trucks to fine dining. None of it requires deep pockets. Downtown's compact layout means you'll spend your money on experiences rather than transportation. Solo travelers, couples, weekend trippers and families will all find that Providence has a way of overdelivering, even on a modest budget.
A small city with a big culinary reputation, Providence has spent decades building one of the most distinctive dining cultures on the East Coast. Italian roots run deep in the Federal Hill neighborhood, the farm-to-table scene is thriving, and local chefs have earned national recognition. The city is also home to Johnson & Wales University, one of the country's top culinary schools, and the generations of graduates and working students who have passed through its kitchens have shaped Providence's dining scene in ways you can taste on every block.Whether your style is fine dining or food truck, we've got you covered. Bring your appetite.
Planning a weekend trip to Providence, but can't find the time to do everything on your list? Extend your stay through Sunday night and discover why an extra day in The Creative Capital makes all the difference. From Sunday brunch to Monday morning coffee shops, we've got your complete itinerary for making the most of a PVD Sunday overnight.
The mouthwatering menu at Bacaro offers diners a salumeria menu of meats, cheeses, olives and Italian-style tapas, in addition to expertly prepared grilled pizzas, handmade pastas, and meat and seafood choices. Visitors should indulge in the Bacaro Experience — a selection of meats, cheeses, nuts, jams and accompaniments, with which the chef also suggests an Italian wine pairing.
Hankering for seafood sourced here in the Ocean State? Hemenway’s is known for its fresh, locally sourced seafood and a massive raw bar. Try the Rhode Island-style calamari, prepared with Pt. Judith squid caught in Narragansett Bay.
Continue walking along the river and head to Steeple Street to discover New Rivers, a restaurant whose name was inspired by the river rerouting project that spearheaded the city’s renaissance. Owner/Executive Chef Beau Vestal has been delighting diners with his modern bistro cuisine for many years. Utilizing the highest quality local produce and meats available, the chef prepares an extensive charcuterie menu, in addition to his dining offerings.
Café Nuovo's fusion of American regional, European, Asian and island flavors creates an unforgettable dining experience. In warm weather months, the outdoor seating along the river makes for a perfect night out in the city.
The original Capital Grille was founded in Providence back in 1990. Stop by Memorial Boulevard and dine at the vibrant waterfront location of this upscale steakhouse. Chefs expertly prepare hand-butchered dry-aged meats and seafood, accompanied by the finest wines.
Jacky’s Waterplace Restaurant is a bright and lively space that mixes up exotic cocktails and serves sushi entrees, fusion rolls and house specialties. Perhaps try the cucumber Saki-tini alongside an order of Thai crispy chicken wings.
The Viaggio di Rapsodia is a 40-minute gondola ride that builds on the basic trip package by adding a live musician to the experience. A seasoned gondolier guides the boat along the Providence and Woonasquatucket Rivers, gliding past historic sites, through city parks, and beneath scenic bridges, while a musician you select plays a private serenade.It's an ideal choice for a date night, an outing with friends, or marking a milestone.What's IncludedA live musician of your choosing, with options including mandolin, guitar, violin, accordion, and saxophone. Availability varies by day, so not every musician can be booked on every date.A wine bucket, glasses, and an opener. Guests bring their own wine, prosecco, juice, or other drinks. Bottled water is usually available at the dock, but it isn't guaranteed.Handmade Italian wine biscuits.Italian songs from your gondolier. Every gondolier sings during the ride, and special song requests are welcome.
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.
Capucine women’s clothiers carries hip and cool designer brands. Ladies will also enjoy shopping their selection of jewelry and accessories.
Stop in at The Landing for some locally sourced baked goods and gifts. While you're there, take a minute to relax in their cozy cafe with a latte and a piece of cake or a scoop of Gifford's ice cream.
The RiverWalk area is the site of the immensely popular WaterFire, a multisensory art installation, which draws hundreds of thousands of visitors to downtown Providence. Comprising a series of bonfires installed on downtown’s three rivers, WaterFire combines aromatic wood smoke, flickering firelight and enchanting music to create a truly singular experience. WaterFire is typically held several times a month from May to November.
Be humbled as you pass by Memorial Park which pays homage to those whose lives were lost amid conflict. The park includes a Korean War Memorial, World War I and World War II Memorials and a Rhode Island Holocaust Memorial. Pause for a moment of silent prayer and reflection.
Stroll the river and find La Gondola Providence (seasonal) docked and ready for a luxurious ride in an authentic Venetian gondola. These stunning vessels are adorned with hand-sculpted ornaments and solid brass trim and the gondoliers dress in traditional uniform. Rides along the river last approximately 40 minutes, and passengers are welcome to bring along wine or prosecco. Advance reservations are a must for this popular activity.
If outdoor sports and exploring the Providence River are both appealing, then try out Ocean State Kayak (seasonal). Rent a single- or double-seat kayak and paddle the river at a leisurely pace, while enjoying the stunning Providence skyline.
The Landing is a cozy café, creamery and gift shop in downtown Providence, offering great coffee, sweet treats and locally inspired gifts. It's an easy stop for a morning pick-me-up, a break from exploring the city or the perfect Rhode Island souvenir. The Landing is a cozy café, creamery and gift shop in downtown Providence, offering great coffee, sweet treats and locally inspired gifts. It's an easy stop for a morning pick-me-up, a break from exploring the city or the perfect Rhode Island souvenir.
Find Out More Find Out MoreStart Date
End Date
WaterFire is a multisensory experience that has drawn hundreds of thousands of visitors to the city. This series of bonfires installed on the three rivers of Downtown Providence entices with aromatic wood smoke, flickering firelight and enchanting music. Supported by: GoProvidenceOnshore programming and vendors open at 4:00 PM
WaterFire is a multisensory experience that has drawn hundreds of thousands of visitors to the city. This series of bonfires installed on the three rivers of Downtown Providence entices with aromatic wood smoke, flickering firelight and enchanting music.Onshore programming and vendors open at 4:30 PM
Starts at Sunset started in 2023 and is a community gathering on the Michael S. Van Leesten Memorial Pedestrian Bridge. This unique activation invites artists and observers to experience a night of immersive placemaking set against the backdrop of a picturesque sunset. WaterFire volunteers will be illuminating the bridge with the glow of five braziers. Presented by the Providence Tourism Council Thursday, July 9 - Sunset (8:22 PM) to 10:00 PM Thursday, September 17 - Sunset (6:51 PM) to 9:00 PM Thursday, October 29 - Sunset (5:44 PM) to 9:00 PM Thursday, December 31 - Sunset (5:30 PM) to 9:00 PM
Yes. RiverWalk Providence runs through the heart of downtown Providence, RI, and is within easy walking distance of most downtown hotels, Kennedy Plaza, and Providence Place Mall.
The Riverwalk and Waterplace Park span roughly half a mile to just over half a mile along the Providence and Woonasquatucket Rivers, a loop that most visitors can walk in under 30 minutes at a leisurely pace, longer with stops for dining, shopping, or photos.
Yes. RiverWalk Providence is served by several downtown parking options, including the Providence Place Mall garage, the Garrahy Judicial Complex garage, Rhode Island Convention Center garages, and metered street parking.
Note: on WaterFire nights and other event evenings, downtown garages fill up faster, so arriving early or booking a spot in advance is recommended
Yes, for the most part. The Riverwalk's walkways were built to be ADA-accessible, though occasional cobblestone sections and one-directional access points can make some stretches harder to navigate, especially during crowded events like WaterFire.
Accessible parking: available on every level of the Providence Place Mall garage
Tip: for the easiest access during WaterFire, arrive early before crowds build up
WaterFire is Providence’s signature art installation of bonfires lit on the rivers running through RiverWalk and Waterplace Park. Lightings are held several evenings a month from May through November, plus special events. Check the WaterFire schedule before planning your visit, as dates change each year.
Yes. La Gondola Providence offers seasonal, authentic Venetian-style gondola rides departing from RiverWalk Providence, with rides lasting about 40 minutes and passengers welcome to bring their own wine or prosecco.
Reservations: advance booking is strongly recommended, since gondola rides are a popular activity
Yes. Ocean State Kayak offers seasonal single and tandem kayak rentals departing from The Landing at 101 Dyer Street, letting paddlers explore the Providence and Woonasquatucket Rivers, Riverwalk, and Waterplace Park at their own pace.
Rental lengths: typically 45- or 75-minute time slots
Booking note: check-in is required 15 minutes before the reservation, and reservations should be booked online in advance during peak season
HOW IT ALL BEGAN Our story goes back around 20 years, to our founder Gerry Ford. Armed with a passion for coffee, he had a vision to create traditional Italian cafés across Europe; places that would serve very high quality coffee and serve as neighborhood meeting spots. We started off simply trying to make a few local independent coffee houses work. And they did! We never aspired to be a big company; in fact, even today we see ourselves as a start-up. We have grown one coffee, one customer and one store at a time – always trying to be the best at what we do. We have reinvested in the business to stay true to Gerry’s original vision and we’ve done this resilience and determination. QUALITY AND CONSISTENCY Making great coffee takes some doing. So, we built our own Roastery and created a unique award-winning coffee blend (we regularly work on developing new and interesting blends too). And, importantly, we set up our espresso training school – where all our Baristas master the art of coffee making. This has led to our family owned and operated business opening more than 800 coffee houses across Europe. HOW IT ALL BEGAN Our story goes back around 20 years, to our founder Gerry Ford. Armed with a passion for coffee, he had a vision to create traditional Italian cafés across Europe; places that would serve very high quality coffee and serve as neighborhood meeting spots. We started off simply trying to make a few local independent coffee houses work. And they did! We never aspired to be a big company; in fact, even today we see ourselves as a start-up. We have grown one coffee, one customer and one store at a time – always trying to be the best at what we do. We have reinvested in the business to stay true to Gerry’s original vision and we’ve done this resilience and determination. QUALITY AND CONSISTENCY Making great coffee takes some doing. So, we built our own Roastery and created a unique award-winning coffee blend (we regularly work on developing new and interesting blends too). And, importantly, we set up our espresso training school – where all our Baristas master the art of coffee making. This has led to our family owned and operated business opening more than 800 coffee houses across Europe.
Find Out More Find Out MoreEllie’s is inspired by the Parisian way of life, welcoming guests from morning through evening. By day, it’s a Parisian-style eatery serving pastries, coffee, and casual fare. As evening falls, the space transforms into a candlelit French bistro, featuring classic dishes and wines from across France. It’s a place to gather, linger, and enjoy the rhythm of Paris right in Providence. Enjoy wholesome catering selections thoughtfully curated and freshly prepared by our team. From corporate luncheons and weekly office meetings to intimate celebrations and bridal brunches, leave it up to our team to nourish and fuel your day! Ellie’s is inspired by the Parisian way of life, welcoming guests from morning through evening. By day, it’s a Parisian-style eatery serving pastries, coffee, and casual fare. As evening falls, the space transforms into a candlelit French bistro, featuring classic dishes and wines from across France. It’s a place to gather, linger, and enjoy the rhythm of Paris right in Providence. Enjoy wholesome catering selections thoughtfully curated and freshly prepared by our team. From corporate luncheons and weekly office meetings to intimate celebrations and bridal brunches, leave it up to our team to nourish and fuel your day!
Find Out More Find Out MoreMémère’s is a French-inspired bistro in Providence offering a refined yet approachable dining experience rooted in New England comfort. The restaurant combines seasonal cuisine, a thoughtfully curated beverage program, and attentive service within a warm, candlelit setting—ideal for both business gatherings and social occasions. Mémère’s is a French-inspired bistro in Providence offering a refined yet approachable dining experience rooted in New England comfort. The restaurant combines seasonal cuisine, a thoughtfully curated beverage program, and attentive service within a warm, candlelit setting—ideal for both business gatherings and social occasions.
Find Out More Find Out MoreWith a collection of more than 100,000 objects -- ranging from ancient times to the present -- the RISD Museum is a dynamic cultural center offering critically acclaimed exhibitions and lively public programs for all ages. Admission is also free on Sundays, presented by Chase. With a collection of more than 100,000 objects -- ranging from ancient times to the present -- the RISD Museum is a dynamic cultural center offering critically acclaimed exhibitions and lively public programs for all ages. Admission is also free on Sundays, presented by Chase.
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.
Sign Up For Our E-Newsletter
