RiverWalk Providence

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.

Where to Shop

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.

Places to Dine

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 create 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.

Plant City is a vegan food court on Water Street that doesn’t leave diners missing the meat. Opened by Chef Matthew Kenney, a leader in plant-based cuisine, Plant City is a food hall with four dining options. Choose from restaurant concepts New Burger with plant-based burgers and burger alternatives like falafel, Make Out which serves up “build your own bowl” options, Besina for Mexican and Latin cuisine and Double Zero for pizza. There’s also a coffee bar, bakery, a small indoor market and charming outdoor seating.

Things to Do

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 Providence Kayak (seasonal). Rent a single- or double-seat kayak and paddle the river at a leisurely pace, while enjoying the stunning Providence skyline. 

Overlooking the Providence River basin, Skyline at Waterplace brings Providence's nightlife alive with music and entertainment. Stop by to hear live performances, relax and enjoy a cocktail. (Check their performance schedule in advance as Skyline also hosts private events and weddings.)

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