Leaf Peepers Rejoice!
Post Date:
September 15, 2026
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Explore Providence and Rhode Island on a professionally guided tour or see the sites up close on a self-guided walking tour. If you’re looking for a leisurely adventure, sit back, relax and enjoy the views by bus. Or if you’re the seafaring type, hop on board a gondola or riverboat tour of the city.
In Providence, we don't talk the talk, we walk the walk, and we're so glad you agree. A panel of trusted travel experts nominated Providence as one of the "Most Walkable Cities to Visit" in the USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice Awards, and YOU voted to land us in the top 2! Thanks for choosing Providence as the 2nd Most Walkable City to Visit three years in a row. See for yourself by taking a walking tour through Providence.
Post Date:
September 15, 2026
Providence is ready for its close-up! With the release of "Ella McCay" — the first film directed by James L. Brooks in over a decade — The Creative Capital is shining on the big screen after hosting an all-star cast, including Jamie Lee Curtis, Emma Mackey and Woody Harrelson, to name a few. Filmed across our neighborhoods and landmarks, the movie captures what makes Providence so special: diverse architecture, walkable streets and that perfect blend of city energy and neighborhood charm.Brooks himself summed it up best: "What I need for this film is to represent America ... in sort of the best sense possible. And we looked at a lot of places and I'm so glad we're here."And Jamie Lee Curtis? She fell in love with Providence, too — whether grabbing her daily sticky bun at Seven Stars Bakery or hosting a cast dinner at New Rivers. Now you can follow in her footsteps with this "Ella McCay" inspired weekend itinerary. Providence is ready for its close-up! With the release of "Ella McCay" — the first film directed by James L. Brooks in over a decade — The Creative Capital is shining on the big screen after hosting an all-star cast, including Jamie Lee Curtis, Emma Mackey and Woody Harrelson, to name a few. Filmed across our neighborhoods and landmarks, the movie captures what makes Providence so special: diverse architecture, walkable streets and that perfect blend of city energy and neighborhood charm.Brooks himself summed it up best: "What I need for this film is to represent America ... in sort of the best sense possible. And we looked at a lot of places and I'm so glad we're here."And Jamie Lee Curtis? She fell in love with Providence, too — whether grabbing her daily sticky bun at Seven Stars Bakery or hosting a cast dinner at New Rivers. Now you can follow in her footsteps with this "Ella McCay" inspired weekend itinerary.
Find Out More Find Out MoreProvidence is ready for its close-up! With the release of "Ella McCay" — the first film directed by James L. Brooks in over a decade — The Creative Capital is shining on the big screen after hosting an all-star cast, including Jamie Lee Curtis, Emma Mackey and Woody Harrelson, to name a few. Filmed across our neighborhoods and landmarks, the movie captures what makes Providence so special: diverse architecture, walkable streets and that perfect blend of city energy and neighborhood charm.Brooks himself summed it up best: "What I need for this film is to represent America ... in sort of the best sense possible. And we looked at a lot of places and I'm so glad we're here."And Jamie Lee Curtis? She fell in love with Providence, too — whether grabbing her daily sticky bun at Seven Stars Bakery or hosting a cast dinner at New Rivers. Now you can follow in her footsteps with this "Ella McCay" inspired weekend itinerary.
Explore the heart of Rhode Island's capital on this walking tour of downtown Providence. Discover how the city evolved from its colonial roots along the Providence River to become a thriving manufacturing and transportation hub. Learn about the area's rich architectural heritage, from its Art Deco skyline to its carefully preserved historic buildings. Experience the vibrant mix of arts, culture, education, and business that has earned Providence the nickname "The Creative Capital."
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.
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 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.
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.
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
Choose from guided or self-guided walking tours, bus tours, riverboat and gondola rides, and specialty tours focused on food, cocktails, history, ghosts and comedy.
Yes. Providence was voted the 2nd Most Walkable City to Visit in the 2026 USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards, its third year in a row in the top two.
Yes. The Rhode Island in a Day tour departs from Providence and travels by bus around Narragansett Bay, with beaches, lighthouses, colonial towns and Newport’s mansions along the way. It needs at least six participants, who don’t have to book together.
Yes. Bus tours, riverboat cruises and gondola rides let you sit back and take in the sights. For a walking tour without hills, the Parasols and Pocket Watches tour stays on fairly flat Benefit Street.
Yes. The Comedy Tour and Comedy Brunch Tour require guests to be 21 or older to book.

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 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.
Find Out More Find Out MoreThe 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.
Blackstone Oyster Bar (formerly Pizzico), and its award winning Italian and Fusion cuisine, has been a pillar of Providence’s restaurant scene for close to 20 years. While many others have come and gone, we have remained a favorite for patrons who demand fresh, consistent and dynamic cuisine in an upscale yet neighborhood atmosphere. The freshest meats, produce, and seafood are the main ingredients of Blackstone’s classic yet innovative menu that focuses on diversity, trends and affordability. Both tradition and education have helped us to sustain a reputation for having one of the best wine lists in Providence. Blackstone Oyster Bar (formerly Pizzico), and its award winning Italian and Fusion cuisine, has been a pillar of Providence’s restaurant scene for close to 20 years. While many others have come and gone, we have remained a favorite for patrons who demand fresh, consistent and dynamic cuisine in an upscale yet neighborhood atmosphere. The freshest meats, produce, and seafood are the main ingredients of Blackstone’s classic yet innovative menu that focuses on diversity, trends and affordability. Both tradition and education have helped us to sustain a reputation for having one of the best wine lists in Providence.
Find Out More Find Out MoreThe Pawtucket Arts Festival (Aug. 28–Sept. 6) highlights the city's creative culture over the course of two weeks. This year's festival focuses on education and public engagement while celebrating the diverse communities of Pawtucket. The Pawtucket Arts Festival (Aug. 28–Sept. 6) highlights the city's creative culture over the course of two weeks. This year's festival focuses on education and public engagement while celebrating the diverse communities of Pawtucket.
Find Out More Find Out MoreWhat do you look for in a bar? Comfy barstools? Friendly bartenders? Your favorite drink on the menu? All of the above? Whatever your answer, we've got a list of the best cocktail bars in Providence to help you find your next favorite watering hole. What do you look for in a bar? Comfy barstools? Friendly bartenders? Your favorite drink on the menu? All of the above? Whatever your answer, we've got a list of the best cocktail bars in Providence to help you find your next favorite watering hole.
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