A gondolier rows along the Providence River at dusk, with the city skyline reflected in the water beneath a pink and purple sky.

Tours & Excursions

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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.

Providence Voted 2nd "Most Walkable City to Visit" in the 2026 USA Today 10Best Awards!

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.

Tours & Excursions Inspiration

"A tree-lined brick path through a park in fall, with people relaxing on benches and a woman walking with a backpack.

Leaf Peepers Rejoice!

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09/15/2026
Providence tours

Discover Providence with Local Tour Companies

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08/31/2026

Tours & Excursions Itineraries

Itinerary ella mccay press

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.

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Itinerary ella mccay press

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.

Tours & Excursions Experiences

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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."

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
Gondolier rowing passengers in a gondola along the river at Waterplace Park in downtown Providence, with WaterFire braziers floating on the water.
Outdoor Activities

Viaggio di Rapsodia

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.

From: $139.00
Duration: 40 minutes
Comedy Bus 2
Nightlife & Live Music

Comedy Tour: Providence, RI

Must be 21+ to book.

From: $44.95
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
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
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
group of people on a riverboat tour with the Providence skyline in the background

Uncover the heart of Providence on a relaxing narrated cruise where history, architecture, and skyline views come together.

From: $28.00
Duration: 50 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

From: $90.00
Duration: 4 hours
Costumed guide in a witch hat and black gown holding a lantern on a riverfront dock in Providence, with tour guests watching from a bridge.
Family-Friendly

Haunted Boat Tours

Glide through the city’s shadowy waterways where legends, whispered stories, and a touch of the supernatural set the perfect spooky scene

From: $30.00
Duration: 50 minutes

Tours & Excursions Partners

Frequently Asked Questions

What kinds of tours are available in Providence?

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.

Is Providence a walkable city?

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.

Can I see Rhode Island in a single day?

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.

Are there tours that don’t involve much walking?

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.

Are any tours for adults only?

Yes. The Comedy Tour and Comedy Brunch Tour require guests to be 21 or older to book.

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