Things to do in Providence

Our most recommended things to do in Providence

Providence Ghost Tours: Phantoms, Poltergeists, & Pestilence

Providence Ghost Tours: Phantoms, Poltergeists, & Pestilence

Walk in the footsteps of writers, like H.P. Lovecraft and Edgar Allen Poe, on this haunted Providence tour by US Ghost Adventures. Providence has a long history with artists, writers, and creatives and that history comes with a dark side explored on this walk through the city. Hear bone-chilling, campfire tales of deadly apple trees, books bound with human skin, a Rhode Island vampire, and a ghostly writer who watches people sleep. Visit the real-life Shunned House from H.P. Lovecraft’s short story, and delve into the strange details of Angela O’Leary’s death at Fleur de Lys Studio. Along the way, uncover Providence’s weird and spooky history. You may even look into the eyes of a ghost. By the time you reach the seventh and final stop, you’ll have more than a few reasons to keep the lights on at bedtime. All tours meet at the Rhode Island Holocaust Memorial Park, S Main St, Providence, RI 02903. Your guide will be wearing a black US Ghost Adventures t-shirt and carrying a lantern. Please arrive 15 minutes before the start time of your tour.

Federal Hill: Crime and Cuisine Food Tour

Federal Hill: Crime and Cuisine Food Tour

Visit the Federal Hill neighborhood of Providence and discover why it is one of the city's hottest destinations, home to some of the best Italian food in the world. This tour will give you a smorgasbord of its best bites and drinks, from fine wines to housemade pasta. Receive a memento from your time on the Hill to take home with you. Discover why The Hill was also home to some historic characters who dabbled on the wrong side of the law. Follow the intrigue of State v. Patriarca, when a future mayor took on a mob boss; learn about the corruption which brought Rhode Island's banking system to its knees in the '90s, and about a raid on an illegal dice game that sent a Providence Police Officer through a second-story window.

Historic Boat Tours of Providence

Historic Boat Tours of Providence

Join us for a historic journey through the heart of Rhode Island's capital city. Learn about Providence’s rich history, architecture, and iconic landmarks from our expert guides. The perfect tour for anyone looking to experience the best of Providence in one hour! Whether you're a local or visiting from out of town, our tours are the ideal way to experience Providence from a whole new perspective. Sit back and relax aboard our US Coast Guard inspected, open-air touring vessels. Book your spots in advance and discover why our award-winning tours have led Providence tourism for over three decades!

Twilight River Cruises in Providence, RI

Twilight River Cruises in Providence, RI

Whether you're planning a romantic date night, a relaxing corporate outing, a fun girls-night-out, or a unique after-dinner adventure, this unique experience is perfect for creating summer memories with friends, co-workers & family! Relax soak in the sunset views of our iconic skyline, and enjoy the magic of summertime in Rhode Island while enjoying complimentary wine & prosecco from local winery Gooseneck Vineyards. Don’t let this summer adventure pass you by — reserve your spot today and let the evening enchant you!

From New York: New Haven, Rhode Island and Boston 2-Day Trip

From New York: New Haven, Rhode Island and Boston 2-Day Trip

Travel from New York City to the heart of American history and politics over 2 days. Your adventure begins with a drive to New Haven to visit the Yale University and visit the Breakers(Optional) at Newport. The trip will start in the city of Cambridge, MA where we will visit the Harvard University. Later, we will take pictures with the main academic building of MIT. Another fun will begin as soon as you board the Boston Harbor Cruise and enjoy a breathtaking view of the Boston. After spending the day around the city, conclude your trip with a return to New York City. Day 1: Itinerary: New York → New Haven → Yale University Tour (Optional, 60 mins) → Newport → The Breakers (Optional, 90 mins) → Boston Hotel:Sonesta Select Boston Lowell Chelmsford; Westford Regency Inn and Conference Center or similar Day 2: Itinerary: Hotel → Boston → America's First Tour (Mandatory, 3 hours) → Boston Harbor Cruise (Optional, 60 mins) → Quincy Market (Optional for Boston lobster, 60 mins) → View Boston at Prudential Center (Optional, 50 mins) → New York The Firsts of America Exploration Tour Itinerary: Harvard University (1 hour, offical campus tour included) → The Old State House (the birthplace of the American Revolution and the place where the Declaration of Independence was first published) → The Tremont Street Subway Marker (the first subway system) → Boston Common (the first public park) → Boston Public Garden (the first public botanical garden) → Boston Public Library (the first large-scale free municipal library funded by the public) → Boston Trinity cathedral (Outside visit) Note: If the Boston Harbor View Boat is closed, this attraction will be replaced by: New England Aquarium (Optional, 60 mins).

Creative Capital: Art and Architecture Tour of Providence

Creative Capital: Art and Architecture Tour of Providence

The story of Providence is told by its buildings. Our city's downtown blossomed during America's Gilded Age, and has well-preserved examples of Art-Deco, Beaux-Arts, Neoclassical, and many more architectural styles. But this tour goes beyond bricks and windows: peer into the past by learning some of the human stories behind the facades. This tour also explores the city's vibrant arts and cultural scene, a key ingredient of its dramatic turnaround from mid-century urban decay to regional arts center. Experience and learn the inspiration for Providence's most breathtaking murals: these massive works weave into the city’s visual landscape for a result unparalleled anywhere in the United States. The walk begins in the lobby of the city's historic Biltmore hotel and concludes after a 1.5 mile stroll at the Providence Riverwalk.

Haunted Boat Tours

Haunted Boat Tours

Immerse yourself in the spooky side of Providence’s history! Allow our Captains, along with special guest guides from the Providence Ghost Tours, to introduce you to some of Providence’s longest-lingering residents as you cruise throughout our waterways. Surrounded by the moonlit bridges, cobblestone walkways and century-old architecture of downtown Providence, you will hear stories of our capital city’s “dearly-deceased-but-not-so-departed” residents; local literary giants and humble servants alike; their restless souls still stirring among the living. Climb aboard…they’ve been waiting for you! Join us for a thrilling Haunted Boat Ride and discover the eerie tales of Providence’s past. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to experience Providence like never before!

Prohibition in Providence: A Drinking History Tour

Prohibition in Providence: A Drinking History Tour

Join a tasting tour of Providence's local libations, including delicious beer and spirits produced right here in Rhode Island's capital city. Between sipping on local brews, learn about the incredible history of Rhode Island prohibition in a state that never ratified the Prohibition amendment. Immigrant-rich Providence found it a little too difficult to part with its Old World drinking cultures, despite what the Feds had decided was "moral." From the zealous coalition who brought it to Congress, to liquor loopholes, to famous bootleggers and undercover agents and corrupt officials, Providence's Prohibition history is rich with characters and culture you won't find anywhere else. Meet in the Lobby of Hotel Providence and enjoy this 1.2 mile walking and tasting tour. Visit and enjoy local restaurants such as Malted Barley, Eno Fine Wines, Rouge Island Local Kitchen & Bar, Moonshine Alley, Plant City while learning the ins and outs of Providence's rich Prohibition history.

Voices of Resilience: Hidden History of Providence Tour

Voices of Resilience: Hidden History of Providence Tour

From pivotal social justice movements to the personal narratives of unsung heroes, Voices of Resilience offers a deeper understanding of Providence’s identity and legacy of courage, resistance, and triumph. The tour highlights the lives and contributions of Providence's Indigenous peoples, African Americans, immigrants, women, and other historically underrepresented groups who helped shape the city. We'll take a closer look at how Rhode Island's tremendous profit on the international slave trade powered the Industrial Revolution, how the state barely overcame revolution in defiance of rebellious suffragists, all the way through how the state fought but failed to prevent the first Gay Pride parade from taking place in Providence in 1976. Providence has been home to diverse, courageous, and resilient people who were able to achieve incredible feats despite the deck being stacked against them in every way. Learn about Edward Bannister, a 19th-century Black barber who overcame prejudice to become a painter of national acclaim; Princess Red Wing, a passionate educator, storyteller, and Narragansett and Pokanoket activist; Maritcha Lyons, who testified at the age of 16 in favor of Rhode Island school desegregation; and the 1902 labor strike that stopped Rhode Island's urban core in its tracks. The walk begins on the Michael Van Leesten Pedestrian Bridge and concludes after a 1-mile stroll at Roger Williams National Memorial. 

Sip and See Providence Cruise

Sip and See Providence Cruise

Experience the tranquility of Providence's waterways on our Sip & See Sightseeing Cruises! Come aboard and enjoy complimentary wine and mimosas as you take in the city views, making it a perfect outing for family, friends and corporate teams. Sit back and relax aboard our US Coast Guard inspected, open-air touring vessels as our professional Captains guide you along the shores of Providence! Book YOUR spots in advance and discover why our award-winning boat tours have led Providence tourism for over three decades! Please note: These cruises are not narrated.

15 activities found
Sort by:

Go beyond Providence

Explore all

Frequently asked questions about Providence

What top attractions are a must-see in Providence?

The must-see attractions in Providence are:

See all must-see sights in Providence

What are the best deals and discounts on activities and attractions in Providence?

These are the best deals and discounts on activities and attractions in Providence:

See all deals and discounts in Providence on GetYourGuide

Other Sightseeing Options in Providence

Want to discover all there is to do in Providence? Click here for a full list.

What people are saying about Providence

Overall rating

4.7 out of 5 stars
4.7
(55 reviews)
5
5 out of 5 stars

This was my first visit to Providence in 56 years. We were visiting our friend who recently relocated there from Colorado, and we were thrilled to share this tour with her. It covered so much more than the ghosts and spectral phenomena of the listing. We were shown beautifully eccentric houses, the campus of Brown University, and the best vista of the city adjacent to the Roger Williams statute. Our wonderful guide Nicole was eminently knowledgeable in her subject, and had a strong, clear voice that was easily heard and understood. And she recommended an amazing Korean restaurant along the route. (DenDen on Benefit Street).

5
5 out of 5 stars

The pasta was amazing and I enjoyed the variety of foods! The tour guide was delightful. He qlso was very knowledgable on subject of crimes and history of Providence and Feferal Hill. Very enjoyable!

5
5 out of 5 stars

Our tour guide Bri was very knowledgeable of the history and area, we had some fun during the tour. Tour is definitely more fun with the EMF reader!

5
5 out of 5 stars

Ginger was great! The whole tour was interesting and delicious!

5
5 out of 5 stars

It was excellent. Perfect amount of food and stories