Submitted by urchin-girl t3_1170ayw in providence
Imagine you encounter a solo traveler in mid-April and they say “I have 24-hours here, tell me everything I should experience in Providence.” What would be your response?
I'd suggest looking through some of the similar threads here. There's some great info out there, already.
I like walking, as suggested above. I start near the Pedestrian Bridge. From there, you can do the river walk or Benefit Street or Fox Point or the Jewelry District.
If here on Saturday, go to Hope Farmers Market. If here on Sunday, go to The Flea, and the RISD museum (free on Sundays).
Get a coffee, get a slice of pizza, get a beer or get a cocktail, depending on your tastes.
I did all that 10 years ago, and ended up buying a house here. I've never regretted that move.
Wear comfortable walking shoes. Benefit Street, RISD Museum, Athenaeum, Brown campus (maybe those big old magnolia trees are in bloom), Prospect Terrace, Wickenden Street, India Point to see water? Eat Dune Brothers on the pedestrian bridge.
Amazing this was exactly what I was looking for 🥰
Oooooh love this!!! Im flying into Boston and taking a bus to PVD so car will definitely be ditched 🤩
This is my fear! That I’ll arrive and not leave - I can already feel it’s magic. Thank you for the suggestions!
Good to know that the travel blogs aren’t exaggerating it’s walkability.
RISD Museum, snack your way around downtown: Jewelery District, Wickenden, Federal Hill. Maybe hop a bus down to Roger Williams Park.
I don't think Providence has tourist traps. Over priced pasta in Federal Hill is probably the closest it comes.
If you want to get your blood flowing a bit, start at Roger Williams Memorial on Congdon St, (near downtown) and walk uphill on Bowen Street. You'll get a feel of all the different terrain of the city, sidewalk, cobblestone, asphalt, and urban trail. When you take a right after the dirt path, you'll be able to see the entire PVD skyline. Depending on the bus/train you take to get to PVD from Boston, you might just be let off at the Memorial.
It is important to know that there is a Roger Williams Park and a Roger Williams Memorial. This Memorial is very close to the downtown, while the park is much farther away, but also worth the trip.
PVD Bike Jam. Most fun on 2 wheels guaranteed.
If you have about 3 hours midday and are a foodie, i would recommend Rhode Island Red Food Tours. They share some great bits of history and the food you sample is really delicious and varied. It covers several blocks downtown, both sides of the river. Lots of great murals and architecture.
I had a group of about 6 friends come to town in October and we all did the tour together.
iCaligula t1_j9a4v9t wrote
My advice is to ditch your car and walk everywhere. Providence's beauty is in the details, stop often and appreciate your surroundings.