About Providence
Providence is the capital and most populous city of the U.S. state of Rhode Island. It is the third-most populous city in New England, with a population of 190,934 at the 2020 census. The Providence metropolitan area extends into Massachusetts and has approximately 1.7 million residents, making it the 39th-largest metropolitan area in the U.S. It is the county seat of Providence County.
Places to visit in Providence
-
WaterFire
EntertainmentOn scheduled evenings, bonfires blaze on braziers in the rivers through downtown, accompanied by music and crowds strolling the riverside walkways. Check the schedule in advance, as lightings happen only on select nights through the warmer months.
-
RISD Museum
MuseumThe Rhode Island School of Design's museum holds art and design from ancient times to today, including decorative arts and an Egyptian mummy, in a compact space.
-
Benefit Street
HistoricA long street on College Hill lined with restored colonial and Federal-era houses, known as the Mile of History, ideal for a self-guided architecture walk.
-
Roger Williams Park
Park · 3 mi from centreA large Victorian park with lakes, gardens, a carousel, botanical center, planetarium and the city's well-known zoo, making it easy to fill a day. It lies south of downtown.
-
Federal Hill
NeighborhoodProvidence's Little Italy, centered on Atwells Avenue and DePasquale Square, packed with Italian restaurants, bakeries and specialty food shops. Come hungry and stroll the neighborhood before choosing a spot for dinner or cannoli.
-
Rhode Island State House
LandmarkA white marble capitol topped by one of the largest self-supported marble domes in the world, offering free tours that include the original state charter.
-
Brown University
HistoricExplore the leafy College Hill campus with its historic halls, the John Carter Brown Library and the lively shops and cafes along nearby Thayer Street.
-
Providence Athenaeum
LandmarkA Greek Revival membership library open to visitors, with alcoves of old books and a quiet, atmospheric reading room tied to Edgar Allan Poe's courtship here.
Where to stay in Providence
Popular hotels in Providence, out of 61 properties you can book.
The Dean Hotel
From $272 per night
Omni Providence Hotel
From $204 per night
Hampton Inn & Suites Providence/Warwick-Airport
From $93 per night
Renaissance Providence Downtown Hotel
From $280 per night
Providence Marriott Downtown
From $244 per night
Hampton Inn Pawtucket
From $131 per night
Hilton Garden Inn Downtown Providence
From $195 per night
DoubleTree by Hilton Providence Airport Warwick
From $118 per night
Hilton Garden Inn Providence Airport/Warwick
From $103 per night
Homewood Suites By Hilton Providence
From $226 per night
Hotel Providence Trademark Collection By Wyndham
From $276 per night
Aloft Providence Downtown
From $213 per night
Best time to visit Providence
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Providence is September, when average daytime highs are around 74°F and rain falls on about 6 days a month.
Average daily low and high temperatures and days with at least 1 mm of rain, from recent weather records. Highlighted months are the most comfortable for sightseeing.
Providence weather forecast
- Wed 11 Nov 56° 41° 1%
- Thu 12 Nov 53° 41° 72%
- Fri 13 Nov 49° 38° 84%
- Sat 14 Nov 40° 35° 40%
- Sun 15 Nov 48° 33° 2%
- Mon 16 Nov 51° 33° 1%
Know before you go
- Currency
- United States dollar (USD)
- Language
- English
- Calling code
- +1
- Driving
- On the right
- Time zone
- America/New_YorkUTC−5
- Capital
- Washington, D.C.
Upcoming public holidays in United States
- Veterans Day
- Thanksgiving Day
- Christmas Day
- New Year's Day
- Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
- Presidents DayWashington's Birthday
Banks, offices and some attractions may close on public holidays, and flights and hotels often fill up early around them.
Getting to Providence
These are the airports closest to central Providence. Compare fares into each one, as a slightly longer transfer can sometimes mean a much cheaper flight.
- PVD Rhode Island T. F. Green International Airport7 mi (11 km) from the city centre
Getting around Providence
Downtown Providence is very compact and can easily be covered walking. There is some parking available throughout the city, but RIPTA's public transport network is extensive and an alternative to driving. Although public transit in Providence is almost entirely comprised of buses, the buses are on-time, reliable, and much of RIPTA's bus fleet is new. Kennedy Plaza, RIPTA's downtown bus station, is well laid out with digital displays at each terminal that tell when the next bus will be coming.
Providence travel FAQ
When is the best time to visit Providence?
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Providence is September, when average daytime highs are around 74°F and rain falls on about 6 days a month.
What is the weather like in Providence?
July is usually the warmest month in Providence, with average highs of 84°F (29°C). January is the coolest, with average lows of 22°F (-5°C). The wettest month is typically May, with about 176 mm of rain.
Which airport is closest to Providence?
Rhode Island T. F. Green International Airport (PVD) is the closest airport, about 7 miles (11 km) from the centre of Providence.
What time zone is Providence in?
Providence uses the America/New_York time zone (currently UTC−5). Remember to check for daylight saving changes when planning connecting flights.
How do I get around Providence?
Downtown Providence is very compact and can easily be covered walking. There is some parking available throughout the city, but RIPTA's public transport network is extensive and an alternative to driving.
What are the best places to visit in Providence?
Top sights in Providence include WaterFire, RISD Museum, Benefit Street and Roger Williams Park. On scheduled evenings, bonfires blaze on braziers in the rivers through downtown, accompanied by music and crowds strolling the riverside walkways. Check the schedule in advance, as lightings happen only on select nights through the warmer months.
Where should I stay in Providence?
Popular areas for hotels in Providence include Downtown and Warwick Airport. Well-reviewed options include The Dean Hotel and Omni Providence Hotel.
How many hotels can I book in Providence?
Destina Holidays currently lists 61 properties in and around Providence, from budget stays to luxury hotels. Search your dates to see live prices and availability.
