Landmarks in Providence

Tours Day Trips & Excursions in Providence - Things to do in Providence

Discover the best experiences and adventures in Providence. Explore our curated selection of top-rated tours, activities, and excursions that showcase the beauty and culture of this destination.

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49 Available Tour Excursions in Providence

Free Cancellation
(15 reviews)

Explore the culinary delights and unique history of Providence via our Mostly Accurate New England Classics walking tour. This guided experience takes you through the vibrant streets of Fox Point, where you'll savor iconic dishes such as a warm buttered lobster roll, a legendary New England-inspired sandwich, award-winning pizza, chef-made soft serve, and a classic Rhode Island stuffed quahog. Perfect for locals and visitors alike, this tour combines food with fascinating tales for a memorable outing. - Duration: 3 to 3.5 hours, covering approximately 1.5 miles - Enjoy a variety of local dishes, with all food and a 20% restaurant tip included in the ticket price - Ideal for anyone seeking an immersive culinary and historical experience - Dietary replacements available upon request, including vegetarian and gluten-free More info: https://www.mostlyaccuratetours.com/faqs

Price: $94.00

Duration: 2-3 hours

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(11 reviews)

Walk through Providence's dark side! The eerie writings H.P. Lovecraft- one of the most significant supernatural horror fiction authors of the 20th century- are inexplicably bound to his hometown of Providence. This tour walks in the tortured author's footsteps through his traumatic upbringing and favorite haunts; guests also meet some of the fictional characters that Lovecraft wrote into the city's fabric through dramatic retellings of his creepiest tales. But Lovecraft isn't the only author that ambled the city's centuries-old sidewalks: Sarah Helen Whitman was an eccentric local spiritualist and poet who was briefly engaged to master of the macabre Edgar Allan Poe. This tour also explores her life and relives the couple's whirlwind- and doomed- romance. A minimum of four guests is required for all tours to run. If less than four are booked, we’ll contact you the morning of to offer a full refund or rescheduling options

Price: $30.00

Duration: 2 hours

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Free Cancellation
(9 reviews)

Discover the culinary treasures of Providence’s Fox Point neighborhood on a delightful food and history tour. This engaging experience takes you through vibrant streets where you'll savor up to seven global delicacies—from a Palestinian pistachio croissant to authentic Japanese sushi and spicy regional Chinese dishes. Led by an expert guide, learn about the rich immigrant history that shapes this unique neighborhood while enjoying delicious bites that reflect its diversity. Perfect for food enthusiasts and history buffs alike, this tour promises an enriching experience for locals and visitors. - Duration: 3 to 3.5 hours, covering approximately 1.3 miles - Sample dishes from hidden gems and immigrant-owned eateries - Includes all food and tips for each restaurant - Vegetarian and gluten-free options available on request - Does not include gratuity for your Tour Guide

Price: $94.00

Duration: 3 hours

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Free Cancellation
(7 reviews)

Enjoy everything Providence has to offer aboard the Comedy Bus: - Our 90-minute R-Rated comedy city tour is delivered by the best comics around! This tour features a short stop at a local restaurant or brewery. - Our 3 hour, R-Rated comedy brunch tour is delivered by the best comics around. This tour feature 2 stops at local restaurants for brunch, and each ticket comes with 2 free drinks and 2 food items. Bring your own beer and wine, and purchase some along the route!

Price: $40.00

Duration: 1-3 hours

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(6 reviews)

This isn’t just a brewery crawl. It’s a murder mystery van adventure through Providence where you and your fellow detectives will solve one of Rhode Island’s most fascinating historical crime while visiting some of the city’s best breweries. Enjoy a craft beer flight at three brewery stops and a delicious pretzel along the way. Throughout the tour, you’ll uncover clues, solve puzzles, and follow the twists of a real 19th-century murder case that once dominated national headlines. Can you solve the mystery before the final round? Please note: A minimum of four guests is required for all tours to run. If less than four are booked, we’ll contact you the morning of to offer a full refund or rescheduling options

Price: $95.00

Duration: 4 hours

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Free Cancellation
(5 reviews)

Explore the eerie history of Providence on the Haunted Benefit Street walking tour, where chilling tales come to life under the glow of streetlamps. This immersive experience delves into the ghostly legends of the Mile of History, including the haunted Providence Athenaeum and the Benefit Street Armory. Discover the stories of lost love, vampires, and local hauntings, and hear about the unsettling past of an old funeral parlor. Ideal for history enthusiasts and ghost story lovers alike, this walking tour offers an unforgettable glimpse into Providence's spectral side. - Discover the ghostly legends of Providence's Mile of History - Visit haunted locations like the Providence Athenaeum and Armory - Listen to chilling tales of lost love, vampires, and hauntings - Perfect for history buffs and those intrigued by the supernatural

Price: $30.00

Duration: 1 hours

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(5 reviews)

Savor the flavors of Providence’s Little Italy on the Federal Hill Dinner Stroll, an intimate guided tour that takes you through the heart of one of New England's finest culinary neighborhoods. Enjoy a multi-course Italian dinner featuring antipasto, house-made pasta entrées, and delectable desserts, all while walking between the city’s iconic restaurants. With all food included, your only task is to relax and choose your favorite drinks at each stop. This 2.5 to 3-hour experience is perfect for food lovers and requires a minimum of four guests to run. - Explore renowned dining spots like Cassarino’s and Trattoria Appia. - Indulge in a 3-course meal paired with optional wine or cocktails. - Enjoy a guided stroll led by a knowledgeable host celebrating local traditions. - Convenient valet parking available at the meeting point for ease and comfort. A min of four guests is required for all tours to run. If less than four are booked, we’ll contact you the morning with refund options.

Price: $100.00

Duration: 3 hours

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(3 reviews)

Guided by local architectural expert Kelsey Mullen, this isn't just a tour—it’s a deep dive into the soul of the city. From the water, the skyline reveals its secrets: the bold silhouettes of iconic landmarks, the hidden rhythm of 18th-century masonry, and the subtle details of grand facades that go unnoticed from the street. Experience 300 years of architectural history as you cruise the Providence waterways! From the most eye-catching landmarks on the city skyline to hidden architectural gems, come discover historic Providence from the best seat in town! We welcome passengers ages 10+ on this tour.

Price: $40.00

Duration: 1 hours

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(1 reviews)

Set sail on The Mariner, our new 55‑passenger vessel, for Moonlight on the Bay, our unforgettable late-summer cruise departing from the heart of downtown Providence. Step aboard and unwind as music drifts across the deck, a seasonal breeze dances over the water, and the upper bay shimmers beneath the glow of the moon. With the Providence skyline glowing with warm autumn light on the horizon, it’s the perfect way to savor the very best of Rhode Island’s fall‑kissed waterfront nights. Enjoy our full bar featuring chilled pours from Gooseneck Vineyards, ice‑cold Narragansett Beer, refreshing South County Seltzers, and Ocean State–inspired signature cocktails and mocktails crafted for slow sipping as the sun sets. The Perfect Cruise for Every Kind of Night! Date night with built‑in ambiance An effortless corporate outing Friends night out with a scenic twist A before or after‑dinner escape that extends the evening

Price: $50.00

Duration: 2 hours

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Free Cancellation
(1 reviews)

Book your Private Arrival Transfer from T. F. Green State Airport (PVD) to Providence hotel or address. Don't go through all the hassle of waiting in a long taxi or shared shuttles queues and use our private, door to door airport transfer. Your driver will be waiting for you at a scheduled time and you will travel comfortably to your destination. • Meeting with a Nameplate • We track your Flight • Door-to-door Service • No Hidden Charges • Clean cars & Professional drivers

Price: $40.28

Duration: 0 hours

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Free Cancellation
(59 reviews)

Join us for this elegant stroll through time! Allow our historically costumed, local guides to lead you down the most beautifully preserved street in all of Providence, RI- Benefit Street! Guests will learn the history of some of Providence's most prominent residents and families, including the Dorr family, Roger Williams, and the Hoppin family. See architectural icons including the John Brown House, the First Baptist Church, the Fleur de Lys Building, and the original State House. Learn about the events that shaped our state and nation, including the suffrage movements (yes, there were two!) and the Civil War. This tour will leave you feeling more connected to the city's past and with a greater appreciation for Providence. Benefit Street is a mostly flat street and is suitable for people of most levels of health and fitness.

Price: $30.00

Duration: 1 hours

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Free Cancellation
(143 reviews)

Our company has been a member of the Providence community for nearly two decades. Our company is a walking, haunted history tour of Providence's College Hill neighborhood. Our guides lead guests by lantern light as we explore the history, mystery, legends, and lore of our city. Learn about different types of hauntings, our spirits' most current activities, and the dark tales that have been forgotten over time. Our tour is a wonderful blend of history and mystery, perfect for believers and skeptics alike! The tour includes a portion of College Hill. We have chosen the most walkable route, but it is indeed a hill and our streets are old. Please wear shoes that are comfortable and stable. It is also outdoors, so be sure to dress for the weather.

Price: $30.00

Duration: 1-1 hours

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(386 reviews)

Join this 3-hour small-group food tour to savor 6+ food tastings in one of America's top food cities with a professional guide. Sip on alcoholic beverages (if option selected) at select locations. Explore this historic capital city's architecture while listening to fascinating stories about the history and view the art and culture as you walk through the Downcity Arts District. Tour is limited to a maximum of 14 people to ensure personalized service and includes a guide offering recommendations for you to further explore on your own.

Price: $99.00

Duration: 0-0 hours

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Free Cancellation
(256 reviews)

A food tour with a felonious twist! The Federal Hill neighborhood of Providence is one of its 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 family recipes passed down through generations. Come hungry! Every guest will also get a memento from their time on the Hill to take home with them. Spoiler alert: it's delicious! 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. Guests under 21 will not be served alcohol on this tour. A min of four guests is required for all tours to run. If less than four are booked, we’ll contact you the morning.

Price: $100.00

Duration: 3 hours

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(373 reviews)

We're thrilled to kick off our 35th season of boat tours along the shores of Downtown Providence, Rhode Island in May 2026! Join us for an award-winning, historic journey through the heart of Rhode Island's capital city, and learn about Providence’s rich history, stunning architecture, and fascinating landmarks from our USCG licensed Captains and expert guides. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a lifelong local, Providence River Boat Company delivers an exceptional on-the-water experience, and the perfect way to experience Providence from a whole new perspective. Book your spots in advance, as we often sell out, and discover why we have led Providence tourism for over three decades!

Price: $43.00

Duration: 0 hours

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Free Cancellation
(96 reviews)

We want to show what’s great about the Ocean State! If you would like to experience the culture, cuisine, scenery, and story of America’s smallest state in one amazing day with an expert guide, then this is the tour for you. Only 48 miles long and 37 miles wide, Rhode Island is full of big surprises! As we take you on this enlightening journey, you will enjoy the things that make Rhode Island so attractive and unique. Beginning in our capital city and traveling by tour bus around our beautiful Bay, you will take in breathtaking views, and learn what this state has contributed to America. On this trip you will visit the things Rhode Island is most known for including picturesque beaches, colonial architecture and history, lighthouses, islands, quintessential New England towns, and stunning mansions. Going from Providence to Newport, and exploring many beautiful towns in between, this tour will show you Rhode Island in a Day!

Price: $125.00

Duration: 8 hours

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(10 reviews)

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. Explore how Rhode Island’s involvement in the international slave trade fueled the Industrial Revolution, how suffragists challenged the political establishment, and how activists fought for LGBTQ+ visibility during Providence’s first Pride celebrations. Meet remarkable figures like Edward Bannister, a Black barber who rose to national acclaim as a painter, Princess Red Wing, a Narragansett and Pokanoket activist, and the workers behind the massive 1902 labor strike that brought Rhode Island’s urban core to a standstill. A minimum of four guests is required for tours to run. If fewer than four guests are booked, we’ll contact you the morning of the tour with refund or rescheduling options.

Price: $30.00

Duration: 2 hours

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(54 reviews)

Join us on a Twilight Cruises and toast to an unforgettable night on the river! Bathed in the warm glow of twilight, Providence’s historic architecture, bridges, and cobblestone paths take on an entirely new life as the sun slips below the horizon. Step aboard and unwind with complimentary wine and Prosecco from Rhode Island’s own Gooseneck Vineyards, as you soak in unparalleled views of our capital city. Whether you’re planning a romantic date night, a relaxed corporate outing, a fun girls’ night out, or a memorable after‑dinner adventure, this experience is designed to create unforgettable summer moments with family, friends, co‑workers, and your significant other. Let the river carry you into the heart of twilight — reserve your seats today and savor the magic of the evening! Additional Info: - This is an evening cruise ONLY. There is NO NARRATION offered during this boat ride. - This tour is ages 16+ - Not a wine drinker? Other beverages are available for purchase at The Landing.

Price: $50.00

Duration: 1 hours

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Key Info for Visitors

  • Currency: USD
  • Languages: Italian
  • Climate: Humid continental
  • Timezone: America/New_York
  • Population: Approximately 190,000 residents
  • Best Time to Visit: time to visit is from late spring to early fall for pleasant weather and outdoor events.
  • Visa Requirements Visitors from the United States do not require a visa to enter Providence as it is within the US. International tourists from countries in the Visa Waiver Program, including most EU countries, the UK, Canada, Australia, and Japan, can enter the US for tourism without a visa for up to 90 days. Other visitors typically need to apply for a US tourist visa (B-2). Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) is required for visa waiver travelers. Visa on arrival is not available for the US.

About Providence

Providence, the capital city of Rhode Island, offers a unique blend of historic charm and vibrant urban culture. Known for its rich colonial heritage and thriving arts scene, Providence captivates visitors with its beautifully preserved architecture and creative energy. The city is home to prestigious institutions like Brown University and the Rhode Island School of Design, which contribute to its youthful and artistic atmosphere. Providence’s scenic riverfront and quaint neighborhoods provide a picturesque setting for leisurely strolls and exploration. Food lovers will appreciate its reputation as a culinary hotspot, especially for Italian cuisine in the Federal Hill district. The city hosts numerous festivals, including WaterFire, a spectacular event featuring bonfires on the rivers that light up the downtown area, creating a magical ambiance. Providence’s combination of history, culture, and lively community events makes it a compelling destination for travelers seeking an authentic New England experience beyond the typical tourist trail.

Providence Tours & Experiences

  • Top Attractions: Highlights of Rhode Island
  • Duration Range: 2 to 10 hours
  • Group Size: Private or shared tours
  • Difficulty Level: Mixed Difficulty
  • Recommended For: The ideal time to visit is from late spring to early fall for pleasant weather and outdoor events. Pack layers as evenings can be cool. Respect local customs, especially in dining and public spaces. Providence is generally safe but stay aware of surroundings in busy areas. Credit cards are widely accepted, but carrying some cash is useful for small vendors or tips. Use public transport or walk to avoid parking hassles downtown.

Average Tour Price: $80

Lowest Price Tour: $39

Highest Price Tour: $220

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Important Tour Information

  • Bring comfortable walking shoes and appropriate clothing
  • Check tour cancellation and refund policies
  • Arrive at the meeting point at least 15 minutes early
  • Carry valid identification and tour booking confirmation

Top Attractions

1. WaterFire – A mesmerizing public art installation with bonfires lit on the rivers downtown, accompanied by music and performances. 2. Rhode Island School of Design Museum – Showcases an impressive collection of fine art, design, and decorative arts. 3. Federal Hill – Known as Providence’s Little Italy, this neighborhood offers vibrant dining, cafes, and cultural experiences. 4. Roger Williams Park – A large urban park featuring a zoo, botanical gardens, and walking trails. 5. Providence Performing Arts Center – A historic theater hosting Broadway shows, concerts, and other live performances.

Popular Activities

Visitors can enjoy walking tours of historic neighborhoods, attend live theater and music performances, explore art galleries, and participate in seasonal festivals like WaterFire. Outdoor enthusiasts can bike or stroll along the riverwalk, visit Roger Williams Park for picnics and zoo visits, or take a water taxi ride. Food tours focusing on Italian cuisine and local specialties are popular, as well as visiting farmers markets and craft fairs.

Frequently Asked Questions

The best time to visit Providence is late spring through early fall (May to October) when the weather is pleasant and outdoor events are in full swing.

Yes, Providence has a compact downtown area that is very walkable, with many attractions, restaurants, and shops close together.

Yes, Providence offers bus services and water taxi options to get around the city and nearby areas.

We have tours designed for various age groups and fitness levels. Each tour description includes specific requirements and recommendations.

Local Food & Cuisine

Providence is renowned for its Italian-American cuisine, especially in Federal Hill, where you can find authentic pasta, seafood, and pastries. Signature dishes include clam chowder, calamari, and coffee milk, Rhode Island’s official state drink. The city also boasts a growing farm-to-table scene with fresh, local ingredients. Noteworthy restaurants include Al Forno for grilled pizza and innovative Italian dishes, and Hemenway’s for fresh seafood. Dining customs are casual but appreciative of local flavors and seasonal produce.

Getting Around

Providence is accessible via T.F. Green Airport with connections to major US cities. The city is served by Amtrak and regional trains. Local transportation includes RIPTA buses and water taxis. Downtown is compact and best explored on foot or by bike. Taxi and rideshare services are widely available. Parking can be limited downtown, so using public transit or walking is often recommended. Costs for public transit are affordable, with single rides and day passes available.

Travel Tips

The ideal time to visit is from late spring to early fall for pleasant weather and outdoor events. Pack layers as evenings can be cool. Respect local customs, especially in dining and public spaces. Providence is generally safe but stay aware of surroundings in busy areas. Credit cards are widely accepted, but carrying some cash is useful for small vendors or tips. Use public transport or walk to avoid parking hassles downtown.

Culture & Customs

Providence has a strong Italian-American heritage, reflected in its food, festivals, and social life. The city values arts and education, with many cultural events year-round. WaterFire is a major cultural event symbolizing community spirit. Social etiquette is friendly and informal. Visitors should be punctual for performances and respectful of historic sites. Tipping in restaurants is customary at around 15-20%.

About The Author

Calvin Author

Calvin has loved travel and adventure since first visiting Los Angeles with a suitcase in 1992 at the age of 20. He ditched the suitcase and got a backpack pretty fast.
He hates leaving after any trip and has to console himself by writing and sharing articles on it. You can find and connect with him on linked in here.

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Exact luggage sizing police and being tired in an airport and many more..

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