City break (noun): a short holiday spent in a city, such as when on business travel.
Before there was bleisure travel, there was the city break—the short space of leisure time that grants you access to the cultural and culinary amenities that big cities offer. In this series from TripIt, we explore some of the world’s best cities for planning a quick getaway or extending a work trip.
Here are our tips for making the most of your city break in Providence, Rhode Island.
Where to fly in
Providence is served by Rhode Island T.F. Green International Airport (PVD), located six miles south of Providence in Warwick, Rhode Island.
Once on the ground, you can take the MBTA Commuter Rail one stop to Providence. You can also take a number of Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) buses to get to downtown Providence. Taxis and rideshares are also available from PVD to take you to your final destination.
Alternatively, you can fly into Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) and rent a car—the drive to Providence takes about an hour and a half. Or, you can take public transit: catch the Silver Line bus (SL1) from the airport to South Station, then take the MBTA to Providence. That journey likewise takes an hour and a half, two hours max.
Where to stay during your city break
Looking for a luxury stay in the heart of Providence? While The Beatrice is walking distance to a number of the city’s main attractions, it’s also a destination all on its own. The 47-room hotel has an on-site restaurant and rooftop bar, as well as thoughtful amenities to make your stay feel unique and personalized.
If you favor the boutique hotel experience, you’ll feel right at home at the Neptune or Hotel Providence. The former takes a more modern approach to amenities (think: in-house karaoke bar) and design, while the latter is steeped in historic character.
Looking for something on a grander scale? Graduate by Hilton Providence has nearly 300 rooms, 17 floors, and two on-site restaurants, plus a lobby bar and coffee shop. Nearby, the Aloft Providence Downtown features pet-friendly rooms, a rooftop bar, and a 24/7 fitness center.
Vacation rentals, like those booked through Airbnb, are also available in Providence.
How to get around
Part of downtown Providence’s charm is its walkability. Plan accordingly by packing comfortable shoes for walking from place to place.
When walking isn’t feasible or desirable, you can take a RIPTA bus to explore downtown. Bus fare starts at $2.00 per ride if you’re paying cash (exact change only) or $2.00 for one hour of unlimited rides if you’re paying with the Wave smart card or the Wave mobile app. You can also buy a day or monthly pass.
Looking for micromobility options? Scooter- and bike-share services Spin, Bird, and Veo are widely available for short trips.
Taxis and rideshare programs, like Uber and Lyft, are also available to take you where you need to go.
Looking to explore beyond the city limits? You can take the MBTA Commuter Rail from the Providence station to other cities in Rhode Island (Wickford and Pawtucket), PVD and BOS airports, as well as a number of cities in Massachusetts. You can also take the Amtrak Northeast Regional from Providence to Kingston, Rhode Island, to explore the southern part of the state.
Where to eat
If you only have time for one meal in Providence, make it at Hemenway’s. This New England institution is known for its fresh, locally sourced seafood, top-notch service, and beautiful aesthetic. You’ll want to come back again and again (and I do).
Other fine dining options include Bayberry Garden, featuring a seasonal and sustainability-focused menu; Persimmon, known for its elevated, modern American cuisine; Circe, popular for its Mediterranean-inspired drinks and dishes; and Waterman Grille, where the meal is as memorable as the setting.
Speaking of setting, it’s hard to beat the al fresco vibes of Costantino's Venda Bar & Ristorante—especially in the summer months. While you’re on Federal Hill, be sure to check out Providence Oyster Bar for fresh oysters, clams, and other Rhode Island seafood staples.
Looking for some casual options? Head to Track 15, a new food hall located in the old Union Station showcasing local chefs as well as community events, or Plant City, a plant-based food hall and marketplace. Both Courtland Club and Glou are great for wine, cocktails, and light bites.
Have breakfast on the brain? Check out Julian’s (for creative brunch cocktails and mouth-watering shakshuka), Ellie’s (for a taste of Paris), or Nicks on Broadway (for the brunch crowd—they open at 10 AM).
Tip: Use TripIt’s Nearby Places feature to easily find places to eat and grab a drink within walking distance from where you’re staying. For example, if you’re looking for a restaurant that’s close to your hotel, simply tap on the restaurants option in Nearby Places to view an interactive map with each option tagged. Tap the tags to view useful information like the restaurant’s contact details, hours, reviews, and more. If you find a place you want to visit but can’t get there right away, you can save it to your trip itinerary in TripIt to visit later.
What to do on your city break
If this is your first time in Providence, check out Providence WaterFire—an award-winning fire sculpture installation featuring nearly 100 bonfires along the surface of the city’s rivers. You can even book a gondola to navigate the waters during the event.
Love museums? You won’t want to miss the RISD Museum—established in 1877, their collection now spans more than 100,000 works of art and design. You can also check out the WaterFire Arts Center and its rotating exhibitions. History more your thing? Step back in time to the Victorian Era with a visit to the Lippitt House Museum. Join a guided tour to fully appreciate the history—and the stories—of the people who lived and worked there. You might leave feeling inspired to explore more of Providence’s historic East Side or downtown on self-guided walking tours.
If you’re into live performances, head to the Providence Performing Arts Center, affectionately known as PPAC, to catch a show while you’re in town. There are also a number of live-music venues to check out, including The Strand Ballroom, Veterans Memorial Auditorium, Courtland Club’s Sunday Jazz, and Fête Music Hall.
For family-friendly fun, head to the Providence Children’s Museum for hands-on exhibits your kids will love. Or, plan a day at Roger Williams Park Zoo to experience animal encounters, learn about the zoo’s conservation efforts, and take a spin on their historic carousel. You can also catch the Providence Bruins (AHL) during hockey season and the Rhode Island FC (USL) during soccer season.
Adults only? Grab a drink and take in the views at one of the city’s rooftop bars. Rooftop at the Providence G, Blu Violet, and Mare Rooftop are all great options.
Want to explore beyond Providence and see more of Rhode Island? Rent a car and head to Newport to explore its cobblestone streets and Gilded Age mansions, pack a cooler and head to the beaches of Narragansett, or take the ferry to Block Island—locals’ favorite island getaway.
