We noticed that you're using an unsupported browser. The TripAdvisor website may not display properly.
We support the following browsers: Windows: Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox. Mac: Safari.

Providence

Free Newsletter

Interested in Providence?

We'll send you updates with the latest deals, reviews and articles for Providence each week.
More Lists
Lists you may be interested in:
See All Providence Lists
We remove posts that do not follow our Traveller Lists guidelines.
We reserve the right to remove any lists for any reason.
Report a problem
Explore the world! TripAdvisor has reviews and information on over 400,000 locations, including:
Vacation Specials
Travel Destinations

Explore other Providence resources:

  [ Create a List ]
providenceTim's Traveler List
Vote on this Traveler List!

Write a thankful note to show in this member's profile.Compliment providenceTim

Providence on foot.

Ask this member a question. providenceTim Urban Planner here who eats out a lot, and knows the town inside out.
20 May 2006
4.5 of 5 stars based on 4 votes
Walk your way to see the best historic buildings, eat at the best deal restaurants, and get to know the city a bit from an insider's point of view.
  • Explore locations featured in this Traveler List: Providence
  • Category: Best of
  • Traveler type:
  • Appeals to:
  • Seasons:
  • Tags:
1. Benefit Street
Benefit Street, Providence, Rhode Island
This is the street in Providence with the best collection of 18th century homes lovingly restored. Runs north south along the east side of downtown with great views out over the city. Stop on the south end for lunch at one of the cafes on Wickenden St, visit the RISD art museum on Benefit with a surprisingly great permanent collection, deviate up to Prospect Park off south Court St for a rest with a view, and stop in to see the old state house at 150 Benefit street, the current home of the historical commission.
2. River Walk
Ten years ago, Providence re-aligned the two rivers that join in downtown, and created a pretty spectacular walkway alongside them. Work continues today with a new section opening this summer. Start at Providence Place Mall and walk eastward, curving around the north side of downtown to the east side. You can follow the walk almost all the way to Wickenden Street on the east bank of the river. Stop in for a drink on the deck of the Hot Club near the end of south water street to get a good look at the mighty Providence Hurricane Barrier, built to protect the city from storm surges, and then combine with a walk up Benefit Street.
3. Federal Hill
Historic Federal Hill, Providence, Rhode Island
This is the best place to find a bunch of restaurants together to choose from. See Depasquale Square (Corner Depasquale St) for best outdoor seating around a great Italian fountain. Originally, an Italian American neighborhood, this area is now home to all kinds of restaurants. Check out Angelos for cheap good italian, or Opa for great Lebanese at reasonable prices. To find Federal Hill, walk west out of downtown on Sabin Street, taking a right on Atwells and cross over the freeway. When you pass under the arch with the pinoli nut hanging over your head, you are there!
4. walking downtown
There are a lot of great things to see downtown. In no particular order, if you love great buildings make sure you see the Arcade on Westminster Street, a 19th century indoor shopping mall with glass roof and great greek revival stone collumns, the Rhode Island state house, visible on its hilltop location from anywhere north of downtown, City Hall, a great imposing stone pile, and conveniently having some of the only public restrooms downtown. See the interior atrium here. Also, the Roman Catholic Cathedral and the failed I.M.Pei designed Cathedral Square which is about to be removed. There is lots more here, too many great buildings to mention. Just wander around and be impressed. For a quick bite, stop at Blakes at the corner of Washington and Mathewson, an Irish bar with good pub food and a good ceaser salad as well.
Explore locations featured in this Traveler List: Providence