Providence/Downtown

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.

Two of the downtown lines are run completely on natural gas trackless trolleys (called the Providence LINK Trolley), and cover most of historic Providence. Base fare is $2.00, though e-riptiks or ride passes may be purchased either on-board or at local Shaw's and Stop and Shop supermarkets. Seniors or disabled persons ride for half-price during non-peak hours with the presentation of an ID. Students from some local colleges can buy discounted bus passes or use their school id cards (policy varies depending on the school).

Driving is another way to get around Downtown Providence. Once you are in the downtown area, everything is about a 5-minute drive from one location to the next. Parking on Federal Hill is available but fills up fast. There is also valet at almost every restaurant there. Parking on Thayer Street is available but you may be going up and down the streets around it a few times before you actually find a spot.

If walking and/or bus trips don't suit your fancy, cab rides are also an option. Taxis are constantly idling in the area of Kennedy Plaza, just outside of the 7-Eleven, and also just a couple of blocks away at the Providence Westin (One West Exchange Street).

• USA Taxi, +1 401-516-3177
• City Express Cab. Providence, +1 401-286-9277

• 🌍 Providence Children's Museum, 100 South St, ☏ +1 401 273-5437. Open September to March Tuesday through Sunday and Monday holidays 9AM to 6PM (8PM on some Friday evenings) and April to Labor Day daily 9AM to 6PM (8PM on some Friday evenings). Offers a variety of exhibits to provide hands-on fun. The museum accepts cash, check, Discover, Visa and MasterCard. Park a picnic lunch and eat either in one of the 3 assembly rooms or in the beautiful outdoor picnic area. The museum is fun for all ages and includes exhibits such as a water table, an exploration of the history of Rhode Island, wind rooms, dinosaur digs and building blocks. $8.50 per person, children under 12 months free. 

• 🌍 University of Rhode Island Providence Campus Gallery, 80 Washington St., ☏ +1 401 277-5206. Presents work from professional and community artists in themed exhibits on subjects such as culture, human rights, and breast cancer awareness. 

• 🌍 Rhode Island State House, 82 Smith Street, ☏ +1 401 222-2357. M-F 8:30AM-4:30PM. Built from 1894 to 1901. A wonder sculpted from white Georgia marble, containing the world's fourth largest self-supported marble dome. This monumental amazement is 300 feet long, 180 wide, and 233 feet high. Features inside this gigantic building are: the Bell Room, American Revolution regiment flags, a Rotunda, Gun Room, the State Library, House and Senate Chambers and Lounges, Charter room, and many other fascinating tantalizing rooms including one that houses the original 1663 portrait of George Washington by RI native Gilbert Stuart; whose painting is the same face that went on the U.S. one dollar bill. Designed by the notable McKim, Mead, and White architectural firm. Come see the State House lit up in pink to support Breast Cancer Awareness every October. Accompany this visit of the pink State House with a walk around Providence's WaterFire (See below in 'do'). Guided tours of the building are offered M-F 9AM-noon. Self-guided tours may be taken M-F 9AM-3:30PM. 
• 🌍 The Arcade, 66 Weybosset St. at Westminster St. The first enclosed shopping mall in America, completed in 1828. Built in the style of Greek Revival, this building has a unique twist: Due to a disagreement between the two principal architects, columns on one end are Ionic, and on the other, Doric. It has been converted to a residential building with about a dozen shops and restaurants. (updated Dec 2018)

• 🌍 City Hall, 25 Dorrance St (at Washington St), ☏ +1 401-680-5000. Finished in 1878, the Second Empire Baroque City Hall only survives today because of former Mayor Buddy Cianci's careful restoration in 1975. (updated May 2020)
• 🌍 Industrial Trust Tower (Bank of America Tower), Kennedy Plaza. The tallest building in Providence is an intent Art Deco impression from 1928. (updated Jan 2022)
• 🌍 Trinity Repertory Theater, Washington St. & Empire St.. This 1912 building, clad in terra-cotta houses the area's finest repertory company. (updated Jan 2022)
• 🌍 Biltmore Hotel, Dorrance St. & Washington St.. The 1922 Neo-Federal Beaux-Arts styled hotel. (updated Jan 2022)
• 🌍 Federal Courthouse, Exchange St. & Washington St.. (updated Jan 2022)

• 🌍 Waterplace Park and Riverwalk (Francis St. at Memorial Blvd.). Finished in 1994, Waterplace Park is a well-accepted addition to the city owing to its historic and unassuming look. Featuring cobblestone paths and unobtrusively shaped concrete form, the park follows Providence's downtown rivers quietly below the level of automobile traffic. You'll usually find a few people enjoying the park quietly. Come here during Waterfire (below under "do") to see the park at its best. 
• 🌍 Burnside Park (Adjacent to Kennedy Plaza). This small park is named for Ambrose Burnside, a general in the American Civil War. Several sculptures, including an equestrian statue of General Burnside, dot this quiet park. 

• 🌍 Providence Place Cinemas 16 and IMax Theatre, ☏ +1 401 453-4446 ext 200. In the Providence Place Mall is Rhode Island’s only Imax theatre housing a 6-story high screen. The theatre is home of various films such as educational, current entertaining films and the most popular 3-D films. 
• 🌍 Providence Performing Arts Center, 220 Weybosset St, ☏ +1 401 421-2787. A historic theater built in 1928 as a Loew's Movie Palace. Located in the center of Providence, and hosts a plethora of shows, from stand-up comic Larry the Cable Guy, to the kid's show Dora the Explorer, to the Rhode Island Philharmonic. The center also features local and national music, and local musicians have the unique chance to perform before a large audience here. The audiences sometimes include students from grades 6-9, and at the end, the students will be asked to submit a card grading the performance. 
• 🌍 AS220, 115 Empire St, ☏ +1 401 831-9327. A non-profit community arts center. The building features four art galleries, performance space, 19 artist studios and a bar/café. Events are booked every night at AS220; these include art exhibits, live music, and panel discussions. AS220 features many Rhode Island artists, but national acts are booked here often. Notable recurring events include: 

• Fools Ball. AS220's signature gala event. This yearly party spans five days and countless exhibits. Every year brings a new theme. Major events usually include live music, art exhibits, dinners and film screenings.
• Providence Poetry Slam. Held on the first and fourth Thursday of every month. This eclectic event, one of the venue's most popular, features both local and national poets and musicians. All artists (novice and professional) and spectators are welcome; the Providence Slam team has had great success in the National Poetry Slam over the past decade.
• Geek Dinners. Held on the last Wednesday of every month. These dinners allow those involved in Rhode Island's technology industry to communicate and collaborate. Geek Dinners always have a featured presentation or discussion. Topics vary greatly, from startups to web services to hardware.

• 🌍 Trinity Repertory Company, 201 Washington St, ☏ +1 401 351-4242. A nationally-renowned theater downtown. Trinity Rep seats 820 and has an estimated annual audience of 160,000. Trinity Rep has produced over 50 world premiere plays and a balance of both contemporary and classic works. The venue features six subscription productions each year and an annual production of A Christmas Carol. 
• 🌍 Amica Mutual Pavilion, 1 LaSalle Square, ☏ +1 401 331-6700. A 14,500-seat indoor sports and entertainment arena located in downtown Providence which brings in over a million people annually. It holds various musical events, Providence Bruins ice hockey, basketball, and almost every type of show for kids. Has events such as Champions on Ice, featuring Olympic medalist Michele Kwan and others, Coheed And Cambria/Avenged Sevefold Co-Headline Tour, and every PC Friars and Providence Bruins home game. Ticket prices will usually vary depending on the event, and can range from $30 for a concert to $150 for a special event (such as ice skating). Wheelchair accessible. 
• Rhode Island Convention Center Providence. A multipurpose facility available for almost any event, from dog shows to dinner banquets. Special Events at the Rhode Island Convention Center:

• Northeast International Auto Show - Automobile extravaganza featuring hundreds of new model cars, trucks, minivans and sport-utility vehicles from more than twenty import and domestic manufacturers.
• Rhode Island Spring Flower and Garden Show - More than twenty-eight gardens, lectures and demonstration, children’s activities, bookstore and more than 200 garden-related vendor booths.
• The Home Show - Largest and most informative consumer home show in southern New England. Features hundreds of exhibitors and displays of the latest products and services for building, remodeling and decorating homes. A variety of seminars and demonstrations.

• 🌍 The Strand Ballroom, 79 Washington Street, ☏ +1 401 331-5876. A midsized musical venue in downtown Providence a few blocks from the Providence Place Mall. It's housed in a historic five-story theater and hosts punk bands, alternative, hip-hop, blues, reggae, and many other types of music which are set for a larger venue, but can't quite fill the Roseland Ballroom or similar larger gigs. However, it also brings the groups who would normally be set for a much larger stage, such as De La Soul, Coheed And Cambria, or George Clinton and the P-Funk. With slightly less expensive tickets than a bigger venue and a much more personal experience, Lupos is a great show worth going to any day. 

• 🌍 Bank of America Skating Center (Alex and Ani City Center), 2 Kennedy Plaza, ☏ +1 401 331-5544, info@providencerink.com. M-F 10AM-10PM, Sa Su 11AM-10PM. The rink is open from the end of November to the end of March, weather permitting, (call in the case of inclement weather to confirm rink is open). A 14,000 square-foot outdoor ice rink located in the center of Downcity Providence that offers ice skating fun for all ages. Cost of skating is $6 for adults, $3 for children (12 and under), and $3 for seniors (65 and older), though season passes are available and certain designated skating times are discounted. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Skate rental is available for $4 per pair. 
• Gallery Night Providence, ☏ +1 401 484-0726. On the third Thursday of the month, March through November, twenty-one of the city's museums and galleries open their doors to all. Free guided bus tours are organized around specific themes (contemporary art, emerging artists, artisan shops, etc.), and are often led by special guest speakers. Tours leave One Regency Plaza, (where you can park for free), every half hour between 5:30PM and 7PM. If you prefer a self-guided tour, visit Gallery Night's website for a detailed map. 
• Waterfire. Centers on a series of 100 fires that burn on the three rivers that pass through the middle of downtown Providence. The string of fires illuminates nearly two-thirds of a mile and residents and visitors gather to stroll along the river. The fires are burned from sunset to past midnight on select evenings (typically on weekends) from April or May through October. If you want to experience something that is very relaxing while still taking in the urban life of downtown Providence, go and see Waterfire. There are no admission charges. Concessions are available. There are outdoor stands set up hosting a Dunkin Donuts as well as kettle corn, pizza and doughboy (fried dough) distributors for modest prices. Boat rides are available if you would like to get a closer look at the fire. Pricing for the gondola during WaterFire is $159 for 2 passengers and $15 per additional person which can be added to your gondola up until the day of the ride. Proud Mary offers motor launch services on a pontoon boat with tours leaving every half hour from the north side of Waterplace Basin. WaterFire is quite popular with locals and visitors alike, and tends to draw large crowds. If you do plan to attend WaterFire, walking or taking public transportation into Kennedy Plaza is strongly recommended as most surrounding streets become very congested. If you are driving, parking is available at the Providence Place Mall for $1 for a 3 hour time block. The price increases after one surpasses 3 hours. 

• 🌍 Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar, 1 West Exchange Street, ☏ +1 401 533-9000. Fleming's is known for its prime steak and elegant, cherry wood atmosphere. Its wine list features over 100 wines available by the glass. This steakhouse also offers bar menu specials until 7PM. 
• 🌍 New Rivers, 7 Steeple St. New Rivers Bistro prizes inventive presentation and taste over any pretension and it shows. The unassuming 18th-century interior yields a culinary masterpiece. Expensive but worth it if you are looking for a special night. Entrees $18-30. 

• 🌍 P.F. Chang's, 111 Providence Place, ☏ +1 401 270-4665. M-Th 11AM-11PM, F Sa 11AM-midnight, Su 11AM-10PM. Be sure to make a reservation if you plan on eating here, the wait can be pretty long. Serves fine Asian cuisine in a nice friendly atmosphere. 
• 🌍 The Cheesecake Factory, 94 Providence Place, ☏ +1 401 270-4010. M-Th 11:30AM-11PM, F Sa 11:30AM-12:30PM, Su 10AM-11PM. Upscale dining, the Cheesecake Factory offers more than 200 menu selections including 50 cheesecakes and desserts. $10-20 entrées. The Cheesecake Factory is a nationwide chain. The wait can be long, it is always very busy, be prepared for that if you plan on making a trip. 

• 🌍 Palo Tapas, 125 Canal Street, ☏ +1 401-414-7610. Serving dishes like smoked trout and Maryland crab cakes within stone slate walls and wooden plank floors in the second-oldest industrial building in the United States. $16-33. 
• 🌍 Union Station Brewery, 36 Exchange Terrace, ☏ +1 401 274-2739. Serves bar & grill type food, but come for the beer! Union Station brews its own beer in 6 different styles. Can't decide which to get? They'll serve you 5oz of each for $7.50. The namesake comes from the fact that the restaurant was carved out of the original 1898 Union Station. (updated Jan 2022)
• 🌍 The Capital Grille, 10 Memorial Blvd, ☏ +1 401 521-5600. Presented by the American Culinary Federation their “Achievement of Excellence Award” and referred to by The Miami Herald as a “culinary theme park full of dark wood, stuffed game heads, cigars, high-end drinks, wines and dry aged steaks.” Capital Grill is a high-end restaurant well known for its warm soothing environment, impressive menu of nationally renowned dry aged steaks, fresh seafood award-winning wine list of more than 5,000 bottles. This franchise is actually the original restaurant in the Capital Grille chain. 
• 🌍 Café Nuovo, 1 Citizens Plaza, ☏ +1 401 421-2525, fax: +1 401 621-7126, info@cafenuovo.com. With a capacity to seat 130 people inside, 60 people outdoor (when in season) and offering valet parking. Café nuovo is recognized for their cuisine as a blend of flavors from around the globe; skillful preparation and distinctive balance of components by serving, fresh, and pure appetizing, seasonal ingredients; from a network of growers and local farms to distant market. Café Nuovo has also gained a reputation of displaying spectacular plate presentation that. 
• 🌍 Capriccio, 2 Pine St, ☏ +1 401 241-1320. Located in the Downtown financial district, Capriccio is a classic, sophisticated restaurant that features international cuisine with a Northern Italian taste. They have been awarded over 40 awards for fine dining, wines and decor. Cappriccio’s has elegant furnishings an appetizing menu and wines to its tuxedoed service staff to match. This restaurant is one of the top high-end restaurants in all of Rhode Island. 
• 🌍 Small Point Café, 230 Westminster St, ☏ +1 401 228-6999. M–F 7:30AM – 6:30PM, Sa 9AM – 6:30PM, Su 9AM – 6PM. Small Point is a cozy coffee shop in the middle of Downcity. They serve everything from gourmet style sandwiches - with vegetarian options, to boot - to parfaits, but their lattes and latte art are the real selling point. Perfect for breakfast on the go or a quiet study spot. 
• 🌍 Hemenway's Seafood Grill & Oyster Bar, 121 South Main St, ☏ +1 401 351-8570. M-Th 11AM-10PM, F Sa 11AM-11PM, Su noon-9PM. This upscale restaurant is the definition of fine dining. If you’re looking for an excuse to get dressed up while dining on the finest seafood, this the place to be. 

• 🌍 PVD Social Club (Jerky’s Bar), 71 Richmond St. Once referred to as Jerkey's, the PVD Social Club hosts concerts of different artists, both local and not local, along with other events. Can make for a fun night, only thing to be aware of is the bathrooms. There are two toilets in the same space, neither of which is gender specific. Can be a bit of a shock for a first timer. 18+ for most events, 21+ to drink. 
• 🌍 Murphy's Deli and Bar, 100 Fountain Street, ☏ +1 401 621-8467. This is a great spot to relax and grab a beer, watch a game, and begin or end your night. It’s a small place, but the food is excellent, the beer is very good, and the prices are even better. If you go, a sandwich is highly recommended as they also serve as a delicatessen. 
• 🌍 Trinity Brewhouse, 186 Fountain St, ☏ +1 401 453-2337. M-Th 11:30AM-1AM, F Sa 11:30AM-2AM, Su noon-1AM (food served until Midnight everyday). In addition to a great selection of beer on tap, features six beers (two light, two dark, two amber) that are brewed daily on-site. The same beer is never brewed two days in a row. Serves a full menu of food, lunch through late night. 
• 🌍 The Salon, 57 Eddy St, ☏ +1 401 865-6330. The Salon is a downtown bar that hosts DJs, live music acts, and downstairs dance parties, typically Thursday - Saturday nights. They have become known in town for their pickle back shots; that's a shot of whiskey chased with a shot of pickle juice, folks. They also serve late night snacks like peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. A great place to play pinball, foosball, or table tennis after work or dance your cares away later in the evening. 
• 🌍 Colosseum, 180 Pine St, ☏ +1 401 497-4200. Th 10PM-1AM, F Sa 10PM-2AM. Inspired by "The Renaissance City", to create a trip back to the Gods and Goddesses. The Colosseum is broken into three themed night clubs, "The Ruins", "Mythology" and "The Arena". Mythology is where the real party is, with live DJs and VIP booths for those who want to be catered to. The Colosseum is also home to Shake Wednesdays. This is an Indie/Electro dance night held every Wednesday. Each Wednesday there is a different theme for the night. 18+ on Thursdays and 21+ Friday and Saturday. One of the hottest nightclubs in the city. Make sure to get there early because it usually reaches capacity by 11PM on Thursdays. 
• 🌍 Mirabar, 15 Elbow Street, ☏ +1 401 331-6761. Self-proclaimed Rhode Island's best gay men's bar and dance club. Laser lights, high-energy dance floor, shirtless shot boys and themed nights. Fun for girls and boys! This is a hot-spot for the trendy gay male crowd and their gal pals. Not recommended for those who don't like loud dance music and/or like to mingle. 
• 🌍 The Dark Lady, 19 Snow Street, ☏ +1 401 272-6369. Always has something going on. A popular spot for cross-dressers and transsexuals, with live drag shows featuring local talent. The Dark Lady's performers are known to socialize with patrons. Great place for meeting those in the transsexual/cross-dressing scene.