Providence, RI is less than an hour from Boston, but a world away. Providence, Rhode Island, stands out as an ideal summer weekend escape, seamlessly blending historical charm with vibrant cultural experiences. Begin your journey by exploring the enchanting streets of Benefit Street, where elegant colonial-era homes transport you back in time. Don’t miss the chance to wander through the historic district of Federal Hill, alive with the aromas of Italian cuisine and the buzz of local cafes. Keep reading to find out how to spend 36 hours in Providence, Rhode Island.
And once you book a trip, check out our top summer travel accessories to order on Amazon before your trip!
Spending 36 hours in Providence, RI
Immerse yourself in creativity at the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) Museum, home to a diverse collection of art spanning centuries and cultures. Marvel at masterpieces by renowned artists or discover emerging talents in the contemporary galleries. For a dose of performing arts, catch a captivating show at the Providence Performing Arts Center, where Broadway hits and world-class performances take center stage.
Nature enthusiasts will find solace along the Providence River, where the scenic Riverwalk invites leisurely strolls amidst lush greenery and charming bridges. Experience the city from a different perspective with a tranquil gondola ride through Waterplace Park, where flickering torches illuminate the water’s surface at night, casting a magical glow over the city skyline.
No visit to Providence is complete without indulging in its gastronomic delights. Savor the flavors of New England with a fresh seafood feast, or treat your taste buds to the perfect slice of wood-fired pizza at a local institution like Al Forno. For a culinary adventure, explore the city’s diverse neighborhoods, where hidden gems and culinary innovations await around every corner.
As the sun sets, Providence comes alive with a vibrant nightlife scene. Sip craft cocktails at chic lounges, dance the night away at eclectic clubs, or enjoy a laid-back evening at a cozy tavern sampling locally brewed beers. Whatever your preference, Providence offers endless opportunities for relaxation, exploration, and indulgence, ensuring an unforgettable weekend getaway filled with memories to cherish.
Getting There
You can take the train or drive from Boston, either will take you just under or over an hour depending on traffic. Plan to leave either before or after the rush on a Friday evening to avoid the worst of it and coming home on Sunday should be a breeze, except in the middle of summer where you are sure to intercept some Cape traffic.
Hotels in Providence, RI
Boutique hotels are starting to pop up all over the city, but one that you have to check out is the Dean Hotel. As you can tell by their beautifully curated Instagram feed, this is the spot the cool kids stay when they are in town.
The funky décor and clean lines give the space a fresh but vintage feel and the rooms are comfortable, yet simple. The neon signs in the hallways and the old-school elevator give the hotel lots of charm and the modern bathrooms and crisp linens make you feel at home. Also, the hotel’s central location puts you within walking distance of lots of shops, eateries and things to do.
Where to Eat in Providence, RI
Speaking of eateries, Providence is following in Portland’s footsteps and is becoming quite the foodie destination. From craft donuts to craft pretzels to craft beer, Providence has a lot to offer. Here are a few places to start:
Dinner – For dinner on Friday night head to Oberlin on Union Street. Just a few minutes’ walk from the Dean Hotel, Oberlin is a laid-back gastropub serving up some creative dishes. Start with the Kohlrabi Caesar, share an order of crudo, and then move onto the pasta. The cacio e pepe and the Duck Malfadine are both can’t miss.
Brunch – The next morning for brunch, head to Nick’s on Westminster. Another spot just a short walk from the Dean, Nick’s is exactly what you want to wake up to. Think breakfast sandwiches, pancakes and French Toast. And they elevate all these classic brunch dishes by using locally sourced produce, clean presentation and friendly service.
Donuts – Providence has also become quite well known for its donut scene, some saying the city was even the first in the area to usher in the era of the extravagantly craft donut. Any donut fan has to visit PVDonuts while in town. Be ready for a bit of a line, but trust me, it’s worth it. They create signature, seasonal donuts all the time, so each time you visit you’ll be able to try something new. When we visited, we got to experience lots of autumnal flavors such as pumpkin and cinnamon.
And once you book a trip, check out our top summer travel accessories to order on Amazon before your trip!
Explore Providence RI
There’s lots to do in Providence, and on a weekend trip the best thing to start with is to just explore. Providence is extremely walkable so once you step out of the Dean Hotel you have a lot of options. If you want to do a little shopping head to Hope Street, if you want to see some street art head towards the river for lots of public murals and if you just want to take a scenic stroll head to the river basin. Also, during certain times of year the city hosts a festival called Water Fire. This is a magical festival where big bonfires are placed in floating devices in the river and you can hire a boat to take you through the river to see the fire and enjoy music played all along the way. For more information on Water Fire head to https://waterfire.org.
For other New England trip ideas and weekend getaways be sure to read our Chic Girls Trip to Boston and New Hampshire Covered Bridges blog posts!
