A Perfect Summer Weekend in Providence, Rhode Island

Providence is easily accessible via Amtrak and the MBTA Commuter Rail, which connects directly from Boston. Flying in is convenient through T.F. Green Airport (PVD) or Logan (BOS), and drivers will find the city conveniently located right on I-95.

Once you've dropped your bags at your hotel, grab a coffee before heading out to explore. Brown Bee Coffee on the East Side is a neighborhood favorite. It has a warm, unhurried vibe that sets the tone for a day of exploring. If you're starting downtown instead, consider Ellie’s on Westminster Street.

From there, head up College Hill. Benefit Street is the backbone of it. It’s a long, historic street that’s lined with 18th- and 19th-century homes. While you're here, briefly visit the Providence Athenaeum, one of the oldest membership libraries in the country. It has a beautiful interior and a history that includes Edgar Allan Poe among its former patrons. It's free to visit and takes only about 20 minutes, but consider donating a few dollars if you can. Proceed to wander onto the Brown University campus for the architecture, then follow the hill down to the Providence River.

Come evening, head to Federal Hill for dinner. This is Providence's loud-and-proud Italian neighborhood. For classic “Fed Hill” Italian, consider Cassarino's or Costantino's Venda Bar & Ristorante. Both are fantastic choices. If you're in the mood for something different, Los Andes is one of the city's best restaurants. It has outstanding Bolivian and Peruvian cooking with a loyal following, but know that it's located a bit outside of Federal Hill proper. It isn't a walkable detour from Atwells Avenue on Fed Hill, so plan on driving or ridesharing. Book ahead for all three options.

Providence’s coffee scene is impressive. Saturday is a good excuse to work through some of the city's best options. The Nitro Bar has a few locations, and the Providence outpost has earned its following. Aside from its social media presence, it’s known for its craft cold brews and quality nitro drinks. Small Point Cafe is a quieter, neighborhood-y alternative with excellent espresso and a cozy atmosphere. Bitty & Beau's, the inclusive coffee shop that has become a beloved institution across several states, has a Providence location worth taking time for. Dave's Coffee is also highly rated.

After coffee, make your way to Nick's on Broadway for brunch. It’s a beloved, market-driven spot that has anchored its stretch of Broadway for years. It earns every bit of its local reputation. The menu changes with what's seasonal, and the vibe is welcoming.

Spend the early to mid-afternoon at the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) Museum. For a city of Providence's size, the collection is extraordinary. Budget at least two hours there. The museum sits in the heart of the RISD campus, which bleeds into Brown University nearby, making the whole area pleasant to walk through.

Explore the East Side in the late afternoon. Wayland Square and Wickenden Street are both lined with quality independent bookshops, coffee shops, and galleries.

Saturday evening is when WaterFire may be running—if it is, plan your night around it. Dozens of bonfires are lit on the river at dusk, music is playing, and much of the city gathers along the banks. Several vendor tents are also available. It's one of the more unifying things Providence does, and it happens on select Saturday evenings from late spring through fall. Check the schedule at waterfire.org before your trip.

Whether or not WaterFire is on, end the night at The Malted Barley. This casual downtown spot is known for its gourmet soft pretzels and local craft beers.

Save your third morning for some leisurely exploring. Start with coffee. If you haven't made it to the Coffee Exchange on Wickenden Street yet, this is the morning for it. After that, take a long walk along the Providence River Walk, the path that traces both sides of the river through the heart of downtown. The water, bridges, and downtown skyline visible in both directions make it one of the city's nicer pleasures. While you're at it, make sure to cross the scenic pedestrian bridge (officially known as the Michael S. Van Leesten Memorial Bridge).

From the river, it's an easy walk into the downtown arts district. Galleries and studios cluster around Westminster Street and the surrounding blocks. This part of the city feels distinct from the historic East Side and is worth an hour or so of wandering. Make sure to stop by the Arcade Providence, the oldest indoor shopping mall in the U.S., for boutique shopping and a few photos.

To wrap up your trip, head to Track 15 inside the old Providence Station building. It’s an energetic market hall offering great drinks and shareable plates. Its downtown location makes it a convenient, lively spot to enjoy a final lunch in Providence before heading home.