Providence, Rhode Island, is a city with a rich history and culture. It’s home to some of the country’s top universities, museums, and art galleries. But beyond the well-known attractions, there are also a number of hidden gems waiting to be discovered. Here are seven secret places to visit in Providence in July 2024.
July is a great time to visit Providence. The weather is warm and sunny, with average temperatures in the mid-70s. There are also a number of festivals and events taking place throughout the month, including the Providence Fringe Festival, the Rhode Island International Film Festival, and the WaterFire Providence art installation.
To get to Providence, you can fly into T.F. Green Airport (PVD) or take a train or bus from Boston or New York City. Once you’re in Providence, you can get around easily on foot, by bike, or by public transportation.
Providence has a wide variety of food options, from fine dining to casual eateries. Some of the local favorites include clam cakes and chowder, Del’s Lemonade, and coffee milk. There are also a number of breweries and distilleries in the area, where you can sample local craft beers and spirits.
If you’re looking for a place to stay, there are a number of hotels and guesthouses in Providence. Some of the top-rated options include the Graduate Providence, the Hotel Providence, and the Omni Providence Hotel.
1. The Arcade
The Arcade is the oldest indoor shopping mall in the United States. It was built in 1828 and is home to a variety of shops, restaurants, and cafes. The Arcade is a beautiful place to visit, with its high ceilings, marble floors, and ornate ironwork.
What to do at The Arcade
- Shop for unique gifts and souvenirs
- Dine at one of the many restaurants
- Take a guided tour of the building
- Admire the architecture
2. WaterFire Providence
WaterFire Providence is a public art installation that takes place on the Providence River. It consists of a series of bonfires that are lit on the riverfront. WaterFire is a beautiful and unique way to experience the city.
What to do at WaterFire Providence
- Take a walk along the riverfront
- Watch the bonfires
- Listen to live music
- Enjoy the food and drinks from the vendors
3. The RISD Museum
The RISD Museum is one of the oldest and largest art museums in the United States. It has a collection of over 100,000 works of art, spanning from ancient times to the present day. The RISD Museum is a great place to learn about art and see some amazing works of art.
What to do at the RISD Museum
- View the collection of over 100,000 works of art
- Take a guided tour of the museum
- Attend a lecture or workshop
- Visit the museum’s gift shop
4. Federal Hill
Federal Hill is a historic Italian neighborhood in Providence. It’s home to a number of restaurants, cafes, and shops. Federal Hill is a great place to experience Italian culture and food.
What to do in Federal Hill
- Dine at one of the many Italian restaurants
- Visit the Italian American Historical Society of Rhode Island
- Shop for Italian groceries and gifts
- Attend a festival or event
5. The Brown University Campus
Brown University is one of the top universities in the United States. The campus is beautiful and historic, with a mix of old and new buildings. The Brown University campus is a great place to take a walk or visit the museums and libraries.
What to do on the Brown University Campus
- Take a guided tour of the campus
- Visit the Brown University Museum of Art
- Attend a lecture or sporting event
- Walk through the gardens and courtyards
6. The Providence Athenaeum
The Providence Athenaeum is a private library and cultural center. It’s home to a collection of over 600,000 books and manuscripts. The Providence Athenaeum is a beautiful place to visit, with its high ceilings, marble floors, and ornate woodwork.
What to do at the Providence Athenaeum
- Browse the collection of over 600,000 books and manuscripts
- Attend a lecture or reading
- Visit the art gallery
- Take a guided tour of the building
7. The Roger Williams Park Zoo
The Roger Williams Park Zoo is home to over 100 species of animals from around the world. The zoo is a great place to learn about animals and see them up close. The Roger Williams Park Zoo is also a great place to take the kids.
What to do at the Roger Williams Park Zoo
- See over 100 species of animals from around the world
- Attend a zookeeper talk or feeding
- Take a ride on the carousel
- Have a picnic in the park
These are just a few of the many secret places to visit in Providence in July 2024. With its rich history, culture, and attractions, Providence is a great place to visit any time of year.
Culture
Providence is a city with a rich culture. It’s home to a number of museums, art galleries, and theaters. The city also has a vibrant music scene, with a number of live music venues and festivals throughout the year.
Best Months to Visit
The best time to visit Providence is during the summer months, from June to August. The weather is warm and sunny, and there are a number of festivals and events taking place throughout the city. However, Providence is a great place to visit any time of year.
Nearby Transportation
Providence is easily accessible by car, train, or bus. T.F. Green Airport (PVD) is located just a few miles from the city center. Amtrak provides train service to Providence from Boston and New York City. Peter Pan Bus Lines provides bus service to Providence from Boston, New York City, and other major cities.
Local Food
Providence has a wide variety of food options, from fine dining to casual eateries. Some of the local favorites include clam cakes and chowder, Del’s Lemonade, and coffee milk. There are also a number of breweries and distilleries in the area, where you can sample local craft beers and spirits.
Best Hotels
If you’re looking for a place to stay, there are a number of hotels and guesthouses in Providence. Some of the top-rated options include the Graduate Providence, the Hotel Providence, and the Omni Providence Hotel.
Conclusion
Providence is a great city to visit any time of year. With its rich history, culture, and attractions, there’s something for everyone in Providence. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your trip today!
