48 Hours in Providence, RI: The Ultimate PVD Tour Co. Weekend Itinerary
Planning a weekend in Providence, Rhode Island? With 48 hours, you can experience the city’s history, art, food, neighborhoods, and nightlife, all without having to rush.
From exploring downtown to discovering Providence’s murals, eating your way through Federal Hill, and seeing the city from a whole new perspective, here’s how to spend the perfect 48 hours in Providence with PVD Tour Co.
DAY 1: Downtown, Murals & Federal Hill
Morning: Explore Downtown Providence
Start your Providence adventure by exploring downtown.
Take a stroll through the heart of the city and discover some of Providence’s historic architecture, public spaces, shops, and restaurants. Walk along Westminster Street, check out the Providence River, and make your way toward Waterplace Park.
Don’t forget to look up! Providence is full of beautiful historic buildings and architectural details that are easy to miss when you’re rushing from one destination to another.
Grab a coffee and breakfast downtown before getting ready to see another side of the city.
Late Morning: Take the Becoming Providence Mural Tour
Now it’s time to explore Providence through its art.
The Becoming Providence: Mural & Gallery Tour takes you through the city’s vibrant public art scene, introducing you to murals throughout Providence while sharing the stories and history behind them.
It’s a different way to experience the city, and a great reminder that Providence’s history isn’t just found in its historic buildings and monuments. It’s also painted across its walls.
Bring your camera, because you’re going to want some photos along the way.
Afternoon: Head to Federal Hill
After exploring Providence’s murals, make your way to Federal Hill.
Known for its Italian-American heritage, Atwells Avenue is one of Providence’s most recognizable destinations. Spend some time wandering through the neighborhood, checking out the restaurants, shops, bakeries, and historic streets before settling in for dinner.
Have Some Extra Time? Take the Crime & Cuisine Tour.
If your schedule lines up, there’s another way to experience Federal Hill: the Crime & Cuisine Tour at 2 PM.
This food and history experience explores Federal Hill’s infamous mob history while stopping at local restaurants along the way. You’ll hear the stories behind some of the neighborhood’s most notorious characters and events while sampling food from the area.
It’s the perfect afternoon activity if you’re looking for a little Providence history, with a side of food and intrigue.
Evening: Federal Hill Dinner Stroll
If you’re saving your appetite for dinner, spend your evening on the Federal Hill Dinner Stroll.
Explore the neighborhood while enjoying a progressive dining experience that lets you sample multiple stops rather than sitting down for one traditional meal.
It’s a great way to experience Federal Hill because you’re not just having dinner, you’re getting to explore the neighborhood, discover local food, and experience the character of one of Providence’s most famous districts.
After dinner, grab a drink or take an evening stroll down Atwells Avenue before calling it a night.
Check out our full Federal Hill Visitor’s guide here: https://www.pvdtourco.com/federal-hill-providence-the-ultimate-visitors-guide/
After Dinner: WaterFire
WaterFire: If you’re visiting during WaterFire season, check the event calendar to see if you can catch one of Providence’s most famous events during your stay.
DAY 2: See Providence From a New Perspective
Morning: Perspectives on Providence
Start your second day by getting out of downtown and seeing more of the city.
The Perspectives on Providence van experience gives you the opportunity to explore Providence from a broader perspective, traveling through different neighborhoods and seeing parts of the city you might not discover on foot.
After spending your first day walking through downtown, exploring murals, and getting to know Federal Hill, this is a chance to step back and see how all those neighborhoods fit together.
It’s Providence beyond the postcard.
Afternoon: Explore on Your Own
After your van experience, spend the afternoon exploring at your own pace.
Visit a museum, grab lunch, browse local shops, or revisit a neighborhood that caught your attention during the weekend.
If you’re an art lover, check out the RISD Museum. If you want more fresh air, head to one of Providence’s parks. Or, if you’ve spent the entire weekend sightseeing, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with finding a great restaurant and relaxing for a while.
After all, you’re on vacation.
Evening: Finish With the Nightcap Tour
End your 48 hours in Providence with The Nightcap: Cocktail and Spirits Tour.
After two days of exploring the city, this is the perfect way to wind down, and see Providence after dark. The Nightcap Tour brings together some of the city’s nightlife, and drinks for a memorable final evening. This tour takes you to three of Providence’s best cocktail destinations by van.
Providence has a completely different personality at night, and there’s no better time to experience it than after spending the weekend getting to know the city.
Grab a nightcap, swap stories from your weekend, and enjoy one last evening in Providence.
48 Hours Later…
In just two days, you’ve explored downtown, discovered Providence’s incredible mural scene, eaten your way through Federal Hill, learned about the city’s history, seen different neighborhoods from the road, and experienced Providence after dark.
Not bad for 48 hours.
But don’t be surprised if you leave with a list of things you still want to do.
That’s the beauty of Providence: it’s small enough to explore in a weekend, but there’s always another neighborhood, restaurant, story, mural, or hidden gem waiting to be discovered.
Ready to Explore Providence?
Whether you’re visiting for the first time or looking for a new way to experience your hometown, PVD Tour Co. has a tour for you.
From murals and food to history, neighborhoods, and nightlife, our tours are designed to help you experience Providence beyond the typical tourist itinerary.
You’ve got 48 hours. Let’s explore.
