Things To Do Downtown Providence

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DISCOVER PROVIDENCE

YOURS TO EXPLORE

The Beatrice is your jumping-off point to take the town. Steps from Providence's universities and colleges, locally-owned shops, eateries, boutiques, and cultural experiences, including the Avenue Concept's fabulous public art exhibit, start here. Stroll along the historic cobblestone streets, and take in our city. Witness the rivers ablaze at Waterfire, visit the famed RISD Museum, admire the larger-than-life murals that highlight Providence's diversity, and explore sculptural art.

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Explore Downtown Providence

With cuisine ranging from Peruvian to Italian and boasting local classic johnnycakes and quahogs, the downtown food scene is something of a melting pot. Architecture and history buffs will marvel at the nearby Arcade, the country's oldest indoor shopping mall. Stroll the campuses at some of the finest universities and colleges in all of New England, including Brown University, Johnson & Wales, and Rhode Island School of Design, right here. Or make like our namesake, Beatrice, and grab tickets to a show at Trinity Repertory Company or Providence Performing Arts Center (PPAC).

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5.1 MILES, 14 MIN DRIVE

Roger Williams Zoo

Tap into your wild side and meet more than 150 animals from around the world. The historic, Roger Williams Zoo is a thrill for all ages. Exhibits include Faces of the Rainforest, Fabric of Africa, Marco Polo's Adventure Trek, and Hasbro's Our Big Backyard.

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RISD Museum

0.2 MILES, 4 MIN WALK

Wander the corridors of the RISD Museum in wonder. Experience nearly 100,000 objects and works from around the world, including ancient Egypt, Asia, Africa, ancient Greece and Rome, Europe, and the Americas. Prominent international and American artists on display include Picasso, Monet, Manet, and Andy Warhol. The collection also features notable Rhode Island artists and designers.

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RISD Museum
0.2 MILES, 4 MIN WALK
Wander the corridors of the RISD Museum in wonder. Experience nearly 100,000 objects and works from around the world, including ancient Egypt, Asia, Africa, ancient Greece and Rome, Europe, and the Americas. Prominent international and American artists on display include Picasso, Monet, Manet, and Andy Warhol. The collection also features notable Rhode Island artists and designers.

0.4 MILES, 8 MIN WALK

Trinity Repertory Company

Among the most beloved regional theater companies in the country, Trinity Repertory Company is a non-profit theater that hosts world premieres, contemporary and classic works, international tours, and boasts an MFA program. As Bea would say, "There's nothing like live theater at Trinity Rep. Encore!"

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0.2 MILES, 4 MIN WALK

WaterFire Providence

Providence's signature event, WaterFire, is an award-winning fire sculpture installation on the three rivers in downtown Providence. Created by local artist Barnaby Evans, WaterFire is a must-see for visitors and is a quick walk away from The Beatrice. Lighting up over eighty braziers from Waterplace Park to Memorial/South Main Street Park, the event is truly a sight to behold. Lighting occurs shortly after sunset and the fires remain lit until 12:30am.

1.5 MILES, 6 MIN DRIVE

Federal Hill

Providence's historic Federal Hill district spans iconic Atwells Avenue and the surrounding streets. Settled mainly by Italian-American immigrants in the early 1900s, Federal Hill continues to be home to Italian community and culture, with several longstanding favorites including trattorias, bakeries, wood-fired pizza, textile, and gift shops.

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STEPS AWAY

Providence Arcade

Located steps from The Beatrice, The Providence Arcade (also known as The Westminster Arcade) is a historic shopping center built in 1828. The first enclosed shopping mall in the US, the Arcade is a model of Greek Revival architecture. The historic site was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1976. After an extensive renovation, the Arcade is buzzing once more, with restaurants, coffee shops, a whiskey bar, and unique retail shops, tucked inside.

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5.4 MILES, 8 MIN DRIVE

Bally's Twin River Lincoln

Feeling lucky? Roll the dice at Twin River Casino in Lincoln, Rhode Island. Just a short drive from The Beatrice, Twin River offers the thrill of real casino gambling, including live table games, video slot machines, virtual table games, live entertainment, drinks, and dining.

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