Things to Do in Providence, Rhode Island: Where to Eat, Stay, and Play
Discover the top things to do in Providence this spring, from standout dining to the seasonal flavors that make Rhode Island’s capital a must-visit for foodies.
By Yankee Magazine|Feb 23 2026|
While Downcity lays claim to several of Providence’s fine-dining standouts, great food and drink abounds in neighborhoods across the city—such as Fox Point, home to Pizza Marvin.
Photo Credit: Angel TuckerSpring flavors are in the air—and for foodies of any stripe, the city of Providence, Rhode Island, has become a must-stop. Its growing acclaim as one of the best restaurant towns in the Northeast comes courtesy of plucky chefs making the most of locally produced, farmed, caught, and bottled provisions. From Oberlin’s famous rooftop raw bar to the recently opened Claudine and its French-inspired menu, Providence food expert Elyse Major serves up a front-row seat to this exciting dining scene in her visit for “Weekend Away: Providence, RI” (March/April 2026), while also highlighting other reasons to spend time in Little Rhody’s capital city this spring.
Best Things to Do in Providence, Rhode Island
Where to Eat & Drink in Providence, Rhode Island
Brown Bee Coffee: Tear into handmade croissants over artisan-quality coffee in a café brimming with academic types in the College Hill neighborhood between Brown University and RISD. brownbeecoffee.com
Photo Credit : Angel Tucker
Frank & Laurie’s: When chef Eric Brown and his wife, Sarah Watts, moved to Providence, they couldn’t find a good place for lunch—so they opened one. While billed mostly as a luncheonette, it’s not quite like places your nana might have taken you for a turkey sandwich; it’s very pretty inside, and the biscuits are scrumptious. frankandlauries.com
Nicks on Broadway: With its menu showcasing local produce, chef Derek Wagner’s creation has been a West End go-to since 2002. Look for spring dishes emphasizing bright greens such as parsley, pea greens, and spinach. nicksonbroadway.com
Pizza Marvin: Founded by chef Robert Andreozzi, Pizza Marvin is a lively place on eclectic Wickenden Street for a pie, a slice, or surprising offerings like clam dip with potato chips. pizzamarvin.com
Photo Credit : Angel Tucker
Photo Credit : Angel Tucker
Track 15: What was once a train station has been transformed into an 18,000-square-foot food hall, where you can dig into fare from seven buzzy local restaurants, plus beverages including tasty mocktails from the central bar. track15ri.com
Where to Stay in Providence, Rhode Island
Aloft Providence Downtown: What happens when JWU hospitality alums are at the helm of a Marriott-owned hotel? You get amenities and Bonvoy points, plus a property committed to showing off the city’s attributes. Suites are named in honor of Providence’s jewelry-capital past, and you’ll discover local art at every turn. marriott.com
Photo Credit : Courtesy of The Beatrice
The Beatrice: This luxury 47-room hotel consistently tops national lists—and for good reason. Rooms are oh-so comfy, with 600-thread-count linens and plush Matouk towels. Between the Dyson hair dryer and the heated toilet, you may never leave the bathroom. thebeatrice.com
Best Things to Do in Providence, Rhode Island
Downtown Makers Marketplace: This pantry, café, and beverage bar showcases offerings from Hope & Main, a food business incubator in the nearby coastal town of Warren. hopeandmainpvd.org
Fire and Ice Experience at Gather: Make yourself a memento or a tasty treat (or both) with this studio and adjacent café’s glassblowing and ice cream–making classes. This unexpected combo is the kind of thinking that makes PVD so wonderfully quirky. gatherglass.com
The Greenway: Run by the Woonasquatucket River Watershed Council, this mural-lined bike path connects to the Providence Riverwalk. Eco-tourists will love its volunteer ops, like counting river herring as they return to spawn (typically beginning in early March). wrwc.org
Providence Artisans Market: Lippitt Memorial Park on the East Side is the place to be on Saturday mornings. Peruse produce and goods at this longtime event run by fine artist Mike Bryce (known for his paintings of a Del’s Lemonade cup). Instagram
Providence Culinary Collective: Spring sees the return of this buzzy culinary festival (March 26–29, 2026), which includes the Rhode Island Wine Experience (March 26–28, 2026). Highlights include expert panels, chef appearances, and exclusive tastings. goprovidence.com; winexri.com
Stock Culinary Goods: Any city worth its weight in sea salt should have a kitchen store as good as this one. Find serveware, cookware, gifts, and groceries, many with Rhode Island origins. stockculinarygoods.com
This post was originally published as part of “Weekend Away: Providence, RI” in the March/April 2026 issue of Yankee.
