Providence Neighborhoods, Locations and Districts

(Providence, Rhode Island - RI, USA)



One of the United States' oldest settlements, Providence lies between the great cities of New York and Boston, on pleasant Rhode Island. Containing many historic districts, neighborhoods and regions, the city of Providence has undergone extensive renovations in recent years. Particular emphasis was placed on sprucing up the previously derelict downtown Providence region, now known as Downcity and centered on Waterplace Park.

It is easy to get your bearing in Providence, with the city split by the Providence River along a north-south axis. The western section of the city contains the Central Business District (CBD) and Italian quarter, while the east side is home to Providence's colleges.]


Downcity District

The streets running parallel and off Waterplace Park form Providence's downtown district, known as Downcity due to the negative image the old downtown had before its redevelopment into the chic district it is today. Downcity's reputation for exquisite cuisine and fabulous shopping is well deserved, with some of New England's best restaurants and most unique specialty stores located here. Providence has gone to great lengths to attract an artistic community and Providence city center can now boast one of the most progressive fine art and performing arts scenes in the northeast, exemplified by the acclaimed Trinity Repertory Company.

Federal Hill District

The 'Little Italy' of Providence, Federal Hill is famous for its Italian restaurants, which rival those in any part of the United States. Stores along vibrant Atwells Avenue all have Italian themes and peddle Italian designer label clothing and accessories, delicatessen foods, Italian groceries, pasta and pastries. Each June, Providence's Festival Hill Stroll feast is held here, where you can sample all kinds of Italian cuisine to the sound of traditional Italian music on the red, white and green painted street.

Waterplace Park

The heart of Providence has undergone massive rebuilding, particularly along the banks of the river that divides the city. Resulting parks, pedestrianized lanes, footbridges and art attractions line several blocks of both banks of the Providence River and have breathed life back into the soul of the city. The residents of Providence have cooperated by flocking to the area in their free time and creating a vibrant atmosphere.

Benefit Street

Providing a charming contrast to the modern Downcity and Waterplace Park districts, the so-called 'Mile of History' that is Benefit Street is where to soak up some of the most magnificent historic architecture in Providence. The quality and quantity of the 18th- and 19th-century buildings here are testament to the rich economic success early Providence enjoyed and highlights include John Brown House, the Museum of Art and the Governor Henry Lippit House Museum. Guided tours of Benefit Street can be organized through the Rhode Island Historical Society (+1 401 438 0463).