Providence WaterFire Boat Rides (Full Lightings)
WaterFire is full of motion—fire tenders stoke the fires, rivers flow quietly beneath the braziers, sparks whirl through the night air, and flames reflect off the dark surface of the water, animating the architectural fabric of the city.
Our WaterFire boat rides put you right in the heart of one of Rhode Island’s most iconic traditions. WaterFire lightings are intimate, unforgettable, and unmistakably Providence—an experience you simply can’t get anywhere else. Glide through the glow with us as firelight dances on the water and music fills the air. These cruises sell out fast, so grab your spots and let the flames guide you. We've been offering our WaterFire boat rides since the fires began in 1994, come see why we are the best way to experience this magical and beloved Providence event!
Duration: 30 min
- Likely to sell out
Discover Providence Guided Sightseeing Tour
Join us for this delightful tour of one of America’s favorite cities! As you relax comfortably on our climate-controlled tour bus, we will take you to the most exciting neighborhoods in Rhode Island’s capital city, and tell you the story of this special place and its most famous citizens. From America’s first hero to the mafia to the mayor, this city is filled with intriguing tales. As we travel from College Hill to Federal Hill, and Brown University to the State House, you will admire the loveliest settings in the city, and discover places you will want to go back to and explore on your own. Along the way, there will be opportunities for you to get out, take pictures, and see things up close. Enjoyed by all ages, get ready for one of the most enjoyable tours you have ever taken!
Duration: 1 hr 45 min
- Free cancellation
Haunted History Walking Tour of Providence
Our company has been a member of the Providence community for nearly two decades. Our company is a walking, haunted history tour of Providence's College Hill neighborhood.
Our guides lead guests by lantern light as we explore the history, mystery, legends, and lore of our city. Learn about different types of hauntings, our spirits' most current activities, and the dark tales that have been forgotten over time. Our tour is a wonderful blend of history and mystery, perfect for believers and skeptics alike!
The tour includes a portion of College Hill. We have chosen the most walkable route, but it is indeed a hill and our streets are old. Please wear shoes that are comfortable and stable. It is also outdoors, so be sure to dress for the weather.
Duration: 1 hr 30 min – 1 hr 45 min
- Free cancellation
Downcity Providence Food Tour
Join this 3-hour small-group food tour to savor 6+ food tastings in one of America's top food cities with a professional guide. Sip on alcoholic beverages (if option selected) at select locations. Explore this historic capital city's architecture while listening to fascinating stories about the history and view the art and culture as you walk through the Downcity Arts District. Tour is limited to a maximum of 14 people to ensure personalized service and includes a guide offering recommendations for you to further explore on your own.
Duration: 3 min – 30 min
City Sights by Sea: Historic Narrated Boat Tours of Providence
We're thrilled to kick off our 35th season of boat tours along the shores of Downtown Providence, Rhode Island in May 2026!
Join us for an award-winning, historic journey through the heart of Rhode Island's capital city, and learn about Providence’s rich history, stunning architecture, and fascinating landmarks from our USCG licensed Captains and expert guides.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a lifelong local, Providence River Boat Company delivers an exceptional on-the-water experience, and the perfect way to experience Providence from a whole new perspective.
Book your spots in advance, as we often sell out, and discover why we have led Providence tourism for over three decades!
Duration: 50 min
- Likely to sell out
Crime and Cuisine on Federal Hill
A food tour with a felonious twist!
The Federal Hill neighborhood of Providence is one of its hottest destinations, home to some of the best Italian food in the world. This tour will give you a smorgasbord of its best bites and drinks, from fine wines to family recipes passed down through generations. Come hungry!
Every guest will also get a memento from their time on the Hill to take home with them. Spoiler alert: it's delicious!
The Hill was also home to some historic characters who dabbled on the wrong side of the law. Follow the intrigue of State v. Patriarca, when a future mayor took on a mob boss; learn about the corruption which brought Rhode Island's banking system to its knees in the '90s, and about a raid on an illegal dice game that sent a Providence Police Officer through a second-story window.
Guests under 21 will not be served alcohol on this tour.
A min of four guests is required for all tours to run. If less than four are booked, we’ll contact you the morning.
Duration: 3 hours
- Free cancellation
Providence Food and History Walking Tour New England Classics
Explore the culinary delights and unique history of Providence via our Mostly Accurate New England Classics walking tour. This guided experience takes you through the vibrant streets of Fox Point, where you'll savor iconic dishes such as a warm buttered lobster roll, a legendary New England-inspired sandwich, award-winning pizza, chef-made soft serve, and a classic Rhode Island stuffed quahog.
Perfect for locals and visitors alike, this tour combines food with fascinating tales for a memorable outing.
- Duration: 3 to 3.5 hours, covering approximately 1.5 miles
- Enjoy a variety of local dishes, with all food and a 20% restaurant tip included in the ticket price
- Ideal for anyone seeking an immersive culinary and historical experience
- Dietary replacements available upon request, including vegetarian and gluten-free
Tours require a minimum of 2 guests to run
Duration: 2–3 hours
- Likely to sell out
- Free cancellation
Providence Ghost Tours: Phantoms, Poltergeists, & Pestilence
Embark on a spine-tingling journey through Providence’s shadowy streets with our walking ghost tour!
Led by a seasoned local guide, this tour takes you to some of the city’s most haunted and historically significant sites. As you stroll through the district, spine-chilling tales of ghostly encounters and eerie happenings will unfold, revealing the dark secrets that linger in Providence’s past.
Prepare to uncover the spectral stories behind legendary figures, from renowned authors and influential politicians to brave Revolutionary War soldiers whose spirits still roam these haunted streets. While the tour doesn’t enter private buildings, standing on this haunted ground is enough to send shivers down your spine. From the Rhode Island Holocaust Memorial to Brown University’s University Hall, each stop offers a unique glimpse into the city’s eerie history.
Join us for an evening of mystery, history, and the supernatural, and feel the presence of those who walked these streets long ago!
Duration: 1 hour
- Free cancellation
Becoming Providence: Mural and Gallery Tour
Becoming Providence: Mural and Gallery Tour is an immersive exploration of Providence’s creative identity, experienced through vibrant murals and dynamic gallery spaces. You’ll encounter striking murals that offer a window into the city’s evolving identity, revealing the people, stories, and forces that have shaped Providence over time.
Along the way, we’ll step inside three standout galleries, where that story continues through contemporary artists whose work is actively shaping what Providence is becoming today. The result is a visually rich, thoughtfully designed experience that reveals the city not as a static snapshot, but as a place in motion, continually redefining itself.
A minimum of four guests is required for tours to run. If fewer than four guests are booked, we’ll contact you the morning of the tour with refund or rescheduling options.
Duration: 1 hr 30 min
- Free cancellation
Parasols and Pocket Watches: A History Tour
Join us for this elegant stroll through time!
Allow our historically costumed, local guides to lead you down the most beautifully preserved street in all of Providence, RI- Benefit Street!
Guests will learn the history of some of Providence's most prominent residents and families, including the Dorr family, Roger Williams, and the Hoppin family. See architectural icons including the John Brown House, the First Baptist Church, the Fleur de Lys Building, and the original State House. Learn about the events that shaped our state and nation, including the suffrage movements (yes, there were two!) and the Civil War. This tour will leave you feeling more connected to the city's past and with a greater appreciation for Providence.
Benefit Street is a mostly flat street and is suitable for people of most levels of health and fitness.
Duration: 1 hr 30 min
- Free cancellation
- Private tour
Haunted Boat Tours in Providence
A Historic Haunted Ghost Boat Tour in downtown Providence offers a spine-tingling way to explore the city’s darker history! Here’s what to expect:
Ghostly Tales: Hear stories about Providence’s haunted landmarks, infamous figures, and eerie past.
Nighttime Adventure: Glide along the moonlit Providence River framed by the Providence skyline.
️Historic Insights: Learn about the city’s history through its ghostly legends and paranormal lore.
Unique Views: Enjoy the city’s illuminated architecture and hauntingly beautiful scenery from the water.
Season-long Fun: Offered June thru October for our year-round ghost enthusiasts.
Duration: 50 min
Murder Mystery Detective Experience in Providence RI
Step into the shoes of a newly-minted detective, tasked by Commander Mahoney to solve a gripping case... murder on the streets of Providence.
Throughout this crime-solving audio adventure, visit each of the 10 mapped locations. You'll have the option to explore the downtown area using the Walking Map or follow a Driving Map on the city's outskirts. Once you choose, the exact starting point will be revealed. *See images for route.
Park or stop at each location, listen to the audio story, and put your detective skills to the test by gathering clues and piecing together the evidence. Finally, make your deductions and issue an arrest warrant.
Your overall detective skills will be evaluated, culminating in a Case Performance Score to measure your sleuthing prowess. This game is suitable for solo detectives, dynamic duos, or groups of mystery enthusiasts, offering an immersive audio tale filled with intrigue.
Duration: 2 hr 30 min
- Free cancellation
- Private tour
Haunted Benefit Street Walking Tour at Ghosts of Providence
Explore the eerie history of Providence on the Haunted Benefit Street walking tour, where chilling tales come to life under the glow of streetlamps. This immersive experience delves into the ghostly legends of the Mile of History, including the haunted Providence Athenaeum and the Benefit Street Armory. Discover the stories of lost love, vampires, and local hauntings, and hear about the unsettling past of an old funeral parlor. Ideal for history enthusiasts and ghost story lovers alike, this walking tour offers an unforgettable glimpse into Providence's spectral side.
- Discover the ghostly legends of Providence's Mile of History
- Visit haunted locations like the Providence Athenaeum and Armory
- Listen to chilling tales of lost love, vampires, and hauntings
- Perfect for history buffs and those intrigued by the supernatural
Duration: 1 hr 45 min
- Free cancellation
Clues and Brews: Murder Mystery Beer Tour
This isn’t just a brewery crawl. It’s a murder mystery van adventure through Providence where you and your fellow detectives will solve one of Rhode Island’s most fascinating historical crime while visiting some of the city’s best breweries. Enjoy a craft beer flight at three brewery stops and a delicious pretzel along the way. Throughout the tour, you’ll uncover clues, solve puzzles, and follow the twists of a real 19th-century murder case that once dominated national headlines. Can you solve the mystery before the final round?
Please note: A minimum of four guests is required for all tours to run. If less than four are booked, we’ll contact you the morning of to offer a full refund or rescheduling options
Duration: 4 hours
Providence East Side Sights and Stories Guided Tour
Explore the rich history and vibrant culture of Providence on the Perspectives on Providence tour, an engaging journey through the East Side. This 2-hour van tour showcases iconic landmarks such as the Rhode Island State House and Roger Williams National Memorial, while also providing curated photo opportunities. Discover notable historic neighborhoods like College Hill and Benefit Street, where each era tells a unique story of the city’s evolution. With a maximum group size of 12, enjoy a comfortable experience as you learn from knowledgeable guides about the people and events that shaped Providence.
- 2-hour guided van tour of Providence's East Side
- Visit landmarks like the Rhode Island State House & Roger Williams National Memorial
- Explore historic neighborhoods, including College Hill and Benefit Street
A minimum of four guests is required for all tours to run. If less than four are booked, we’ll contact you the morning of to offer a full refund or rescheduling options
Duration: 2 hours
- Free cancellation
The World of H.P Lovecraft: A Providence Self-Guided Walking Tour
Providence's own H.P. Lovecraft invented cosmic horror in these streets. This self-guided walking tour follows the real houses and graveyards behind his most unsettling fiction. At 135 Benefit Street, hear what The Shunned House's narrator finds buried beneath the basement floor.
The route winds through College Hill, from St. John's churchyard, where Lovecraft once led friends at midnight to listen for scratching in the walls. It passes the Fleur-de-Lys building, real-life home of Henry Wilcox in The Call of Cthulhu. Along the way, trace the invented history of the Necronomicon, a text so convincing that readers still ask if it's real. The tour ends at Prospect Terrace, overlooking the city Lovecraft both loved and feared until his death in 1937.
Perfect for horror fans, myth lovers, and anyone who has ever wondered where fiction ends and history begins. Simply install the free VoiceMap app and enter the code from your confirmation email to download the tour and start walking.
Duration: 1 hr 15 min – 2 hr 30 min
- Free cancellation
- Private tour
Providence Downtown and Brown Self Guided App GPS Walking Tour
A tour for those that don't want touristy tours. your walking tour begins at the grand Providence City Hall, a building that has witnessed the city’s evolution for more than a century, winding your way through downtown before looping back to the nearby Burnside Park as your last stop. Welcome to Providence, the “Creative Capital” of Rhode Island!
Providence is a riverside city nestled at the head of Narragansett Bay, famous for its rich history, vibrant arts scene, and a spirit of independence that dates back to its founding in 1636 by Roger Williams-a man who believed in freedom of thought and built a community where everyone could belong.
Go at your own pace, anytime. The tour is hands free, location aware and plays as you walk. Go anytime, at your own pace.
Duration: 1 hr 15 min – 1 hr 45 min
- Free cancellation
- Private tour
Rhode Island in a Day
We want to show what’s great about the Ocean State! If you would like to experience the culture, cuisine, scenery, and story of America’s smallest state in one amazing day with an expert guide, then this is the tour for you. Only 48 miles long and 37 miles wide, Rhode Island is full of big surprises! As we take you on this enlightening journey, you will enjoy the things that make Rhode Island so attractive and unique. Beginning in our capital city and traveling by tour bus around our beautiful Bay, you will take in breathtaking views, and learn what this state has contributed to America. On this trip you will visit the things Rhode Island is most known for including picturesque beaches, colonial architecture and history, lighthouses, islands, quintessential New England towns, and stunning mansions. Going from Providence to Newport, and exploring many beautiful towns in between, this tour will show you Rhode Island in a Day!
Duration: 8 hr 30 min
- Free cancellation
T. F. Green State Airport (PVD) to Providence – Arrival Private Transfer
Book your Private Arrival Transfer from T. F. Green State Airport (PVD) to Providence hotel or address.
Don't go through all the hassle of waiting in a long taxi or shared shuttles queues and use our private, door to door airport transfer.
Your driver will be waiting for you at a scheduled time and you will travel comfortably to your destination.
• Meeting with a Nameplate
• We track your Flight
• Door-to-door Service
• No Hidden Charges
• Clean cars & Professional drivers
Duration: 30 min
- Free cancellation
- Private tour
Nightcap Cocktail and Spirits Tour
SIP YOUR WAY THROUGH PROVIDENCE’S BEST-KEPT SECRETS.
The Nightcap: Cocktail & Spirits Tour is a thoughtfully crafted evening that takes you to three of Providence’s hidden cocktail destinations. Each stop has been carefully selected for its distinctive atmosphere, exceptional drinks, and talented bartenders, giving you an insider’s look at a side of the city’s nightlife many visitors never discover.
Relax as we travel by van between venues while enjoying expertly crafted cocktails and locally inspired spirits at each stop. From intimate neighborhood hideaways to inventive cocktail bars, The Nightcap is the perfect way to experience Providence one unforgettable sip at a time.
Duration: 2 hours
- Free cancellation
Dark Tales: The Haunted Authors of Providence Tour
Walk through Providence's dark side!
The eerie writings H.P. Lovecraft- one of the most significant supernatural horror fiction authors of the 20th century- are inexplicably bound to his hometown of Providence. This tour walks in the tortured author's footsteps through his traumatic upbringing and favorite haunts; guests also meet some of the fictional characters that Lovecraft wrote into the city's fabric through dramatic retellings of his creepiest tales.
But Lovecraft isn't the only author that ambled the city's centuries-old sidewalks: Sarah Helen Whitman was an eccentric local spiritualist and poet who was briefly engaged to master of the macabre Edgar Allan Poe. This tour also explores her life and relives the couple's whirlwind- and doomed- romance.
A minimum of four guests is required for all tours to run. If less than four are booked, we’ll contact you the morning of to offer a full refund or rescheduling options
Duration: 2 hours
An Epic Scavenger Hunt: Providence Adventure
Get ready to unleash your inner explorer with Let’s Roam, the top dog in app-led scavenger hunts! Picture this: wandering through city streets, uncovering hidden gems, and tackling brain-teasing trivia and challenges along the way. Whether you’re collaborating with your crew or igniting friendly competition, every twist and turn promises new knowledge and unforgettable moments.
From casual hangouts to wild bachelorette bashes, epic birthday blowouts, or team-building escapades, Let’s Roam Scavenger Hunts are your go-to for fun-filled adventures. Each player gets to choose their interactive role, with challenges designed to keep the excitement soaring.
Ready to dive in? Grab your squad, lace up your adventure shoes, and let’s roam through a scavenger hunt experience like no other! Adventure awaits—let’s make it epic!
Duration: 2 hours
- Private tour
Voices of Resilience: Hidden History of Providence Tour
From pivotal social justice movements to the personal narratives of unsung heroes, Voices of Resilience offers a deeper understanding of Providence’s identity and legacy of courage, resistance, and triumph. Explore how Rhode Island’s involvement in the international slave trade fueled the Industrial Revolution, how suffragists challenged the political establishment, and how activists fought for LGBTQ+ visibility during Providence’s first Pride celebrations.
Meet remarkable figures like Edward Bannister, a Black barber who rose to national acclaim as a painter, Princess Red Wing, a Narragansett and Pokanoket activist, and the workers behind the massive 1902 labor strike that brought Rhode Island’s urban core to a standstill.
A minimum of four guests is required for tours to run. If fewer than four guests are booked, we’ll contact you the morning of the tour with refund or rescheduling options.
Duration: 2 hours
Federal Hill Dinner Stroll
Savor the flavors of Providence’s Little Italy on the Federal Hill Dinner Stroll, an intimate guided tour that takes you through the heart of one of New England's finest culinary neighborhoods. Enjoy a multi-course Italian dinner featuring antipasto, house-made pasta entrées, and delectable desserts, all while walking between the city’s iconic restaurants. With all food included, your only task is to relax and choose your favorite drinks at each stop. This 2.5 to 3-hour experience is perfect for food lovers and requires a minimum of four guests to run.
- Explore renowned dining spots like Cassarino’s and Trattoria Appia.
- Indulge in a 3-course meal paired with optional wine or cocktails.
- Enjoy a guided stroll led by a knowledgeable host celebrating local traditions.
- Convenient valet parking available at the meeting point for ease and comfort.
A min of four guests is required for all tours to run. If less than four are booked, we’ll contact you the morning with refund options.
Duration: 3 hours