Things to do in East Side of Providence

Discover the East Side of Providence: A Cultural and Historical Hub

The East Side of Providence, Rhode Island, is a vibrant area known for its rich history, diverse cultural attractions, and lively academic atmosphere, thanks to its proximity to Brown University and the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD). Visitors can explore the charming streets of College Hill, lined with historic colonial homes and the bustling Thayer Street, offering eclectic shopping, dining, and entertainment options. The RISD Museum is a must-visit, featuring an extensive collection of art ranging from ancient to contemporary. For a touch of nature, the expansive Roger Williams Park, just minutes away, provides beautiful gardens, a zoo, and walking paths. The East Side also offers scenic strolls along the Seekonk River or through the serene Blackstone Boulevard Park. Whether you're a history buff, art lover, or outdoor enthusiast, the East Side of Providence offers a delightful array of activities and sights.

Welcome to the East Side of Providence?

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What do people love about living on the East Side?

Walk-ability & access

Dining & Bar Scene

Walkability & access: Most of the East Side is “walkable-friendly”, whether you live on Wickenden Street or Blackstone Boulevard. For a night out, downtown Providence is only a five minute Uber ride back and forth.
Dining & Bar Scene: You have some of the best restaurants in the city right down the street and new ones are popping up all the time. Thayer Street, Wayland Square, and Hope Street are lined with literally dozens of choices for excellent food and fun, social bars.

Shopping & Things To Do

There are a few different neighborhoods on the East Side with shopping opportunities. College Hill, Wayland Square, South Main Street, Fox Point, and Hope Street are the areas you’ll find boutique stores and small businesses. This covers everything from wine & liquor, record stores, antique furniture, and anything else you could think of. Each area is walkable, too.

Shopping Options

For grocery shopping and other essentials, residents on the East Side have two Whole Foods stores (Waterman Ave. and North Main Street) and East Side Market. Stop & Shop is located off Branch Avenue near the East Side as well.

Landmarks & More...

RISD Museum →

One of Providence’s main tourist attractions with over 100,000 piece of art and design. The featured exhibits change several times throughout the year and often showcase the work of RISD graduates as well. You can spend hours in the museum and still not see everything it has to offer!

The Providence Athenaeum →

A historic, private library (the second oldest in the U.S.) that’s open to the public for tours and viewing. If you join as a member, you can use the library during the day as a study spot and check out their rare and collected books. Brown University often holds public literary events at the library, attracting nationally-known novelists, poets, and artists.

The Providence Flea →

The Providence Flea market is an outdoor flea market located on South Main Street riverfront every Sunday during the summer months. Walk around the tents to see the works of local artisans, grab lunch at the food trucks, and see live performances.

Providence Ghost Tours →

The Providence Ghost Tours are one of the best ways to learn about Providence’s interesting and spooky history. Tour guides lead you by lantern light through the East Side’s streets and hills, including parts of Brown University’s campus.

Haffenreffer Museum of Anthropology →

Located on the ground floor of Manning Hall on Brown University’s Main Green, this museum’s permanent collection includes over 150,000 ethnographic and archaeological objects from all over the world and forms the basis for research, exhibitions, and community outreach for Brown students and staff.

Restaurants & Nightlife

Thayer Street

Very popular area right next to Brown University and RISD. The bar scene mostly caters to college students, but you can also find a few laid back places in the area.

Check out — Antonio’s Pizza, The Flatbread Company, Durk’s BBQ, East Side Pockets, and Korean Fried Chicken.

Wayland Square

A mostly residential neighborhood with a mix of young professionals, college students, and middle-aged families. There are a few bars in the area and upscale restaurants for the 30’s and 40’s crowds.

Check out — McBride’s Pub, Red Stripe, Haruki, The Salted Slate, and Pasta Beach.

South Main Street

Right along the Providence River and bottom of College Hill, you’ll find high-end restaurants and staple bars that draw big crowds on the weekends.

Check out — Bacaro, Mile & A Quarter, Wild Colonial, Geoff’s Superlative, The Hot Club, and Milk Money.

Fox Point

Wickenden and Hope Street have a good collection of neighborhood bars, lunch & breakfast spots, and coffee shops.

Check out — The East End, Amy’s Place, Coffee Exchange, The Shop, Persimmon, and PVDonuts.

Recreation & Activities

India Point Park

18 acres of open space, walking paths, picnic tables, and 3,600 feet of shoreline. It has a unique view of Narragansett Bay and the ports of Providence. India Point is also the starting (or ending) point of the East Bay Bike Path and holds many public-access events in the summertime, including live music, food shows, and more.

Blackstone Boulevard Walking Path

1.6 miles of walking path along Blackstone Boulevard in Providence’s East Side neighborhood. Benches line the walkway on either side, along with many different species of trees and perennial and non-perennial flower beds. It’s just a simple and relaxing way to enjoy the outdoors and get some exercise without having to leave the city. There’s usually a lot of people strolling along with you!

Lippitt Park

Located at the point where Hope Street and Blackstone Boulevard meet, this small park is a popular spot for picnicking and dog walking. There is a small playground for children, a water fountain to cool off during the summer, and two basketball courts. The Hope Street Farmers Market is held at this park during the summer months on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

Prospect Terrace

Hidden along Congdon Street on College Hill, this small park offers a view of downtown Providence you won’t find anywhere else. There is a statue of Roger Williams along the cliff edge of the park, benches to relax on, and open space to lay down a blanket and enjoy the view of Downtown and the State House.

Nearby Hospitals

Butler Hospital

Butler Hospital is a private, non-profit, psychiatric and substance abuse hospital for children, adolescents, adults, and seniors, located at 345 Blackstone Boulevard in Providence. The hospital is affiliated with the Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, and is the flagship for Brown University’s renowned department of psychiatry. It is southeastern New England’s only adolescent, and adult and senior psychiatric treatment center, providing assessments and treatment for all major psychiatric illnesses and substance abuse. Butler Hospital employs approximately 950 full-time and part-time, clinical and non-clinical staff, in addition to more than 50 volunteers who assist in nearly all areas of the hospital.

Miriam Hospital

A private, not-for-profit hospital at 164 Summit Avenue in Providence. The hospital is a major teaching affiliate of the Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University. It offers a wide range of medical services, with notable expertise in cardiac care, total joint replacement, bariatric surgery, minimally invasive and robotic surgery, and men’s health.