Providence is a city with a rich history and walking tours of the city, its historic architecture, and visits to the significant houses open for visiting provide a fascinating view of our interesting past.
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WaterFire Walking Tours
Experience the magic of WaterFire like never before with this behind-the-scenes walking tour! Led by a long-time WaterFire volunteer and history teacher, this tour covers the remarkable origin story, artistry, and hidden gems of Providence’s most cherished event. Your guide will bring you through the heart of the city, walking alongside the path of the braziers that will be lit just a few short hours later.
The tour starts and ends at 129 Dyer St in Providence, and free parking will be made available to you in a nearby lot for the duration of the tour (information will be sent after booking). Like all WaterFire lightings, this tour is rain or shine! Please wear comfortable walking shoes and dress for the weather.
The tour route is a little over a mile, taking a leisurely pace that is perfect for enjoying a summer afternoon. It will wrap up before 4:00, giving you plenty of time to have dinner or view the current exhibition at the WaterFire Arts Center before the fires are lit at sunset. This unique experience is both a perfect introduction to WaterFire for new visitors and an intriguing glimpse behind the scenes for those who have been coming to WaterFire for years. Whether it’s your first lighting or your fiftieth, we are excited to have you join us!
Behind the Magic tours will take place at every full lighting throughout the 2024 season. Space is limited so reserve your spot now! Tickets start at $5 and our “pay what you can” model aims to make this special tour accessible to all. Please consider making a tax-deductible donation to WaterFire to support our mission to revitalize Providence and transform the community through shared art experiences. Everything we do is made possible by your support; thank you for your help keeping the fires burning!
Governor Stephen Hopkins House
Make time to see The Governor Stephen Hopkins House located at 15 Hopkins Street (off Benefit Street). They are open for tours: Wednesdays from 11:00 a.m.to 2:00 p.m. and April through November on Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. & until 7:00 p.m., when they fall on a full WaterFire lighting (the last tour begins at 6:30 p.m.).
Admission is free, but donations are gratefully accepted.
The museum is also open by appointment, for which there may be a modest admission charge. Please email [email protected] to make an appointment.
The Creative Capital: Art and Architecture Tour of Providence by Providence Tour Company
Discover the beauty of Providence in all forms.
The story of Providence is told by its buildings. Our city’s downtown blossomed during America’s Gilded Age and has well-preserved examples of Art-Deco, Beaux-Arts, Neoclassical, and many more architectural styles. But this tour goes beyond bricks and windows: peer into the past by learning some of the human stories behind the facades.
1.5 Miles/2.5 Hours
Providence Walks: Self-Guided Historical Walking Tours from GoProvidence
Immerse yourself in Providence’s fascinating history, local lore and quirky tales by taking a self-guided walking tour. Learn about the historic East Side, the rich culture of the West Side, the evolution of the Jewelry District, the reinvention of Downtown, and the city’s early Black history.
- Downtown Historic Walking Tour
- Early Black History Walking Tour
- East Side Historic Walking Tour
- Jewelry District Historic Walking Tour
- West Side Historic Walking Tour
Providence On Foot
Cathy Hurst is a retired marketing executive, college professor, and theatre manager. She conducts walking tours for the Rhode Island Historical Society; does research, writing, and re-enactment with the North Burial Ground Project; and has engaged in historical research and bio writing for the 1919 Boston Police Strike Project and the Ghost Army Legacy Project. She lives in Providence and loves to walk along the river!
- Length: 1.5 miles
- Time: 1:30-2 hours (depending on the size of the tour, the pace of walkers, and the amount of discussion!)
- Degree of Difficulty: Generally flat (some ramps); surfaces include wood, grass, and pavement; several short flights of stairs.
- Price: Regularly scheduled tours are FREE of charge, although tips are gratefully accepted and reservations are required.
