6 Days in Boston, Newport, and Providence

Today I want to bring you my guide to spending 6 days in Boston, Newport, and Providence. New England is one of my favorite parts of the US, not least because of its rich history, vibrant cities, and beautiful coastline. I’m here now and I can’t wait to share my itinerary with you. You can do the whole thing without a car, too. I’ve included a map as well.

6 Days in Boston, Newport, and Providence

New England has long held a place in my heart. I spent my university years in Rhode Island, and I got to see a lot of the region while I was studying. I’ve been back a number of times since, and on every trip I fall more in love with this part of the East Coast.

From historic cities like Boston to coastal gems like Newport, New England has a lot to offer visitors. While many people come here in autumn to see the region’s famous fall foliage, there’s plenty to do at any time of year.

Whether you like exploring cities, getting out on the water, eating delicious seafood, or something else entirely, you’ll find plenty to keep you entertained.

Where to Stay

My trip to New England is a twin-center one. My other half and I are spending part of the trip in Boston and the other part in Rhode Island. Both places have great options for accommodation, from hotels to apartment rentals and beyond.

In Boston I’ve been offered a complimentary stay at the Beacon Hill Hotel. Located in one of the city’s most charming neighborhoods, this boutique property has beautiful guest rooms, a rooftop terrace, and a restaurant that’s famous for brunch. If that sounds good, you can book a stay here.

In Rhode Island I’ve reserved a room at the Omni Providence Hotel. Located in the heart of the downtown area, it’s in a great location near the train station, the river, and many of the city’s famous restaurants. If that appeals, you can book a room here.

Day 1: Boston

But I’m getting ahead of myself. First we have to get to the East Coast. After a smooth flight, we land at Boston Logan International Airport and take a taxi to the Beacon Hill Hotel.

We’ve been given the Penthouse, and it lives up to its reputation. The room takes up the entire top floor, and with its peaked roof and views of the local area it’s as full of character as it is charm.

We settle in, enjoying the nooks and reading areas as much as we do the big bathroom and comfortable bed. The decor is classic yet modern, and we could stay here all evening.

Drinks & Dinner

But Boston calls, and we want to make the most of our first night in the city. We start with a round of drinks at the hotel bar. Guests receive vouchers for a complimentary round upon check-in, and as we sip we get great advice about the local area from the bartender.

From the hotel it’s a pleasant walk through the Boston Public Garden to get to the next stop on our itinerary. We’re off to Contessa, a rooftop bar and restaurant with sweeping views of the city.

The place is buzzing when we arrive, and we enjoy a round of cocktails as we take in the stylish decor and sunset views.

From Contessa it’s a short walk down the famous Newbury Street to get to dinner at Saltie Girl. This enormous restaurant is packed with people when we arrive. A hostess leads us up a flight of stairs and past a series of atmospheric rooms to get to our table.

We spend the rest of the evening enjoying everything from delicious salads to classic lobster rolls. The food, service, and ambiance are all exceptional, and it’s a great way to cap off the first night of our trip.

Day 2: Boston & Providence

The next morning our 6 days on the East Coast continue with a walk around Beacon Hill. This upscale area is known for its red brick houses and streets lined with picture-pretty Federal and Victorian homes.

Breakfast

It’s also the location of Charles Street, one of the best places for independent shops in Boston. Our hotel is on this street, so we start here. After passing cute boutiques and bookstores, we find ourselves in Tatte Bakery & Cafe.

This place has a mouth-watering array of pastries and good iced coffee, and we settle in for breakfast as the crowd buzzes around us.

The Freedom Trail

After breakfast we set off to walk Boston’s Freedom Trail. This famous 2.5-mile (4-kilometer) path takes people to 16 sites of significant importance to the history of the United States.

Marked by a red line on the sidewalk, the Freedom Trail goes from Boston Common all the way to Charlestown.

As we start, we take in places like the Massachusetts House of Representatives, Robert Gould Shaw and the 54th Regiment Memorial, Park Street Church, and the Granary Burying Ground.

Dating back to 1660, the last of these is home to the graves of notable American revolutionaries like Paul Revere, John Hancock, Robert Treat Paine, and Samuel Adams. All the names get us thinking back to our high school history classes.

From there we walk by King’s Chapel and its burial ground. We pop in to see the interior of the 17th-century church, which houses the oldest American pulpit.

Not far away, we pass the Boston Latin School. Founded in 1635, it’s the oldest public school in America. There’s a statue of Benjamin Franklin outside, too.

Soon we find ourselves in front of Old South Meeting House. This eye-catching number was the largest building in colonial Boston. It’s not far from the Old State House, which is the oldest surviving public building in the city.

Leaving the state house, we pass the site of the 1770 Boston Massacre and find ourselves in front of Faneuil Hall. We pop in to see the shops and go upstairs to witness the site of the country’s first Town Meeting.

Behind Faneuil Hall we discover Quincy Market, an enormous indoor food hall. It’s lined with vendors selling everything from clam chowder to lobster rolls. We make a mental note to return later in the trip to try some of the food.

Lunch & Pastries

We continue our walk on the Freedom Trail by heading to the North End. Here we veer off the red line to have lunch at one of the area’s many Italian restaurants. Most of them are packed, but we manage to get a table at a place called Little Sage.

A meal of salad and pasta replenishes our energy, and afterwards we can’t help trying some of the famous pastries in this part of town. Modern Pastry Shop has come highly recommended, and as soon as we taste their cannoli we can see why.

The shop also has a hidden bar downstairs. We settle in at the counter and enjoy some of their famous martinis. From espresso to banana bread and Cinnamon Toast Crunch, they have a creative range of flavors to choose from.

The Freedom Trail

After drinks we continue on the Freedom Trail. We pass by the Paul Revere House, which is the oldest remaining structure in downtown Boston.

It’s home to a museum dedicated to the famous silversmith and his midnight horseback ride on April 18, 1775. The ride, which is now legendary, alerted local minutemen of the approach of British Army troops prior to the battles of Lexington and Concord at the start of the American Revolution.

Not far from the house we find ourselves at the Old North Church. Built in 1723, it’s Boston’s oldest church. More than that, it’s the site where Paul Revere held up lanterns to warn the minutemen of the approach of the redcoats.

From the church we walk around the historic Copp’s Hill Burying Ground, then head across the water to Charlestown. Soon we’re face-to-mast with the USS Constitution. Launched in 1797, it’s the US Navy’s oldest commissioned warship afloat.

The USS Constitution earned her nickname “Old Ironsides” during the War of 1812, when she successfully fought the British frigate HMS Guerriere.

We admire the ship, then continue to the final stop on the Freedom Trail: the Bunker Hill Monument. This memorial to the Battle of Bunker Hill in 1775 was started in the early 19th century. Today its tall form can be seen from all over the city.

Beacon Hill

From the monument we walk to North Station and take a train to get back to Beacon Hill. Once there, we walk down Charles Street, stopping for a drink at a rustic local bar called The Sevens Ale House to rest our legs after a long day of sightseeing.

Afterwards we pick up our bags at the Beacon Hill Hotel and take a taxi to South Station. It’s an easy 45-minute train ride from here to Providence, and before we know it we’re in Rhode Island.

Providence

We walk from the Amtrak station to the Omni, where we check into our hotel room. After getting settled and taking in the views from our windows, we stroll through downtown Providence on our way to dinner.

We’ve booked a table at Bayberry Garden, a restaurant that offers a uniquely New England dining experience with creative dishes, a sustainable raw bar, and exploratory wine.

The warehouse-like dining room feels like a lush forest with all the greenery around, and we like the atmosphere as much as we enjoy the food and service. It’s a great introduction to Providence.

Day 3: Newport

The next morning we wake up early and continue our New England itinerary with a 90-minute ferry to Newport. This place is known for its historic mansions, which dot the coastline with their impressive forms.

We arrive in town at 10:30am and join the queue for breakfast at Drift Cafe. This place is popular for coffee, smoothies, and bagels, and ours set us up well for the day.

From there we walk around Thames Street, taking in the shopfronts and exploring the side streets. At the end of the road, we hop on a free trolley. It whisks us off to The Breakers, the most famous mansion in Newport.

Newport Mansions

We’ve pre-booked tickets to tour the mansion. After picking them up at the visitor center, we head inside for an audio tour of the home. It’s stunning inside and out.

As we take in the interior, we learn about the life of the Vanderbilt family’s Gilded Age behemoth. From its construction in the late 19th century to its use as a filming location (have you seen The Gilded Age?) and museum, it’s served many purposes over the years.

When we’re done with our tour, we have a quick lunch at the cafe before strolling along Newport’s beautiful Cliff Walk and over to The Elms.

This mansion was modeled after an 18th-century French chateau. It featured the latest technology of the Gilded Age when it was built, and it houses everything from historic furniture to paintings, statuary, and tapestries.

Outside, The Elms has sweeping grounds with formal gardens, terraces, pavilions, and fountains. We spend time walking around and taking in the stunning views of the house from the lawns.

Shopping & Drinks

Leaving The Elms, we walk all the way up Thames Street to America’s Cup Avenue. Along the way we pop into boutiques and souvenir shops, browsing the wares as we go.

When we reach Hammetts Wharf, we stop to have a glass of wine on the terrace at Giusto. Right on the water, this restaurant is a great place to sip and soak up the scene.

Sunset Sail

Drinks finished, we walk up to Bowen’s Wharf, a bustling waterfront area with lots of restaurants and stores. We’re not here to eat or shop, though. We’re here to sail.

We’ve pre-booked tickets for a sunset sailing trip in Newport. We board our boat and relax as the crew whisks us off on a tour of Newport Harbor and the environs.

As we go, we pass everything from the historic Fort Adams to a lone house on an island called Clingstone.

The crew tells us stories, too. We learn about everything from Jackie Kennedy’s childhood antics to famous music festivals and celebrity visitors.

Drinks & Dinner

Back on land, we pop upstairs to have drinks in Bowen’s Wharf. Wharf Fishhouse & Tiki Bar has a great little indoor bar and an outdoor terrace.

We tuck into tropical cocktails and Goldfish crackers as we chat with the staff and take in the island-inspired decorations.

Drinks imbibed, we walk to dinner at the White Horse Tavern. Dating back to 1673, it claims to be the oldest tavern in America. With a warren of wood-paneled rooms and loads of colonial charm, it’s a treat to experience.

We’re seated in an upstairs dining room with a low timber beam ceiling, and we tuck into a delicious meal of oysters, clam chowder, and steak. It’s the perfect way to cap off our day in Newport and fill us up before our ferry back to Providence.

Day 4: Providence

The next morning we continue our itinerary with a day in Providence. I went to college here, and I can’t wait to show my other half my alma mater. The city has changed a lot since I was last in town, and I’m excited to see what’s new to me, too.

Breakfast

We start with breakfast bagels at Bolt Coffee on Washington Street. Along with our espresso drinks, they set us up well for a big day of exploring the city.

College Hill

From breakfast we walk to the river, from where we head up College Hill. As we go, I point out historic houses and landmark buildings like the First Baptist Church in America.

Soon we’re passing the buildings of the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD). Founded in 1877, it was one of the first art schools in the US.

When we reach the top of the hill, we find ourselves at Brown University. I got a degree in International Relations here, and being on campus brings the memories flooding back.

For the next couple hours we walk all through the greens and around the buildings. I point out the dorms I lived in, the lecture halls I spent time in, and the places I loved going.

When lunch o’clock rolls around, we make our way to Thayer Street. This road is lined with restaurants, cafes, and shops, and I take my other half to East Side Pockets.

This Middle Eastern place is known for its wraps, and I spent a lot of time here during my student days. It’s fun to be back, and good to know the food is as delicious as ever.

After lunch we make a quick stop at the Brown Bookstore for souvenirs, then walk down Brook Street to get to Wickenden Street. There are more cafes and restaurants here (I always loved getting breakfast at Brickway).

We stop for drinks at Coffee Exchange, a cool cafe packed with people reading, studying, and catching up with one another.

Benefit Street

From the coffee shop we take a long walk down Benefit Street. This picturesque road is lined with historic houses, some of which date back to the 18th century. There are plaques on many of them, and we marvel at their heritage as we photograph their colorful wooden facades.

Also here are cultural highlights like the RISD Museum, the Providence Athenaeum, and The John Brown House Museum. We don’t have time to visit today, but we make a mental note to come back on a future trip (I loved the RISD Museum when I was a student).

Federal Hill

From Benefit Street we take a taxi to Federal Hill. Often referred to as the city’s Italian neighborhood, this place is known for its delicious restaurants, bakeries, and cafes.

We walk down Atwells Avenue, the main street in the area. As we go, we can’t help stopping for drinks at a restaurant called Costantino’s in DePasquale Square. With a fountain and colorful facades, this place feels like it’s straight out of Italy.

We settle in for spritzes as we survey the scene. It’s the perfect way to relax after a long afternoon of exploring College Hill.

Bridge & River

From there we take a taxi to the river. We’re here to walk across the pedestrianized Michael S. Van Leesten Memorial Bridge and see the green spaces on either side of it. There are great views of the city skyline from here, and a good atmosphere all around.

When we get across the bridge, we stop at Tizzy K’s Cereal Ice Cream. As the name implies, this kiosk sells ice cream made from milk infused with popular breakfast cereals. It’s my inner child’s dream come true.

We take our ice cream for a walk along the river, admiring the scenery and watching the Venetian gondolas ferry passengers on the water. Eventually we reach Memorial Park, which is home to a number of commemorative monuments.

From there we head into the downtown area, taking in the eye-catching skyscrapers and walking down streets lined with cute boutiques and hip restaurants.

Dinner

Dinner is at one such restaurant. Oberlin is a beautiful place that serves seasonal dishes with inventive flavors. We tuck into a meal of fresh salads, seafood risotto, and a whole wood roasted fish as the dining room buzzes around us.

After dinner we pick up our bags at the Omni, walk to the train station, and settle in for the quick ride back to Boston.

Day 5: Cambridge & Boston

The next morning we continue our itinerary with a trip to Cambridge. Right across the Charles River from Boston, this city is famous for being home to universities like Harvard and MIT.

Breakfast

We start our day with coffee and bagels at a local place called Black Sheep Bagel Cafe near Harvard Square. With a rustic atmosphere and friendly staff, it’s the perfect place to fuel up for a big day of exploring Massachusetts.

Harvard & MIT

After breakfast we take a big walk around the college campuses. With its red brick buildings and big lawns, Harvard is everything an Ivy League university should be. There are guided tours galore, and it all feels very New England.

After taking in the campus, we walk down Massachusetts Avenue to get to MIT. I remember wanting to come here on my last East Coast trip to admire the architecture. From Eero Saarinen’s famous chapel to the Frank Gehry-designed Stata Center, there’s a lot to see.

Back Bay

After taking in MIT, we walk across Harvard Bridge, soaking up the views of the city skyline as we go. Soon we find ourselves in Back Bay, a shopping and dining hub with Newbury Street at its core.

We browse our way down, stopping for a casual lunch at the cafe in Trident Booksellers when we get hungry. The street not only has loads of shops, but also lots of character. It’s a great combination of architectural beauty and retail therapy.

Boston Public Library

Speaking of architecture, our next stop is the Boston Public Library in Copley Square. To say that this place is the stuff of book lovers’ dreams is an understatement. The 19th-century part of the building feels like a temple to books. It looks like one, too.

Up the Grand Staircase we find ourselves in a wonderland of reading rooms and Sargent murals. Downstairs there’s a beautiful tearoom and a sunny courtyard I could read all day in.

We spend way more time than we allotted exploring the library. From the temporary exhibitions to the paintings of Sir Galahad in the Abbey Room, we’re mesmerized.

And that’s to say nothing of the stylish Map Room Lounge, where I can’t believe I can get a cocktail in a library. This is heaven indeed.

Boston Public Garden

Tearing ourselves away from the library, we walk through Copley Square, check out its farmers’ market, and admire the imposing stone facade of Trinity Church.

From there we make our way to the Public Garden. Established in 1837, it was the first public botanical garden in America. Right next to Boston Common (which was established in 1634 as America’s first public park), it’s lush with flowers and a big lagoon full of Boston’s iconic Swan Boats.

But the real treat for me is Nancy Schon’s Make Way for Ducklings sculpture. This bronze beauty near the corner of Beacon and Charles Streets pays homage to Robert McCloskey’s beloved children’s book of the same name. In it a duck family makes its home in the Public Garden.

I loved the book as a child, and I remember looking out for the ducklings on my first trip to Boston when I was young. Today I can’t stop photographing the sculpture.

Beacon Hill

Make Way for Ducklings is a stone’s throw from Beacon Hill, which by now has become my favorite part of Boston. We walk down Charles Street, popping into boutiques and admiring the cafes as we go.

Soon we find ourselves at Beacon Hill Books. Like the library, this place is the stuff of literary fantasies. With floor after floor of intimate rooms, it not only has a great selection of titles, but also gorgeous decor.

Better yet, there’s a cafe in the basement. This little spot tempts us in for lemonade and homemade ice cream sandwiches. It’s the perfect indulgence, and a great way to rest our legs after a big afternoon of sightseeing.

Quincy Market

From Beacon Hill we make our way to Quincy Market via landmarks like Acorn Street, Boston Common, and the Boston Athenaeum (clearly I’m feeling bookish today).

When we arrive, we do some souvenir shopping in the North and South Market Buildings of Faneuil Hall, then make good on our promise to return and try some of the food here. After walking around Quincy Market to take in the stalls, we settle on lobster rolls.

We hop onto stools at Oyster Bar, tucking into hot buttery brioche buns bursting with seafood goodness. They’re every bit as good as they look, and we’re happy to have come back here.

Day 6: Boston

The next morning we continue our itinerary with coffee at Boston Public Market. We’re skipping breakfast today (you’ll see why in a minute), but as we sip our espresso drinks we take in the mouth-watering array of stalls in the famous indoor food market.

The New England Holocaust Memorial

Coffees finished, we walk a short distance to pay our respects at The New England Holocaust Memorial. Opened in 1995, it was founded by a survivor and designed to inspire remembrance, reflection, and hope.

Lunch

After taking in the six glass towers of the memorial, we walk over to admire the facade of Union Oyster House, Boston’s oldest restaurant. But we’re eating lunch elsewhere today.

It’s a short stroll to get to the North End for an early lunch at Neptune Oyster. This famous place is known for having some of the best seafood in the city, and we arrive 30 minutes early to be the first in line.

It’s worth the wait. We’re seated at the counter in the small restaurant, and we order a feast of raw oysters and Johnnycakes. They’re as delicious as their reputation suggests, and we wish our stomachs were bigger so we could try more of the menu.

Harborwalk

After lunch we work off the calories with a meander along the water on the Harborwalk. It’s home to everything from Christopher Columbus Waterfront Park to Long Wharf and the New England Aquarium. It’s also the departure point for many harbor cruises in Boston.

Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum

The Harborwalk takes us all the way to the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum. This place brings me straight back to my childhood. I have memories of throwing big bales of (fake) tea (on ropes) over the side of a ship to re-enact the historic Boston Tea Party of 1773.

The tea party was a famous protest in which a group of colonists threw actual tea overboard to show their distaste for the British Parliament’s tax on tea and make a case for “no taxation without representation.”

Today visitors can still re-enact this famous event in American history. The museum offers tours and has a tearoom and gift shop with plenty of the famous beverage to go around.

Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum

After visiting the Boston Tea Party ships, we hop on a train at nearby South Station. It takes us to Ruggles, from where it’s a scenic walk through the Northeastern University campus to get to one of the most famous museums in Boston.

The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum is to art what the Boston Public Library is to books. That is to say that the building that houses the collection is as impressive as the collection itself.

Purpose-built to showcase the treasures Isabella Stewart Gardner amassed during her lifetime, the museum is famous for its Italianate interior courtyard and works by artists like Sargent and Manet.

Being here is like stepping into a Venetian palace. Not only is the courtyard breathtaking, but it’s also surrounded by art ranging from ancient Roman artifacts to Chinese vases and letters signed by monarchs.

Time Out Market

After touring the collection, we wish we had time to visit the nearby Museum of Fine Arts. It’s equally good, but I went on a previous trip and we need to head to the airport in just over an hour.

Instead we walk along a path in the Back Bay Fens to get to the Time Out Market. Right near the famous Fenway Park baseball stadium, this indoor market is a huge space full of vendors selling all kinds of prepared foods.

We settle in for lunch from a stall called Lulu Green, enjoying quinoa bowls as we get ready to say good-bye to Boston. Soon we’re in a taxi to the airport, and our New England adventure has come to an end.

Boston, Newport, and Providence Itinerary

It’s been an amazing trip, and we’ve enjoyed everything from the sights to the restaurants, shops, and tours. I hope my itinerary has inspired you to follow in our footsteps and visit Boston, Newport, and Providence.

Map

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