A Travel Price Comparison for Rhode Island Newport vs. Providence for Couples, Attractions, Food, and Families

Should you visit Newport or Providence?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Newport and Providence can help you decide which place is right for you.

Newport

Newport is a charming, coastal, and seaside town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the food, beaches, and shopping.

Providence

Providence is a active, friendly, and fascinating city. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Newport and Providence: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Newport or Providence?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Newport. Although Newport and Providence are popular destinations, Newport has more sights and attractions for tourists. Newport is more touristy than Providence and is known for its sailing regattas, its mansions along Bellevue Avenue, and its maritime history. It is also well known for Thames Street. Providence is famous for its outdoor parks, historic atmosphere, and college town vibe.

How is Newport different from Providence?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Providence and Newport. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Newport or Providence?

Newport is a great town for its historical sights. Also, Providence is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Newport. The historic mansions and local museums educate visitors on the town's maritime past and colonial roots. Some of the more popular places to visit include The Breakers, The Elms Mansion, The Marble House, and Chateau-sur-mer Mansion.

Providence is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are several historical museums around town as well as art museums, zoos, a planetarium and natural history museum, and even a children's museum.

Is the Food Better in Newport or Providence? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Newport and Providence.

Newport has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Find a waterfront restaurant and enjoy fresh seafood and a charming atmosphere. Many restaurants are influenced by the town's Portuguese and Irish roots. You'll find classic pubs as well as brunch cafes and traditional taverns.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Providence makes for a great culinary experience. The food scene around town has grown and diversified in recent years. You'll find a mix of international and local options and for such a small city, it really has a lot to offer.

Is Newport or Providence Better for Nightlife?

The nice nightlife scene is relatively similar in Newport and Providence.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Newport. There's a lively atmosphere in the evening with many pubs, taverns, and bars that keep the energy high.

Providence has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. Comedy clubs, bars, and clubs keep the energy high during the evening hours. It's not hard to find something to do, particularly on weekend nights.

Is Newport or Providence Better for Beaches?

Newport is a great town for the beach. However, Providence is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Newport for it's beautiful beaches. Tucked in along the rocky coastline are many beautiful sandy beaches. You'll find popular and active beaches where you can lounge in a chair and people watch, as well as more secluded spots where you can enjoy a more peaceful setting. The largest beach is Easton's Beach (also known as First Beach). Surfers and boaters enjoy Sachuest Beach (or Second Beach), and a less popular, but very rewarding beach is also King Park Beach.

Providence is not a beach destination.

Is Newport or Providence Better for its Old Town?

Newport is a great town for its historic old town charm. However, Providence does not have a historic old town.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Newport. The Historic District is filled with colonial buildings and impressive mansions. There are cobblestone streets and a charming loop through the town's Old Quarter.

Providence does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Newport or Providence?

Newport is a great town for its shopping areas. Also, Providence is not as popular, but is still a nice city for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Newport. Walk along the charming cobblestone streets and pop in the many local boutiques and shops.

Providence is a great destination for shopping. Malls, shopping centers, and boutiques all offer a range of shopping experiences around town.

Is Newport or Providence Better for Families?

Newport is a great town for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Providence is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Newport. For an educational and interactive experience, head to Save The Bay Exploration Center & Aquarium. The Norman Bird Sanctuary also has a lot of land and places to explore. Kids will enjoy a visit to the beach or running around Breton Point State Park as well. On a rainy day, Ryans Family Amusements is the perfect way to pass some time.

Providence is a family-friendly place to visit. There are opportunities for kids to interact with animals at the Roger Williams Park Zoo, as well as plenty of places for kids to run around like Rocky Point Park or Goddard Memorial State Park. There's also the Providence Children's Museum, go carting, and entertainment centers.

Is Newport or Providence Better for Couples?

Newport is an unbeatable place for couples. Also, Providence is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Newport is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. It's a coastal town with a lot of charm that makes for a perfect romantic escape. Enjoy dining and shopping along Thames Street or take a walk along the coast. There are many local restaurants and evening activities for couples as well.

Providence is a nice destination for couples. You can see a show at the Providence Performing Arts Center or visit some of the city's historic buildings and museums. There are also parks and coastal walks as well as many great restaurants.

Is Newport or Providence Better for Students?

Providence is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Newport is not popular with students.

Providence is very popular with students. There's a college town vibe to this small city because it's home to Brown University, which is a member of the Ivy League.

Newport is not popular with students.

Is Newport or Providence Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Visitors will find nice public transit in both Newport and Providence.

Newport has some public transit options. There are buses operated by RIPTA. You can visit most of the attractions in the downtown area by catching a ride on one of the classic green and gold hybrid trolley buses.

You'll find some public transit in Providence, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are RIPTA buses that travel around town.

Is Newport or Providence a more walkable city?

Newport and Providence are high quality when it comes to walkability.

Newport is a very walkable destination. The town's downtown are compact and fun to explore on foot. There is a nice concentration of shops, restaurants, hotels and sights.

Providence is very walkable. It's a walkable city and it's relatively easy to explore on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Newport Worth Visiting? and Is Providence Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Providence or Newport?

How long in Newport or Providence?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Newport and Providence. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Newport than in Providence. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Newport, and 2-3 days is enough time in Providence.

Families should spend more time in Newport than Providence. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Newport, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Newport than Providence. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Newport that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Newport than Providence if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Newport.

One day in Newport or Providence?

With museums and nightlife around the seaside town of Newport, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Providence, you'll find nightlife and food. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Newport or Providence?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Newport, there's plenty to do. It's also a great beach destination, too. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this town.

In Providence, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Providence has to offer.

Five days in Newport or Providence?

Newport, a popular town, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Visiting the old town is also a must. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this town. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Providence is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Newport or Providence?

Newport is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Providence. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Providence. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in United States of America, The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America, and The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Newport and Providence, we can see that Providence is more expensive. And not only is Newport much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Newport would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Newport and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Providence would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Providence than you might in Newport.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Newport Expensive? and Is Providence Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Newport or Providence?

Providence has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Newport. When comparing the sizes of Newport and Providence, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Newport or Providence?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Newport or Providence in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Newport and Providence. Many visitors come to Newport in the summer for the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Providence for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Newport is around the same temperature as Providence in the summer. The daily temperature in Newport averages around 73°F (23°C) in July, and Providence fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Providence this time of the year. In Newport, it's very sunny this time of the year. Newport usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Providence during summer. Newport gets 293 hours of sunny skies, while Providence receives 293 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Newport usually receives around the same amount of rain as Providence. Newport gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Providence receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Newport or Providence in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Newport as well as Providence. Most visitors come to Newport for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Providence because of the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Newport is around the same temperature as Providence. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Newport in October average around 53°F (12°C), and Providence averages at about 53°F (12°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Providence. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Newport this time of the year. In the autumn, Newport often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Providence. Newport gets 211 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Providence receives 211 hours of full sun.

Newport usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Providence. Newport gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Providence receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Newport or Providence in the Winter?

Both Providence and Newport are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Newport because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Providence this time of year.

It's quite cold in Providence in the winter. The weather in Newport can be very cold. In January, Newport is generally around the same temperature as Providence. Daily temperatures in Newport average around 28°F (-2°C), and Providence fluctuates around 28°F (-2°C).

Newport usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Providence during winter. Newport gets 170 hours of sunny skies, while Providence receives 170 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Newport usually receives around the same amount of rain as Providence. Newport gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Providence receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Newport or Providence in the Spring?

Both Providence and Newport during the spring are popular places to visit. The beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Newport this time of year.

Newport is around the same temperature as Providence in the spring. The daily temperature in Newport averages around 48°F (9°C) in April, and Providence fluctuates around 48°F (9°C).

In Providence, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Newport. In the spring, Newport often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Providence. Newport gets 225 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Providence receives 225 hours of full sun.

Newport usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Providence. Newport gets 3.7 inches (94 mm) of rain, while Providence receives 3.7 inches (94 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Providence and Newport