Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Newport?
Should you spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Newport?
Many travelers spend two to five days in Newport during their visit. After all, the coastal town has plenty to explore such as the beaches, the famous sights and museums, and the historic old town.
Newport is a charming coastal town in the state of Rhode Island. It has a longrunning history and it's filled with historic mansions that date back to the 1800s. The town's colonial past is heavily influenced by it's maritime roots and today the town is filled with yachts and boating enthusiasts.
Do you have 3, 4, or 5 days to visit Newport? Here's our comprehensive breakdown of how much time you might need for your trip along with some suggestions for things to do.
Is 3 days enough time in Newport?
The town of Newport boasts plenty of sights and attractions, making it a popular destination for tourists. So with three days, you'll probably feel rushed to see the main attractions. You really need more time to appreciate everything that the coastal town has to offer. Many visitors prefer to have two to five days to fully enjoy the town. If you have three days or less, we still have some great ideas for what to do while you're in town.
How to spend 3 days in Newport
The beautiful beaches await you in Newport, so spend the day (or several, if you can) relaxing on the sand or swimming in the water. 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.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Afternoon Grand Tour | Gansett Cruises in Newport, RI ($38)
- Evening Voyage with Gansett Cruises in Newport, RI ($45)
- Lighthouse and Mimosa Cruise of Narragansett Bay from Newport ($42)
You'll absolutely want to spend some time enjoying the food scene in this town, so make sure you spend time at one of the local restaurants where you can taste the delicious cuisine for a meal or two. 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.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Newport Neighborhood Food Tour ($89)
Newport is a very walkable city. With only a day in the town, you'll have no trouble exploring the local sights. The town's downtown are compact and fun to explore on foot. There is a nice concentration of shops, restaurants, hotels and sights.
Plenty of amazing museums and famous landmarks make Newport a special place to visit. Spend at least one full day visiting the sights that are appealing to you. 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.
This town is very popular for nightlife. After the sun goes down, head out to one of the many popular venues around town. There's a lively atmosphere in the evening with many pubs, taverns, and bars that keep the energy high.
Public transit in Newport is easy and efficient. In just a few days, you should be able to get around the town quite easily. 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.
The charming atmosphere and history of the old town area is worth exploring, so spend the day learning about the history and culture of the area. 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.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Newport Walking Food And History Tour ($95)
- Newport Cliff Walk Self-Guided Walking Tour ($10)
Newport is known to be such a beautiful destination, so just exploring and taking it all in should be one of the top things to do on your list. The coastal setting and charming architecture give it a lot of character.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Newport Sightseeing Boat Tour aboard Rum Runner II ($40)
- Newport Cliff Walk Self-Guided Walking Tour ($10)
- Newport Sunset Sail on Classic Sailboat ($55)
Is 4 days enough time in Newport?
Four days is the perfect amount of time in Newport, as many visitors prefer to spend around two to five days here. You'll be able to explore the major attractions and take part in this historical town's most popular things to do such as the beaches, the famous sights and museums, the historic old town, and the restaurant scene. We have some suggestions for what to do and where to start your adventure below.
Newport, Rhode Island
How to spend 4 days in Newport
With 4 days in Newport, you'll have a bit more time to enjoy everything that the town has to offer.
Shopping in Newport is very popular, and it's easy to see why. Spend time exploring the many shops and boutiques to find the perfect gift, souvenir, or outfit. Walk along the charming cobblestone streets and pop in the many local boutiques and shops.
There are plenty of restaurants you haven't tried yet, so don't miss another amazing meal at local places for lunch and dinner. Try to go out of your way to find the small, locally owned places that offer the charm and ambiance that can only be found in Newport.
Is 5 days enough time in Newport?
Five days provides ample opportunity to explore the entirety of Newport at your own pace to experience the beaches, the famous sights and museums, the historic old town, and the restaurant scene. Then you can use this spot as a convenient base for venturing into nearby destinations where you'll discover exciting day trip options.
How to spend 5 days in Newport
If you have more than 5 days in Newport, you'll appreciate the added time for everything the town has to offer.
Perhaps the most famous place in Newport is Thames Street, so don't miss it. It might not be at the top of your list, but it's worth experiencing during your trip.
There are plenty of restaurants you haven't tried yet, so don't miss another amazing meal at local places for lunch and dinner. Try to go out of your way to find the small, locally owned places that offer the charm and ambiance that can only be found in Newport.
More Info
If you're looking for more information about Newport, we have even more advice to help you plan your journey.
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