Providence/College Hill

College Hill is a district in Providence, Rhode Island. It is approximately bounded by North Main Street to the west, Williams Street to the south, Governor Street and Arlington Avenue to the east, and Olney Street to the north.

Understand

The main center for shopping, food, and drink is 1 Thayer Street, just off of the Brown campus.

The district gets its name from two college campuses found within its borders: Brown University and the Rhode Island School of Design. It is an eclectic district swarming with college students, hipsters and wanna-be breakout musicians, but is also filled with a plethora of unique things to do and see.

Get in

By bus

From Kennedy Plaza in Downcity Providence: Aside from providing in the entertainment in the form of people interaction, you can catch a multitude of buses from the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority’s (RIPTA) bus station, Kennedy Plaza. The 51, 52, 53, 54, 58, 72 and 99 lines will place you within walking distance of the district. The 35, 40, 42, 49, 78 and 92 will take you right to the heart and soul of College Hill, Thayer Street.

By train

The Amtrak Station in Providence is within walking distance of College Hill. Walk north on Gaspee Street until you reach Smith Street and take a left. Walk until you reach North Main Street, which is the western border of College Hill.

By car

From the south: take I-95 North toward Providence entering Rhode Island. Exit right onto I-195 E/US-6 E (signs for I-195/E Providence/US-6 E). Take exit 3 toward Gano St. Turn left at Wickenden St. Turn right at Hope St. and follow until you pass Power Street.

From the north: take I-95 South entering Rhode Island. Take exit 24 for Branch Ave. Turn left at Branch Ave. Turn right at N Main St/US-1 and continue to follow N Main St. Turn left at Olney St.

From the west: take US-6 East to downtown Providence. Exit onto Memorial Blvd. Turn left at Washington St. Continue onto Waterman Street.

From the east: Take I-195/US-6 west. Exit at Main Street. Right on Waterman Street.

The city of Providence and the surrounding roads are often under construction. Also, during the afternoon there can be a lot of traffic at the exit for I-195; if either of these things seem to be the case for you, consider taking exit 22A off of 95. Take a right at the light at the end of the exit ramp and follow the signs to College Hill.

Parking

There is parking at a reasonable rate at the 2 Providence Place Mall, which is found right off of exit 22C off of 95. The mall is within easy walking distance of College Hill if you feel like leaving your car in a more secure location.

Other than that, there is plenty of on-street and on-location parking throughout the College Hill area. If you're coming in for an evening on the town, you might not be able to find parking directly on Thayer Street, but there are plenty of neighboring streets that should serve your purpose.

Do not try to park in the area during Brown's move-in or move-out weekend (these weekends change each year, but are in early September and late May). There will be nowhere for you to park, and if you do find a spot, your car could end up as a temporary loading bay for college knickknacks.

See

• 1 Roger Williams National Memorial, 282 N Main St, ☏ +1 401 521-7266. Daily 9AM-5PM. Except Jan-March: Closed M-Tu. The memorial is on a common lot of the original settlement of Providence, and celebrates our Freedom of Religion as first proclaimed by Roger Williams (1603-1683) and now set forth in the First Amendment of the Constitution. The memorial is set upon 4.5 acres of landscaped park and includes several interpretive exhibits about Roger Williams and his time, including a short film. Free.  
• 2 John Brown House, 52 Power St, ☏ +1 401-273-7507. Sa 10AM-4PM, Tu-F 1PM-4PM. Historic house of John Brown, a member of the Orient trade and one of the early benefactors of Brown University. The first mansion ever built in Providence (in 1768). It is available today for tours including original pieces from the Brown Estate. $10 Adults, $8 Seniors, $6 Children. (updated Jul 2023)
• 3 Prospect Terrace Park, Congdon Street (next to 48 Congdon Street). This park is the burial site of Roger Williams and contains a monument of him. It offers one of the most spectacular views of the city of Providence. 
• 4 Providence Art Club, 11 Thomas Street, ☏ +1 401 331-1114. M-F noon-5PM, Sa Su 2PM-4PM. If you appreciate art, this is probably a place you should stop by. It was founded in 1880 to increase the appreciation of art in the local community. It is home to studios, galleries, and a clubhouse, and is a popular hangout for local artists. Maxwell Mays Gallery and Dodge House Gallery are free to the public. 
• 5 The Providence Athenaeum, 251 Benefit Street, ☏ +1 401 421-6970. Sep-May: M-Th 9AM-7PM, F Sa 9AM-5PM, Su 1PM-5PM. This library was founded in 1753 and is listed as a National Historic Landmark. It is a member-supported library, and is free to the public regardless of whether or not you're a member. This is more than just a library: it holds many historical and cultural artifacts from the surrounding area, and is a great way to discover some of the city's history. 
• 6 Shakespeare’s Head, 24 Meeting St, ☏ +1 401 831-7440. This building was built in 1722 by John Carter and is one of the oldest structures in Providence. It was implemented for printing the Providence Gazette. Contains a popular garden relative to the area. 

Architecture

• 7 Market Square (College St. & S. Main St.). (updated Jan 2022)

• 8 Providence County Courthouse (S Main St & College St). Built in 1930, the Courthouse is one of the earliest examples of architectural contextualism anywhere. The building's large mass is tastefully fragmented and detailed. (updated Feb 2022)

Museums

• 9 Rhode Island School of Design Museum of Art (The RISD Museum), 224 Benefit Street, ☏ +1 401 545-6500. Tu-Su 10AM-5PM; open 'til 9PM the third Thursday of every month. It was founded in 1877 as a part of the Rhode Island School of Design. Home to 84,000 works of arts from various time periods, the museum thrives on its diversity, creative and cultural expression and its consistency to open new exhibits. This museum has a variety of different styles. While it does showcase some local talent, exhibits showcasing international artists are often a big part of the museum experience. Tours are available, as are special activities for families. Adults $10 (there are student discounts), children 5-18 $2, children under 5 free. 
• 10 Governor Henry Lippitt House Museum, 199 Hope St, ☏ +1 401 453-0688, lippitthouse@preserveri.org. May-October. Visit this historic mansion from the Victorian era for a chance to see some beautiful architecture and a small piece of Providence history. Today it is a National Historic Landmark and available for guided tours and even wedding receptions. Located near College Hill, this mansion includes original stained windows and stenciling which is a must see. $10. (updated Jan 2022)
• 11 Haffenreffer Museum of Anthropology, Manning Hall, Brown University Main Green, First Floor, 21 Prospect Street, ☏ +1 401 863-2065. Tu-Su 10AM-4PM. 150,000 ethnographic and archaeological objects from all over the world. The museum collection illustrates and documents human cultures and societies worldwide. The collection is strong in the indigenous arts of the Americas, Africa, and Southeast Asia, and has smaller collections from other parts of the world.  

Churches

• 12 First Unitarian Church, 1 Benevolent St, ☏ +1 401 421-7970. Service begins at the Meeting House on Sundays at 10:30AM from the Sunday after Labor Day through mid-June and at 10AM during the Summer. This is a historic church built in 1816.  
• 13 Congdon Street Baptist Church, 17 Congdon Street, ☏ +1 401 421-4032, fax: +1 401 861-8990, info@csbchurch.org. begins at 11AM on Sundays. This is a historic church built in 1874. (updated Aug 2019)
• 14 Cathedral of Saint John, 271 N Main St, ☏ +1 401 331-4622. One of the four original colonial parishes in Rhode Island, established in 1722. Church constructed in 1810. (updated Aug 2019)
• 15 First Baptist Church in America, 75 North Main Street, ☏ +1 401 454-3418. This historic landmark is one of the oldest churches in the country. It has been on College Hill since 1638. The current building dates to 1775.  
• 16 Old Stone Bank, S. Main St. & Crawford St.. Greek Revival building from 1854. (updated Jan 2022)

Do

There is something to be said for the simple act of cruising the sidewalks of Thayer street. There's always bound to be street musicians and vendors, as well as the broad variety of individuals ranging in population from artists to intellectuals; extreme to traditional, who make for some exciting people watching to say the least. Beyond that, there are a few theaters to check out, but mostly, the area is dedicated to eating, shopping, and going out for some drinks.

If you continue up Wickenden Street, where Hope Street is on your left, you will notice there are often many street vendors selling interesting and affordable art pieces and jewelry.

• 1 Avon Cinema, 260 Thayer St., ☏ +1 401 421-0020. A College Hill institution since the 1930s, the Avon shows independent and foreign films in its genuine Art Deco theater. It's a funky Thayer Street independent theater often showing one-two films a week. Films change every Thursday and showtimes are usually 3-4 times daily starting in the afternoon. The seats aren't as comfortable as more as newer stadium-style theaters and the picture resolution is low. Still a great time and one of the only places in the city to see independent films. Evening admission is $9.50 and matinees are $7.25. 

Buy

Thayer Street

Thayer Street is the place to go if looking for a pleasurable and eclectic shopping experience. It is good for those who enjoy walking outside from store to store. It is also a good place to buy gifts because many of the stores sell quirky trinkets. Located near two colleges, it attracts many young adults. It could be called an “artsy” street with stores that sell, imported clothing, handmade crafts, clothes, art, housewares, and books. It has changed dramatically as years have passed, it has become much more about the restaurants than the shops, but it is still great for both. It is filled with locals and visitors.

• 1 Berk's Shoes and Clothing, 272 Thayer St, ☏ +1 401 831-0174. There are only two shoe stores on the entire block, and this is the ideal store for a woman on the hunt for that perfect trendy pair of shoes. They also have a small men's collection, but it is geared mostly at women. They usually always have sales, but some of their shoes can be a bit pricey. They have also expanded and now have a larger clothing section, specifically for women, which is also a bit pricey but they have some interesting pieces. 
• 2 Brown University Book Store, 244 Thayer St, ☏ +1 401 863-3168. The last independent trade (Ivy League) college bookstore in the country, it offers only new books as well as Brown University merchandise. They also offer small trinkets that can make for good presents. It has a small cafe inside with tables and chairs to curl up with a good book, or one's class work and relax with a coffee. If you ever happen to be cavorting around Brown University and you think to yourself, “Hey, I really wish there was place around here I could grab a book and a drink, throw on my Brown sweater and contemplate the world and its ills,” stop in at the University Bookstore. There’s sure to be plenty of rich students doing the same. 
• 3 Spectrum, 252 Thayer St, ☏ +1 401 421-1010. Features clothes, jewelry, books, incense, and gifts meant to enhance well-being. Many of the products are imported from Asia. Those looking for exotic, handmade clothes, tapestries, and jewelry would enjoy this store. It carries quite a variety of odds and ends, but it is very interesting. Do not go in if you do not like the smell of incense. The man who owns it is usually always at the cash register, he is very personable and always interested in having conversations with the people that come into his shop. 
• 4 Pleasant Surprise, 297 Thayer Street, ☏ +1 401 273-1202. A quirky shop that stocks a range of eclectic items, from Baconnaise and Bob Marley posters to vintage Pam Am bags and novelty ice cube trays. 
• 5 Urban Outfitters, 285 Thayer St, ☏ +1 401 351-4080. This is a chain, but if you're looking for some more popular (or, as it may be, generic) threads or quirky gifts, check this place out. 

Elsewhere

• 6 risd|works, 20 North Main Street, ☏ +1 401 277-4949. M-Sa 10AM-6PM, Su 11AM-5PM. risd|works sells functional pieces designed by Rhode Island School of Design Alumni and Faculty. Great for finding fun and unique gifts. 

Eat

With the great diversity of college students roaming the area, College Hill is bound to be filled with some great restaurants, the best of which can be found on the infamous Thayer Street.

• 1 Andreas Restaurant, 268 Thayer Street, ☏ +1 401 331-7879. M-Th 11AM-1AM, F-Su 9AM-2AM. Offers some of the only authentic local Greek/American cuisine. The menu consists of souvlaki's and other traditional Greek cuisine but often with an Americanized twist. The burgers are particularly sensational as are the expansive salads. For those that are interested in something new, try the saganaki flambe (read flaming cheese). After 10PM the kitchen closes and Andreas caters to late night drinkers while maintaining a bar menu. Entrees range from $8-22. 
• 2 Antonio's Pizza, 256 Thayer St, ☏ +1 401 455-3600. A popular pizzeria chain that features pizza by the slice in almost 40 unique varieties, including chicken quesadilla and tortellini. Reasonable prices, offers $1 cheese slices late at night which is awesome for nights after too much drinking. It is always full of college students, and can be very busy at lunch time and late at night. 
• 3 Kabob and Curry, 261 Thayer Street, ☏ +1 401 273-8844. M-Th 11AM-10:30PM, F Sa 11AM-11PM, Su 11:30AM-10PM. If the delicious smell of Indian food doesn’t draw you in, the brightly colored dining room most certainly will. A decades old local institution providing both standard and original fare with many vegetarian/vegan, gluten-free, and halal dishes. If you have an iPhone and are interested in ordering takeout, you can do so with the restaurant’s free app. Kabob and curry features an all-you-can-eat brunch buffet on Sundays from 11:30AM-3:30PM.. Voted the best Indian food in Rhode Island. Takeout and delivery available. Meals $11-16. 
• 4 East Side Pockets, 278 Thayer St, ☏ +1 401 453-1100. M-Sa 10AM-midnight. East Side Pockets has excellent falafel, served in pockets, in salads, or alone, along with a range of other Middle Eastern pocket fare. Vegetarian and vegan options. Pockets are less than $7. Take out or counter seating. 
• 5 La Creperie, 82 Fones Alley, ☏ +1 401 751-5536, creperie82@gmail.com. Awesome little hole in the wall, where you can get tasty dinner and dessert crepes as well as smoothies for fairly cheap. Also, their late night hours are a big plus. 
• 6 Meeting Street Café, 220 Meeting Street, ☏ +1 401 273-1066. In the mood for a cookie the size of a hubcap? Meeting Street Café is the place for you! You can enjoy your giant cookie with one of their many salads, sandwiches, and soups, too. BYOB. 
• 7 Parkside Rotisserie & Bar, 76 South Main St, ☏ +1 401 331-0003. M-Th 11:30AM-10PM, F 11:30AM-11PM, Sa 5PM-11PM, closed Su in the summer. Modeled after a typical Manhattan eatery, its environment is said to be “sensual, elegant, and reliable,” by The Providence Journal. 

Drink

Cafes

• 1 Starbucks, 218 Thayer St, ☏ +1 401 421-1677. Want to embrace your inner hipster and enjoy a nice cup o' joe but find some of the other selections in the area a bit too hip for your tastes? Not to worry, there's a Starbucks to be found as well. Pour your mochacchino into a Tealuxe cup and no one will doubt your street cred. 

Sleep

While there are no major hotels to be found in College Hill, there are many places to sleep that are within easy walking or busing distance from the district.

Connect

• Brown University Library - There are nine libraries spread throughout the Brown campus: for individual hours and locations call +1 401 863-BOOK. While the wireless internet is only free for Brown students, many of the libraries have computers hooked up to the internet that anyone can use.

• Also, there is Starbucks, as mentioned above.