
College Street, Providence
College Street acts as the grand gateway between downtown Providence and the distinguished Brown University perched atop College Hill. If you’re touring Brown, this scenic stretch is more than just a route—it’s an experience. Strolling along, you’ll encounter captivating architecture, cultural gems, and lovely vistas that tell the story of the city’s heritage.
The journey starts at Memorial Boulevard, where a pedestrian bridge proudly features a brick column marked “College Street” in bronze, illuminated by a vintage-style lamp. From here, you can enjoy sweeping views of the Providence River. On select evenings, it’s the perfect spot to catch WaterFire’s dazzling display.
As you continue, you’ll find Memorial Park, a peaceful enclave that’s home to the Providence River Greenway, the Rhode Island Holocaust Memorial, and a commanding 150-foot World War I Monument—a striking reminder of the past amid the cityscape.
Art enthusiasts will appreciate the Rhode Island School of Design along College Street, a cornerstone of creativity and education. The RISD Museum invites you to explore an extraordinary collection of global art treasures spanning centuries and cultures.
Further along, you’ll reach the stately Van Wickle Gates, which serve as Brown University’s ceremonial entrance. They open inward for incoming students at Convocation and outward for graduates at Commencement, embodying the journey of academic life.
Once through the gates, you’ll arrive at University Hall, Brown’s oldest building, completed in 1770. With its Georgian architecture, this historic structure continues to play a central role on campus. Adjacent to it lies the Quiet Green, a tranquil spot surrounded by significant university landmarks. It’s a favorite gathering place for students and visitors alike.
The journey starts at Memorial Boulevard, where a pedestrian bridge proudly features a brick column marked “College Street” in bronze, illuminated by a vintage-style lamp. From here, you can enjoy sweeping views of the Providence River. On select evenings, it’s the perfect spot to catch WaterFire’s dazzling display.
As you continue, you’ll find Memorial Park, a peaceful enclave that’s home to the Providence River Greenway, the Rhode Island Holocaust Memorial, and a commanding 150-foot World War I Monument—a striking reminder of the past amid the cityscape.
Art enthusiasts will appreciate the Rhode Island School of Design along College Street, a cornerstone of creativity and education. The RISD Museum invites you to explore an extraordinary collection of global art treasures spanning centuries and cultures.
Further along, you’ll reach the stately Van Wickle Gates, which serve as Brown University’s ceremonial entrance. They open inward for incoming students at Convocation and outward for graduates at Commencement, embodying the journey of academic life.
Once through the gates, you’ll arrive at University Hall, Brown’s oldest building, completed in 1770. With its Georgian architecture, this historic structure continues to play a central role on campus. Adjacent to it lies the Quiet Green, a tranquil spot surrounded by significant university landmarks. It’s a favorite gathering place for students and visitors alike.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Providence. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "911: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
College Street on Map
Sight Name: College Street
Sight Location: Providence, USA (See walking tours in Providence)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Providence, USA (See walking tours in Providence)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Providence, Rhode Island
Create Your Own Walk in Providence
Creating your own self-guided walk in Providence is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Providence Historical Buildings Tour
A beautiful city on the banks of the Providence River, Providence, Rhode Island, is nearly as old as the United States themselves – founded in 1636. As such, the city has many interesting historical and architectural landmarks worth checking out that tell the story of its past.
Among these, the Providence County Courthouse stands as a symbol of justice and governance. The Old Stone Bank,... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.0 Km or 1.2 Miles
Among these, the Providence County Courthouse stands as a symbol of justice and governance. The Old Stone Bank,... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.0 Km or 1.2 Miles
Brown University Walking Tour
Chief among the iconic landmarks contributing to the cultural atmosphere of Providence, Rhode Island, is Brown University, a prestigious Ivy League institution known for its liberal arts education and vibrant campus life. Founded in 1764, this is the seventh-oldest university in the United States, chartered before the American Revolution.
Brown's historic campus offers a classic New... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles
Brown's historic campus offers a classic New... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles
Providence Introduction Walking Tour
Along the banks of the Providence River sits one of New England’s oldest and most storied settlements. Founded in 1636 by Roger Williams, a bold dissenter fleeing Massachusetts Bay Colony, it initially began as a sanctuary of religious freedom. Williams believed this haven was revealed through divine mercy—hence the name “Providence.” Over time, the city grew from its humble beginnings... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.9 Km or 2.4 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.9 Km or 2.4 Miles