Historic Federal Hill
Historic Federal Hill
4.5
About
Sip a strong espresso at an outdoor cafe, grab a quick pizza for lunch or dine in style at a gourmet Italian restaurant in this historic section of the city, also know as Little Italy. You'll know you have arrived by the huge arched gateway, with a bronzed pinecone, which marks the entry to the neighborhood.
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingTours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
Full view
Top ways to experience Historic Federal Hill and nearby attractions
The area
Address
Neighborhood: Federal Hill
Reach out directly
Best nearby
Restaurants
915 within 3 miles
Attractions
395 within 6 miles
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
681 reviews
Excellent
374
Very good
187
Average
82
Poor
25
Terrible
13
John M
New York City, NY738 contributions
Jul 2021
We stayed in this area during our trip to Providence. It is an excellent spot, especially in the evenings. There are plenty of restaurants to choose from, many Italian, and also bakeries. There is also a lot of live music in the evenings. It is overall lively and pleasant.
Written August 22, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kara R
Reading, PA27 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
We drove up and down the street for a while looking for the fountain. It was hidden behind a sea of chairs. Unfortunately, the fountain was full of trash. The shops were wonderful and quaint but it’s a just passing through type of activity unless you are stopping for food. I hear the food is to die for!
Written August 7, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
deanna0218
Alton Bay, NH22 contributions
Sep 2022 • Couples
Meh.. we went through on a Saturday afternoon, sunny, 70°, perfect outside day, yet not many people. Four days in Providence and only went that one time. It had a local feel. We stopped in a bar to grab a beer, check the scores, maybe get a bite to eat, but the place quieted right down when we walked in.
Written September 25, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ann L
6 contributions
Jul 2022
Honestly the pictures online (in my opinion) make Federal Hill look way more enticing than it really is. We walked the whole area and basically all there were was some bars, restaurants and a couple grocery type stores. We saw at least 2 tattoo places. I think reading that it was an Italian area of Providence, we expected more. Things like a few little shops, maybe some sidewalk carts with food or drinks but that is not what it's like at all. The fountain that people take pictures of and post online was there, but we honestly almost walked by it and didn't think it was that fantastic. It's a good walk, just not what we had expected. Would not bother to go back again.
Written July 9, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
olivias33
Southampton, NY245 contributions
Sep 2021
There is really nothing to do during the day time there. The restaurants don't open up till 4pm. It seems like it is not a safe area for tourists to walk around in. The guard at the bank even said don't go off the other streets besides the main drag.
Written September 16, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Worldtraveller21
Keystone, SD144 contributions
Mar 2024 • Solo
I went here based on the pictured that looked like a nice historic area. I walked around for about 10mins and wasn't really impressed. I didn't detour off the main street so maybe there is more beyond. There were plenty of places to eat but I didn't stay long enough. A short drive through is probably sufficient unless you're looking for good Italian food mentioned in other reviews.
Written March 17, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Conigliettacara
ct17 contributions
May 2011
Thought it would be more "Italy-ish" but just mainly restaurants with a few food shops and a liquor store and a few boutiques, though not very good ones. Mainly a place for eating out and going to bars. Lots of empty storefronts.
Written May 25, 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Richard E
Providence, RI6 contributions
Oct 2011
The day we went there were a lot of bikers, with little kids it was not an appropriate environment. We did some window shopping and looked at the menus in the windows. Even my wife who loves to go out for dinner was not impressed with the choice of restaurants. Federal Hill has very limited parking. The restaurants state they have vlaet parking, if you have a nice car you don't want to know where they park the cars. The cars are parked on side streets that I would not want to walk down let alone leave propertyin the neighborhood. We stayed about an hour then left. I know many people brag about Federal Hill, which is really just Atwells Avenue. It is not an area we would go to again.
Written November 22, 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
RITRIPPER
Newport, RI312 contributions
Nov 2011 • Friends
Federal Hill used to be a really nice place to visit right after it was revitalized in the 70's. Prior to that, it was pretty much a run down, dangerous neighborhood. As of late it is having many problems with the young night club crowd and the city's gang members. This is very sad for Providence because Federal Hill can be a lovely place to dine (many fine restaurants to choose from) and stroll in the summertime or anytime. The smells of Italian food and sounds of music permeate the air for an old world experience. Sitting around the fountain at DePasquale Plaza eating a gelato is a nice treat after a meal. It's not the Trevi Fountain, but it could still make you feel like you're experiencing a little bit of Rome. If you are going to visit, I would suggest doing it during the daytime. After 10PM it becomes a nightmare with young adults racing up and down the avenue. I fear if the city doesn't get a handle on this neighborhood and its gang activity (shootings), it will become a rundown and dangerous neighborhood once again. I gave Federal Hill an average score because I love it and think there is still hope for it.
Written November 3, 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Oct 2012 • Business
This weekend is Columbus Day weekend, and on Federal Hill, you can get the greasisest sausages and peppers, the oilest pizza without any cheese, and eat in some of the dirtiest and most unsafe restaurants in the country. If you want to be with a bunch of low class people who think they have something to offer the world by all means go. There are two beautiful churches on Atwells Avenue on by downcity the other by the merge of the 6/10 connector otherwise you may want look for something more enjoyable than be with a bunch of carni's on Atwells Avenue/Federal Hill.
Written October 3, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
What's the best place to go for Italian food?! Looking to do outdoor seating if possibly?!?
Written July 17, 2019
What question are we answering?
Written March 2, 2018
Absolutely, what ever the question is? Go see the trip advisor list FOR restaurants and sites to see. Don't waste our time!
Written March 3, 2018
Recommendations for Italian food on Federal Hill anyone please?!
Also is it safe walking from the Biltmore to Federal Hill in the evening for a couple female cousins?
Thanks in advance for the feedback.
Written October 12, 2015
Dam that's disappointing to hear! We are all in our mid 50's so no guido's for us. Thanks for the info.
Written October 12, 2015
They say this is like being in Italy
Written May 8, 2015
not exactly. but still quite good and has the Italian feel. If I lived in Providence, I'd be there all the time.
Written February 23, 2018
They say this is like being in Italy with gondalas and etc
Written May 8, 2015
There is a river in downtown Providence and have Gondola rides during Waterier events. Reservations required. Not quite Italy but awesome Italian food a short car ride away on Federal Hill.
Written May 8, 2015
Showing results 1-8 of 8
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listingScroll back to Historic Federal Hill information