Parasols and Pocket Watches: A History Tour
Overview
Available languages
1 hour 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
Join us for this elegant stroll through time!
Allow our historically costumed, local guides to lead you down the most beautifully preserved street in all of Providence, RI- Benefit Street!
Guests will learn the history of some of Providence's most prominent residents and families, including the Dorr family, Roger Williams, and the Hoppin family. See architectural icons including the John Brown House, the First Baptist Church, the Fleur de Lys Building, and the original State House. Learn about the events that shaped our state and nation, including the suffrage movements (yes, there were two!) and the Civil War. This tour will leave you feeling more connected to the city's past and with a greater appreciation for Providence.
Benefit Street is a mostly flat street and is suitable for people of most levels of health and fitness.
Additional Info
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Flat terrain, suitable for most levels of health.
What To Expect
Benefit Street
We will stroll historic Benefit Street for the duration of the tour. Your guide will point out buildings of architectural, historical, and societal interest. The tour is outside and we will not enter any of the buildings. Your guide will point out any establishments that permit public entry and you are welcome to go back to see them more closely at your convenience.
Options
Parasols and Pocket Watches: A History Tour
What‘s Included
A Historically Costumed Guide
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
53 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Awesome Providence History Tour
capboston,May 21, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00If you are interested in the history of cities and some lovely architecture, this is a great tour. Our guide was Courtney and she made hearing the stories and learning the history of this area very entertaining and very enjoyable. You can feel her love for her city and it's history in every word and story. I have been to Providence many times and never really spent learning or hearing about it's history. This tour made me want to come back and dive deeper into it's incredible history and beyond beautiful architecture. Highly recommended!!
Fascinating
16heathers16,May 17, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was amazing! Courtney was so amazing and knowledgeable. I got a 5 star tour and customer service! I highly recommend this tour!
A great tour
scm850,May 12, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We found this tour informative and entertaining. It brought to life the history of this street in Providence.
A Walk Though History.
Heather L,May 11, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was a very pleasant reminder of how interesting history can be wherever you choose to travel. Our tour guide was fantastic!
Excellent Tour!
danrazgon,May 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Courtney was a fantastic, knowledgeable tour guide. She was great at explaining the history behind the horns, buildings, and people of Providence, and we loved the tour. Absolutely recommend for those in Providence!!!
Amazing trip through Providence history!
I5239XCjoand,May 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Fantastic tour! Courtney is incredibly knowledgeable and delivered the information in a clear and engaging way. The props she included were a unique touch making the history come alive. She patiently answered numerous questions making the tour interactive. I especially appreciated her thoughtfulness in adding famous authors, entrepreneurs and woman of the time who had a significant impact on the city. Very enjoyable experience that I highly recommend.
She was very spirited and...
Penelope R,Apr 10, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00She was very spirited and very informative. She was an amazing storyteller, who also had tactile props for further engagement! Would highly recommended for those who want more history of Benefit street from someone who is truly passionate.
Excellent tour! Worth your time!
Dane S,Mar 15, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This was an excellent tour, despite the cold and wind! Courtney did an amazing job of introducing the stories and architecture of Benefit Street. Worth your time and money!
Great tour!
Nicki R,Jan 18, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Clay had an excellent delivery and was very knowledgeable and passionate about the subject. Only improvement could be to talk more between stops.
Walking tour of Benefits steet
Fay M,Oct 23, 2025
- Review from Viator
4.00The tour took place at sunset, but it was not a ghost tour. Would have been better in the day time. Would have been easier to see the buildings we were looking at.
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