Federal Hill
Providence, Rhide Island
Providence’s "Little Italy," Federal Hill is a vibrant neighborhood renowned for its cultural heritage—and could easily be called one of the top Italian-American neighborhoods in the US. Explore iconic Atwells Avenue through the north end of the neighborhood, and you’ll find specialty shops, bakeries, and restaurants—and the enduring influence of Italian immigrants that has lasted for more than a century.
Federal Hill is a hotbed of Italian restaurants, both old and new, and with its compact size, makes a great food and sightseeing destination. Guided tours typically visit Atwells Avenue on the way to Brown University, College Hill, and other parts of Providence, while food tours make beelines to neighborhood pasta and pizza joints. If you’re visiting on your own, start at Garibaldi Square on the east end of the area, and head down Atwells Avenue on foot.
Federal Hill is ideal for travelers interested in Italian-American history, culture, and food.
The neighborhood is a top dining destination, with options ranging from casual cafés and gelato spots to full-on trattorias—dinner reservations are recommended, especially on the weekends.
Be prepared for some walking: Atwells Avenue runs through Federal Hill for about 0.5 miles (0.8 kilometers) but the neighborhood continues farther south.
Federal Hill comprises a swath of Providence west of downtown across the Interstate 95 Highway. It lies about 1 mile (1.6 kilometers) from the Providence train station, which provides connection to Boston and is served by Amtrak and the Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority (MBTA). Bus lines including #92 stop in the neighborhood.
Federal Hill is a year-round destination, with the weather in Providence staying comfortably warm from about May to October. If you can, time your visit to catch a cultural event, such as the Columbus Day Weekend Festival in the fall, or the Feast of St. Joseph in March.
Federal Hill is renowned for its lively Italian-American culinary scene, and you’ll find everything from gelaterias and pizza places to century-old restaurants here. For some of the best Italian pastries this side of the Atlantic, head to Scialo Brothers Bakery on Atwells Avenue and Eutaw Street, or Pastiche Fine Desserts, which lies one block north and specializes in European pastries and other sweets.
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