The 18th and 19th century homes that dominate Providence’s urban landscape are the ideal backdrop for a spine-tingling ghost tour.
(Photo: US Ghost Adventures / Courtesy GetYourGuide)
Every city has its dark underbelly and Providence, the capital of Rhode Island, is certainly no different. According to folklore, the city’s streets, buildings and historic landmarks are teeming with ethereal spirits lurking around every corner. If you’d like to get under Providence’s spooky skin, there are a wide range of ghost tours on offer that promise to take you deep into the city’s haunted past. We’ve hand-picked three of the best below.
Ghosts, Phantoms and Poltergeists Walking Tour
This one-hour walking tour takes you deep into Providence’s haunted underworld. In the company of an expert guide, you’ll hear bone-chilling tales while exploring the city’s most (supposedly) ghostly spots. Highlights include visits to the real-life Shunned House from writer H.P. Lovecraft’s eponymous short story, and to the Fleur de Lys Studio to hear about the strange details of artist Angela O’Leary’s death. The tour prices also includes hotel pick-up and drop-off. From $24 per person.
Dark Tales: Haunted Authors of Providence Tou
(Photo: Providence Tour Company / Courtesy GetYourGuide)
For a more extended experience, this tour runs for two hours, with added time for stop offs and spooky stories. With your knowledgeable guide leading the way, you’ll walk through the city’s centuries-old streets, passing by some of the city’s most historic landmarks as you go. Along the way, you’ll be regaled with stories and facts that will leave the hairs on the back of your necks standing on end. Among the stops will be the Providence Athenaeum, a nearly 200-year-old library that’s said to be haunted by literary figures from Providence’s past. From $35 per person.
Haunted Boat Ride
(Photo: Providence River Boat)
You don’t need to be on dry land to get a sense of Providence’s darker side – this one-hour haunted boat ride through the city’s eerie waterways offers an alternative way to do so. Led by an experienced captain, you’ll uncover chilling tales of the city’s restless spirits as you glide under moonlit bridges, past cobblestone streets and historic architecture while hearing ghostly stories of long-lingering residents. You can also enhance your experience with an on-board charcuterie platter. Tour groups are limited to 17 people. From $35 per person.