Brown University was established in 1764 and has around 10,000 students. One of the main reasons visitors come to the area is to see the campus architecture, which features many 17th and 18th century buildings. Providence's main attractions are just a short stroll away. Providence isn't just history though - it's a foodie town with great restaurants and microbreweries.
Metered parking is available on the streets surrounding the campus, but public transport is probably the better option for getting around. RIPTA bus services originate in Kennedy Plaza, and the 35, 40, 1, 49 and 78 services run past Brown.
Thayer Street is the center of student life at Brown and offers a mix of shops, cafes, bars, and restaurants. By day, it's a great place to grab some lunch, and after dark is when the party really gets going.
One of the most peaceful spots in Providence is Roger Williams Park, 435 acres of gardens and lakes. It's most beautiful in the Fall but visit at any time of year to see the Museum of Natural History or Zoo.
Bordering the Brown campus and the home of the family which gave the university its name, John Brown House will take you back to the end of the 18th century. Take a self-guided tour to discover Rhode Island's role in the American Revolution and the slave trade, in the same rooms where Washington and Adams once stood.
