This section is dedicated to take away all your "I wish someone had told me that before I went!" experiences. This way, you can spend less time settling in, and more time making new friends in your chosen hostel. We share our insider knowledge of tips, tricks and important things to look out for in Newport.
Newport is located south of Providence at the end of Aquidneck Island in Rhode Island. The city is known for its Newport Mansions, which are spread out inland and along the waterfront. Scenes from the original version of the Great Gatsby were filmed at several of the Newport Mansions. Newport is also known as a coastal resort, drawing four million people a year to its beaches. Its other attractions are the trails along the Cliff Walk and Ocean Drive. The city is a popular day trip for Brown and RISD students from Providence, which adds a youthful atmosphere to the beaches.
There are many recreational opportunities in Newport -- you can rent a bicycle to ride down one of the trails or a kayak to take out on the ocean. It’s also a good place for surfing and diving. In the winter there are seal watching tours and in the summer there are jazz and reggae festivals.
The island can be reached by bridge or ferry. There are multiple wharfs, lighthouses, and beaches along the shores. Bannister’s Wharf is good for shopping and outdoor dining on the wharf, while Bowen’s Wharf is good for outdoor bars. There are three beaches -- Easton’s Beach, Bailey’s Beach, and Gooseberry Beach. You can find a hostel in Newport in the downtown area, opposite Easton’s Beach. The end of the island, where Gooseberry Beach is located, is only a few miles away, easily reached by car or trolley, but if you drive, expect a parking fee at the beach. The area is exclusive, so the prices of hostels in Newport are quite high during the summer, with steep price increases on the weekends. During the winter months, the prices are much more reasonable.
