Newport RI

Large cruise vessels cannot berth in Newport, so tenders bring passengers into the town centre at Perotti park. The transfer itself feels like a sightseeing trip.

Newport’s mansions and Cliff Walk are far from the tender landing, and taxis are scarce. Bus 67 is the better choice, costing $2 and running every 20 minutes.

Bring a printable map.

Newport’s broad appeal to different styles of travel is perhaps its greatest strength. Miles of attractive coast suit energetic sailing trips, restful beach visits and restorative walks. Architecture, design and history enthusiasts can tour grand mansions, visit engaging museums and follow walking routes revealing the city’s character and past. Food-focused visits might combine a tour and tasting at the three local vineyards with a memorable meal in a waterfront restaurant. For…

From Memorial Day through Columbus Day weekend, an all-day RIPTA pass includes reduced parking and attraction admission. RIPTA trolleys depart Save The Bay’s Hamilton Family Aquarium at 23 America’s Cup Ave, Newport, R.I. 02840 every 20 minutes between 8 am and 8 pm, serving the mansions, Cliff Walk and other stops. The price is only 5$ per day/person.

Cliffwalk stretches approximately 3 1/2 miles from Bailey’s Beach to Memorial Boulevard. Near Rough Point the route is unsurfaced, so choose sturdy shoes and comfortable clothes and carry a jacket.

Jamestown Newport Ferry provides scenic travel across lower Narragansett Bay and within NewportHarbor, making varied destinations easy to reach for sightseeing, heritage tours, museums, shops and dining.

Newport is easy to explore on foot.

Historic downtown in this city by the sea has cobbled waterfront wharves bordered by antique dealers, galleries, resort-wear retailers and specialist shops. Visit Newport Visitors Center for the official Destination Newport Coupon Book and its savings around the city.

New England’s coast is known for fresh lobster and hot clam chowder, and Newport’s seafood restaurants make the most of both.

The official U.S. currency is the United States dollar, represented by $. ATM’s are available everywhere.

Visa, MasterCard and other major cards are used widely, including for purchases of only a few dollars, and are sometimes the sole way to complete a transaction. Overseas travellers should note that taxes and tips are seldom included, making listed prices for goods and services look lower than the eventual total.

Most states impose sales tax of 2.9% to nearly 10% on retail prices, with 4-6% usual. With the exception of petrol and alcoholic drinks consumed on-site in most states, tax is almost never included in displayed prices and is added at payment.

Tipping is expected and commonplace in America. Americans themselves debate appropriate amounts and who merits a tip, but these rates are generally accepted:

• Full-service restaurants: 15-20%. This is often the wait(ress)’s only income. Leave cash or add the amount to the card receipt. Few establishments apply an automatic service charge; where one exists, any extra is optional. Inspect the bill.
• Hairdressers, taxi drivers and other personal services: 10-15%.
• For bartenders, tip $1 per inexpensive drink, or 15% of the total.
• Bellhops: $1-2 per bag, with a $3-5 minimum in any case.
• Hotel doorman: $1 per bag when assistance is provided, and $1 for calling a cab.
• Tour guides: account for tour length, group size and quality; tip $5-10 per person for a half-day tour or less and $10-20 per person for longer trips.
• Limousine and private-car drivers: 15-20%.
• Hotel housekeeping: optionally leave $1-2 each day for long stays, or a minimum $5 for a very short stay.
• Food delivery, including pizza: $2-5, and potentially more for very large orders.

Newport Public Library at 300 Spring Street has 20 computers for checking email. Alternatives include Empire Cafe and Jack and Josie’s at 111 Broadway.

For emergencies, dial 911.

In large cities including New York and Los Angeles, many supermarkets and pharmacies routinely trade 24 hours daily, 7 days weekly. Department stores, shopping centers and most major retailers normally open Monday-Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Sunday hours are shorter, typically 11 a.m. or noon until 5 or 6 p.m. Shops usually trade on holidays except major dates such as Christmas Day and Thanksgiving Day, when they generally close.