Except for downtown really Providence is the kind of city where you can park and walk if you're willing to do so. Like, Thayer St. is a pretty popular spot, and parking on it directly is tough--but there are several side streets to use, if you're willing to walk an extra few minutes. It's not like a big city where you can be SOL.

OTOH it's also not like a big city where you may have a metro or a quasi-functioning bus system.