Recommendations
This is by no means the end-all-be-all list. We probably forgot a lot of great people, but this is a good starting place.
GENERAL TIPS
If you’re looking for a place to stay last minute, check out Provincetown’s Chamber of Commerce website; inns and folks with rooms/homes will list their unbooked rentals for the week.
If you’re getting here by the ferry, keep in mind THERE ARE TWO companies who travel to and from Provincetown - Bay State Cruise Company and Boston Harbor cruises. They travel at different times than each other so you don’t have to wait hours in between your train/flight arrival and the ferry departure.
FOR FOOD
The best lobster roll in Provincetown is from a place called Box Lunch. It’s the most affordable, the freshest, and there isn’t an insane line that you may find at other bigger restaurants who take advantage of the “market price” and give you a soggy, overly sauced roll. Trust me.
There are a few places for good coffee — Kohi, Joe’s, and East End Market. If you’re not picky, there are places all over town.
For an easy grab and go lunch, do Pop and Dutch, Relish, Angel Food, or Perfect Picnic (they’re reopening soon).
The place we go to the most for dinner is Squealing Pig. It’s solid, all the food options are great, and the service is quick.
If you want a nice dinner, go to Butch’s, Sal’s, or Freeman’s.
FOR SHOPPING
Map - Awesome shop owned by Pauline who’s been in Provincetown for over 30 years. Great selection of Japanese brands like Kapital and Anonymousism in addition to rare jewelry, apparel, and a great selection of accessories like sunglasses, scarves, and socks.
Clove and Creek - A great selection of clothes, small gifts, coffee table books, gardening supplies, and home goods.
John Derian - One of Provincetown’s hidden gems, John’s shop is full of beautiful home goods including plates, throws, blankets, fabrics, and gifts.
Captain’s Daughters - Home goods, natural beauty products, and good teas.
Marine Specialities - Spend an hour in here looking through thousands of nautical goods, souvenirs, and gift items. Or buy a cheap flannel and a ninja sword. Whatever’s your flavor.
FOR GROCERIES
The best selection in town is East End Market and Angel Food. If you like nicer stuff, go here. Avoid stop and shop because the produce is terrible and it’s wickedly overpriced. May as well spend just much money on better food.
There’s a farmers market by town hall on Saturdays.
TOURIST-Y STUFF
If you’re here in the Summer, definitely do the whale tour (you’ll see a whole lot of ‘em) and do the Dune Tour with Art’s.
Boy Beach is fun (in a lot of ways…) but be sure to bring food and water. It’s a trek through the moors and depending on when you go/leave, high tide brings in the water which means you may be wading in it belly-deep. But, it’s fun.
Pro tip: Bring a cover so you’re not trapped in the sun all day.
Rent a bike. If you don’t mind walking a ton, a bike isn’t necessary, but you’ll get around town way quicker if you have a bike. Home and shop owners are assholes and often don’t let you park your bike in front of their location
*The Shows* of the week are Showgirls and Dina Martina. If you’re planning your week in Provincetown and aren’t booking these shows, you’re blowing it.
Fag Bash is *the* weekly dance party you’ll want to attend.
PERSONAL STUFF
There are a few places for meetings every day if you are in AA or al-anon.
There are barbers on the West End of town — we recommend Monument or Bruno’s.
There is a chapter of Cape Cod AIDS Support Group in Provincetown.