Wilmington Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Photo provided by Leslie Kipp
With music festivals, lively neighborhoods, museums and wineries, this “midway city” between Washington, D.C. and New York is an attraction in its own right.

Delaware’s largest city combines historic charm and a dynamic cultural scene. Whether you want to dine and shop in one of the many neighborhoods, tour perfectly landscaped gardens or absorb culture in a variety of museums, Wilmington has plenty to do.

The city comprises many distinct neighborhoods, each offering something unique. Step back in time at the Colonial houses of Quaker Hill or enjoy the shops and tourist attractions of the Riverfront. If you visit during June, attend the Italian Festival. The city shuts down several blocks to make way for carnival rides and traditional Italian food and music.

Wilmington hosts a variety of music festivals each summer. The most popular are the Clifford Brown Jazz Festival, a weeklong event in Rodney Square, and the Peoples’ Festival, a Riverfront tribute to Bob Marley.

Get in touch with your wild side at the Brandywine Zoo. This small zoo is home to a variety of exotic creatures, including a clouded leopard, a Siberian tiger and a two-toed sloth.

Browse through the extensive collections at the Delaware Art Museum or take the younger members of your family to the Delaware Children’s Museum for hands-on learning. Buy a ticket for Frawley Stadium, home to Minor League baseball team the Wilmington Blue Rocks, as well as the Delaware Sports Museum and Hall of Fame.

In the countryside surrounding Wilmington, visit local wineries along the Brandywine Valley Wine Trail. Tour the homes and gardens of nearby estates like Nemours Mansion and Winterthur. The area has a rich history dating back to the American Revolution visit key battle sites such as Cooch’s Bridge and Brandywine Battlefield.

Wilmington is a fairly small city with a huge variety of offerings. Between the many restaurants and shops downtown or the museums and galleries scattered throughout the city, you’ll find endless attractions for visitors of all ages. The city sits on the bank of the Delaware River halfway between New York City and Washington D.C.

Where to stay in Wilmington

Default Image

Riverfront

Unique features of Riverfront include the restaurants and river views. Make a stop by Daniel S. Frawley Stadium or Tubman-Garrett Riverfront Park while you're exploring the area.

Riverfront
Wilmington showing a castle, a fountain and a park

Downtown Wilmington

Unique features of Downtown Wilmington include the bars and theatres. Make a stop by Grand Opera House or World Cafe Live at the Queen while you're exploring the area.

Downtown Wilmington
Default Image

Forty Acres

While Forty Acres may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Delaware Art Museum and Brandywine Zoo.

Forty Acres
Default Image

Bancroft Parkway

When in Bancroft Parkway, you can plan a visit to Delaware Art Museum and Brandywine Zoo, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Bancroft Parkway
Default Image

Trinity Vicinity

While Trinity Vicinity isn't home to many top sights, Grand Opera House and World Cafe Live at the Queen are some notable places to visit nearby.

Trinity Vicinity
Default Image

Westmoreland

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Westmoreland and surrounding area, you can visit Delaware Art Museum and Hagley Museum and Library.

Westmoreland
SureStay Plus Hotel by Best Western Brandywine Valley
SureStay Plus Hotel by Best Western Brandywine Valley
2.5 out of 5
1807 Concord Pike, Wilmington, DE
The price is NZ$164 per night from 16 May to 17 May
NZ$164
per night
16 May - 17 May
Stay at this hotel in Wilmington. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
6.4/10 (1,005 reviews)
"The hotel was being renovated. We were given the option to switch to another room that had been renovated but we chose to keep our room because it had one of the few king size beds. The staff was wonderful!"

Reviewed on 3 May 2024

SureStay Plus Hotel by Best Western Brandywine Valley
Sheraton Suites Wilmington Downtown
Sheraton Suites Wilmington Downtown
3.5 out of 5
422 Delaware Ave, Wilmington, DE
The price is NZ$255 per night from 9 Jun to 10 Jun
NZ$255
per night
9 Jun - 10 Jun
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Wilmington. Enjoy free WiFi, a free area shuttle, and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8/10 Very Good! (999 reviews)
"Hotel was nice enough for an overnight stay."

Reviewed on 11 May 2024

Sheraton Suites Wilmington Downtown
Club Quarters Hotel Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia
Club Quarters Hotel Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia
4 out of 5
1628 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA
The price is NZ$306 per night from 28 May to 29 May
NZ$306
per night
28 May - 29 May
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Philadelphia. Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness center, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (3,466 reviews)
Cramped
"Bed too close to wall."

Reviewed on 12 May 2024

Club Quarters Hotel Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Oaxaca, a private room with private entrance
Oaxaca, a private room with private entrance
Wilmington
Stay at this vacation home in Wilmington. Enjoy a garden, an in-room coffeemaker, and air conditioning. Popular attractions Wilmington Riverwalk and Daniel S. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (7 reviews)
"We never received check in instructions even though I reached out to the owner the day before checking in and while I was on my way to the property. So we ended up having to buy a hotel room last minute which cost an arm and a leg. She ended up sending me the check in information at night around ..."

Reviewed on 13 May 2024

Oaxaca, a private room with private entrance
Stylish Private Suite  in the heart of Brandywine Valley
Stylish Private Suite in the heart of Brandywine Valley
Wilmington
Stay at this vacation home in Wilmington. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and patios. Our guests praise the clean rooms in our reviews. Popular attractions Brandywine ...
10/10 Exceptional! (146 reviews)
"The place is very clean and the hosts are very thoughtful. Location is good for what we needed to do."

Reviewed on 21 Apr. 2024

Stylish Private Suite in the heart of Brandywine Valley
Philadelphia Suites-Extended Stay
Philadelphia Suites-Extended Stay
3 out of 5
4630 Island Ave, Philadelphia, PA
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly aparthotel in Philadelphia. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Wells Fargo Center ...
8/10 Very Good! (246 reviews)
"What a beautiful place"

Reviewed on 13 May 2024

Philadelphia Suites-Extended Stay
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Activities

Cities near Wilmington