Wilmington Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Wilmington featuring heritage elements
Wilmington featuring heritage elements
Wilmington showing outdoor art
Wilmington Riverwalk which includes a garden and a sunset
Grand Opera House featuring heritage architecture

With music festivals, lively neighbourhoods, 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 neighbourhoods, tour perfectly landscaped gardens or absorb culture in a variety of museums, Wilmington has plenty to do.

The city comprises many distinct neighbourhoods, 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.

The Annual Holiday Sale

Members save up to 40% on hotels and homes. Plan this year’s big trip and save.

Where to stay in Wilmington

Wilmington Riverwalk which includes a garden and a sunset

Riverfront

Unique features of Riverfront include the restaurants and river views. Make a stop by Delaware Children's Museum or Daniel S. Frawley Stadium while you're exploring the area.

Riverfront
Grand Opera House featuring heritage architecture

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
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South Wilmington

If you're spending some time in South Wilmington, Eden Park and Chase Fieldhouse are top sights worth seeing.

South Wilmington
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Hilltop

While Hilltop may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like World Cafe Live at the Queen and Grand Opera House.

Hilltop
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Cool Spring

While there might not be top attractions in Cool Spring, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Brandywine Zoo and The Playhouse on Rodney Square.

Cool Spring
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Trolley Square

Trolley Square might not have many top sights, but Brandywine Zoo and Delaware Art Museum are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Trolley Square
Staybridge Suites Wilmington Downtown by IHG

Staybridge Suites Wilmington Downtown by IHG

3 out of 5
1220 N. MARKET STREET Wilmington DE
The price is NZ$226 per night from 29 Mar to 30 Mar
NZ$226
29 Mar - 30 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Wilmington. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (979 reviews)
The staff was friendly and helpful, the room was clean and inviting. The coffee, tea and water were much appreciated. I like that the fridge was cold. It was a quick walk to our concert at the Grand and nice drive to Longwood Gardens. We especially like the breakfast, plentiful and delicious. The ...

Reviewed on 25 Feb 2026

Staybridge Suites Wilmington Downtown by IHG
The Windsor Suites

The Windsor Suites

4 out of 5
1700 Ben Franklin Pkwy Philadelphia PA
The price is NZ$224 per night from 4 Mar to 5 Mar
NZ$224
4 Mar - 5 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Philadelphia. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, an outdoor pool and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (2,606 reviews)
Everyone on staff was extremely courteous and efficient. Room was spotless and comfortable. Location was great. We were able to walk to restaurants, museums and subway. Thank you!

Reviewed on 1 Mar 2026

The Windsor Suites
Doubletree by Hilton Philadelphia Airport

Doubletree by Hilton Philadelphia Airport

4 out of 5
4509 Island Ave Philadelphia PA
The price is NZ$251 per night from 8 Mar to 9 Mar
NZ$251
8 Mar - 9 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Philadelphia. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 restaurants and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
7.4/10 Good! (4,399 reviews)
Easy check in and access to airport

Reviewed on 2 Mar 2026

Doubletree by Hilton Philadelphia Airport
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.
Charming 2-bedroom house with WiFi, AC in marvelous Wilmington

Charming 2-bedroom house with WiFi, AC in marvelous Wilmington

Wilmington DE
Stay at this holiday home in Wilmington. Enjoy a garden, laundry facilities and air conditioning. Popular attractions Wilmington Riverwalk and Eden Park are ...
2/10 (4 reviews)
Never even got to check in because owner never sent no code to get in I want a full refund

Reviewed on 7 Jan 2026

Charming 2-bedroom house with WiFi, AC in marvelous Wilmington
Stylish Private Suite  in the heart of Brandywine Valley

Stylish Private Suite in the heart of Brandywine Valley

Wilmington DE
Stay at this holiday home in Wilmington. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a garden and patios. Popular attractions Brandywine Valley and Booth's Corner Farmers Market are located ...
10/10 Exceptional! (196 reviews)
Everything was perfect. Cheryl and Don have made this a calming oasis that feels like ‘home.” It is meticulously maintained and every need is anticipated. We had 3 days of beautiful snowfall and Don made sure we had a safe path home. Can’t wait to return in the spring.Maureen CookSt. Cloud, FL

Reviewed on 19 Jan 2026

Stylish Private Suite in the heart of Brandywine Valley
4211 Suites

4211 Suites

4.5 out of 5
4211 Chestnut St Philadelphia PA
Stay at this luxury aparthotel in Philadelphia. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a rooftop terrace and valet parking (surcharge). Popular attractions Rittenhouse Square and ...
9/10 Wonderful! (571 reviews)
Enjoyed the stay and looking forward to staying again.

Reviewed on 2 Mar 2026

4211 Suites
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.

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