Wilmington Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

A large, historic house with a symmetrical facade, green shutters, and a well-maintained garden.
A street lined with cars, a building with a large mural, and various storefronts.
A riverside walkway with trees, a building, and a sunset.
A historic building with ornate architecture, large windows, and a prominent entrance.
A park with a metal sculpture of a sphere on a pedestal, surrounded by benches and trees.

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.

Our guide on where to stay in Wilmington

Find the best Wilmington areas for the activities you enjoy most.

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.

Riverfront

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

Trolley Square

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

Highlands

While visiting Highlands, you might make a stop by sights like Delaware Art Museum and Brandywine Creek.

Brandywine Village

While there might not be top attractions in Brandywine Village, you can explore the larger area and discover places like The Playhouse on Rodney Square and Grand Opera House.

Woodspring Suites Wilmington Riverfront

Woodspring Suites Wilmington Riverfront

2.5 out of 5
600 A Street Wilmington DE
The price is NZ$184 per night from 25 Oct to 26 Oct
NZ$184
25 Oct - 26 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Wilmington. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a 24-hour fitness centre. Popular attractions Wilmington Riverwalk and Tubman-Garrett Riverfront ...
8.2/10 Very good! (397 reviews)
"My wife and I spent one night at this hotel, as part of a leisure trip. We found the hotel to be very clean. There was a functional kitchen area in our room. There was ample parking, and someone walked the lot at night for security purposes. The staff were very helpful and pleasant. This hotel is ..."

Reviewed on 14 Oct 2026

Woodspring Suites Wilmington Riverfront
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$176 per night from 22 Oct to 23 Oct
NZ$176
22 Oct - 23 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Wilmington. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
6.2/10 (1,006 reviews)
"The floor. Under the chairs were a litter of trash"

Reviewed on 15 Oct 2026

SureStay Plus Hotel by Best Western Brandywine Valley
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Wilmington

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Wilmington

4 out of 5
4727 Concord Pike Wilmington DE
The price is NZ$234 per night from 25 Oct to 26 Oct
NZ$234
25 Oct - 26 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Wilmington. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Wilmington
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.
Private Suite w/sitting room  in the heart of Brandywine Valley

Private Suite w/sitting room 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! (215 reviews)
"An outstanding rental, we stayed six nights and loved the location. Had a lovely pond next door with walking/running path."

Reviewed on 13 Oct 2026

Private Suite w/sitting room 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 breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Rittenhouse Square and Pennsylvania ...
9/10 Wonderful! (943 reviews)
"Good location, accurate listing."

Reviewed on 15 Oct 2026

4211 Suites
Sosuite at The Queen - Queen Village

Sosuite at The Queen - Queen Village

2 out of 5
628 S 5th St Philadelphia PA
Stay at this aparthotel in Philadelphia. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, Netflix and an in-room espresso maker. Popular attractions Pennsylvania Convention Center and Rittenhouse ...
8/10 Very good! (137 reviews)
"Check in process was a little disjointed. I had emailed to ask whether we would be able to gain access to the locker room a few hours before check in and been told yes. When I arrived, the code for the door did not work and I was told I’d been given the incorrect advice. However there was a very ..."

Reviewed on 15 Oct 2026

Sosuite at The Queen - Queen Village
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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