Wilmington Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Photo provided by Darlene Perrone
Wilmington
Wilmington
Wilmington
Wilmington
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

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Riverfront

Unique features of Riverfront include the restaurants and river views. Make a stop by Daniel S. Frawley Stadium or Delaware Sports Hall of Fame 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
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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
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Trinity Vicinity

While Trinity Vicinity isn't home to many top sights, The Playhouse on Rodney Square and Grand Opera House are some notable places to visit nearby.

Trinity Vicinity
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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
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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
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Wilmington
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Wilmington
4 out of 5
4727 Concord Pike, Wilmington, DE
The price is AU$184 per night from 20 Apr to 21 Apr
AU$184
includes taxes & fees
20 Apr - 21 Apr
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Wilmington. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,008 reviews)
"Very kind staff and we were able to check in early!"

Reviewed on 30 Mar. 2025

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Wilmington
Sheraton Suites Wilmington Downtown
Sheraton Suites Wilmington Downtown
3.5 out of 5
422 Delaware Ave, Wilmington, DE
The price is AU$238 per night from 18 Apr to 19 Apr
AU$238
includes taxes & fees
18 Apr - 19 Apr
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Wilmington. Enjoy free WiFi, a free area shuttle, and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,005 reviews)
"Property was clean and the staff was super friendly."

Reviewed on 23 Mar. 2025

Sheraton Suites Wilmington Downtown
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 AU$236 per night from 10 Apr to 11 Apr
AU$236
includes taxes & fees
10 Apr - 11 Apr
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Wilmington. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (674 reviews)
"Big and very clean room. Excellent free breakfast! Staff were friendly and polite. Highly recommend!"

Reviewed on 30 Mar. 2025

Staybridge Suites Wilmington Downtown by IHG
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.
Hello, welcome to our COMFY 2 BEDROOM apartment located in Wilmington Delaware.
Hello, welcome to our COMFY 2 BEDROOM apartment located in Wilmington Delaware.
Wilmington
Stay at this apartment in Wilmington. Enjoy air conditioning. Popular attractions Wilmington Riverwalk and Brandywine Shopping Center are located nearby.
Everything we needed and were promised
"Was in Wilmington to work a trade show at the Chase Center on the Riverfront. Everything was as described and the communications with the host were great. Only about a 12 minute drive to the venue and lots of restaurants within a 10 minute drive. It’s nothing fancy but for about the same price as ..."

Reviewed on 16 Mar. 2025

Hello, welcome to our COMFY 2 BEDROOM apartment located in Wilmington Delaware.
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. Popular attractions Brandywine Valley and Booth's Corner Farmers Market are ...
10/10 Exceptional! (174 reviews)
Well-appointed suite
"Cheryl and Don’s guest suite was perfect for a short stay exploring all that is offered by the Brandywine Valley. Although the suite does not have a kitchen, the mini-fridge, microwave and coffee maker were perfect for our needs. The unit had many thoughtful touches, including bathrobes, extra toiletries, ..."

Reviewed on 19 Mar. 2025

Stylish Private Suite in the heart of Brandywine Valley
Sonder The Witherspoon
Sonder The Witherspoon
3.5 out of 5
130 South Juniper Street, Philadelphia, PA
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in Philadelphia. Enjoy concierge services, in-room washers/dryers, and an in-room coffeemaker. Our guests praise the helpful ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,473 reviews)
"Location was great, property was clean and nice, but the area is extremely noisy 24 hours a day."

Reviewed on 31 Mar. 2025

Sonder The Witherspoon
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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