Wilmington Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Photo provided by Darlene Perrone
Wilmington
Wilmington
Wilmington
Wilmington

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 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 Children's Museum 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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Little Italy

Though Little Italy may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Delaware Art Museum and Saint Anthony of Padua Church.

Little Italy
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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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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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Bancroft Parkway

When in Bancroft Parkway, you can plan a visit to Delaware Art Museum and Saint Anthony of Padua Church, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Bancroft Parkway
DoubleTree by Hilton Downtown Wilmington - Legal District
DoubleTree by Hilton Downtown Wilmington - Legal District
4 out of 5
700 N King St, Wilmington, DE
The price is £76 per night from 7 Jul to 8 Jul
£76
7 Jul - 8 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Wilmington. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
7.4/10 Good! (1,009 reviews)
Doubletree by Hilton
"There was some confusion on check in. It seemed they couldn’t find our reservation. At 4:00pm we had to wait for a room to be cleaned. Then we were given a room already occupied. The bed was like sleeping on a bed of rocks."

Reviewed on 29 Jun 2025

DoubleTree by Hilton Downtown Wilmington - Legal District
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 £65 per night from 7 Jul to 8 Jul
£65
7 Jul - 8 Jul
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 and the overall value ...
6.2/10 (1,025 reviews)
"Room was very outdated and needs an upgrade however it was clean and comfortable."

Reviewed on 27 Jun 2025

SureStay Plus Hotel by Best Western Brandywine Valley
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 £108 per night from 27 Jul to 28 Jul
£108
27 Jul - 28 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Wilmington. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the breakfast and ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (758 reviews)
"Clean, modern, helpful staff"

Reviewed on 28 Jun 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, DE
Stay at this apartment in Wilmington. Enjoy laundry facilities, an in-room coffee maker and air conditioning. Popular attractions Wilmington Riverwalk and Brandywine ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (5 reviews)
Good place to stay, reasonably priced
"This was a comfortable place to stay overnight in Wilmington, an easy drive to downtown and back, off-street parking, and a simple check-in, all for a reasonable price. The kitchen floor could have been cleaner, but it wasn't a big deal because we weren't in the kitchen a lot. I let the host know ..."

Reviewed on 9 Jun 2025

Hello, welcome to our COMFY 2 BEDROOM apartment located in Wilmington Delaware.
Philadelphia Suites-Extended Stay
Philadelphia Suites-Extended Stay
3.5 out of 5
4630 Island Ave, Philadelphia, PA
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly aparthotel in Philadelphia. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
7.6/10 Good! (1,163 reviews)
"Big flies inside the room other than that would have been perfect"

Reviewed on 30 Jun 2025

Philadelphia Suites-Extended Stay
4211 Suites
4211 Suites
4.5 out of 5
4211 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Philadelphia. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a rooftop terrace and valet parking (surcharge). Popular attractions Rittenhouse Square ...
9/10 Wonderful! (337 reviews)
"Everything was fabulous. Place was very clean front desk person now we're extremely friendly. Valet parking was quick. My only complaint was the luggage cart. I did not steal very well and gave us a lot of difficulty using it. Fortunately, we had a lot of luggage and had no choice. Otherwise, everything ..."

Reviewed on 24 Jun 2025

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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