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.

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 DuPont Environmental Education Center or Delaware Sports Hall of Fame while you're exploring the area.

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.

Brandywine Village

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

South Wilmington

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

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 £75 per night from 8 Jul to 9 Jul
£75
8 Jul - 9 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 in their reviews. ...
6.2/10 (1,008 reviews)
"The room we stayed in had a musty smell possibly from smoking or dirty air filter in the AC . Housekeeping needs to be more aware of dirt behind the night table, and in some of the corners of the room. Breakfast was not allergen friendly and selections were poor. My wife could only eat the apples. ..."

Reviewed on 28 Jun 2026

SureStay Plus Hotel by Best Western Brandywine Valley
Woodspring Suites Wilmington Riverfront

Woodspring Suites Wilmington Riverfront

2.5 out of 5
600 A Street Wilmington DE
The price is £82 per night from 5 Jul to 6 Jul
£82
5 Jul - 6 Jul
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 Nemours Mansion and ...
8/10 Very good! (276 reviews)
"Only complaint is that the contractor was cheap and didn't install any soundproofing. Super thin walls. I had a neighbor yelling repeatedly in the hallway at 3 am, from one room to another. Staff said they don't tolerate noise, and I believe them. But plan on bringing ear plugs, until they rebuild ..."

Reviewed on 30 Jun 2026

Woodspring Suites Wilmington Riverfront
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 £109 per night from 23 Jul to 24 Jul
£109
23 Jul - 24 Jul
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! (1,001 reviews)
"Our visit here was exceptional! The only thing missing were maybe some sweet treats in the store to purchase since there really weren’t any places around to get a snack without getting back in the car and"

Reviewed on 28 Jun 2026

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.
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 Nemours Mansion and Gardens and Brandywine Valley are located ...
10/10 Exceptional! (206 reviews)
"Very quiet neighborhood and the room was as described. Great little spot and very private."

Reviewed on 28 Jun 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 breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Philadelphia Museum of Art ...
9/10 Wonderful! (758 reviews)
"The best hotel I have stayed since my visit to the USA.. Clean room, the receptionists were awesome and peaceful environment. I will surely recommend"

Reviewed on 29 Jun 2026

4211 Suites
Sosuite at The Ovation - Avenue of The Arts

Sosuite at The Ovation - Avenue of The Arts

4 out of 5
701 S Broad St Philadelphia PA
Stay at this aparthotel in Philadelphia. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a rooftop terrace and in-room washers/dryers. Popular attractions Rittenhouse Square and Pennsylvania ...
8.4/10 Very good! (111 reviews)
"These are very small spaces with no human interaction to help smooth out the process. The baths and spaces were tight but, adequate. Nothing more for such a short stay."

Reviewed on 29 Jun 2026

Sosuite at The Ovation - Avenue of The Arts
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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