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

Default Image

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
Default Image

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
Default Image

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
Default Image

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
Default Image

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
DoubleTree by Hilton Downtown Wilmington - Legal District
DoubleTree by Hilton Downtown Wilmington - Legal District
4 out of 5
700 N King St, Wilmington, DE
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is £79 per night from 13 Jul to 14 Jul
£79
13 Jul - 14 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! (1,004 reviews)
"This hotel is very convenient if you are seeing a show at the Grand Ballroom which is right across the street. It was comfortable and clean and also affordable. The staff was friendly. Would recommend for a quick stopover in the downtown Wilmington area."

Reviewed on 2 Jul 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 21 Jul to 22 Jul
£65
21 Jul - 22 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 (1,000 reviews)
"I rented a room just to be able to go swimming and relax, but unfortunately it was a thunderstorm so I couldn’t go swimming so I ended up checking out and going home but the place was nice. It wasn’t their fault. The weather was horrible."

Reviewed on 2 Jul 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 £109 per night from 27 Jul to 28 Jul
£109
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! (759 reviews)
"Very clean, modern hotel. Room was spacious. Beds were comfortable. No real complaints on the hotel. My only issue was hotel parking. $25 to park your car at a hotel you’re paying to stay at, seems insane to me."

Reviewed on 1 Jul 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! (1,170 reviews)
"I was very pleased with my stay and the breakfast layout was perfect! It was quiet, room was very clean, smelled great, staff was super nice and helpful. I wanted to use the pool, but it was raining; however, that space looked nice as well. What I was not expecting was the kitchen area, which had ..."

Reviewed on 1 Jul 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! (345 reviews)
Great stay!
"Great stay!"

Reviewed on 2 Jul 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.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Cities near Wilmington