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 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

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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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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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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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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
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ฿2,785 per night from 31 Aug to 1 Sept
฿2,785
฿3,064 total
31 Aug - 1 Sept
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 ...
7.2/10 Good! (1,001 reviews)
"Generally clean, but rooms and common areas sorely in need of an update. Rooms are very dark and not well-lit. Staff were excellent, but just slapping the name Doubletree on an aging property that is not up to brand standard is frankly cynical and disappointing. Would choose a different property ..."

Reviewed on 19 Aug 2025

DoubleTree by Hilton Downtown Wilmington - Legal District
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Wilmington

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Wilmington

4 out of 5
4727 Concord Pike, Wilmington, DE
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ฿3,269 per night from 31 Aug to 1 Sept
฿3,269
฿3,628 total
31 Aug - 1 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Wilmington. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,004 reviews)
"Property and room were clean, but felt 'tired'. Staff couldn't be nicer. Area is a shopper's paradise, if you like that sort of thing. Lovely countryside is very close, and the price was a very good value. The cookies are delicious."

Reviewed on 15 Aug 2025

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Wilmington
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 ฿2,469 per night from 28 Aug to 29 Aug
฿2,469
฿2,741 total
28 Aug - 29 Aug
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 (1,007 reviews)
"The lobby was beautiful and held most of the attraction but going to the room and viewing the property compared to the pictures online left something to be desired. Overall the cleanliness was okay but certain amenities like the ac and tv were working incorrectly and /or broken. The pool was great ..."

Reviewed on 10 Aug 2025

SureStay Plus Hotel by Best Western Brandywine Valley
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.
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! (1,253 reviews)
"Property was easy to get to, not far from our final destination. Breakfast included. Amazing suite with kitchen, 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. Don’t like that it says it sleeps 6 but can’t book the suite for over 3 people."

Reviewed on 20 Aug 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 Philadelphia ...
9/10 Wonderful! (407 reviews)
"Great stay. Room was like a 1 bedroom apartment with full kitchen and laundry."

Reviewed on 15 Aug 2025

4211 Suites
Sonder by Marriott Bonvoy The Witherspoon Apartments Center City

Sonder by Marriott Bonvoy The Witherspoon Apartments Center City

3.5 out of 5
130 South Juniper Street, Philadelphia, PA
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in Philadelphia. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, concierge services and in-room washers/dryers. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,750 reviews)
"Spacious and clean space with a great location and proximity to groceries and restaurants. Felt very secure also."

Reviewed on 21 Aug 2025

Sonder by Marriott Bonvoy The Witherspoon Apartments Center City
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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