Wilmington, DE

Travel 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 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

Find the best Wilmington areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Wilmington
Learn more about Wilmington

Downtown Wilmington

Unique features of Downtown Wilmington include the bars and theaters. 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 Daniel S. Frawley Stadium or Delaware Theater Company while you're exploring the area.

Trolley Square

While Trolley Square might 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 The Playhouse on Rodney Square.

Highlands

While visiting Highlands, you might make a stop by sights like Delaware Art Museum and Brandywine Creek.

Brandywine Village

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

Woodspring Suites Wilmington Riverfront

Woodspring Suites Wilmington Riverfront

2.5 out of 5
600 A Street Wilmington DE
$89 nightly
The price is $98 total per night from Nov 8 to Nov 9
$98 total
Nov 8 - Nov 9
Total with taxes and fees
Stay at this hotel in Wilmington. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour fitness center. Popular attractions Wilmington Riverwalk and Tubman-Garrett Riverfront ...
8/10 Very Good! (421 reviews)
"Very clean and spacious rooms"

Reviewed on Nov 3, 2026

Woodspring Suites Wilmington Riverfront
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
$80 nightly
The price is $89 total per night from Nov 15 to Nov 16
$89 total
Nov 15 - Nov 16
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Wilmington. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
SureStay Plus Hotel by Best Western Brandywine Valley
Club Quarters Hotel Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia

Club Quarters Hotel Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia

4 out of 5
1628 Chestnut St Philadelphia PA
$102 nightly
The price is $119 total per night from Nov 29 to Nov 30
$119 total
Nov 29 - Nov 30
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Philadelphia. Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness center, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
Club Quarters Hotel Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia
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.
Private Suite w/sitting room  in the heart of Brandywine Valley

Private Suite w/sitting room in the heart of Brandywine Valley

Wilmington DE
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! (215 reviews)
"An outstanding rental, we stayed six nights and loved the location. Had a lovely pond next door with walking/running path."

Reviewed on Oct 13, 2026

Private Suite w/sitting room in the heart of Brandywine Valley
4211 Suites

4211 Suites

4.5 out of 5
4211 Chestnut St Philadelphia PA
Book a stay at this luxury aparthotel in Philadelphia. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Rittenhouse Square ...
9/10 Wonderful! (975 reviews)
"The hotel was very comfortable. I had a nice kitchen and sitting area"

Reviewed on Nov 3, 2026

4211 Suites
Sosuite at The Queen - Queen Village

Sosuite at The Queen - Queen Village

2 out of 5
628 S 5th St Philadelphia PA
Stay at this aparthotel in Philadelphia. Enjoy free WiFi, Netflix, and an in-room espresso maker. Popular attractions Pennsylvania Convention Center and Rittenhouse ...
Sosuite at The Queen - Queen Village
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.

Stay near popular Wilmington attractions

Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to visit Wilmington?
The best time to visit Wilmington is from May through September, when the weather is generally warm and pleasant. For fewer crowds and better value, the quieter months of November through February are a good bet, offering a cooler experience with the possibility of snow in January and February.
Where are the best neighborhoods to explore in Wilmington?
The best neighborhoods to explore in Wilmington depend on what you want to see:

  • Downtown Wilmington offers riverfront attractions like Tubman-Garrett Riverfront Park and the Wilmington Riverwalk, plus cultural experiences at the Grand Opera House.
  • Riverfront is home to event venues like the Chase Center on the Riverfront, sports at Daniel S. Frawley Stadium, and the Delaware Sports Hall of Fame.
  • Highlands provides cultural insights at the Delaware Art Museum and green spaces such as Rockford Park and Brandywine Creek.

What is a good itinerary length for Wilmington?
A good itinerary length for Wilmington is two to three days to explore the Wilmington Riverwalk, Winterthur Museum, Garden and Library, and the Riverfront. See Wilmington Activities.
How do you get around Wilmington?
Travelers can arrive in Wilmington by train, with services to Wilmington Station. For exploring the city and surrounding areas, rental cars are a practical option, available in neighborhoods like Downtown Wilmington, South Wilmington, and The Flats. This offers flexibility for getting around.
What are the top things to do in and around Wilmington?
Wilmington offers a mix of outdoor strolls, cultural sites, and unique entertainment:


How do I plan a trip to Wilmington?
To plan your trip to Wilmington, book flights and hotels in advance, especially during popular times. Explore areas like Downtown Wilmington, Riverfront, and Highlands, and consider activities such as a Scenic River Cruise or a Bar Crawl. For outdoor plans, always have indoor backups for weather flexibility. A rental car can offer flexibility for exploring.
What cuisines can you find in Wilmington?
In Wilmington you can find Mexican cuisine, with popular dishes like tacos and burritos. Travelers can also enjoy other Latin American flavors, including Caribbean, alongside North American options such as Southern soul food and New American. Italian, Asian (like Chinese and Japanese), and European (including Mediterranean and French) cuisines are also available.
Can I book a refundable hotel in Wilmington?
Yes, Expedia offers many flexible booking options, and you can look for refundable hotels in Wilmington by entering your dates and using the refundable or fully refundable filter. Always check the hotel's cancellation policy before you book, since terms can vary by hotel, and visit Expedia help center for further details.
Why book a trip to Wilmington with Expedia?
Expedia makes it easier to plan your Wilmington trip with travel tools, flexible search options, and bookable trip components all in one place. You can organize your plans in one account and use Expedia to help build a trip that fits your budget and travel style. Find out more about how by visiting Expedia's Trip Planner page.
Should I stay in a hotel or vacation rental in Wilmington?
The best choice depends on your travel style. Hotels in Wilmington can be a good fit for convenience, on-site amenities, and shorter stays, while vacation rentals may offer more space, privacy, and home-style amenities for longer trips, families, or groups. With Expedia, you can compare both options side by side, read traveler reviews, and filter by amenities to find the right fit for your trip.
How can I manage my Wilmington trip on Expedia?
Once you've booked your Wilmington trip, you can manage it through your Expedia account or the Expedia app. You can view your itinerary, access booking details, make eligible changes, and check for updates in My Trips. The Expedia app can also help you stay organized while you travel.
What if I need help during my Wilmington trip?
Expedia offers customer support before, during, and after your Wilmington trip. If your plans change or something unexpected happens, you can review your booking in My Trips and use Expedia help center channels for help with eligible changes, cancellations, or travel issues.
How can Expedia help me plan my first trip to Wilmington?
If it's your first trip to Wilmington, Expedia can help you plan by bringing together stays, flights, activities, traveler reviews, and trip-planning tools in one place. With Expedia's Trip Planner you can compare options, read reviews from other travelers, and build an itinerary that matches your interests and budget.
How can I save on my Wilmington hotel booking with Expedia?
Join One Key™ for free to unlock instant discounts with Member Prices on select hotels. You can also earn and use OneKeyCash™* on eligible bookings on Expedia. Booking in advance is usually another great way to save on your Wilmington hotel.

*Excludes taxes and fees. OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia and other participating brands.

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