Wilmington, DE

Travel Guide

Photo provided by Darlene Perrone
Wilmington showing outdoor art
Wilmington Riverwalk which includes a garden and a sunset
Grand Opera House featuring heritage architecture
Winterthur Museum, Garden and Library featuring outdoor art and a park

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

Stopped by Del Pez Gastropub in Wilmington after the Philadelphia Flyers game

Riverfront

4.5/5(68 area reviews)

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 featuring a park, a castle and a statue or sculpture

Downtown Wilmington

3.5/5(211 area reviews)

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.

Downtown Wilmington
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Little Italy

Little Italy might not have many top sights, but Delaware Art Museum and Saint Anthony of Padua Church are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Little Italy
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Trinity Vicinity

Trinity Vicinity might not have many top sights, but The Playhouse on Rodney Square and Grand Opera House are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Trinity Vicinity
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Westmoreland

While Westmoreland 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 Hagley Museum and Library.

Westmoreland
An awesome little cafe/dessert place in the Trolley Square neighborhood of Wilmington, DE.

Check out the full story here: http://www.travelingken.com/whats-there-to-do-in-wilmington-de-part-1/

Forty Acres

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Forty Acres and surrounding area, you can visit Delaware Art Museum and Brandywine Zoo.

Forty Acres
DoubleTree by Hilton Downtown Wilmington - Legal District
DoubleTree by Hilton Downtown Wilmington - Legal District
4 out of 5
700 N King St, Wilmington, DE
$94 nightly
The price is $103 total per night from Jul 27 to Jul 28
$103 total
Jul 27 - Jul 28
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Wilmington. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
7.4/10 Good! (1,005 reviews)
"Had a great stay! The room was clean and comfortable, the staff were friendly, and the location was perfect. Would definitely stay here again!"

Reviewed on Jul 11, 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
$80 nightly
The price is $89 total per night from Jul 20 to Jul 21
$89 total
Jul 20 - Jul 21
Total includes 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 and the overall ...
6.2/10 (1,008 reviews)
"Wonderful staff very kind"

Reviewed on Jul 12, 2025

SureStay Plus Hotel by Best Western Brandywine Valley
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Wilmington
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Wilmington
4 out of 5
4727 Concord Pike, Wilmington, DE
$100 nightly
The price is $111 total per night from Jul 20 to Jul 21
$111 total
Jul 20 - Jul 21
Total includes taxes and fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Wilmington. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,008 reviews)
"One elevator not working again. Staff said they were waiting on a “part”. The elevator has not been working for a while. Last year or the year before the elevator was not working. Staff are always friendly and personable. Elevator needs fixed. Could be seen as a sign that property not being properly ..."

Reviewed on Jul 12, 2025

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Wilmington
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
Stay at this apartment in Wilmington. Enjoy laundry facilities, an in-room coffeemaker, 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 Jun 9, 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 WiFi, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
7.6/10 Good! (1,182 reviews)
"Nice pool and overall property was nice and clean."

Reviewed on Jul 9, 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 WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and valet parking (surcharge). Popular attractions Rittenhouse Square ...
9/10 Wonderful! (357 reviews)
Very good hotel / apartment
"The apartment style rooms were very convenient for a family stay. Clean and spacious, excellent location. I would stay here again."

Reviewed on Jul 10, 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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