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 Brandywine Zoo are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Little Italy
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
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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
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Wilmington

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Wilmington

4 out of 5
4727 Concord Pike, Wilmington, DE
The price is NT$2,994 per night from Aug 24 to Aug 25
NT$2,994
NT$3,323 total
Aug 24 - Aug 25
includes taxes & 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! (1,005 reviews)
"It was a wedding when I stayed however it was so quiet you could not tell. The staff were friendly and the rooms were clean. It surrounded a lot of stores!"

Reviewed on 2025/8/8

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 NT$2,256 per night from Aug 18 to Aug 19
NT$2,256
NT$2,504 total
Aug 18 - Aug 19
includes taxes & 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 (1,004 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 2025/8/10

SureStay Plus Hotel by Best Western Brandywine Valley
DoubleTree by Hilton Downtown Wilmington - Legal District

DoubleTree by Hilton Downtown Wilmington - Legal District

4 out of 5
700 N King St, Wilmington, DE
The price is NT$2,924 per night from Aug 18 to Aug 19
NT$2,924
NT$3,217 total
Aug 18 - Aug 19
includes taxes & 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 ...
7.2/10 Good! (1,004 reviews)
"The manager was really helpful"

Reviewed on 2025/8/5

DoubleTree by Hilton Downtown Wilmington - Legal District
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 WiFi, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
7.6/10 Good! (1,231 reviews)
"I love this place"

Reviewed on 2025/8/8

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 Philadelphia ...
9/10 Wonderful! (396 reviews)
"The stay was great . I had no worries leaving my parents there. It was clean, spacious and had all well"

Reviewed on 2025/8/9

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 WiFi, concierge services, and in-room washers/dryers. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,738 reviews)
"Nice room but a lot of small issues. Very squeaky hinges, the tub plug would not stay up, and lights in the living room did not work."

Reviewed on 2025/8/8

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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