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
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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Little Italy

Little Italy might not have many top sights, but Delaware Art Museum and Brandywine Creek 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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Bancroft Parkway

Though Bancroft Parkway might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Delaware Art Museum and Brandywine Zoo.

Bancroft Parkway
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Wilmington

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Wilmington

4 out of 5
4727 Concord Pike, Wilmington, DE
The price is ₩145,766 per night from Nov 6 to Nov 7
₩145,766
₩161,800 total
Nov 6 - Nov 7
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Wilmington. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,007 reviews)
This place was great! Just get the pelotons up and running again and it’s perfect!

Reviewed on Oct 28, 2025

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Wilmington
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 ₩129,077 per night from Nov 30 to Dec 1
₩129,077
₩141,984 total
Nov 30 - Dec 1
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! (1,003 reviews)
Breakfast buffet was excellent.

Reviewed on Oct 15, 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 ₩126,623 per night from Nov 6 to Nov 7
₩126,623
₩140,551 total
Nov 6 - Nov 7
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 (1,017 reviews)
Ok

Reviewed on Oct 8, 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.
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! (1,856 reviews)
Very clean

Reviewed on Oct 26, 2025

Sonder by Marriott Bonvoy The Witherspoon Apartments Center City
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! (1,320 reviews)
Great place
My favorite hotel

Reviewed on Oct 27, 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 Philadelphia ...
9/10 Wonderful! (462 reviews)
We had a very early appt at HUP & opted to stay the night prior here since it was so convenient. Didn’t need all of the amenities, but for the cost it was certainly the best deal. Clean room, parking was a bit costly but the room cost offset and it was worth it to us for the convenience. We will ...

Reviewed on Oct 25, 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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