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 Delaware Children's Museum or Daniel S. Frawley Stadium 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 Creek.

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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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 ₩151,586 per night from Dec 22 to Dec 23
₩151,586
₩168,260 total
Dec 22 - Dec 23
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 ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,002 reviews)
Room was clean comfortable

Reviewed on Dec 14, 2025

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Wilmington
Club Quarters Hotel Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia

Club Quarters Hotel Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia

4 out of 5
1628 Chestnut St Philadelphia PA
The price is ₩155,603 per night from Jan 5 to Jan 6
₩155,603
₩181,075 total
Jan 5 - Jan 6, 2026
includes taxes & 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 ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (4,226 reviews)
I was not enamored with the kiosk check in and self-service key creation. My bathroom sink maxed out at a trickle. Truly, I would have liked a clock in the room.

Reviewed on Dec 12, 2025

Club Quarters Hotel Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia
The Windsor Suites

The Windsor Suites

4 out of 5
1700 Ben Franklin Pkwy Philadelphia PA
Fully refundable
The price is ₩191,511 per night from Jan 6 to Jan 7
₩191,511
₩222,861 total
Jan 6 - Jan 7, 2026
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Philadelphia. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (2,393 reviews)
Staff was good, valet guys were outstanding.

Reviewed on Dec 15, 2025

The Windsor 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.
Philadelphia Suites-Extended Stay

Philadelphia Suites-Extended Stay

4 out of 5
4630 Island Ave Philadelphia PA
Book a stay at this business-friendly aparthotel in Philadelphia. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
7.6/10 Good! (1,358 reviews)
My only issue was the oven wasn’t cleaned properly so when I went to use it the room became smoky and the smoke alarm went off I had to open the windows. I cut the oven off and cleaned it myself

Reviewed on Dec 3, 2025

Philadelphia Suites-Extended Stay
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 valet parking (surcharge). Popular attractions Rittenhouse Square ...
9/10 Wonderful! (506 reviews)
Room was clean and roomy, staff was excellent!

Reviewed on Dec 9, 2025

4211 Suites
Sosuite at The Ovation - Avenue of The Arts

Sosuite at The Ovation - Avenue of The Arts

4 out of 5
701 S Broad St Philadelphia PA
Stay at this aparthotel in Philadelphia. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and in-room washers/dryers. Popular attractions Rittenhouse Square and Xfinity Mobile ...
7.4/10 Good! (16 reviews)
I do not typically leave reviews, but my stay here was so amazing not to. I felt so at home, giving that it was an apartment vibe. I ran into an issue with my door the first night and within minutes the issue was resolved! I will not be staying anywhere else in Philly. I did not want to leave. This ...

Reviewed on Nov 17, 2025

Sosuite at The Ovation - Avenue of The Arts
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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