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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South Wilmington

If you're spending some time in South Wilmington, Chase Fieldhouse and Eden Park are top sights worth seeing.

South Wilmington
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Hilltop

When in Hilltop, you can plan a visit to World Cafe Live at the Queen and Grand Opera House, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Hilltop
One of my stops while visiting Wilmington, DE.

Full story here: http://www.travelingken.com/whats-there-to-do-in-wilmington-de-part-1/

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.

Trolley Square
Delaware Art Museum featuring art and interior views

Highlands

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

Highlands
Staybridge Suites Wilmington Downtown by IHG

Staybridge Suites Wilmington Downtown by IHG

3 out of 5
1220 N. MARKET STREET Wilmington DE
The price is ¥19,105 per night from Feb 5 to Feb 6
¥19,105
¥21,016 total
Feb 5 - Feb 6
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Wilmington. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (946 reviews)
Clean rooms, cordial staff, very good breakfast.

Reviewed on Jan 2, 2026

Staybridge Suites Wilmington Downtown by IHG
Club Quarters Hotel Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia

Club Quarters Hotel Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia

4 out of 5
1628 Chestnut St Philadelphia PA
The price is ¥18,449 per night from Jan 8 to Jan 9
¥18,449
¥21,469 total
Jan 8 - Jan 9
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! (4,301 reviews)
They had a great espresso machine in the lobby, also still and sparkling water. The hotel was clean and nice. Great location!

Reviewed on Jan 6, 2026

Club Quarters Hotel Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia
Doubletree by Hilton Philadelphia Airport

Doubletree by Hilton Philadelphia Airport

4 out of 5
4509 Island Ave Philadelphia PA
The price is ¥17,256 per night from Jan 25 to Jan 26
¥17,256
¥20,081 total
Jan 25 - Jan 26
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Philadelphia. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
7.4/10 Good! (4,229 reviews)
Room was clean and comfortable. Check in staff was great

Reviewed on Jan 6, 2026

Doubletree by Hilton Philadelphia Airport
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 DE
Stay at this apartment in Wilmington. Enjoy laundry facilities, an in-room coffeemaker, and air conditioning. Popular attractions Wilmington Riverwalk and Brandywine ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (16 reviews)
The host was very welcoming was willing to fix washer when told it was broken very nice and clean place

Reviewed on Dec 27, 2025

Hello, welcome to our COMFY 2 BEDROOM apartment located in Wilmington Delaware.
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! (1,374 reviews)
Staff was good and it was nice and quiet able to get some rest while away!

Reviewed on Jan 3, 2026

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! (523 reviews)
Very friendly front desk staff with easy check-in. Bedroom and large living room space with a full size fridge. Very clean.

Reviewed on Jan 4, 2026

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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