Wilmington Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

A large, historic house with a symmetrical facade, green shutters, and a well-maintained garden.
A street lined with cars, a building with a large mural, and various storefronts.
A riverside walkway with trees, a building, and a sunset.
A historic building with ornate architecture, large windows, and a prominent entrance.
A park with a metal sculpture of a sphere on a pedestal, surrounded by benches and trees.

With music festivals, lively neighbourhoods, 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 neighbourhoods, tour perfectly landscaped gardens or absorb culture in a variety of museums, Wilmington has plenty to do.

The city comprises many distinct neighbourhoods, 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.

Our guide on where to stay in Wilmington

Find the best Wilmington areas for the activities you enjoy most.

Downtown Wilmington

Unique features of Downtown Wilmington include the bars and theatres. Make a stop by Grand Opera House or World Cafe Live at the Queen while you're exploring the area.

Riverfront

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.

Trolley Square

Trolley Square might not have many top sights, but Brandywine Zoo and Delaware Art Museum are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Brandywine Village

While there might not be top attractions in Brandywine Village, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Brandywine Zoo and The Playhouse on Rodney Square.

South Wilmington

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

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 AU$187 per night from 9 Aug to 10 Aug
AU$187
9 Aug - 10 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Wilmington. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,001 reviews)
"This hotel was top tier! We traveled with a group of 4 and the room was very roomy and accommodating. I will stay again"

Reviewed on 17 July 2026

Staybridge Suites Wilmington Downtown by IHG
Sheraton Suites Wilmington Downtown

Sheraton Suites Wilmington Downtown

3.5 out of 5
422 Delaware Ave Wilmington DE
The price is AU$200 per night from 30 July to 31 July
AU$200
30 July - 31 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Wilmington. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a free local area shuttle. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,001 reviews)
"Nice hotel, good food, nice and helpful staff. Not the nicest area it’s located in."

Reviewed on 16 July 2026

Sheraton Suites Wilmington Downtown
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 AU$141 per night from 20 July to 21 July
AU$141
20 July - 21 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Wilmington. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
6.2/10 (1,001 reviews)
"They had roaches .."

Reviewed on 18 July 2026

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.
Stylish Private Suite  in the heart of Brandywine Valley

Stylish Private Suite in the heart of Brandywine Valley

Wilmington DE
Stay at this holiday home in Wilmington. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a garden and patios. Popular attractions Brandywine Valley and Booth's Corner Farmers Market are located ...
10/10 Exceptional! (209 reviews)
"Don and Cheryl's place is very nice . The place is clean and comfortable. They thought of every thing you would need and then some. It's people like Don and Cheryl and their nice place , why we try not to stay in hotels any more when we travel . If we are going to be in that area again , we will ..."

Reviewed on 5 July 2026

Stylish Private Suite in the heart of Brandywine Valley
4211 Suites

4211 Suites

4.5 out of 5
4211 Chestnut St Philadelphia PA
Stay at this luxury aparthotel in Philadelphia. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a rooftop terrace and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Philadelphia Museum of Art ...
9/10 Wonderful! (793 reviews)
"Definitely a clean, safe spot to be in!"

Reviewed on 18 July 2026

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 Wi-Fi, a rooftop terrace and in-room washers/dryers. Popular attractions Rittenhouse Square and Pennsylvania ...
8.2/10 Very good! (122 reviews)
"No"

Reviewed on 17 July 2026

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.

Stay near popular Wilmington attractions

Cities near Wilmington