Wilmington

Travel Guide
Wilmington featuring a park, a fountain and a castle
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

Wilmington showing a castle, a fountain and a park

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.

Downtown Wilmington
Default Image

Riverfront

Unique features of Riverfront include the restaurants and river views. Make a stop by Tubman-Garrett Riverfront Park or Daniel S. Frawley Stadium while you're exploring the area.

Riverfront
Default Image

Forty Acres

While Forty Acres may 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 Brandywine Zoo.

Forty Acres
Default Image

Trinity Vicinity

While Trinity Vicinity isn't home to many top sights, Grand Opera House and World Cafe Live at the Queen are some notable places to visit nearby.

Trinity Vicinity
Default Image

Bancroft Parkway

When in Bancroft Parkway, you can plan a visit to Delaware Art Museum and Brandywine Zoo, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Bancroft Parkway
Default Image

Westmoreland

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Westmoreland and surrounding area, you can visit Delaware Art Museum and Hagley Museum and Library.

Westmoreland
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 €82 per night from 4 Apr to 5 Apr
€82
per night
4 Apr - 5 Apr
Stay at this hotel in Wilmington. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
6.4/10 (1,001 reviews)
"I liked the hotel, i just wish breakfast on the weekend was earlier then 7:30. On Saturday they advertised eggs, bagels from Manhattan bagels, fruit, they did not have any out. The toaster kept tripping the circuit on the plug. I think this was cause they had both plugged in with the warmer."

Reviewed on 25 Mar 2024

SureStay Plus Hotel by Best Western Brandywine Valley
Club Quarters Hotel Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia
Club Quarters Hotel Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia
4 out of 5
1628 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is €143 per night from 1 Apr to 2 Apr
€143
per night
1 Apr - 2 Apr
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Philadelphia. Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness center, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (3,428 reviews)
A gem of a hotel in Philly
"While there was no view, our room had two skylights which was wonderful. The property was extremely clean and the staff was delightfully helpful and efficient. The location was great. While there is no onsite restaurant, there are lots of very good restaurants close by."

Reviewed on 26 Mar 2024

Club Quarters Hotel Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia
Wyndham Philadelphia Historic District
Wyndham Philadelphia Historic District
3.5 out of 5
400 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
The price is €146 per night from 21 Apr to 22 Apr
€146
per night
21 Apr - 22 Apr
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Philadelphia. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
8/10 Very Good! (2,273 reviews)
The staff made the difference
"The staff was AMAZING! Super friendly and caring. From the front desk, to concierge, to Tracy at the bar. We were always met with smiles and great attitudes. So although the Hotel was a little noisy, and some parts could use some tidying, our overall stay was great and would definitely stay ..."

Reviewed on 26 Mar 2024

Wyndham Philadelphia Historic 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 out of 5
4630 Island Ave, Philadelphia, PA
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Philadelphia. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Wells Fargo Center and Lincoln Financial ...
8/10 Very Good! (144 reviews)
"Gréât customer service. Very clean and tidy."

Reviewed on 25 Mar 2024

Philadelphia Suites-Extended Stay
Oaxaca, a private room with private entrance
Oaxaca, a private room with private entrance
Wilmington
Stay at this vacation home in Wilmington. Enjoy WiFi, a garden, and 1 bedroom. Popular attractions Delaware Park Racetrack and Slots and Daniel S. Frawley Stadium ...
10/10 Exceptional! (6 reviews)
Everything was so clean !
"I hope to stay again!"

Reviewed on 15 Nov 2022

Oaxaca, a private room with private entrance
Stylish Private Suite  in the heart of Brandywine Valley
Stylish Private Suite in the heart of Brandywine Valley
Wilmington
Stay at this vacation home in Wilmington. Enjoy free WiFi, onsite parking, and a garden. Our guests praise the clean rooms in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
10/10 Exceptional! (144 reviews)
Pretty, comfy, convenient!
"Cheryl and Don offer a classic B&B experience you don’t see much anymore — a comfortable suite, awesome amenities (robes!), and thoughtful little touches, like small snacks, muffins and hard-boiled eggs. It’s private, peaceful, and super convenient, with shopping and restaurants about two blocks ..."

Reviewed on 18 Mar 2024

Stylish Private Suite in the heart of 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.

Popular places to visit

Things to do