Wilmington

Travel Guide

Wilmington featuring heritage elements
Wilmington featuring heritage elements
Wilmington showing outdoor art
Wilmington Riverwalk which includes a garden and a sunset
Grand Opera House featuring heritage architecture

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.

The Annual Vacation Sale

Members save up to 40% on hotels and homes. Plan this year’s big trip and save.

Where to stay in Wilmington

Wilmington Riverwalk which includes a garden and a sunset

Riverfront

Unique features of Riverfront include the restaurants and river views. Make a stop by Daniel S. Frawley Stadium or Delaware Center for the Contemporary Arts while you're exploring the area.

Riverfront
Grand Opera House featuring heritage architecture

Downtown Wilmington

5/5(1 area review)

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
Default Image

South Wilmington

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

South Wilmington
Default Image

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
Default Image

Cool Spring

Cool Spring might not have many top sights, but Brandywine Zoo and The Playhouse on Rodney Square are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Cool Spring
Default Image

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 Brandywine Zoo and Delaware Art Museum.

Trolley Square
Woodspring Suites Wilmington Riverfront

Woodspring Suites Wilmington Riverfront

2.5 out of 5
600 A Street Wilmington DE
The price is CA $86 per night from Mar 16 to Mar 17
CA $86
CA $94 total
Mar 16 - Mar 17
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Wilmington. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour fitness center. Popular attractions Wilmington Riverwalk and Tubman-Garrett Riverfront ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (130 reviews)
The room above me had kids jumping around from 7pm to 2 am for 3 consecutive days, made the front desk aware of the issue and it stopped for 30 minutes then back to noise

Reviewed on Mar 8, 2026

Woodspring Suites Wilmington Riverfront
Club Quarters Hotel Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia

Club Quarters Hotel Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia

4 out of 5
1628 Chestnut St Philadelphia PA
The price is CA $141 per night from Mar 15 to Mar 16
CA $141
CA $164 total
Mar 15 - Mar 16
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 ...
9/10 Wonderful! (4,402 reviews)
Hotel staff is friendly and helpful!

Reviewed on Mar 9, 2026

Club Quarters Hotel Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia
The Windsor Suites

The Windsor Suites

4 out of 5
1700 Ben Franklin Pkwy Philadelphia PA
The price is CA $150 per night from Mar 29 to Mar 30
CA $150
CA $175 total
Mar 29 - Mar 30
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 ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (2,636 reviews)
Unfortunately, my experience at this hotel was disappointing. From the moment I arrived, the reception area felt very disorganized and the check-in process was not smooth. In addition, the hotel is currently under construction, which was not clearly communicated before arrival. The biggest issue ...

Reviewed on Mar 9, 2026

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.
Charming 2-bedroom house with WiFi, AC in marvelous Wilmington

Charming 2-bedroom house with WiFi, AC in marvelous Wilmington

Wilmington DE
Stay at this vacation home in Wilmington. Enjoy a garden, laundry facilities, and air conditioning. Popular attractions Wilmington Riverwalk and Eden Park are ...
2/10 (4 reviews)
Never even got to check in because owner never sent no code to get in I want a full refund

Reviewed on Jan 7, 2026

Charming 2-bedroom house with WiFi, AC in marvelous Wilmington
Stylish Private Suite  in the heart of Brandywine Valley

Stylish Private Suite in the heart of Brandywine Valley

Wilmington DE
Stay at this vacation home in Wilmington. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and patios. Popular attractions Brandywine Valley and Booth's Corner Farmers Market are ...
10/10 Exceptional! (196 reviews)
Everything was perfect. Cheryl and Don have made this a calming oasis that feels like ‘home.” It is meticulously maintained and every need is anticipated. We had 3 days of beautiful snowfall and Don made sure we had a safe path home. Can’t wait to return in the spring.Maureen CookSt. Cloud, FL

Reviewed on Jan 19, 2026

Stylish Private Suite in the heart of Brandywine Valley
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 Pennsylvania Convention ...
9/10 Wonderful! (579 reviews)
Great place to stay for a weekend or a short term. Great location. Clean. Easy to get around. Roof deck is awesome and staff is friendly.

Reviewed on Mar 9, 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.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Cities near Wilmington