Things to do in Wilmington, Delaware
- Wilmington is known as the Corporate Capital of the World because more than 60% of Fortune 500 companies are incorporated in Delaware due to the state's business-friendly Court of Chancery.
- The city was originally settled by Swedes in 1638 and was named Fort Christina after the Swedish Queen, making it the site of the first permanent European settlement in the Delaware Valley.
- Wilmington famously lacks a sales tax, which historically influenced the development of its retail and shopping culture.
- The city's rail infrastructure is highly significant, as it sits on the Northeast Corridor, connecting it directly to major hubs like Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Washington, D.C.
About Wilmington, Delaware
Wilmington serves as the largest city in Delaware and a pivotal corporate hub situated at the confluence of the Christina and Brandywine Rivers. The area is defined by its industrial heritage and extensive du Pont family legacy, exemplified by grand sites like the Nemours Estate and Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library. Visitors can explore local ecological diversity at the Brandywine Zoo or experience the historical significance of downtown areas like Rodney Square. This strategic location near the Mid-Atlantic coast makes it a dense center for both historical preservation and modern urban development.
Highlights of Wilmington, Delaware
The places our editors single out — and why they're worth your time.
Museums
Tour the 300-acre Alfred I. duPont estate to see expansive formal gardens and a mansion reflecting 20th-century luxury.
Museums
Explore one of the world's premier collections of American decorative arts housed within a massive former estate.
Museums
Visit the site of the original du Pont family gunpowder mills to understand the region's 19th-century industrial origins.
Zoos
Walk through this intimate, community-focused zoo located along the scenic Brandywine River.
Parks
Access winding trails and open recreational space that follows the natural path of the Brandywine River.
Museums
Engage children with interactive exhibits focused on science and art located in the revitalized Riverfront district.
Historical places
Visit the city's central square, which serves as the site of civic gatherings and is surrounded by notable architectural landmarks.
Museums
Discover regional flora and fauna through extensive natural history collections and immersive science displays.
Top things to do in Wilmington, Delaware
The 64 highest-rated places in Wilmington, Delaware, ranked by travellers.
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Wilmington, Delaware on the map
Top attractions plotted across the city.
Plan your visit to Wilmington, Delaware
Late spring (May-June) or early autumn (September-October) offers the most temperate weather for exploring the extensive regional parklands and gardens.
2-3 days, providing sufficient time to tour the major du Pont estate museums and the downtown historical district.
The city is best navigated by car, though the central business district near Rodney Square is walkable and serviced by DART First State bus routes.
The Riverfront district offers modern hotels and proximity to dining, while the downtown area provides convenient access to historic sites and corporate centers.
Mid-range; lodging and dining prices are generally lower than in nearby Philadelphia or New York City.
Frequently asked
Aventuro lists 64 curated attractions in and around Wilmington, Delaware, ranked by traveller ratings.
Subaru Park is the highest-rated place to visit in Wilmington, Delaware right now.
The largest category is parks, with 18 places to explore.
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