Wilmington
Wilmington is Delaware's largest city. Go for du Pont history and riverfront walks, or use it as a base for Brandywine Valley gardens, about 30 minutes from Philadelphia by train.
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Wilmington is the largest city in Delaware, on the Delaware River where the Brandywine and Christina rivers meet it. Mills, shipping and the du Pont family shaped the city, and the du Pont company still has its headquarters here. Walk the riverfront and the paths of Brandywine Park, then visit the Delaware Art Museum or the Hagley Museum and Library, which sits on the site of the family's early gunpowder works.
Wilmington suits a one- or two-day stop, or a base for the Brandywine Valley, where Winterthur and Longwood Gardens are a short drive away. The city is compact, so most sights are reachable on foot or by a short ride. Trains reach Philadelphia in about 30 minutes, so Wilmington works as an overnight between the two. Spring and early fall are the easiest seasons for walking and gardens. Plan one to two days.
Wilmington in five
- Book the Amtrak train into WilmingtonWilmington Station is on the Northeast Corridor, so Amtrak trains from Philadelphia take about 30 minutes and trains from New York about two hours. The station is the simplest arrival point if you do not want a car on day one.Getting around
- Ride DART First State buses in townDART First State runs the local bus network across Delaware. Check the route and stop for your address before you go, since a bus can take much longer than a short taxi ride.
- Rent a car for the Brandywine ValleyWinterthur and Longwood Gardens are a short drive from the city, and Rehoboth Beach is about two hours south by car. Pick up the car before you head out.Delaware
- Set up an eSIM before you landDownload offline maps and set up data before you land, since bus stop lookups and restaurant hours depend on your phone. An eSIM lets you skip roaming charges.Phones and eSIM
- Shop knowing Delaware has no sales taxDelaware has no general sales tax, so the price on the tag is what you pay at the register. Hotel room tax is added to your bill.
Need to know
- Currency
- US dollar (USD)
- Entry
- ESTA needed for Visa Waiver countries; other passports need a US visa Read more
- Emergency
- 911 police, fire and ambulance
- Tipping
- Expected at restaurants and bars, about 15 to 20%
- Time
- UTC-5, UTC-4 in daylight saving (Eastern Time)
Weather by month
- Best
- Mixed
- Poor
- JanuaryCold, quiet
- FebruaryCold, gray
- MarchCool, windy
- AprilMild, spring
- MayMild, green
- JuneWarm, humid
- JulyHot, humid
- AugustHot, storms
- SeptemberWarm, easing
- OctoberAutumn color
- NovemberCool, quiet
- DecemberHoliday lights
Right now in Wilmington
Local time, today's weather and the exchange rate, refreshed through the day.
18
- Feels like
- 16°
- Humidity
- 44%
- Wind
- 9 km/h
- Chance of rain
- 1%
Wilmington
06:24 PM
Monday, November 2
- Today18°4°1%Monday: Fog. High 18°, Low 4°. Chance of rain 1%.
- Tue20°5°2%Tuesday: Cloudy. High 20°, Low 5°. Chance of rain 2%.
- Wed23°12°1%Wednesday: Cloudy. High 23°, Low 12°. Chance of rain 1%.
- Thu21°15°52%Thursday: Drizzle. High 21°, Low 15°. Chance of rain 52%.
- Fri21°14°56%Friday: Drizzle. High 21°, Low 14°. Chance of rain 56%.
- Sat16°9°40%Saturday: Cloudy. High 16°, Low 9°. Chance of rain 40%.
- Sun14°6°9%Sunday: Drizzle. High 14°, Low 6°. Chance of rain 9%.
Updated 02:53 PM local time · Weather data by Open-Meteo.com
Money
Mid-market rate1 EUR = 1.116 USD
Rates from Nov 2, 2026 · Rates By Exchange Rate API
Day trips by train
- Philadelphiaabout 30 minutes by trainMuseums, Independence Hall and the Reading Terminal Market, reached by Amtrak from Wilmington Station.
- Longwood Gardensabout 30 minutes by carLarge display gardens in Pennsylvania; check opening days and any timed entry before you go.
- Winterthurabout 20 minutes by carPeriod rooms and gardens in the Brandywine Valley, a half day by car.
- Rehoboth Beachabout 1.5 to 2 hours by carBoardwalk and sand on the Atlantic coast, a long summer day trip.Read the guide
Before you go to Wilmington
Rules for Wilmington, checked
- Visa Waiver Program travelers need an approved ESTA before flying to the US. Other nationalities need a US visa. Check eligibility at travel.state.gov.Source
- Declare food, plants and animal products on your customs declaration at arrival. Check the current list at cbp.gov.Source
- The drinking age is 21, and bars and shops ask for photo ID. Carry your passport or a driver's license when you go out.
Plan around Wilmington
State guide with the towns beyond Wilmington and the beaches
Read the guideGetting aroundTrains, buses and car hire for Wilmington and the region
Read the guideMoney and costsCards, cash and typical prices for a Delaware trip
Read the guideVisas and entryWho needs ESTA or a visa and how to check
Read the guideWhere to stayAreas to base yourself, with prices and trade-offs
Read the guideTours and ticketsDay trips to Philadelphia and the Brandywine Valley
Read the guideWilmington FAQ
How many days do you need in Wilmington?
Two days cover the Riverfront, the Delaware Art Museum and Hagley Museum and Library, with a day trip to Winterthur or Longwood Gardens. Add a day for Philadelphia if you want its museums.
Is Wilmington worth visiting?
Yes if you like museums, gardens and a quiet city near Philadelphia. It works best as a base for the Brandywine Valley and the Delaware beaches.
When is the best time to visit Wilmington?
April to May and September to October for mild weather. July and August are hot and humid, and afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer.
Do you need a car in Wilmington?
Not for the city center, which is easy on foot and by DART bus. A car is useful for Winterthur, Longwood Gardens and the beaches.
Is Wilmington safe for tourists?
Downtown and the Riverfront are busy by day. Stay alert at night and keep valuables out of sight in a parked car.