Wilmington, Delaware is one of the most underrated cities on the East Coast. We spent a long weekend exploring downtown, staying at two remarkable hotels, eating our way through an impressive restaurant scene, and discovering why this small city deserves a spot on your travel radar. Here’s where we stayed, dined, and explored.
Downtown Wilmington, DE At a Glance
- Location: Wilmington, Delaware. About 30 minutes from Philadelphia, 1.5 hours from New York City, 1 hour from Washington DC
- Vibe: Historic city with a vibrant food scene, revitalized downtown, and surprising boutique hotel options
- Best For: Food lovers, history buffs, couples, weekend getaways from Philadelphia and the Mid-Atlantic region
- Where to Stay: The Quoin Hotel (boutique luxury) and Hotel Du Pont (historic grand hotel)
- Where to Eat: Bardea Food and Drink, Le Cavalier at the Green Room, The Quoin Restaurant, Chelsea Tavern, Wilma’s, DE.CO food hall
- Top Attractions: Wilmington Riverfront and Riverwalk, Brandywine Zoo, Hagley Museum, The Queen music venue
- Parking: Easy to find and fairly priced garage parking downtown. No traffic headaches like Philly or DC.
- Is Wilmington Safe? Downtown Wilmington is safe for visitors, with a welcoming and hospitable atmosphere in the areas covered in this guide
Let me let you in on a little secret. Wilmington, Delaware is an under-the-radar travel destination waiting to be discovered. While renowned as a corporate powerhouse with over half of all Fortune 500 companies headquartered here, this small city offers much more than a hub for banking and business.
When my significant other and I planned a long weekend in downtown Wilmington, I’ll admit I was a little apprehensive. But I had been hearing great things about the restaurant scene and was eager to find out for myself.
What we found in this unassuming city is an unfairly underrated destination with a vibrant culture, superb dining, and genuinely welcoming hospitality. Safer than it’s portrayed to be, one of the best things about Wilmington is that you don’t have to fight the traffic of places like Philadelphia or Washington DC. It’s easy to navigate, and we easily found garage parking at a fair price for our several night stay.
While Wilmington is rich in history, there’s a revitalization happening here with an influx of creative, fresh energy. A boutique hotel with a speakeasy that was once a storage room for gold bars. A restaurant that offers duckpin bowling. A James Beard nominated restaurant two minutes from your hotel room. In recent years, Wilmington has quietly blossomed into a low-key foodie destination that’s earning serious attention.
Wherever we went, we were met with friendly smiles, amazing service, and warm hospitality. Visitors are wanted and genuinely welcome here. We’re hooked on Wilmington. If you’re planning a weekend getaway from Philadelphia or anywhere in the Mid-Atlantic, this city deserves a serious look.
Here’s where we stayed, dined, and explored on our recent trip to downtown Wilmington, Delaware.
The Quoin: A Boutique Luxury Hotel in the Heart of Downtown
The Quoin Hotel
519 N Market St, Wilmington, DE 19801
With its grand opening in September 2022, The Quoin Hotel gave the city of Wilmington something it never had before: a luxury boutique hotel. In addition to 24 guest rooms, The Quoin has a restaurant, an underground speakeasy-style lounge, and Wilmington’s only rooftop bar.
Wondering about the name? It’s a fun play on words. A “quoin” is an architectural term for a type of masonry block placed at the outside corners of building walls for strength or aesthetic detail. The Quoin happens to sit on a quiet corner at North Market and 6th Street in a stunning restored brownstone designed by famous Philadelphia architect Frank Furness, originally built as a bank for The Security Trust and Safe Deposit Company in 1885. You can still spot one of the building’s original deposit slots on the front of the building.
The exterior of The Quoin is historically beautiful. But swing yourself through its brass revolving doors and you’ll find an interior that is eclectic, modern, and chic with vintage accents. The lobby is hip and inviting with comfortable velvet seating, unique furnishings, and a fireplace. Guest rooms are softened with floral wallpaper and a palette influenced by Victorian-era paint that’s a unique take on tranquility and style.
Verdict: The Quoin’s design is gorgeous, and it works.
Our bright and airy king suite had high ceilings, huge arched windows, and sleek contemporary furnishings. The bed and bedding were luxurious and felt like sleeping on a cloud. The bathroom is sleek with vintage-inspired tiles and modern fixtures, plenty of towels, and luxe toiletries.
Guest amenities include:
- Flat-screen TV
- Mini-fridge
- Coffee maker
- Mini-bar with snacks, drinks, and cocktail ingredients (additional charge)
- Complimentary morning coffee and pastry in the lobby
- 24-hour fitness center
The Quoin doesn’t serve a full breakfast, but the complimentary morning coffee served in the lobby was delicious and the freshly baked chocolate chip muffins were a real treat.
The Quoin Restaurant: Modern Mediterranean Flavors
Serving lunch, dinner, Happy Hour, and weekend brunch on the main level of the hotel, The Quoin Restaurant offers a contemporary menu that blends the flavors of Southern French, Northern Italian, and Mediterranean dishes, some with wood-fired flair. The menu includes a variety of small plates, vegetarian, and gluten-free options.
To start we tried the crispy and doughy Pizza Fritti topped with prosciutto and stracciatella, a hearty dish for sharing. The Octopus with chickpeas, celery, and lemon was tender and flavorful.
The highlights of our meal at The Quoin Restaurant:
- Grilled Branzino with fennel, citrus, and basil was incredibly fresh and buttery
- Confit Pork Shank topped with a fresno agrodolce and grilled asparagus was out of this world
- Cheesecake with luscious raspberry curd and crumbly shortbread crust was the perfect sweet finish
- The special Wilmington Brew Works Draftsmen IPA created especially for The Quoin was cold, crisp, and excellent
The food was wonderful, but the service here was absolutely outstanding. Incredibly friendly and attentive at exactly the right moments.
Wilmington’s Only Rooftop Lounge at The Quoin Penthouse Level
Open to the public, The Quoin’s chic Rooftop Lounge is the only rooftop bar in the city. Sit outside for sunset views overlooking the city and the steeple of the Old Town Hall. If it’s chilly, go inside by the bar and cozy up by the fireplace with one of their craft cocktails or small plates. Hotel guests can also use the rooftop lounge as a workspace during the day.
The Simmer Down: Where Gold Bars Were Once Stored
The Simmer Down Cocktail Bar and Lounge at The Quoin is located in the building’s original vault on the lowest level of the hotel. Known as “The Money Room,” it was once where valuables like furs, silks, coins, and gold bars were stored. Here you can enjoy creative takes on classic cocktails in a genuinely unique and luxurious space. Between its great location, soothing accommodations, picture-perfect rooftop, great dining, and this chic underground lounge, The Quoin is absolutely worth a stay.
More Places to Dine Near The Quoin
The Quoin’s location in the heart of downtown puts you within easy walking distance of some of Wilmington’s best restaurants. The hotel is also across the street from Old Town Hall, the Delaware History Museum, and next door to the Jewish Historical Society of Delaware. Only two blocks away is The Queen, Wilmington’s renowned music venue. The Riverfront is an easy 10-minute walk.
Bardea Food and Drink: James Beard Nominated and Worth Every Bit of the Buzz
Bardea Food and Drink
620 N Market St, Wilmington, DE 19801
Just a 2-minute walk from The Quoin, Bardea (pronounced bar-DAY-ah) serves modern Italian cuisine with an infusion of global flavors made with local Delaware Valley and imported Italian ingredients. Bardea’s Executive Chef Antimo DiMeo offers a variety of small dishes designed to be shared, and the food here has a reputation for being extraordinary. It is. We loved it so much we went back and wrote a full review. See our complete Bardea Food and Drink review for everything you need to know before you go.
Some of our favorite dishes were the savory Barbacoa Tacos with spiced beef cheek, mole verde, and garlic chili crisp. The Lamb Bao Buns are a brilliant blend of East meets Middle East meets West: two pillowy Chinese-style steamed buns filled with savory spiced lamb, tahini crema, mint chimichurri, and strawberry mostarda, finished with a dusting of dukkah.
For pasta lovers, the homemade Ravioli stuffed with rabbit chorizo and nduja served with baby tomatoes over a pistachio crema and shaved Parmesan is extraordinary.
The Margherita DOP Pizza topped with fior di latte mozzarella, crushed Naples-grown Piennolo tomatoes, fresh basil, and EVOO, blazed in their wood-fired pizza oven, was light and perfectly airy. Pair it with one of their lovely wines or craft cocktails. Bardea makes even pizza an elevated experience while keeping the atmosphere modern, casual, and completely relaxed. If you’re a foodie, put this on your must-visit list.
Chelsea Tavern: Great Gastropub Fare on Market Street
Chelsea Tavern
821 N Market St, Wilmington, DE 19801
For a more casual dining option with great food just 4 minutes (2.5 blocks) from The Quoin, Chelsea Tavern is a gastropub known for creative takes on pub-style favorites including burgers, pizzas, sandwiches, and salads.
For something truly delicious and unique, try the Birria Grilled Cheese made with braised brisket, a blend of sharp white cheddar and pepper jack cheese, caramelized onions, and sliced brioche bread. The Tavern Pretzel Crullers with garlic herb butter and beer cheese sauce make a perfect appetizer. TVs throughout make it a great spot to catch a game, and when the weather’s nice, sit outside with one of their 33 rotating beers on tap.
Historic Hotel Du Pont: A European-Inspired Masterpiece
Hotel Du Pont
42 W 11th St, Wilmington, DE 19801
After checking out from The Quoin, we relocated a few blocks over to the iconic and historic Hotel Du Pont on 11th and Market Street in the heart of Wilmington’s financial and legal district.
Originally the headquarters for the DuPont Company, Hotel Du Pont has been known for world-class service and luxurious amenities for more than a century. In contrast to the intimate luxury of The Quoin, nothing in the twelve-story Italian Renaissance style Hotel Du Pont is understated. In addition to 217 luxuriously modern guest rooms, the property features signature restaurant Le Cavalier, The Green Room Bar, and DE.CO, a modern urban food hall. We have a full Hotel Du Pont review with everything you need to know about staying here.
The lobby is a captivating work of art with sparkling imported European crystal chandeliers, Italianate marble floors, travertine stone walls, grand carved Italian walnut doors, and two-story ornate ceilings painted in teal, gold, and red. Seeing it warrants a visit here on its own.
We stayed in a traditionally elegant King Suite with over 1,200 square feet and beautiful views of historic Rodney Square and the city. The large open-concept living room was perfect for spreading out. The dining area was ideal for ordering room service in style.
There wasn’t an inch of our suite without a luxurious or thoughtful touch. All the modern amenities were covered including a mini fridge, coffee station, and safes for personal belongings.
The separate master bedroom was serene and the king bed was extremely comfortable with soft luxury linens. The bathroom was sprawling with two sinks, marble floors, a deep jacuzzi tub, a walk-in shower, luxury towels, and even a bidet.
- Concierge services
- Courtesy downtown transportation
- Complimentary WiFi
- Valet parking (daily rate)
- Dry cleaning and laundry services
- Pet-friendly accommodations
- Spa treatments at Currie Day Spa and Salon
- 24-hour fitness center
You never know who’s going to walk through Hotel Du Pont’s doors. Rumor has it that Prince Rainier III of Monaco negotiated his marriage to Grace Kelly at the hotel in 1955. Notable guests over the years have included Amelia Earhart, Julia Child, Eleanor Roosevelt, Joe DiMaggio, Lucille Ball, Toni Morrison, Jon Bon Jovi, Meryl Streep, Tiger Woods, and a dozen U.S. Presidents.
Le Cavalier: The Hotel Du Pont’s Modern French Brasserie
Le Cavalier at the Green Room
42 W 11th St, Wilmington, DE 19801
When you get hungry, stroll through the lobby to Le Cavalier at the Green Room, known as “Le Cav” to locals. It serves breakfast, lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch. This 107-year-old dining room is luxuriously sophisticated with sky-high windows, rich woods, tufted velvet booths, and a restored antique mosaic floral tile floor found hiding under carpet during renovations. The historic bar has been one of the city’s most iconic meeting spots for over a century.
At the helm is Chef Tyler Akin, whose former restaurant Res Ipsa was named one of Bon Appetit’s “Best New Restaurants in America.” His menu features modern French brasserie and Mediterranean specialties with a focus on local ingredients, changing seasonally.
We started with the rich and creamy Provencal Hummus, Chef Akin’s French twist on the classic chickpea dip blended with roasted Mediterranean veggies, fresh fava beans, a blend of mixed herbs, browned butter, and Urfa pepper. Unique and decadent, it paired perfectly with the grilled flatbread. The Butter Poached Lobster in champagne beurre blanc disappeared from the plate too quickly. The meaty, crispy Roasted Oyster Mushroom appetizer with poivrade sauce and saffron aioli was equally extraordinary.
The crispy-skinned King Salmon was perfectly seared alongside stewed lentils and pickled cabbage. Naturally buttery and incredibly fresh.
For lunch the next day, Le Cheeseburger made with prime beef, creamy comte cheese, caramelized onion, bacon, and rich schmaltz aioli on a brioche roll was one of the best burgers we’ve ever eaten. You also can’t go wrong with Le Cav’s French Onion Soup and Caesar Salad.
For dessert, the deconstructed Ice Cream Sandwich with thin gaufrette cookies, dulce de leche ice cream, pistachio ice cream, and blood orange sorbet is decadent and fun to eat. From the impeccable service to the exquisitely refined fare, Le Cav alone made our Wilmington experience worth it.
DE.CO: Fast Casual Bites in a 13,000 Square Foot Modern Food Hall
DE.CO Wilmington at Hotel Du Pont
111 W 10th St, Wilmington, DE 19801
For something quick and delicious, walk past the lobby of Hotel Du Pont through the DuPont Building and you’ll find DE.CO Wilmington, a modern gourmet food hall branded as “a launchpad for chefs and a haven for eaters.” Eight food vendors including Connie’s Chicken and Waffles, Taqueria El Chingon, Bardea Pizza, Al Chu’s sushi, and more. For freshly brewed coffee and fresh pastries, Spark’d is run by Hotel Du Pont itself. There’s also an atrium bar with cocktails, local craft beers, and wine.
We tried the Birria Tacos from Taqueria El Chingon with melt-in-your-mouth braised beef, Oaxaca cheese, and rich consomme for dipping, plus a Peter (Spidey) Parker Roll from Al Chu’s with tempura crab and housemade soy sauce. The food combinations here are endless. DE.CO hosts regular events including a local Artisan Market on Saturdays with brunch specials and live music on Thursdays. Check the DE.CO event calendar for details.
Wilma’s: Cajun and Creole Flavors With Duckpin Bowling
Wilma’s
900 N Market St, Wilmington, DE 19801
Just one block from Hotel Du Pont, Wilma’s blends an adult indoor playground with a modern restaurant and bar serving classic and creative New Orleans-inspired fare. We became instant fans the moment we walked in.
The fun starts with vintage video games and pinball machines scattered around, but the main attraction is duckpin bowling: a scaled-down version of traditional bowling with smaller balls and pins that’s just as entertaining. Reserve a lane and order food and cocktails delivered right to your alley.
The Shrimp and Grits was a winner: plump blackened jumbo Gulf shrimp over creamy grits with aged sharp cheddar, andouille, blistered chiles, fried onion, and a Cajun cream sauce. The French Quarter Creole with smoked chicken, shrimp, andouille, and rice in a spicy tomato broth seasoned with espelette peppers transported us straight to the namesake. For a sweet finish, the made-to-order pillowy Beignets with a generous dusting of powdered sugar are a must.
Wilma’s serves lunch and dinner Tuesday through Saturday, and brunch on Sunday. Call ahead or book online to reserve a bowling lane. Wilma’s provides free parking at the Midtown Parking Garage (804 N. Orange St.) with 3-hour validation at the host stand.
More Things to Do in Wilmington, DE
While dining is a major highlight, Wilmington offers plenty of other attractions to fill your itinerary. The city’s compact core makes it easy to experience its blend of history, culture, and natural beauty.
The Wilmington Riverfront and Riverwalk
The Wilmington Riverfront was named by Fodor’s Travel as one of the Top 15 Best River Walks in the US. Stroll the scenic 1.3-mile Riverwalk path with views of the Christina River, play a round of mini golf, or hop aboard one of the Wilmington river cruises leaving from the dock.
When you’re hungry, 14 restaurants along the Riverfront offer everything from seafood and Asian to Mexican, a brewery, and a beer garden. From here you can also bike, hike, or jog onto the paved 7.9-mile Jack A. Markell Trail through 212 acres of protected freshwater tidal marsh where you might spot American Bald Eagles, Wood Ducks, American Beavers, river otters, and Eastern Painted Turtles. Most Riverfront attractions offer complimentary parking. Visit their website for a full list of Wilmington Riverfront things to do.
Brandywine Zoo
1001 N Park Dr, Wilmington, DE 19802
A 4-minute drive from Hotel Du Pont, The Brandywine Zoo is Delaware’s only zoo, a 4.7-acre facility operated by Delaware State Parks in Brandywine Park and accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. See lemurs, red pandas, a sloth, monkeys, big cats, reptiles, and Andean condors. Open daily 10am to 4pm, last admission at 3:30pm.
Hagley Museum and Library
200 Hagley Creek Rd, Wilmington, DE 19807
Hagley Museum sits on 235 acres of wooded rolling hills along the Brandywine River. Discover the original gunpowder factory founded by E.I. DuPont in 1802, hundreds of stone ruins, dozens of restored buildings, and tour Eleutherian Mills, the first du Pont family home and gardens built in America. Their brand-new Nation of Inventors exhibit features incredible stories of American innovation.
The Verdict on Downtown Wilmington, Delaware
Wilmington, Delaware may not be at the top of most people’s travel bucket lists, but this unassuming city is an underrated gem that deserves far more attention. From its fascinating history and cultural attractions to its blossoming food scene and hip boutique hotels, Wilmington offers a surprising amount to explore for a smaller city.
What struck us most was the exciting sense of revitalization happening here. New businesses like the luxurious Quoin Hotel and innovative restaurants like Bardea and Le Cavalier are breathing fresh life into Wilmington’s historic core, yet the city still retains its old-world charm with beautifully preserved architecture at every turn.
Whether you come for a weekend focused on wining and dining, or spend more time uncovering Wilmington’s rich history, this city makes for an enjoyable and very easy escape. Walkable downtown, easy parking, minimal traffic, and genuinely friendly locals. Wilmington provides a fun urban break without the chaos of bigger cities. It’s less than 30 minutes from Philadelphia and makes an easy addition to any weekend getaway from the Philadelphia area.
Don’t overlook Wilmington. This little city has its own delightful personality and a unique mix of historic charm and renewed energy that’s absolutely worth experiencing for yourself. And if you’re visiting around the holiday season, don’t miss our guide to the best Christmas light experiences near Wilmington, Delaware.
We can’t wait to explore more of what Wilmington has to offer.
Start planning your trip at visitwilmingtonde.com
Frequently Asked Questions About Downtown Wilmington, Delaware
Is Wilmington, Delaware safe to visit?
Downtown Wilmington is safe for visitors and much safer than its reputation suggests. The areas covered in this guide, including the Market Street hotel and restaurant corridor and the Riverfront, are welcoming and well-frequented by locals and visitors alike. Like any city, use common sense, but don’t let the perception stop you from visiting what is genuinely a great destination.
What is Wilmington, Delaware known for?
Wilmington is best known as a corporate and financial hub, home to over half of all Fortune 500 companies and a major center for banking and law. But the city is also known for its rich history tied to the DuPont family, beautiful architecture, the Riverfront along the Christina River, a rapidly growing restaurant scene, and easy access from Philadelphia, New York, and Washington DC.
What are the best restaurants in downtown Wilmington, DE?
The standouts are Bardea Food and Drink (James Beard nominated, modern Italian with global flavors), Le Cavalier at the Green Room (modern French brasserie inside Hotel Du Pont), The Quoin Restaurant (Mediterranean and wood-fired dishes), Chelsea Tavern (creative gastropub fare), Wilma’s (New Orleans-inspired food with duckpin bowling), and the DE.CO food hall inside Hotel Du Pont with eight vendors under one roof.
Where is the rooftop bar in Wilmington, DE?
The Quoin Hotel has Wilmington’s only rooftop bar, open to the public on the penthouse level. It offers sunset views overlooking the city and the steeple of Old Town Hall, with craft cocktails, small plates, an outdoor fireplace, and indoor seating for cooler weather.
What are the best hotels in downtown Wilmington, DE?
For boutique luxury, The Quoin Hotel on N Market Street is the standout, with 24 rooms in a beautifully restored historic brownstone, a rooftop bar, a restaurant, and the underground Simmer Down cocktail lounge. For a grand historic hotel experience, Hotel Du Pont on 11th Street has been a Wilmington landmark for over a century with 217 rooms, Le Cavalier restaurant, and the DE.CO food hall.
How far is Wilmington, Delaware from Philadelphia?
Wilmington is approximately 30 minutes from Philadelphia by car, making it one of the easiest weekend getaways from the city. It is also about 1.5 hours from New York City and 1 hour from Washington DC. Wilmington is also accessible by Amtrak from Philadelphia’s 30th Street Station in under 30 minutes.
Is parking easy in downtown Wilmington, DE?
Yes, parking in downtown Wilmington is significantly easier and less expensive than Philadelphia or DC. Garage parking is readily available at fair rates throughout the downtown area. Wilma’s restaurant also validates 3 hours of free parking at the Midtown Parking Garage at 804 N. Orange St.
What is the Wilmington Riverfront?
The Wilmington Riverfront is a 1.3-mile scenic walkway along the Christina River named by Fodor’s Travel as one of the Top 15 Best River Walks in the US. It features 14 restaurants, river cruises, mini golf, bike rentals, and access to the 7.9-mile Jack A. Markell Trail through protected freshwater tidal marsh. Most attractions offer free parking.
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