Step Back in Time on Wilmington’s New Market Street Audio Walking Tour

Wilmington’s Market Street has always been more than just a thoroughfare — it’s a living, breathing showcase of the city’s history, architecture, and community spirit. Now, thanks to the Greater Wilmington Convention and Visitors Bureau, both locals and visitors can experience its stories in a whole new way.

The Bureau, which serves as the destination marketing organization for Northern Delaware and the Brandywine Valley, has launched a free self-guided audio walking tour designed to bring the Market Street corridor to life. Available now at isitWilmingtonDE.com/marketstreet and accessible by smartphone, the narrated journey stretches from the historic Queen Theater at 5th and Market to the towering Chase Manhattan Building at 12th and Market.

Along this walkable route, listeners are introduced to more than 15 stops, each highlighting a landmark, a hidden gem, or a slice of local lore that has shaped the heart of Wilmington. From the elegance of the Grand Opera House to the deep heritage of the Delaware History Museum, the tour blends cultural insights with architectural appreciation.

Highlights include Willingtown Square’s collection of preserved 18th-century buildings, the dignified Old Town Hall, the stylish Quoin Hotel, the vibrant Rodney Square, and the timeless charm of the Hotel du Pont. Architecture lovers will appreciate the wealth of styles on display, from the grandeur of Beaux Arts to the stately lines of Classical Revival and the geometric beauty of Art Deco. These elements weave together to form Market Street’s distinct visual identity, while also revealing Wilmington’s evolution as a thriving commercial and cultural hub.

“The tour will encourage people to engage more deeply with the city while also supporting increased foot traffic to our downtown shops, restaurants and attractions,” said Jennifer Boes, executive director of the Greater Wilmington Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a lifelong resident, this new audio experience offers an opportunity to slow down, look closer, and connect with Wilmington’s past and present — one block at a time.