Major city · United States
New CastleNew Castle, Delaware
Give New Castle one half-day on foot: park free at Market Square, walk the cobbled streets, see the Court House and Read House, eat, leave by dark.
New Castle is a small colonial river town, not a city: about 6 blocks of brick and cobblestone on the Delaware River, 10 minutes south of Wilmington and roughly 45 minutes from Philadelphia. Its sights are the 1732 Court House, the Read House and two historical-society houses, all within a few minutes' walk. Most travellers see it in 2–4 hours; a night here only makes sense if you want an early start on the river or a quiet base between Wilmington and Philadelphia.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- USD
- Best months
- Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct
- avoid Jul–Aug (heat and humidity), Jan–Feb (cold, some houses closed or limited)
- Airports
- PHL · ILG · BWI
- Nights
- 0–1
Rules in force · 7Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- United States ↗Check whether you need an ESTA (Visa Waiver Program) or a visa on the official CBP and State Department sites; apply only through esta.cbp.dhs.gov, not third-party sites, and allow time before you book.
- United States ↗Several popular national parks use timed-entry or vehicle reservations in peak season; check each park's page on nps.gov and book on recreation.gov before fixing your dates.
- United States ↗Medical care is very expensive for visitors; buy travel insurance with high medical cover before you fly.
- United States ↗Tipping is expected: about 15–20% at sit-down restaurants and bars, and a tip for taxis, hotel staff and guides.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for New Castle911 ▾
- Police, fire, ambulance911
- New Castle County non-emergency police302-573-2800
- Poison control (US, 24 h)1-800-222-1222
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about New Castle, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the US dollar (USD, $).United States-wide
- SIM or eSIMAT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile cover the country; prepaid SIMs at their stores and Walmart/Target (passport required), or an eSIM before you fly.United States-wide
- Tap waterTap water is drinkable nearly everywhere; boil or treat water from streams in parks.United States-wide
- TippingSit-down restaurant: 18–22% of the pre-tax bill.United States-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/B. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 120 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.United States-wide
- SafetyA quiet, low-crime small town; the real risks are uneven cobblestones, unlit side streets after dark and summer heat.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree public toilets are scarce in big cities; use cafés, department stores, libraries, stations.United States-wide
- Emergency numbers911 police, fire, ambulance · 302-573-2800 New Castle County non-emergency police · 1-800-222-1222 Poison control (US, 24 h)
- Sundays & holidaysFederal holidays close offices, banks and post offices; national parks stay open.United States-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportPHL Philadelphia International (About 30–40 min by car via I-95 and Route 9; the closest large airport.).
- Getting aroundWalk.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- Coffee$3–6
- Sit-down mealTavern dinner main$18–32
- Street or quick mealSandwich or casual lunch$10–18
- Beerdraught in a tavern$6–9
- SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a week$10–25
- Museum or sight ticketMuseum or historic-house admissioncheck$8–15
- Budget bedHostel or budget motel bed, a night, per personUS$45
- Mid-range bedInn or chain-hotel double room, a night, per roomUS$180
- High-end bedInn or chain-hotel double room, a night, per roomUS$320
A day, not counting the bed: Budget US$60 · Mid US$130 · High US$250
Prices in local money; change the currency in the header to see yours next to them. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- PHL Philadelphia International (About 30–40 min by car via I-95 and Route 9; the closest large airport.) · ILG Wilmington Airport (New Castle) (Small airport a few km north of the historic district; few scheduled flights — check before booking.) · BWI Baltimore/Washington International (About 1 h 30 min by car; use only if the fare is much lower.)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
Feb
Avoid
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
Mar
not flagged
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
Apr
Best
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
May
Best
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
Jun
Best
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
Jul
Avoid
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Aug
Avoid
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Sep
Best
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
Oct
Best
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
Nov
not flagged
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
Dec
not flagged
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
Best: Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct. Avoid: Jan–Feb, Jul–Aug. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)), coolest Jan (−4°C (25°F)25°F (−4°C) low), wettest Mar (10 rain days), driest Feb (8). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
New Castle: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
−4°C (25°F)25°F (−4°C)
9 rd
Feb
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
−3°C (27°F)27°F (−3°C)
8 rd
Mar
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
1°C (34°F)34°F (1°C)
10 rd
Apr
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
10 rd
May
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
10 rd
Jun
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
9 rd
Jul
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
9 rd
Aug
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
8 rd
Sep
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
8 rd
Oct
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
8 rd
Nov
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
8 rd
Dec
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
−1°C (30°F)30°F (−1°C)
9 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
Walk. The historic district is flat and compact, with brick sidewalks and cobblestones; museums, shops, restaurants and Battery Park are all within a few minutes of each other. Free parking is available around Market Square and on side streets. A car is the practical way in and out; there is no useful local rail or bus service to the historic district.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Door to door: About 20 min
Car via Route 9 or I-95, about 10–15 min
Riverfront, museums and far more food options; pair it with New Castle in one day.
Door to door: About 1 h
Car via Route 13 south, about 45–50 min
State capital with its own historic green and the First State Heritage Park; a half-day.
Door to door: About 35 min
Car via I-95 and Route 896, about 25–30 min
Mostly a university town; go for a specific event or campus visit, not as a sight.
Door to door: About 1 h
Car via I-95 north, about 45 min; Amtrak from Wilmington if you skip the car
Old City and Independence Hall make a full day; leave early to beat traffic.
Door to door: About 1 h 45 min
Car via Route 1 south, about 1 h 30 min
Too far for a comfortable return day in summer traffic; sleep at the beach.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Historic New Castle (The Strand and Delaware Street)
Walk to everything; a handful of inns and B&Bs, so book ahead for weekends.
Wilmington riverfront or downtown
15–20 min by car; far more rooms and restaurants, use New Castle as a half-day.
Route 13 / New Castle Airport strip
Chain motels with free parking; convenient by car, no atmosphere, 5–10 min drive to the historic district.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- $60–110 excl. bed
- Mid
- $110–200 excl. bed
- High
- $200+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Inn or chain-hotel double room1 × 1 night × US$180 | US$180 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × US$130 | US$260 |
| Rideshare Wilmington → New Castle, one way2 × US$20 · check | US$40 |
| Museum admission, one house2 × US$10 · check | US$20 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × US$15 | US$30 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | US$53 |
| Trip total≈ US$292 per person per day, bed included | US$583 |
2026 estimate in US dollars; tax and tips included in the daily bands. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | $3–6 |
| Sandwich or casual lunch | $10–18 |
| Tavern dinner main | $18–32 |
| Beer, draught in a tavern | $6–9 |
| Museum or historic-house admissioncheck | $8–15 |
| Rideshare Wilmington → New Castlecheck | $15–25 |
| eSIM or data SIM, about a week | $10–25 |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Cobblestones and brick sidewalks are uneven: wear flat shoes, and watch your step after rain.
- Museum and house opening hours are limited and change by season: check the New Castle Historical Society and Delaware State Museums sites before you drive out.
- The historic district is small; most shops and restaurants close early in the evening, so do not plan a late night here.
- Prices are shown before Delaware sales tax; there is no sales tax on most goods in Delaware, but restaurant and hotel taxes still apply — check the bill.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance
- 911
- New Castle County non-emergency police
- 302-573-2800
- Poison control (US, 24 h)
- 1-800-222-1222
Pocket card
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New CastleNew Castle, Delaware
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
To this address, pleaseTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance911
- New Castle County non-emergency police302-573-2800
- Poison control (24 h)1-800-222-1222
Embassy
No embassies in New Castle; most countries keep embassies in Washington, DC, with consulates in Philadelphia or New York.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Rideshare Wilmington → New Castle: $15–25, about 15 min (check)
- Parking at Market Square: free on the square and side streets
- Amtrak Wilmington → Philadelphia: about $30–60, 25–35 min (check)
Say or show
- Where is the historic district? — Where is the historic district?
- Is there parking nearby? — Is there parking nearby?
- How much is admission? — How much is admission?
- Can I pay by card? — Can I pay by card?
- Where is the restroom? — Where is the restroom?
- Thank you — Thank you
US town: 911 for everything, tipping 18–22% at sit-down restaurants, $1–2 a drink.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for New Castle. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct · avoid Jul–Aug (heat and humidity), Jan–Feb (cold, some houses closed or limited) · month by month →
- 3 airports and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 5 day-trips, door to door
- 4 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for PHL and ILG: last transfers field-checked, taxi and rideshare fallback, overnight rung.
- Two walking clusters with rescue anchors: Market Square and the Court House, The Strand and Battery Park.
- Place pages with verified cutoffs (Court House, Read House, Dutch House, Amstel House, Old Library Museum) and eat pages with last orders.
- Seasonal and hostile arrival fixtures (summer heat, winter closures, event weekends) so gates A–D can go green.
Sources
- officialCity of New Castle — visiting
- officialNew Castle Historical Society
- officialDelaware State Museums — New Castle Court House
- officialRead House & Gardens
- officialNational Park Service — First State National Historical Park, New Castle Court House
- secondaryWikivoyage: New Castle (Delaware), revision 5055021 (CC BY-SA 4.0)