Blake Walsh

18 Best Things to Do in New Castle, DE

  • Published 2022/08/07

Delaware is known for spectacular beaches, fascinating attractions, and other natural sights.

New Castle, located in New Castle County, is a hidden gem in the state of Delaware.

The city is a perfect getaway, as it offers as many things as Delaware.

New Castle is generally known for its historical significance, with plenty of historical sites.

The museums had kept these pieces of intriguing history to preserve the beauty of New Castle before it became independent.

You’ll also see many cafes, restaurants, shops, and entertainment centers to keep you interested.

The quaint, historical, yet charming atmosphere makes it worth visiting.

Get ready for the best things to do in New Castle.

Explore the Famous New Castle Battery Park

View of the river at Battery Park

Charlotte Evelyn / Shutterstock.com

The New Castle Battery Park, located at Delaware Street, is the most famous park in New Castle.

The park has natural, vast, and fresh green grounds with mesmerizing luminous trees sitting on top of it.

The environment around the park is peaceful with spectacular sights.

Check out classy benches underneath the shades of trees, picnic areas, a playground for children, the placidly flowing river, and more.

Paved trail of Battery Park

Lisa Rapko / Shutterstock.com

There are also hiking and biking trails in the park.

You can get your body moving on the 3.7-mile path while unwinding with scenic surroundings.

Don’t forget to visit the famous New Castle Battery Park!

A person fishing at Battery Park

Lisa Rapko / Shutterstock.com

Dine at the Historic Restaurant of Jessop’s Tavern

If you’re looking to experience dining at a vintage-inspired restaurant, New Castle offers you Jessop’s Tavern.

Interestingly, the tavern is a historical building from the 1700s.

Within the walls of this tavern, you’re sure to have a Colonial experience with delectable foods and drinks.

Some of their foods include traditional British pub grub, Belgian, English, Dutch, and Swedish dishes.

You can also try crab cakes, roast duck, and more savory dishes.

Moreover, they serve the finest wine, beer, and spirits from the USA and worldwide to match the tasty foods.

Visit Jessop’s Tavern and experience the extraordinary cuisines and drinks waiting for you.

Strike Down Those Pins at Bowlerama

If you’re up for bowling, head to Bowlerama at New Castle Avenue.

Bowleram has 62 lanes, two bars, and a restaurant, making it a perfect place for family or friends gatherings.

The bowling lanes are well-maintained, enabling you to enjoy and make the most out of bowling.

There are also arcades for children to enjoy.

Strike down those pins at Bowlerama and have a great time!

Spend a Day at Terry House Bed & Breakfast

Terry House Bed & Breakfast is one of New Castle’s best places to stay.

The house stands on Delaware Street and offers you spacious rooms, queen-size beds, private relaxing baths, and more amenities to enjoy.

The porches give you an overview of Battery Park and the Delaware River, making it a lovely place to visit after roaming the streets of New Castle.

There’s also a mini museum worth checking out and a spectacular dining room serving delicious breakfast while playing classical piano music.

Spend the night at Terry House Bed & Breakfast after a day of exploring New Castle.

Witness the Awesome Colonial Architecture at Amstel House

Exterior of Amstel House

Jrozwado, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Amstel House is one of New Castle’s historic sights.

The Georgian Mansion, constructed in the 1730s, was the first mansion in Delaware.

It holds great historical significance as it was an influential residence.

You can join guided tours through the elegant bricked walls of one of the last remaining early Colonial buildings.

Interior of Amstel House

Jrozwado, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The architectural details are so fine that it leaves you in awe.

There’s also an open hearth, reminding you of days long gone.

If you’re visiting around October, you can also join a haunted house tour at the famous mansion.

Don’t forget to visit Amstel House and marvel at its the architecture!

Explore Dutch House Museum and Gardens

The Dutch House Museum and Gardens is a building constructed circa-1600s.

It’s the oldest infrastructure ever built in New Castle and the second oldest in all of Delaware.

The museum lets you experience life during the Colonial times in early America.

During the tour around the museum, you’ll see antique items, such as carpets, furniture, dinnerware, textiles, and more.

You’ll also discover how New Castle was a port town before it became a remarkable city.

You can also stroll along the colorful and pleasant gardens of the museum while taking in the awe-inspiring history of New Castle.

There’s more to explore at the Dutch House Museum and Gardens, so make sure you visit the historic attraction!

Try Caribbean and Southern American Dishes at Zollies Jazz Cucina

During your trip, you’ll come across another one of New Castle’s best restaurants, Zollies Jazz Cucina.

Zollies Jazz Cucina offers savory Caribbean cuisine combined with southern American dishes, such as Cuban mojo chicken, seafood gumbo, and more.

The diner has indoor and outdoor seating to help you enjoy the cozy ambiance and fresh air outdoors.

While you’re enjoying delectable foods, you can listen to soothing but appetizing jazz music.

Have a good relaxing evening at Zollies Jazz Cucina!

Enjoy Tea Time at the Mercury Cafe and Teahouse

Likewise, you’ll find one of the best places to have tea in New Castle, the Mercury Cafe and Teahouse.

The teahouse serves various teas coming from house-made herbal blends.

You can pair these delicious and calming teas with tasty baked goods if you want.

Otherwise, enjoy a light lunch or dinner with local espresso drinks and roasted coffees.

The cafe has a patio garden perfect for the afternoons.

You can also enjoy craft cocktails, a glass of fine wine, or a cold beer in the evening to end the day.

The Mercury Cafe and Teahouse should be among the top of your list to visit in New Castle!

Learn More about New Castle at the Read House & Gardens

Exterior of the Read House & Gardens

Voxinferior, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Read House & Gardens lets you explore more of New Castle’s history.

They built the house way back in 1804 with an area of 14,000 square feet and 22 rooms filled with a historic atmosphere.

Today, the Read House & Gardens is a National Historic Landmark.

The gate of Read House & Gardens

Voxinferior, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

You can also look around the exquisite gardens while overlooking the Delaware River.

There’s more to discover at the historic site of the Read House & Gardens, so stop by when you can.

Shop Local at the New Castle Farmers Market

If you want to enjoy a lively environment, stop by New Castle Farmers Market.

Check out the festive and joyous New Castle Farmers Market.

Dozens of vendors with food stands line the market, offering an array of cuisines.

For example, try the Amish cuisine, authentic Italian pizza, fresh produce, baked goods, Philadelphia-style pretzels, and more.

The market is a great place to hang out with your family and friends.

After all, Delaware Today once voted it the “ Best in Delaware.”

Stop by New Castle Farmers Market and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere!

Race Go-Karts at New Castle’s Xtreme Zone

If you’re looking for an adrenaline-rush after exploring the historical attractions around New Castle, you should head to Xtreme Zone and try go-karting!

Xtreme Zone offers you a thrilling go-kart ride with a maximum speed of 40mph and a mile track of nine turns.

You can also play virtually, choose a sports car, and track your choice.

The entertainment center also offers ax tossing at digitally-projected targets of tic-tac-toe or zombies.

Test your accuracy with this game!

Moreover, snack bars in the center refuel your energy and enable you to get back to enjoying the games again.

Xtreme Zone is perfect for your friends or family, so visit this exciting entertainment center!

Check Out the New Castle Visitor Center at the Arsenal

If you haven’t been to New Castle yet, you should check out New Castle Visitor Center at The Arsenal.

New Castle Visitor Center at The Arsenal, located at Market Street, provides a thorough guide and information about the city, including museums, restaurants, and other attractions.

There’s also an exhibit about the historical background and a brief orientation video of the city.

You’ll find great insider tips at the New Castle Visitor Center at the Arsenal, which will help you have an unforgettable trip.

Visit the New Castle Court House Museum

Exterior of the New Castle Court House Museum

Zack Frank / Shutterstock.com

Did you know that Pennsylvania and England once colonized New Castle?

New Castle only declared their independence from these colonizers in 1776.

The newly independent citizens of New Castle, Sussex, and Kent County signed their declaration of independence at the New Castle Court House Museum.

Interior of New Castle Court House Museum

Ethelred unraed, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Visit this historically significant museum at Delaware Street in New Castle and learn more about its history.

Spend the day learning new information at the New Castle Court House Museum.

Office in New Castle Court House Museum

Ethelred unraed, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Enjoy a Cup of Organic Coffee at Wheelys Farmstand Café

Situated at Historic Penn Farms, Wheelys Farmstand Café is one of the perfect spots to have some fresh organic coffee.

Wheelys Farmstand Cafe offers local produce, to-go meals, the award-winning Belgian waffle, crispy chicken, and more.

The meals are tasty, and the vast scenic and open view outside the farm also amplifies your appetite.

Start your day right at Wheelys Farmstand Cafe!

Spend a Relaxing Day at First State National Historical Park

If you’re new to New Castle, familiarize yourself with the city by visiting the First State National Historical Park.

You’ll learn more about significant Colonial events, the Declaration of Independence, the Underground Railroad, and more historical events.

Check out the historic buildings, such as the Green Dover and Woodlawn, on the grounds.

First State National Historic Park is perfect if you’re a history enthusiast, so visit the refreshing and relaxing park in New Castle.

Grab a Quick Bite of Pizza at Porto-Fino Pizza & Restaurant

If you’re craving pizza, stop by Porto-Fino Pizza & Restaurant!

Porto-Fino Pizza & Restaurant is an Italian restaurant established in 1984.

You’ll savor delicious deep-dish pizzas, steaks, seafood, burgers, Greek salads, and other delectable items at the restaurant.

Their pizzas use only fresh dough and sauce, topped with high-quality mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, and more.

You’re sure to find something on Porto-Fino Pizza & Restaurant’s menu that will satisfy your cravings.

Try Frozen Treats at Dairy Palace

Exterior of the Dairy Palace

JERRYE & ROY KLOTZ, M.D., CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

If you feel the weather getting a bit hot and humid during summer, have some chilly desserts at Dairy Palace!

More than five decades have passed since the opening of this dessert paradise in New Castle.

The ice cream shop takes you back to your childhood days with savory soft serves, milkshakes, slushies, and sundaes.

You can choose whichever flavor you want and satiate your sweet cravings at Dairy Palace!

Dine in a New Orleans-inspired Restaurant at Nora Lee’s

One of New Castle’s most exquisite restaurants lies at Delaware Street, Nora Lee’s.

Nora Lee’s is a New Orleans-inspired restaurant serving you various tasty cuisines.

The restaurant makes all the delicious dishes with only the finest ingredients.

You’ll find yourself enjoying every bite of seafood, oysters, and other savory dishes.

Likewise, you’ll relish every sip of their signature drinks, wines, bottled beers, and cocktail selections.

Have an unforgettable dining experience with Nora Lee’s in New Castle.

Other Things to Do Nearby

Sail the Ship of Kalmar Nyckel

The docked ship of Kalmar Nyckel

Liz Van Steenburgh / Shutterstock.com

Located in Willmington Riverfront, Delaware, about 14 minutes from New Castle, the tall ship Klamar Nyckel awaits you.

Details of the Kalmar Nyckel ship

Krumpelman Photography / Shutterstock.com

While sailing on the ship, you’ll find more about life at sea, giving you an overview of early life in Delaware and America.

Enjoy the experience of hauling and setting sails, or ride on Kalmar Nyckel and delight in the stunning sea view!

Kalmar Nyckel ship ropes

Krumpelman Photography / Shutterstock.com

Visit the Famous Delaware Art Museum

Lincoln sculpture in Delaware Art Museum

Ad Meskens, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

One of Delaware’s most famous attractions is the Delaware Art Museum.

You can find it in Wilmington, Delaware, 20 minutes from New Castle.

The Delaware Art Museum features the most extensive art collection in the area with more than 12,000 vintage and modern artworks from all over the country.

Outside the museum, you can also find a spectacular outdoor sculpture park.

Visit Delaware Art Museum and enjoy the impressive artworks!

Final Thoughts

New Castle is a great city to visit when in Delaware.

The city offers many places to check out and lets you venture into new historical and exciting adventures, thanks to the museums, entertainment centers, and other attractions.

Go on an adventure and try these things to do in New Castle.

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