- Top Attractions
- See & Do
- Eat & Drink
- Hotels
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Why Visit Detroit
Detroit's story began in 1701 as a French outpost. Its Gilded Age wealth produced Art Deco marvels like the Guardian Building, known locally as the "Cathedral of Finance" for its vibrant Pewabic Pottery tiles, one of the top attractions in Detroit.
Explore the 982-acre Belle Isle Park, an island larger than Central Park and a highlight in any Detroit travel guide. Bike the Dequindre Cut, a former rail line transformed into a greenway, or walk the award-winning International RiverWalk.
The city's food scene is one of the best reasons to visit Detroit. Try a true Coney dog, with its signature beanless chili and natural casing frank. Savor square, deep-dish pizza, and pair it with Vernors, one of America's oldest ginger ales.
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Quick Travel Essentials
- Apr-Jun & Sep-Octmild weather, fewer crowds
- Jul-Aughot & busy
- Wintercold, light snowfall
- #ComfortableShoes
- #WeatherAppropriateClothing
- #Camera
- #ReusableWaterBottle
- #Sunscreen
- 3-5 days for highlights
- 6-7 with day trips & nearby attractions
- USD ($)
- English
- English is an official language here
- #DetroitInstituteOfArts
- #TheHenryFord
- #MotownMuseum
- #BelleIslePark
- #Greektown
- #DetroitRiverWalk
- Stroll along the Detroit Riverwalk
- Explore the Detroit Institute of Arts
- Try Detroit-style pizza
- Visit the Motown Museum
- Attend a sports game at Ford Field
Recommended Hotels in Detroit by Experience
Things to do in Detroit
Discover
Exploring Detroit uncovers a rich tapestry of sights. See priceless art at the Detroit Institute of Arts, ascend the GM Renaissance Center for panoramic views, and wander through the historic architecture and gardens of Belle Isle Park.
Experience
Catch a Tigers game at Comerica Park or a show in the Theatre District. Experience local flavors at Eastern Market, one of the oldest public markets. Enjoy seasonal events like the North American International Auto Show or summer festivals.
Detroit Institute of Arts
Art museum with Rivera murals and a vast global collection.
The Henry Ford Museum
Museum of American innovation, history, and technology.
Motown Museum (Hitsville U.S.A.)
Historic recording studio where Motown legends recorded.
GM Renaissance Center
Skyscraper complex offering skyline views and retail.
Belle Isle Park
Island park with a conservatory, aquarium, and nature zoo.
Eastern Market
Historic public market with food, art, and vendors.
Detroit Riverwalk
Scenic waterfront path for walking, biking, and events.
Before You Arrive
Getting There
Fly into Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW). For the trip from the Detroit airport to city center, take the SMART FAST bus for ~$2. A Detroit shuttle bus or taxi is faster (~30 min). Amtrak's Wolverine line offers a train to Detroit from Chicago.
Getting Around
Public transport in Detroit includes the downtown People Mover loop and the QLINE streetcar along Woodward Ave. DDOT and SMART buses cover the wider area. Use the Dart pass for seamless rides. MoGo bike-share stations are plentiful for shorter trips.
Local Essentials
Driving in Detroit is common; consider a car rental in Detroit. Use the ParkDetroit app for parking and be prepared for the 'Michigan Left' turn. As Detroit travel tips for first-timers, check event schedules, as they heavily impact downtown traffic.
Where to Stay in Detroit
Where to Eat and Drink
Celebrate
Explore traditional food in Detroit by grabbing a classic Coney dog or a slice of square, deep-dish pizza. To truly eat like a local, taste a Boston Cooler made with Vernors. Late-night stops for a coney are a cherished city ritual.
Enjoy
For the best restaurants in Detroit, hit Slows Bar BQ's industrial space, expect queues. Green Dot Stables has a lively vibe, sliders cheap. The Hudson Cafe is a bustling brunch spot, go early to beat the crowds and enjoy the city.
Slows Bar BQ
Legendary barbecue in a rustic, industrial setting.
Lafayette Coney Island
Iconic, no-frills spot for classic Detroit coney dogs.
Selden Standard
Seasonal small plates from a wood-fired oven. Book ahead.
Joe Muer Seafood
Upscale waterfront dining with premium seafood and service.
Events & Festivals
Celebrate
Explore Detroit's heritage through must-see events. America's Thanksgiving Parade, one of the nation's oldest, features giant balloons and vintage papier-mâché heads. Southwest Detroit's Día de Muertos honors Mexican tradition with ofrendas.
Enjoy
Discover Detroit's creative pulse through its modern festivals. Experience the globally recognized Movement, an electronic music festival in the birthplace of Techno. Murals in the Market transforms Eastern Market with vibrant street art.
Movement Electronic Music Festival
Memorial Day weekend electronic & techno music event in Hart Plaza.
Detroit Jazz Festival
World's largest free jazz festival over Labor Day weekend.
America's Thanksgiving Parade(R)
One of the nation's oldest Thanksgiving parades, since 1924.
Murals in the Market
September festival with live mural painting in Eastern Market.
Ford Fireworks
A massive annual fireworks display over the Detroit River in June.
Día de Muertos
Celebrations in early Nov. honoring Mexican Day of the Dead.
DLECTRICITY
A nighttime festival of art and light in Midtown Detroit.
Great Energy in the Motor City
Detroit has this incredible forward momentum you can feel just walking around. The city is clean, people are welcoming, and there's a real sense of pride. Seeing The Spirit of Detroit statue up close really captured that feeling for me. A truly cool place.
Architectural Marvels Everywhere
The buildings downtown are just spectacular. So much detail and history in the architecture. The inside of the Guardian Building is an absolute must-see, the tile work is out of this world. It's a very walkable city for sightseeing. Great trip.
Music History is Alive Here
Detroit's musical heritage is incredible. You can really feel the history of sound that came from here. The Motown Museum is a must, it gives you such a great look into how it all started. The whole city has a creative feel to it. So much to see.
Awesome Food and Fun Neighborhoods
Loved exploring the different areas. Greektown had so much going on, and we had some amazing Detroit-style pizza there. It's easy to get around and each neighborhood felt different. The food scene is solid with a lot of cool local spots to check out.
So Much Public Art
I was really taken with all the art around the city. From huge murals to unique installations, there's something new to see on every corner. The Heidelberg Project was a thought-provoking and unique experience. It was great to see so much creativity.
Fun Winter Weekend
We had a great time visiting in the winter. The ice rink at Campus Martius Park was so much fun and the area around it was decorated nicely. It was a perfect spot for a city break, with lots of cozy cafes and things to do indoors and out.