Detroit
Save31 hand-picked places in 10 lists. Tick the categories you want to see on the map.
Only have a day? See 2 ready-made day plans ↓10 places on the map
Top 10
- 1
World-class art museum home to Diego Rivera's Detroit Industry murals
3 tips
- Do not miss the Rivera Court
- Free for residents of three local counties
- Allow three hours
📷 Photos
- 2
Huge museum of American innovation in Dearborn
- Tip: Allow a few hours
2 tips
- Buy combo tickets with Greenfield Village
- Drive or rideshare from downtown
📷 Photos
- 3
Hitsville U.S.A., the birthplace of the Motown sound
- Tip: Book ahead
2 tips
- Photos not allowed inside
- Tours include Studio A
📷 Photos
- 4
Island park with conservatory, aquarium and skyline views
- Tip: Sunset
3 tips
- Drive or bike across the bridge
- Visit the Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory
- Sunset skyline views from the east side
📷 Photos
- 5
Mile-long riverfront promenade with views of Canada
- Tip: Sunset
3 tips
- Rent a bike or stroll
- Beautiful at sunset
- Includes carousel and parks
📷 Photos
- 6
Historic public market with Saturday crowds and murals
- Tip: Go early
2 tips
- Saturday is the main market day
- Look for murals on surrounding walls
📷 Photos
- 7
Ornate 1928 movie palace and concert venue
3 tips
- Check show schedule
- Pair with a Tigers game nearby
- Tours offered at select times
📷 Photos
- 8
Home of the Detroit Tigers with a carousel and Ferris wheel
3 tips
- Look for giant tiger statues at the entrance
- Stadium tours are available
- Combine with Little Caesars Arena
📷 Photos
- 9
Art Deco skyscraper known as the Cathedral of Finance
- Tip: Weekdays
2 tips
- Colorful Pewabic tile ceiling
- Great for photos
📷 Photos
- 10
Riverfront tower complex and GM headquarters
3 tips
- Walk the Wintergarden for river views
- Easy access to the Riverwalk
- Many dining options
📷 Photos
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Before you go: Detroit tips
Transportation
- Ride the QLine on Woodward: the streetcar runs along Woodward Avenue from downtown through Midtown to New Center, stopping near the DIA, Comerica Park and Little Caesars Arena.
- Take the SMART FAST bus to the airport: the FAST Michigan route links Detroit Metro Airport with downtown, a cheaper option than a long taxi or rideshare ride.
- Cross to Windsor by tunnel bus: the Tunnel Bus runs under the Detroit River to Windsor, Canada; bring your passport and enjoy the view of Detroit's skyline from across the water.
Security
- Stay in active areas after dark: downtown, Midtown, Corktown and the Riverwalk are lively at night, but large vacant stretches between them are best crossed by car or rideshare.
- Never leave valuables visible: car break-ins happen near stadiums and nightlife, so lock bags in the trunk before you arrive or carry them with you.
- Watch for potholes and Michigan lefts: if driving, roads can be rough after winter, and many main roads use Michigan left turns, where you go straight then U-turn.
Saving
- Explore Belle Isle on foot or bike: the island park has the Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory, an aquarium and beaches; cars need a Michigan Recreation Passport but walkers enter free.
- Go to free festivals: the Detroit Jazz Festival over Labor Day weekend is free, and summer events at Campus Martius and Hart Plaza bring free music downtown.
- Shop Saturdays at Eastern Market: the historic market sells produce, meats and baked goods at farm prices; arrive early, then admire the murals around the sheds.
Weather/Clothing
- Dress for snowy winters: December to February brings snow and freezing winds off the Detroit River, so pack an insulated coat, boots, gloves and a hat.
- Plan for humid summers: July and August can be hot and sticky with thunderstorms, so bring light clothes, sunscreen for the Riverwalk and a small umbrella.
- Layer in spring and fall: temperatures swing widely in a single day, so a light jacket and sweater are handy, especially for evening games at Comerica Park.
Cultural
- Pick a side at the Coney rivalry: American Coney Island and Lafayette Coney Island sit side by side downtown, each serving chili-topped hot dogs; locals defend their favourite.
- Visit Hitsville U.S.A.: the Motown Museum in the original studio on West Grand Boulevard tells the story of the label that made Detroit famous for soul music.
- Taste Detroit flavours: try square Detroit-style pizza with crispy caramelised edges, Vernors ginger ale, Faygo soda and Middle Eastern food in nearby Dearborn.
Local Hacks
- See Diego Rivera at the DIA: the Detroit Industry murals at the Detroit Institute of Arts fill a whole courtyard and are among the finest public art in the country.
- Walk the Dequindre Cut: this sunken greenway lined with graffiti art links the Riverwalk with Eastern Market, a pleasant car-free route on foot or by MoGo bike.
- Peek inside the Guardian Building: this downtown art deco skyscraper has a dazzling tiled lobby that is open to the public, perfect for a quick stop between sights.
1-day itineraries in Detroit
Only have a day? Each one keeps you in one area, from morning to late afternoon, with lunch nearby.
Day 1 of 2
Comerica Park and around
🕘 9:30–17:00📍 6 stops
- 1Comerica Park
- 2Fox Theatre
- 3Guardian Building
- 4Spirit of Detroit
- 5Renaissance Center
- and 1 more
Day 2 of 2
Motown Museum and around
🕘 9:30–17:30📍 4 stops
- 1Motown Museum
- 2Detroit Historical Museum
- 3Detroit Institute of Arts
- 4Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit
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