Top Things to Do in Detroit
From the tip of its skyscrapers to its riverside green spaces, this major metro exudes energy. Check out our tips on what to do, where to eat and where to stay in Detroit.
Pandemic-related closures and restrictions may be in place. Please check destinations' websites before making travel plans.
What to do
Belle Isle Park The 900-plus acre state park in the Detroit River delivers a lineup of next-to-nature moments, including an impressive new garden. The Oudolf Garden Detroit debuts with more than 2.5 acres of plants in front of the Nancy Brown Peace Carillon. Also on the island, discover the free aquarium with more than 1,000 fish, and the domed conservatory housing rare plants. Plus, there's a marble lighthouse, beach, bike path and maritime museum. michigandnr.com
The Belt The alley's name (The Belt) comes from where it sits—the former garment district—in downtown. Murals, bars and restaurants line the public space. thebelt.org
Campus Martius Park On downtown's Woodward Avenue, a green spot with lawn, gardens and beach caters to picnics, skyscraper gazing and entertainment. campusmartiuspark.org
Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History Exhibits cover 3.2 million years of African and African American history. A is for Africa introduces young visitors to the history and culture of Africa through 26 interactive stations. thewright.org
Cranbrook Educational Community In suburban Bloomfield Hills, this campus of buildings and institutions includes 40 acres of lovely gardens, plus an art museum with works by Roy Lichtenstein and Andy Warhol. The campus is a National Historic Landmark. cranbrook.edu
Dequindre Cut The 2-mile paved trail stretches from the Riverfront to Eastern Market. Commissioned graffiti lines the walls. detroitriverfront.org
Detroit Historical Museum The Streets of Old Detroit provides a look at life in the 1840s, 1870s and 1900s. Visitors can also create music tracks at the energetic Kid Rock Music Lab. detroithistorical.org
Detroit Institute of Arts The 66,000-piece collection, one of the nation's most significant, includes Diego Rivera's 1932–33 Detroit Industry murals. dia.org
Detroit International RiverWalk More than 3 miles of riverfront link parks, gardens, a carousel and public spaces. detroitriverfront.org
Eastern Market On Saturdays year-round, 225 vendors sell flowers, food and art. Seasonal Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday night markets feature crafts, music, demos and classes. easternmarket.com
The Ford House Detroit's first family, Edsel and Eleanor Ford, raised their four children in the impressive 60-room estate and gardens along Lake St. Clair (in Grosse Pointe Shores, 15 miles northeast of Detroit. fordhouse.org
Ford Piquette Avenue Plant Tour the 1904 building where the legendary Model T was created and first produced. fordpiquetteplant.org
The Henry Ford The pioneering automaker amassed an astonishing collection of Americana, including the bus that Rosa Parks rode and a camp bed used by George Washington. See the museum and adjoining Greenfield Village in Dearborn, about 20 minutes west of Detroit. thehenryford.org
Motown Museum Explore label founder Berry Gordy's home recording studio, with original instruments. motownmuseum.org
Sports Cheer on Major League Baseball's Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park, or head to the $860 million Little Caesars Arena to see the National Hockey League's Red Wings or the National Basketball Association's Pistons. The National Football League's Lions play at Ford Field.
Where to eat
Buddy's Pizza Locals have thronged to this former speakeasy for its signature Sicilian crust piled with fresh toppings and hand-grated cheese. buddyspizza.com
Eatori Market Apps like Charred Shishito Peppers, Burrata and Fiery Grilled Shrimp make an ideal meal for a small group at this restaurant with a market. eatorimarket.com
Grey Ghost Detroit Named for a rum-running pirate on the Detroit River, the Brush Park/Midtown spot delivers on cocktails with names like Monster Under the Bed (rum, kiwi, coconut). Pair your drinks with a cheeseburger. greyghostdetroit.com
La Lanterna Neopolitan-style pizza and classic Italian dishes draw a loyal following to this family-owned eatery in Capitol Park. La Lanterna on Facebook
Lumen Detroit Dine on crab cakes, Michigan pork chops and burgers in a glass-and-wood space overlooking Beacon Park. lumendetroit.com
Marrow The West Village butcher shop also serves a five-course dinner and a Sunday brunch with must-have garden hash. marrowdetroit.com
Pegasus Taverna It's all about Greek faves (moussaka, pastitsio, gyros) at this Greektown spot. pegasustaverna.com
Penny Red's Get a bucket of fried chicken at this downtown locale, which shares space with The Brakeman, a beer hall. pennyreds.com
Prime and Proper Top-notch service enhances dry-aged steak, chops and seafood in the 1912 Capitol Park Lofts building downtown. primeandproperdetroit.com
Rattlesnake Club Whether you get dinner or just cocktails, plan to sit on the patio along the river. rattlesnakedetroit.com
Selden Standard Three-time James Beard semifinalist Andy Hollyday specializes in small plates with fun flavor combos, such as scallops with pomegranate seeds. Pair with small-batch beers and wines. seldenstandard.com
SheWolf Pastificio and Bar Contemporary Italian dishes (with pasta made from flour milled in-house) shine at the Midtown restaurant. shewolfdetroit.com
Sister Pie Lisa Ludwinski's West Village bakery turns out heavenly pies with buttery crusts and other from-scratch treats. sisterpie.com
Slows Bar BQ Mammoth sandwiches such as the Yardbird—smoked chicken with mushrooms, cheese and applewood bacon—make the Corktown spot popular. slowsbarbq.com
Slows Bar BQ
Where to stay
Aloft Detroit at The David Whitney A $92 million restoration preserved the 1915 building's four-story marble and terra-cotta lobby while creating 136 thoroughly contemporary hotel rooms. aloftdetroit.com
The Dearborn Inn, A Marriott Hotel Try The Henry Ford package: breakfast for two adults and two tickets to The Henry Ford. marriott.com
Detroit Foundation Hotel Vintage and modern touches blend to create a stellar experience at the former Detroit Fire Department Headquarters. The hotel boasts 100 rooms and the Apparatus Room restaurant. detroitfoundationhotel.com
Detroit Marriott at the Renaissance Center The 70-story downtown hotel offers views of the city and beyond through floor-to-ceiling windows. marriott.com
El Moore Guests find rooftop urban cabins, light-filled main-floor rooms and budget-friendly lower-level quarters in a renovated 1898 Midtown apartment building. elmoore.com
The Shinola Hotel The Detroit-based company known for leather watches and bags teamed with urban-revitalization master Bedrock to create a 129-room boutique hotel in Midtown. shinolahotel.com
The Siren Hotel A $22 million renovation turned the decaying 1926 Wurlitzer Building into a 106-room boutique hotel. The Candy Bar lounge's pink decor and sparkling disco ball reflect the hotel's sexy appeal. thesirenhotel.com
The Westin Book Cadillac Though the exterior retains its Italian Renaissance styling, the guest rooms are modern. bookcadillacwestin.com
For more information visitdetroit.com