When I first visited Detroit, Michigan, I honestly didn’t know what kind of city I was stepping into. I’d heard so many things its industrial legacy, the birthplace of Motown, and of course, its legendary cars. Some people still talk about Detroit in terms of decline, but walking its streets quickly showed me a different story: a city that’s creative, resilient, and constantly reinventing itself.
Detroit is full of contrasts that make it fascinating to explore. On one hand, you’ll find art deco skyscrapers with lobbies that sparkle like jewelry boxes, world-class museums that rival any big city, and historic neighborhoods brimming with character. On the other, there are leafy green parks where locals gather for festivals, colorful murals along former rail lines, and buzzing markets where you can eat, shop, and feel the community come alive.
What surprised me most was how welcoming and proud Detroiters are. Whether I was grabbing a slice of Detroit-style pizza in a family-run restaurant or chatting with an artist at Eastern Market, everyone had a story to tell about their city and its comeback. That human warmth, paired with the sheer variety of things to see and do, made Detroit one of the most rewarding cities I’ve explored in the U.S.
If you’re planning a trip, this guide to the best things to do in Detroit will help you experience the city the way I did through its art, music, food, neighborhoods, and the energy of the people who call it home.
1. Walk the Detroit Riverwalk
Detroit’s Riverwalk stretches for over five miles along the Detroit River, and it’s the kind of place that makes you fall in love with a city. Voted America’s Best Riverwalk multiple times, it blends nature, art, and urban energy into one beautiful pathway.
When I visited in the morning, I passed joggers starting their day with skyline views, families biking together, and fishermen quietly casting their lines. By evening, it transformed into a romantic stroll with twinkling lights reflecting off the water.
Along the way you’ll find small parks, splash pads for kids, and outdoor art installations that make you stop and smile. Cullen Plaza is a perfect pit stop grab a coffee, sit by the fountains, and watch boats cruise past. If you keep walking west, you’ll eventually reach the Riverfront Conservancy’s parks and even connect to the Dequindre Cut, a vibrant greenway filled with murals.
If you’re traveling with kids, the carousel at Cullen Plaza is a hit. For adults, I recommend heading here at sunset the views across to Windsor, Canada, are unforgettable.
2. Explore Belle Isle Park
Just minutes from downtown, Belle Isle Park is Detroit’s own island escape. Spanning nearly 1,000 acres, it’s the kind of place you can easily spend half a day exploring.
Here’s what stood out to me:
- Belle Isle Aquarium: Built in 1904, this is the oldest aquarium in the U.S. It’s small but full of character, with historic green glass tile ceilings and unique freshwater species you won’t see elsewhere.
- Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory: A five-dome glasshouse filled with exotic plants. Stepping inside felt like a mini trip to the tropics, especially on a chilly Detroit afternoon.
- Dossin Great Lakes Museum: A must if you love maritime history. I was fascinated by the stories of shipping and shipwrecks on the Great Lakes.
- Sunset Point: True to its name, this was one of the best spots I found for watching the skyline glow at dusk.
Beyond the attractions, Belle Isle has a beach, picnic areas, and trails where you can slow down and enjoy nature.
You’ll need a Michigan Recreation Passport or a day pass for entry. Parking is plentiful, but weekends can get busy arrive earlier for a calmer experience.
3. Visit the Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA)
The Detroit Institute of Arts is a world-class museum that could hold its own in Paris or New York. What makes it unforgettable, though, is the Rivera Court, where Diego Rivera’s Detroit Industry Murals cover every inch of the walls. Standing there, I felt overwhelmed by the power of his art an honest, complex portrait of Detroit’s workers, technology, and history.
But the DIA goes far beyond Rivera. Its galleries include European masters like Van Gogh and Rembrandt, African American art that beautifully reflects Detroit’s own cultural heritage, ancient artifacts, and rotating exhibitions that bring fresh energy. I easily spent three hours inside, and I still felt like I’d only scratched the surface.
Admission is free for residents of Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb counties. If you’re visiting from outside, book tickets online in advance, especially during special exhibitions. Plan at least half a day you’ll want the time.
4. Feel the Soul at Motown Museum
Suppose you’ve ever tapped your foot to Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross, or Stevie Wonder. In that case, you need to visit the Motown Museum, also known as Hitsville U.S.A.. This modest white house on West Grand Boulevard is where Berry Gordy built an empire that reshaped music forever.
Walking through the rooms where legends once recorded gave me goosebumps. The guided tour takes you past memorabilia, original costumes, and photographs before leading you into Studio A the exact space where classics like My Girl and Dancing in the Street were recorded. I’ll admit, I felt a little star-struck imagining the Supremes or the Temptations standing in the same spot.
Tours sell out quickly, especially in summer weekends. Reserve tickets in advance to guarantee your spot.
5. Admire Detroit’s Architecture
Detroit is often called the birthplace of the American skyscraper, and exploring its architecture was one of the highlights of my trip. The mix of art deco, neoclassical, and modern design makes the skyline truly unique.
- Guardian Building: Nicknamed the “Cathedral of Finance,” its lobby is a masterpiece of colorful tiles, mosaics, and stained glass. Walking inside felt like stepping into an ornate palace.
- Fisher Building: Sometimes referred to as Detroit’s largest art object, the Fisher is an art deco gem filled with marble and bronze details. Guided tours are available, and they’re worth it to learn about the building’s history.
- Michigan Central Station: Once abandoned and crumbling, this historic train station has been recently restored and reopened. Standing in its grand halls, I felt the weight of Detroit’s past and its hopeful future.
Visit the Guardian Building in the late afternoon the golden light streaming through the windows brings its details to life.
6. Discover Street Art at the Heidelberg Project & Dequindre Cut
Detroit’s creativity isn’t confined to galleries it spills onto the streets in bold, colorful ways.
- The Heidelberg Project: Located on Detroit’s east side, this outdoor community art project transforms an entire block into a thought-provoking installation. Abandoned houses are covered in polka dots, stacked with old toys, and turned into sculptures that reflect both Detroit’s struggles and its resilience. Wandering through, I felt like I was walking inside a living piece of social commentary.
- Dequindre Cut: Once an abandoned rail line, this two-mile greenway is now filled with vibrant murals, bike paths, and greenery. I rented a MoGo bike and rode from the Riverwalk up to Eastern Market, stopping often to photograph the street art. It’s safe, easy, and gives you a different perspective of the city.
The murals change regularly so even if you’ve been before, there’s always something new to discover.
7. Spend Time at Eastern Market
If you want to feel the pulse of Detroit, head to Eastern Market, one of the oldest and largest year-round markets in the U.S. The energy here is contagious: vendors calling out their produce, street musicians adding rhythm, and walls covered in massive murals from local and international artists.
When I visited on a Saturday, I wandered through stalls selling everything from fresh flowers to artisan cheeses. The smell of spices, baked bread, and BBQ made me wish I had brought a bigger appetite. It’s also a great place to shop for unique souvenirs Detroit-made jams, art prints, or handmade crafts.
Seasonal highlight: If you’re visiting in May, don’t miss Flower Day, when the entire market transforms into a sea of color with thousands of plants and blooms for sale.
8. Enjoy Detroit’s Sports Scene
Detroit isn’t called the “City of Champions” for nothing. Whether you’re a baseball, football, hockey, or basketball fan, there’s always a game to catch.
- Comerica Park (Tigers): More than just baseball there’s a Ferris wheel, a carousel, and skyline views from the stands.
- Ford Field (Lions): I was struck by how close you feel to the action in this modern stadium.
- Little Caesars Arena (Red Wings & Pistons): This venue is buzzing year-round, with not only sports but also concerts and shows.
Even if you don’t go inside, walking around on game day is an experience itself. The excitement spills into bars and restaurants, and the whole city feels alive.
Check the schedules ahead of your trip. Even grabbing last-minute tickets is worth it for the atmosphere.
9. Cruise on the Detroit Princess Riverboat
One evening I boarded the Detroit Princess Riverboat for a dinner cruise, and it was one of the most unique ways to see the city. The multi-deck paddlewheel boat offers sightseeing trips and evening cruises with live music.
Gliding along the Detroit River, I had panoramic views of the skyline, the Ambassador Bridge, and even Windsor across the water. The mix of jazz music, great food, and the city lights sparkling on the water made it feel extra special.
Summer and early fall are perfect, especially for sunset cruises.
10. Dive Into Detroit’s Food Scene
Detroit is a city for food lovers, and I quickly learned that its culinary scene is as diverse as its people.
- Detroit-Style Pizza: Thick, square, and crispy-edged. Buddy’s Pizza is the original, and I can’t recommend it enough.
- Coney Dogs: Detroiters are passionate about their hot dogs especially the rivalry between Lafayette Coney Island and American Coney Island, which sit side by side downtown.
- BBQ: Head to Slows Bar BQ in Corktown for pulled pork and brisket that locals swear by.
- Creative Dining: At Grey Ghost, I had one of the best burgers of my life, paired with an inventive cocktail.
- Sweets & Bakeries: Sister Pie in West Village offers pies that change with the seasons my slice of salted maple was unforgettable.
Neighborhood eats: Don’t skip Mexicantown for authentic tacos at Taqueria El Rey.
11. Explore Detroit’s Neighborhoods
Detroit is a city of neighborhoods, each with its own personality. Exploring them was one of the highlights of my trip:
- Corktown: Detroit’s oldest neighborhood, now filled with trendy bars, Slows BBQ, and historic row houses.
- Midtown: Cultural hub with the DIA, MOCAD, and plenty of cozy cafes.
- Greektown: Bright lights, casinos, and late-night energy.
- Mexicantown: Authentic Mexican food, colorful murals, and a strong sense of community.
Spend a day hopping between neighborhoods. It gives you a deeper sense of Detroit beyond downtown.
12. Experience Detroit’s Festivals & Events
Detroit knows how to celebrate, and timing your visit around an event can completely change your experience.
- Movement Electronic Music Festival (May): A three-day celebration of techno music at Hart Plaza. If you love electronic beats, this is bucket-list worthy.
- Detroit Jazz Festival (Labor Day): The largest free jazz festival in the world spanning downtown stages.
- North American International Auto Show (January): Car enthusiasts will love this, as Detroit is the Motor City after all.
Book hotels early if your trip overlaps with one of these events rooms fill up quickly.
13. Catch a Show at the Fox Theatre
The Fox Theatre is one of Detroit’s crown jewels. Even before the show began, I spent time admiring the golden ceilings, crystal chandeliers, and intricate details it felt like stepping into a movie palace from the 1920s.
The theatre hosts Broadway tours, concerts, comedy shows, and more. Honestly, it’s worth visiting just to see the inside, but catching a performance here makes the experience unforgettable.
Where to Stay in Detroit
Detroit has accommodation options for every style and budget. Here are a few I’d recommend:
- Shinola Hotel: Modern, stylish, and right downtown.
- Detroit Foundation Hotel: A boutique hotel inside a former firehouse with sleek design.
- The Siren Hotel: Quirky and colorful, with a rooftop bar that locals love.
- Greektown Casino-Hotel: Perfect if you want nightlife and entertainment in one place.
For a first visit, stay downtown or Midtown for easy access to most attractions.
Getting Around Detroit
Getting around Detroit is easier than most people think:
- Detroit People Mover: A free elevated loop around downtown great for first-time visitors.
- QLine Streetcar: Runs along Woodward Avenue and connects downtown to Midtown. Also free.
- MoGo Bike Share: Docking stations all over the city. Perfect for riding the Dequindre Cut.
- Driving/Parking: Use the ParkDetroit app to find and pay for parking.
Windsor, Canada, is just across the river for a quick international side trip (check current border crossing options, as the Tunnel Bus ends August 2025).
Conclusion
Leaving Detroit, I realized it’s not a city you can sum up in a single word or headline. It’s a place of layers, industrial grit blending with modern creativity, Motown rhythms echoing alongside techno beats, historic neighborhoods sitting next to sparkling new developments. More than anything, it’s a city that refuses to be defined by its past alone.
What I loved most was the balance between big-ticket attractions and small, personal moments. One day I was standing under Diego Rivera’s murals at the DIA, feeling awestruck by the scale of it all. The next, I was on Belle Isle at sunset with nothing but the skyline and the sound of the water. Detroit gave me history, architecture, music, and food but it also gave me conversations with locals, unexpected laughter at a street mural, and a deeper sense of how much pride people carry for their hometown.
If you come here with curiosity and an open mind, Detroit will reward you with stories you’ll carry long after you leave. It’s not just about ticking off attractions; it’s about experiencing a city that’s still writing its next chapter, and being part of that story even if just for a few days.
So whether you’re drawn to museums, sports, street art, or just really good pizza, you’ll find your version of Detroit waiting for you. And trust me: it’s a city that will surprise you in the best way possible.