Discover the BEST Things to Do in Downtown Detroit
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As a city steeped in history, Detroit Michigan stands as a testament to resilience and rebirth. Once the beating heart of the American automobile industry, the city’s legacy is woven with the threads of innovation and ingenuity.
From the rise of Motown Records to its pivotal role in the Civil Rights Movement, Detroit — whether it’s known as The D, Motor City, or Motown — echoes with the melodies of progress and empowerment.
Downtown Detroit is comprised of seven neighborhoods — Corktown, Entertainment District, Midtown, The District, Eastern Market, Greektown, and Rivertown — and is a dynamic, appealing urban center.
It’s characterized by a rich tapestry of historic architecture, attractions, entertainment venues, and an award-winning waterfront, as well as a diverse array of dining and shopping options.
With so much to see and do, Downtown Detroit has something to offer visitors of all ages and remains a popular spot for fun-filled day trips and memorable extended stays.
Getting To & Around Detroit Michigan
Detroit offers multiple transportation options to navigate its vibrant urban landscape. The city boasts an extensive network of roads and highways, making driving a popular choice for residents and visitors alike.
Public transportation is facilitated by the Detroit Department of Transportation and the Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation, offering bus services that connect various neighborhoods and suburbs.
Detroit’s growing bike-sharing programs and dedicated bike lanes provide a convenient means of eco-friendly exploration. Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft also offer convenient alternatives for getting around.
Additionally, Detroit’s iconic People Mover — an elevated rail system — provides a unique way to experience downtown attractions.
Outdoor Attractions & Green Spaces in Detroit
Detroit Riverwalk
This award-winning picturesque promenade stretches more than 4 miles along the Detroit River, allowing its thousands of visitors to enjoy stunning views of Windsor and Detroit’s iconic skyline.
The scenic path is lined with retail shops, restaurants, and art installations. Providing a path for walkers, joggers, and bikers, it winds past popular local spots like The Aretha Franklin Amphitheatre, Milliken State Park Lighthouse, and Outdoor Adventure Center.
Hart Plaza
Hart Plaza serves as a dynamic venue for a variety of festivals throughout the year, drawing crowds from near and far to celebrate music, culture, and community.
One of the most notable events is the Movement Electronic Music Festival, held annually over Memorial Day weekend. Additionally, Hart Plaza hosts the Detroit Jazz Festival over Labor Day weekend, the largest free jazz festival in the world.
Belle Isle Park
Officially known as Belle Isle State Park, this 982-acre park is a local jewel and the largest city island park of its kind. It offers residents and visitors a chance to enjoy breathtaking views, fun-filled attractions, and a peaceful atmosphere.
TIP: Douglas MacArthur bridge, which connects Belle Isle to the city, is located at Jefferson Avenue and East Grand Boulevard.
Belle Isle’s attractions include its famous aquarium, the Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory, the Belle Isle Nature Center, the Dossin Great Lakes Museum, and the James Scott Memorial Fountain.
Campus Martius Park
Sitting in the center of Detroit’s revitalized downtown, Campus Martius Park is beloved by locals who call the city home and a favorite for out-of-towners who want to experience the pulse of the city.
Keeping with its urban roots — surrounded by retail developments and office buildings — the park offers a place for visitors to rest, relax, and enjoy the very best of the city. A cascading fountain anchors the park, and the Soldiers and Sailors’ Monument, which towers over the park, is one of the city’s iconic memorials.
Sports & Recreation in Detroit Michigan
Comerica Park
Comerica Park is a venue embodying Detroit’s love for baseball. Home to the Detroit Tigers, the stadium offers a complete fan experience with picturesque skyline views and a variety of amenities. Its distinctive features, including the monumental Tiger sculpture at the stadium entrance and statues of Tigers greats in left field, pay homage to the team’s storied history and the city’s enduring spirit.
Little Caesars Arena
Little Caesars Arena stands as a beacon of innovation and the city’s passion for sports. Home to the Detroit Red Wings and the Detroit Pistons, the arena offers an unparalleled fan experience with dynamic seating configurations and an eclectic mix of amenities. Also, it hosts world-class concerts, family shows, and cultural events, drawing crowds from across the region.
Ford Field
Ford Field is a premier destination for sports and entertainment. Home to the Detroit Lions, the stadium boasts a striking design with its signature retractable roof and expansive seating capacity. With its modern amenities, including premium suites and club lounges, the stadium offers an exciting fan experience and is a popular site for high-profile events and concerts.
Fowling Warehouse
Since 2014 fowling — a unique game where bowling meats pigskin — has grown in popularity across the country. This brainchild of Michigan resident Chris Hutt and his friends from Michigan, fowling is a simple, fun game that involves throwing a football at a set of bowling pins.
Fowling Warehouse originated in Hamtramck and has several other locations in Michigan. By combining the best elements of a fall tailgate or a summer backyard barbecue, fowling is the perfect game to play with family and friends.
Museums & Historical Tours in Detroit
The Motown Museum
Founded in 1960 by Berry Gordy Jr., this iconic studio — known as Hitsville USA — cranked out hit after hit, providing a rich soundtrack for generations, featuring legendary artists like The Supremes, The Jackson 5, Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin, and more.
Visitors can tour this legendary Detroit landmark and see memorabilia, photos, and the original recording studio. The museum is soaked in history and helps give visitors a deeper understanding of the artists who shaped the Motown sound and left a lasting impact on music and popular culture.
Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History
As one of the nation’s premier African American history museums, the Wright Museum remains a beloved attraction in Detroit. Its collection of exhibits offers a fascinating and immersive look into African-American history, and its thousands of artifacts are awe-inspiring.
One permanent exhibit at The Wright is “And Still We Rise,” which offers a riveting look at African-American history and is a representation of African-American resilience. Another is Detroit Performs!, which showcases African-American contributions to the performing arts.
Detroit Institute of Arts
The Detroit Institute of Arts is a world-class museum and one of Detroit’s many jewels. With more than 65,000 artifacts and more than 100 galleries, it’s worth at least one visit.
The DIA’s diverse collection of artwork spans ancient to modern times. Visitors can admire masterpieces by renowned artists such as Vincent van Gogh, Diego Rivera, and Rembrandt, as well as significant collections of African, Asian, Native American, and Islamic art.
The Guardian Building
The Guardian Building is an architectural masterpiece, standing as a beacon of Art Deco elegance and innovation. This National Historic Landmark is known for its soaring tower and ornate exterior adorned with vibrant mosaics and intricate detailing. Inside, a breathtaking lobby showcases a symphony of colors, featuring vaulted ceilings with luminous Pewabic pottery tiles and stunning murals.
David Whitney Building
The David Whitney Building exudes timeless grandeur and sophistication. Its blend of historic charm and modern amenities serves as a testament to Detroit’s revitalization and enduring allure as a cultural and commercial hub.
The lobby greets guests with opulent marble floors, soaring ceilings, and ornate columns, reflecting the building’s rich architectural heritage. It remains a premier destination, housing luxurious accommodations, upscale dining establishments, and chic retail spaces.
Arts & Street Arts Scene in Detroit Michigan
From the renowned Detroit Institute of Arts to the Heidelberg Project to contemporary installations, Detroit’s art galleries and installations offer a captivating journey through the city’s vibrant cultural landscape.
Murals in the Market
While it’s a beloved spot for fresh food and artisanal goods, Eastern Market is also filled with colorful, creative art. The murals featured here include Shark Toof, Eastern Market Cold Storage, and Busy Bee Hardware.
Each mural contributes to the district’s unique atmosphere, offering visitors a captivating outdoor gallery that celebrates art, culture, and the rich tapestry of Detroit’s creative identity within the bustling market setting.
Heidelberg Project
Just outside of Downtown Detroit, 3600 Heidelberg Street is a scene unlike any other in the Motor City. This captivating outdoor art environment has transformed a once-blighted neighborhood into a vibrant and thought-provoking artistic landscape.
These creative artworks adorn houses, streets, and vacant lots — offering a unique and immersive experience that challenges perceptions of urban decay and inspires conversation about community, creativity, and resilience.
Art Galleries & Installations in Downtown Detroit
The contemporary spaces of the Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit showcase cutting-edge works by emerging artists, contributing to the city’s diverse and dynamic art scene. The city’s streets serve as an open-air gallery, adorned with striking murals and street art. Meanwhile, independent galleries like the Inner State Gallery push boundaries and challenge perceptions.
Shopping & Local Businesses in Detroit
Woodward Avenue
Detroit’s iconic Woodward Avenue offers a diverse shopping experience that includes unique local shops and well-known brands such as Lululemon and Nike. The historic Shinola flagship store showcases locally crafted watches, leather goods, and more. Plus, independent boutiques offer stylish apparel and goods that celebrate the city’s heritage and contemporary culture.
Urbanum
Urbanum is a distinctive home goods and gift store known for its unique selection of city-driven design and Detroit-inspired merchandise. From locally crafted artisanal items to Detroit-themed souvenirs, the store provides a platform for showcasing the talents of the city’s makers and artists.
With its dedication to celebrating Detroit’s identity, Urbanum has become a beloved destination for those seeking authentic, locally inspired goods in the heart of the city.
Eastern Market
Eastern Market is one of the largest open-air markets in the nation and offers visitors a lively atmosphere and a diverse array of vendors in the heart of downtown Detroit. This one-of-a-kind venue offers everything from fresh produce, meats, and artisanal goods to specialty foods and flowers.
While the market is a popular weekend haunt, it transforms into a community hub throughout the week, hosting art galleries, live music performances, and other events that foster a strong sense of community and creativity.
Iconic Eateries & Local Restaurants in Downtown Detroit
Visitors wondering where to eat before a show, after a game, or after time spent exploring Downtown Detroit have plenty of options. From well-known brunch and breakfast spots to iconic late-night haunts to family-friendly eateries, there’s something to please every taste bud.
Hudson Cafe
Founded in 2011, the Hudson Cafe is a brunch mainstay on Woodward Ave known for its expansive menu. Whether customers are craving a salad or a stack of pancakes, there’s something for everyone on the menu.
Prime + Proper
This upscale Detroit steakhouse offers an exquisite dining experience. With a focus on fine wine and premium cuts of meat, customers seeking a top-tier meal will be in for a treat in a modern, ambient setting.
Dime Store
Nestled in the Chrysler House downtown, Dime Store offers all-day brunch, allowing customers to enjoy breakfast favorites with cocktails or lunch classics with a beer or glass of wine.
SavannahBlue
Visitors looking for something a little more refined can enjoy delicious contemporary Southern soul food with fresh ingredients, including shrimp and grits, jambalaya, red snapper, and catfish.
Astoria Pastry Shop
Astoria is a sweet and tasty hometown favorite that’s been serving decadent desserts for decades. This is the perfect family-friendly spot to visit after a meal, and customers may have trouble deciding from all the tasty treats.
American Coney Island & Lafayette Coney Island
The rivalry between these two iconic coney dog spots is a fierce one among Detroiters. The dogs dished out by these two eateries are the perfect taste-of-Detroit meal after a game or for a late-night snack.
Golden Fleece
The gyros are the star of the show at this Greektown eatery and are enjoyed by locals and visitors alike. Hungry customers can sink their teeth into other Greek favorites too, like lamb chops and shish kabobs.
Buddy’s Pizza
While it’s technically not in Downtown Detroit, no visit to the Motor City is complete with a slice of Detroit pizza. This decadent square pie features a thick, crispy crust and reverse layering of cheese and toppings. It’s also one of the nation’s most desired pizzas.
Nightlife & Entertainment in Detroit Michigan
The Ghostbar at The Whitney
The Ghostbar is an enigmatic nightlife destination, shrouded in mystery and allure. Tucked away inside The Whitney, this hidden gem beckons guests with its clandestine ambiance and eclectic charm.
Step inside, and you’ll be immersed in a realm where vintage decor meets modern elegance. From craft cocktails to live music performances, The Ghostbar offers an unforgettable experience for those seeking adventure and intrigue in Detroit’s vibrant nightlife scene.
Detroit’s Music Venues
Detroit’s live music scene reflects the city’s rich musical heritage and innovative spirit. From iconic venues like the Fox Theatre and Saint Andrew’s Hall to intimate spaces like the Magic Stick and Cliff Bell’s, the Motor City offers a diverse array of settings to experience live music in all its forms.
Detroit’s stages host local talent and international acts alike, fostering a dynamic and inclusive atmosphere for music lovers of all stripes. Detroit continues to be a destination where artists thrive and audiences revel in the power of live music.
Fox Theatre
The Fox Theatre stands as a majestic, iconic symbol of the city’s cultural heritage. Since its opening in 1928, it has been a beacon of entertainment, hosting Broadway shows, concerts, and other live performances. Its opulent interior with intricate detailing, shimmering chandeliers, and a breathtaking ceiling mural creates an enchanting atmosphere for audiences.
Plan Your Visit to Discover Downtown Detroit
As a place that’s always bustling with activity, Downtown Detroit welcomes all visitors to explore its many sights. From spacious and scenic public parks to lively sports arenas to eclectic eateries, downtown is the heart of a vibrant, culturally rich city.
Whether you’re craving an authentic Detroit coney, you’re excited to see one of Detroit’s pro sports teams live, or you’re interested in historic museums, there is something fun to discover around every corner in Downtown Detroit.
To explore more of Detroit and the surrounding area, hop in the car and treat yourself to an unforgettable day trip. Music fans who have been to the Motown Museum can visit Third Man Records in Corktown, which was founded by Detroit rocker Jack White. And, visit Detroit in the summertime to experience all of the city’s popular spots and hidden gems under sunny skies.