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The exterior of the Detroit Institute of Arts in Detroit, Michigan by Michael Barera – Wikimedia Commons
Ultimate Guide: 30 Best Things to do in Detroit
Detroit is full of beautiful places to go and see. This is a city where the old meets the new, where history and modernity merge into an exciting Midwest destination. Detroit is known as a bustling city and the largest in Michigan. Nicknamed The Motor City, Detroit is famous primarily for cars.
Many of the top Detroit attractions connect tourists with the local culture and heritage to grow their appreciation for Detroit and its rich legacy that continues to blossom. Detroit is home to unique museums, free attractions, scenic water views, fun activities, and excellent restaurants that make for great date spots.
Here is an ultimate guide on the 30 best things to do in Detroit.
1. Visit the Detroit Institute of Arts
The Detroit Institute of Arts houses one of the largest art collections in the United States and one of the top attractions in Detroit.
The Detroit Institute of Arts offers several kinds of tours including daily guided tours and multimedia tours. There are also family-oriented performances such as live music and puppet shows, storytelling, and art workshops.
Practical Information
Address: 5200 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48202, United States
Call: +1 313-833-7900
Open: Tue – Thur 9 am – 4 pm Fri – 9 am-9 pm Sat-Sun – 10 am- 5 pm Mon- closed
Website: DIA.ORG
2. Tour Comerica Park
Comerica Park, Detroit, United States by Gary Shear – Wikimedia Commons
Comerica Park is the home of the Detroit Tigers Major League Baseball Team. It is an open-air ballpark located on Woodward Avenue in downtown Detroit. Comerica Park Tours are offered from June to September and last about 90 minutes.
Visitors get a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at some of the popular attractions within the park and are welcome to take photos along the way. Comerica Park Tours offers public tours on both game days and non-game days.
Practical Information
Address: 2100 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48201, United States
Call: +1 313-962-4000
Open: June to September
Website: MLB.COM
3. Tour the Ford Piquette Avenue Plant Museum
The Ford Piquette Avenue Plant Tour takes visitors to the only Brass Era auto assembly plant in Detroit that is open to the public. A National Historic Landmark, the Ford Piquette Road plant was built in 1904, and it was the first factory owned by the Ford Motor Company and specifically built to manufacture the Ford.
Visitors can touch the beautiful brick walls and walk the original wood floors of the factory, which have become slightly worn since the days when workers manufactured and assembled various Ford models.
Read more on the Top 10 Sensational Facts about the Ford Piquette Avenue Plant in Detroit.
Practical Information
Address: 461 Piquette Ave, Detroit, MI 48202, United States
Call: +1 313-872-8759
Open: Wed-Sun 10 am – 4 pm Mon- Tue – Closed
Website: FORDPIQUETTEPLANT.ORG
4. Dine at Cliff Bell’s
People in a restaurant by K8 – Unsplash
Cliff Bell’s is a restaurant located in an artfully renovated Art Deco building designed in the 1930s by Albert Kahn. The club’s charm and the lavish interior are only matched by its great food.
The restaurant-style seating allows customers to enjoy their food while listening to long-time favorite tunes. The cocktail menu features old classics. The music is jazz at its best and in all its incarnations. Musicians come from all over the world to play at Cliff Bell’s, always the perfect place to dine, unwind, and take in the music.
Practical Information
Address: 2030 Park Ave, Detroit, MI 48226, United States
Call: +1 313-961-2543
Open: Wed, Thur Sun 5 pm – 11 pm Fri – Sat – 5 pm – 12 am Mon – Tue – Closed
Reservations: RESY.COM
5. Visit the Michigan Science Center
The Michigan Science Center is a Smithsonian-affiliate science museum in Detroit, Michigan. The mission of the Michigan Science Center is to inspire curious minds of all ages to discover, explore and appreciate science, technology, engineering, and math in a creative, dynamic learning environment.
A non-profit organization, the museum has an IMAX theater, a planetarium, interactive exhibits, a designated area for kids, and more. If you are looking for fun things to do in Detroit with kids, this is a popular family-friendly attraction.
Read more on the best children-friendly museums to visit in Detroit.
Practical Information
Address: 5020 John R St, Detroit, MI 48202, United States
Call: +1 313-577-8400
Open: Wed-Sun 10 am – 4 pm Mon – Tue – Closed
Website: MI-SCI.ORG
6. Cruise on the Detroit Princess Riverboat
The Detroit Princess Riverboat which was built in 1993, is a cruise ship that offers several different kinds of river tours. This includes lunch, afternoon, dinner, and moonlight cruises. With its four decks, the Detroit Princess has a capacity of 1,500 passengers and began operating in Detroit in 2005.
Guests are provided with meals and other dining options, and there are bars on each level serving beer, champagne, cocktails, spirits, and wine. The Detroit Princess Riverboat maintains a business casual dress code.
Practical Information
Address: 131 Atwater St, Detroit, MI 48226, United States
Call: +1 877-338-2628
Open: Mon-Wed 9 am – 5 pm Thur – 9 am-9 pm Fri – Sat – 9 am – 9:30 pm
Sun – 12 -6:30 pm
Website: DETROITPRINCESS.COM
7. Indulge in Seafood at Joe Muer
Joe Muer Seafood is a Detroit local classic for seafood, and steak, plus an extensive wine & cocktail offering. Joe Muer Seafood offers private dining, an experience that can include the special treat of dining in the kitchen with your family, friends, or colleagues at Joe’s Table.
You can also enjoy your meal in the main room or in one of the three bars. The Raw Bar, which serves freshly shucked oysters, and delectable raw fish, at the Sushi Bar, which is known for delectable raw fish and its gorgeous blue granite counters, or the Piano Bar, where you can take it easy and listen to great music.
Practical Information
Address: 400 Renaissance Center #1404, Detroit, MI 48243, United States
Call: +1 313-567-6837
Open: Mon – Fri 11:30 am – 10 pm Sat – 4 pm – 10 pm Sun – 3 pm – 9 pm
Reservations: OPENTABLE.COM
8. Visit the Detroit Zoo
Detroit Zoo Historial Marker by MJCdetroit – Wikimedia Commons
The Detroit Zoo is one of the largest and most popular family attractions in Michigan. It is located in Royal Oak, Michigan, spanning 125 acres and housing more than 2,000 animals and more than 245 different species.
The Detroit Zoo was the first in the United States to showcase barless exhibits. Its exhibits include a beautiful butterfly garden, the Australian Outback, Amphibiville, the Arctic Ring of Life, wetlands, a wolf habitat, Dinosauria, and many more. Kids can have fun riding the colorful train and the carousel which is open during the warmer season.
Practical Information
Address: 8450 W 10 Mile Rd, Royal Oak, MI 48067, United States
Call: +1 248-541-5717
Open: Mon-Sun 10 am – 4 pm
Website: DETROITZOO.ORG
9. Brunch at the Dime Store
Dime Store is a popular downtown Detroit American Brunch Bar located in the Chrysler House. Dime Store serves breakfast, lunch, and drinks. At Dime Store, brunch is served all day long.
The atmosphere is casual and friendly, and the décor modern and inviting. Dime Store has implemented a policy of serving only the freshest ingredients of the highest quality, resulting in very distinct and flavorful dishes.
Practical Information
Address: 719 Griswold Street 180, Detroit, MI 48226, United States
Call: +1 313-962-9106
Open: Thur – Tue 8 am – 3 pm Wed – Closed
Reservations: EATDIMESTORE.COM
10. Tour the John K. King Used and Rare Books
John K. King Books in Detroit, Michigan by Mx. Granger – Wikimedia Commons
John K. King Used and Rare Books is an iconic used bookstore in Detroit, operated by its namesake owner since 1971.
The bookstore houses used and rare books of all sorts in the adjacent Otis Elevator factory building and the facility’s basement, including special collections related to topics ranging from African-American history and international interests to botany, horology, and the Michigan logging industry.
More than a million books in total are housed at the store’s main location and its two outposts, one at the city’s Cultural Center and one in Detroit suburb Ferndale.
Practical Information
Address: 901 W Lafayette Blvd, Detroit, MI 48226, United States
Call: +1 313-961-0622
Open: Tue – Sat 9:30 am – 5:30 pm Sun-Mon – Closed
Website: JOHNKINGBOOKSDETROIT.COM
11. Visit the Fox Theatre
The Fox Theatre is a performing arts center that opened in 1928 as a flagship movie palace in the Fox Theatres chain. It was designated as a National Historic Landmark and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It has over 5,000 seating capacity making it the largest theater in the city.
There are three levels of seating, and the interior is ornately decorated with Burmese, Chinese, Indian, and Persian themes. During its long history, several acclaimed performers have graced the theatre with their presence, including famous entertainers like Shirley Temple, Elvis Presley, and Frank Sinatra. Today, the Fox Theatre is as beautiful as ever, as it was completely restored in 1988.
Practical Information
Address: 2211 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48201, United States
Call: +1 313-471-7000
Website: 313PRESENTS.COM/VENUE/FOX-THEATRE
12. Shop at Eastern Market
Eastern Market in Detroit, Michigan by Michael Barera – Wikimedia Commons
Eastern Market is the largest historic public market in the United States. It is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Originally opened as a farmer’s market in 1841, it has expanded over the years, and additional sales sheds were added.
The market has many items for sale like fresh fruits and vegetables, excellent cuts of meat, and flavorful spices. Eastern Market also displays the works of local artists and allows musicians to perform, an added bonus to the homegrown food.
Practical Information
Address: 1445 Adelaide, Detroit, MI 48201, United States
Call: 313-833-9300
13. Wine and Dine at Prime and Proper
Prime and Proper has swiftly established itself as one of the best restaurants in Detroit. Delicately fusing gourmet elegance with the home values and hospitality of old-fashioned American steakhouse locations.
Prime and Proper is a lot more than a simple steakhouse. It offers the same great food and friendly service you’d expect at any steakhouse, but the astonishing beauty and interior design of this location seems more akin to a 5-star European restaurant. From floor to ceiling Prime and Proper is one of the most visually appealing restaurants in all of Detroit.
Here are other 5-star restaurants n Detroit to check out.
Practical Information
Address: 1145 Griswold St, Detroit, MI 48226, United States
Call: +1 313-636-3100
Open: Mon – Thur 5 pm – 10 pm Fri – 5 -11 pm
Sat – 11am – 2pm, 4pm – 12 am Sun – 11am – 2pm 5- 10pm
Menu: PRIMEANDPROPERDETROIT.COM
14. Skate at Campus Martius Park
The skating rink at Campus Martius Park in Detroit, Michigan by Michael Barera – Wikimedia Commons
Campus Martius Park is a re-established park in Downtown Detroit, Michigan. The park serves as the commercial heart of Detroit. After a fire in 1905, Judge Augustus Woodward chose this area to be the focal point of the efforts taken to rebuild the city.
Today, this lively park is home to a seasonal ice skating rink, several public spaces that can be put to various uses, thought-provoking sculptures, and two performance stages.
Practical Information
Address: 800 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48226, United States
Call: +1 313-566-8250
Open: Mon-Sun – 6 am – 10 pm
Website: DOWNTOWNDETROIT.ORG
15. Tour the Detroit Historical Museum
The Detroit Historical Museum should be a must-see attraction for all visitors to the city as it tells the story of Detroit’s unique history.
The museum features several permanent exhibitions which trace the origins and growth of Detroit over a period of more than 300 years. In addition to these permanent exhibits, the museum hosts regularly-changing special exhibitions and events.
Practical Information
Address: 5401 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48202, United States
Call: +1 313-833-1805
Open: Thur – Sat – 10 am – 5 pm
Website: DETROITHISTORICAL.ORG
16. Visit the Fisher Building
The famous Fisher Building in Detroit – Wikimedia Commons
The Fisher Building is widely acknowledged to be the finest Art Deco structure to have ever been built in the United States. It stands tall and proud as an icon of Detroit’s proud history. The Fisher Building was built in the late 1920s, around the same time as the Guardian Building, both of which forever changed the Downtown skyline.
No expense was spared in the design and building of the structure which features a marble-clad exterior and a stunning three-story gallery complete with barrel-vaulted ceilings, hand-painted facades, beautiful mosaics, and impressive bronze detailing.
Practical Information
Address: 3011 W Grand Blvd, Detroit, MI 48202, United States
Call: +1 313-874-1100
Open: 24 hours
Website: FISHERBUILDING.CITY
17. Visit the Belle Isle Park
Belle Isle Park, known simply as Belle Isle, is a 982-acre island park in Detroit, Michigan, developed in the late 19th century. It consists of Belle Isle, an island in the Detroit River, as well as several surrounding islets. The original Detroit settlers used the island as an area to keep farm animals but these days the island is a beautiful City Park, larger than Central Park in New York.
About one-third of the park has been preserved as natural wooded and wetland areas which provide a habitat for numerous birds and small animals. Visitors can access the park on foot, by bicycle, car, or by public transport.
Practical Information
Address: 300 River Place Dr, Detroit, MI 48207, United States
Call: +1 313 331 7760
18. Catch a game at Ford Field
Ford Field, Detroit, Michigan by Ian121289S – Wikimedia Commons
Ford Field is a domed American football stadium located in Downtown Detroit. It primarily serves as the home of the Detroit Lions of the National Football League, as well as the annual Quick Lane Bowl college football bowl game
While the official football season typically runs from September through to late December with playoffs in January, the stadium also offers exclusive tours. It also is multifunctional with concerts, events, monster truck shows, and the like. Ford Field sells itself as a worthy destination year-round.
Practical Information
Address: 2000 Brush St, Detroit, MI 48226, United States
Call: +1 313-262-2000
19. Visit the Detroit Opera House
Detroit Opera is the principal opera company in Michigan, USA. The company is based in Detroit, where it performs in the Detroit Opera House. Prior to February 28, 2022, the company was named the Michigan Opera Theatre. Each year it presents an opera and dance season.
Detroit Opera House is one of Michigan’s premier performance venues hosting both touring companies and home-grown talent, as well as a wide variety of special events like galas and weddings. In addition to its lavish main hall that welcomes top-tier dance troupes, Broadway shows, ballet ensembles and musicians, the Detroit Opera House also houses restaurants, a bar, and several gift shops making it the perfect place for an evening out on the town.
Practical Information
Address: 1526 Broadway St, Detroit, MI 48226, United States
Call: +1 313-237-7464
Open: Mon-Sun 10 am – 5 pm
Website: DETROITOPERA.ORG
20. Tour the Detroit Masonic Temple
The Detroit Masonic Temple in Detroit, Michigan by Michael Barera – Wikimedia Commons
The Detroit Masonic Temple is the world’s largest Masonic Temple. It contains 1,037 rooms spread across 14 floors. The building serves as a home to various masonic organizations including the York Rite Sovereign College of North America.
It was designed by George D. Mason who inspired by his visits to European cathedrals set out to create one of the largest and most opulent masonic temples in the world. The temple is nowadays mostly used for events like concerts and conventions in its amphitheater. It also has a swimming pool, gym, and multi-lane bowling alley.
Practical Information
Address: 500 Temple St, Detroit, MI 48201, United States
Call: +1 313-832-7100
Open: Mon-Sun 9 am – 5 pm
Website: THEMASONIC.COM
21. Enjoy a meal at The Rattlesnake Club
The Rattlesnake Club is a 25-year-old Detroit institution that serves good food you can enjoy while admiring the view of the Detroit River. When weather permits, visitors can feel a nice breeze on the spacious terrace.
The restaurant maintains a policy of only serving the highest quality seasonal and sustainably harvested foods. The kitchen uses locally harvested produce, certified prime Angus beef, and not-from-farms finfish and shellfish in all their dishes.
The wine selection is extensive and there are also many locally brewed beers. During the summer, Executive Chef Chris Franz occasionally offers grill-inspired hands-on instruction and demonstrations.
Practical Information
Address: 300 River Pl Dr, Detroit, MI 48207, United States
Call: +1 313-567-4400
Open: Tuesday – Thursday 4:30 pm – 9 pm Fri – Sat – 4:30 pm – 10 pm Sun-Mon – Closed
Reservations: RESY.COM
22. Enjoy High Tea at the Whitney
High Tea set up by Sebastian Coman Photography – Unsplash
Visiting the Whitney in Detroit is a special treat, whether you are dining with a client, enjoying high tea at the Katherine McGregor Dessert Parlor, treating friends to drinks and a bit of adrenaline at the Ghostbaror having a special celebration in the Whitney’s exquisite Gardens.
The Whitney takes full advantage of its elegant, lavish setting and offers its guests refined contemporary American cuisine focusing on veal, beef, lamb, fish, and seafood. Treat yourself to their Beef Wellington, a beef tenderloin stuffed with prosciutto, mushrooms, and spinach, wrapped in puff pastry and served with veal cabernet sauce. Enjoy the restaurant’s excellent wine cellar, it has something for everyone.
Practical Information
Address: 4421 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48201, United States
Call: +1 313-832-5700
Open: Wed – 5 pm – 8 pm Thur – Fri – 5 pm – 9 pm Sat, Sun – 1:30–3 pm, 5–10 pm
Mon – Tue Closed
Reservations: THEWHITNEY.COM, OPENTABLE.COM
23. Visit the Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit
The Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit is located in the city’s cultural center, along with the College for Creative Studies, the Detroit Institute of Arts, the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, and Wayne State University. It is a non-collecting museum housed in a 22,000-square-foot building.
The museum constantly strives to increase appreciation for exhibits of contemporary art, which is evidenced in the many works they showcase. It also promotes education through its numerous cultural programs that include concerts, discussions, films, lectures, readings, and workshops. The museum is closed on Monday and Tuesday.
Practical Information
Address: 4454 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48201, United States
Call: +1 313-832-6622
Open: Wed, Sat, Sun – 11 am – 5 pm Thur – Fri – 11 am – 8 pm
Website: MOCADETROIT.ORG
24. Attend the Movement Electronic Music Festival
The main stage of Detroit Electronic Music Festival 2002 by Myself248 – Wikimedia Commons
Movement Electronic Music Festival is an annual electronic dance music event held in the birthplace of Techno, Detroit, each Memorial Day weekend since 2006. In 2017, Movement was nominated for Festival of the Year at the Electronic Music Awards.
This festival presents performances by musicians and DJs that emphasizes the progressive qualities of the culture surrounding electronic music including the celebration of Detroit being the birthplace of the popular electronic music subgenre Techno.
Read more on the best festivals in Detroit you don’t want to miss.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
ADDRESS: HART PLAZA, DETROIT, MICHIGAN
DATES: MAY – MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND
WEBSITE: MOVEMENTFESTIVAL.COM
25. Indulge in Spanish tapas at La Feria
La Feria is a Spanish tapas and wine bar that you simply must visit on a cold Michigan evening in order to truly appreciate the dining experience. An inviting warmth and an explosion of colors and aromas reminiscent of a Seville summer greet you as you enter. The restaurant is simple and consists of one room with rustic wooden tables.
La Feria isn’t a large place, but it is exceedingly popular. Rioja and sangria flow freely, and cold and hot tapas are rushed out of the kitchen. Chef and owner Pilar Baron Hidalgo happily and creatively experiments with traditional recipes from her native Spain, drawing on everything she has learned from her mother and grandmother.
Practical Information
Address: 4130 Cass Ave, Detroit, MI 48201, United States
Call: +1 313-285-9081
Open: Tue – Thur 5 pm – 10 pm Fri – 5 pm – 11 pm Sat 4 pm – 11 pm,
Sun – Mon – Closed
Reservations: LAFERIADETROIT.COM
26. Tour the William G. Milliken State Park
William G. Milliken State Park and Harbor by Notorious4life – Wikimedia Commons
The William G. Milliken State Park and Harbor is a public recreation area located on the Detroit River just east of downtown Detroit, Michigan, on a portion of the city’s International Riverfront.
Connecting with the West RiverWalk, the area is abundant with nature and wetlands, as well as a marina where you can stroll around at your own pace, admiring the luxury boats. Get a glimpse of the lighthouse and a beautiful grassy waterfront spot perfect for escaping city life.
Practical Information
Address: 1900 Atwater St, Detroit, MI 48207, United States
Call: +1 313-396-0217
Open: Mon-Sun 6 am – 10 pm
Website: DNR.STATE.MI.US
27. Enjoy a night out at Elektricity Club
Each Friday, Saturday and Sunday night transport yourself to your #1 club getaway destination, without the problem of voyaging. ELEKTRICITY is sweet, very charming, extremely mindful and continuously searching for a higher degree of tomfoolery.
ELEKTRICITY is an unrecorded music scene with electronic music, drinks, and an enormous dance floor in a modern space with strong neon lights. It’s an astonishing spot to pay attention to Dubstep and EDM.
Read more on the best techno clubs in Detroit.
28. Take a Helicopter Tour over the City
Aerial View of a landscape by Spencer Watson – Unsplash
There’s no better way to see all the sights Detroit has to offer than from high in the sky. From downtown and its towering skyscrapers to famed neighborhoods like Corktown, Brush Park, and Greektown, as well as the shimmering Great Lakes as far as the eye can see.
You also get to interact with the friendly, knowledgeable pilot who’ll break down all the attractions down below. A helicopter tour is a must for any visitor looking to really experience a new perspective.
29. Unwind at Meta Physica Wellness Center
Meta Physica Wellness Center offers massages and promotes health and wellness in order to give people the care they need to live their best lives. Instead of promoting the idea of universal well-being, they work to eradicate the idea of the spa stereotype.
This therapy is a fantastic method to get through the fall and winter. Swedish massage, deep tissue, cupping, pre-and post-natal massage, craniosacral therapy, and vagus nerve work are just a few of the therapeutic modalities they provide.
Numerous wellness services are available, such as massage, reflexology, private full-spectrum infrared saunas, craniosacral therapy, and Arvigo abdominal therapy. For the best level of relaxation, many people like a 90-minute session but you can always give yourself some downtime before and after the session.
Read more on the best Wellness Retreats in Detroit.
30. Explore the Outdoor Adventure Center
The Outdoor Adventure Center is a recreation center in Detroit, Michigan. It offers simulated outdoor recreation experiences like biking, plus local nature displays, in a roomy museum. This is a great place to spend an afternoon if you’re looking for something active to do that’s just as fun for kids and adults alike.
This place is basically an amusement park for nature lovers. Offering climbing walls, a zip line, snowmobiles, the chance to journey behind a waterfall, fishing boats, mountain bike trails, and plenty of other outdoor activities to get your heart racing. You can refuel at one of the on-site cafes before heading back out for more fun or learning all about how forest and wildlife preservation.
