15 Amazing Things to Do in Detroit: A Local Guide to the Motor City
Detroit has become one of America’s most exciting cities to explore. You are always sure to find world-famous architecture, automotive history, award winning food, public art and legendary music. Whether you’re visiting for a weekend, attending a conference, rediscovering your hometown, these are some of our favorite things to do in Detroit.
#1 Explore the Guardian Building
The Guardian Building is known as the “Cathedral of Finance” and is one of the finest examples of Art Deco architecture in the world. When you step inside you’ll find vaulted ceilings, colorful Pewabic tile, intricate mosaics and beautiful craftsmanship.
Want to learn more about the building’s history and hidden details. Join our Guardian Building Tour to learn more about the history behind the city’s famous building.
#2 Discover Downtown on a Guided Walking Tour
An expert-guided walking tour will take you through the heart of Detroit while we share the stories behind Detroit’s iconic skyscrapers, historic landmarks and public art. A city tour is one of the best things to do in Detroit for an introduction to the city for first-time visitors and even locals who want to learn something new.
Join us on our See the D Walking Tour and experience stunning riverfront views, architectural masterpieces, riveting history, and all the local must-see sights.
#3 Taste Detroit’s Iconic Foods
You can’t visit Motor City without experiencing its food scene. You have to try the classics like Detroit-style pizza, Coney Dogs, Better Made potato chips, Sanders chocolates, Faygo pop and Vernors Ginger Ale.
The easiest way to get a taste of all these foods in one day is to join our Iconic Foods Tour where you’ll try classic Detroit favorites while learning the stories behind the city’s most beloved restaurants.
#4 Visit Campus Martius Park
We also recommend you visit Campus Martius Park as it’s the center of downtown activity all year-round for Detroit. During summer you’ll find outdoor dining, concerts and events. In winter, the park transforms into one of the country’s most beautiful holiday destinations with an ice skating rink and spectacular Christmas tree.
#5 Explore the Detroit Riverwalk
The Detroit Riverwalk stretches for miles along the Detroit River with incredible skyline views, parks, public art and waterfront restaurants. This means it’s a great spot whether you’re walking, biking, or just relaxing.
#6 Visit Eastern Market
The Eastern Market is one of the oldest open public markets in the United States and has been open since 1891. Our favorite day to visit is Saturdays, where you can find hundreds of vendors selling fresh produce, flowers, baked goods, local art and handmade products. You’ll also enjoy murals that have transformed the neighborhood into one of the city’s largest outdoor art galleries.
#7 Tour the Detroit Institute of Arts
The Detroit Institute of Arts is recognized for its incredible collection of art including Diego Rivera’s famous Detroit Industry Murals. You’ll find more than 65,000 works of art which makes it the perfect place to spend a few hours or the whole day if you’re an art lover.
#8 Experience Detroit’s Music Legacy
Detroit is the birthplace of Motown, the home of techno and a city with a rich jazz, rock, gospel and hip-hip legacy. You also don’t have to be a musician to appreciate the city’s musical roots and we recommend you go experience the music firsthand.
Our favorite spots are:
- Motown Museum: You can tour the original studio where artists like Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross & The Supremes and The Temptations recorded timeless hits.
- Cliff Bell’s: One of America’s most beautiful jazz clubs, offering live performances in a restored Art Deco setting.
- The Fillmore Detroit: A historic theater that hosts major national touring acts in an elegant 1920s venue.
- Saint Andrew’s Hall: A legendary concert venue that has welcomed artists from Eminem to Nirvana and countless emerging musicians.
- The Fox Theatre: One of the most spectacular historic theaters in the country, featuring Broadway productions, concerts and comedy shows.
- The Aretha Franklin Amphitheatre: An outdoor riverfront venue named after Detroit’s Queen of Soul, offering concerts with stunning waterfront views.
Fun fact: The candy machine in the lobby of the Motown Museum was always stocked with Baby Ruth bars because they were Stevie Wonder’s favorite.
#9 See Detroit’s Incredible Architecture
We’ve mentioned Detroit’s beautiful architecture already and besides the Guardian Building, you should visit the Penobscot Building, the Fisher Building, the Book Tower, the Cadillac Tower and The David Whitney Building.
#10 Catch a Game in the District Detroit
In Detroit, you’ll find four major professional sports teams playing within walking distance of each other. Whether it’s the Tigers, Lions, Red Wings or Pistons, attending a game offers an unforgettable Detroit experience and a chance to experience the city’s passionate sports culture.
#11 Visit Belle Isle Park
Belle Isle Park was designed by Frederick Law Olmsted and is one of our favorite spots for beaches, gardens, trails, an aquarium and beautiful skyline views.
#12 Explore the Detroit Auto Show and Automotive History
Detroit has earned the name Motor City which makes automotive history an essential part of your visit. If you’re in town in January we recommend the Detroit Auto Show which showcases the latest innovations from automakers around the world, along with concept vehicles and interactive exhibits.
If you’re visiting Detroit at any time you can also visit the Ford Piquette Avenue Plant Museum where the first Model T was developed or drive down Woodward Avenue which was America’s first paved road the the birthplace of the Woodward Dream Cruise.
Did you know? The first Model T did not have a speedometer because Henry Ford cut all non-essential gauges to make the car affordable, leaving drivers to judge their speed by engine noise.
#13 Discover Public Arts and Murals
Art is woven throughout Detroit’s neighborhoods, parks and downtown streets. You can find internationally recognized murals and iconic sculptures around every corner.
Some of the most notable public art includes:
The Spirit of Detroit: Made by Marshall Fredericks, this iconic bronze sculpture that has become the city’s most recognizable symbol.
- Where to see it: 2 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48226 (In front of the Coleman A. Young Municipal Center)
The Fist: This is a massive sculpture honoring boxing legend Joe Louis, located downtown near Huntington Place.
- Where to see it: 5 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48226 (At the intersection of Woodward Ave and Jefferson Ave near Hart Plaza and Huntington Place)
The Belt: A vibrant downtown alley transformed into an ever-changing outdoor gallery featuring murals from local and international artists.
- Where to see it: 1274 Library St, Detroit, MI 48226 (Runs between Broadway and Library St, near Gratiot Ave)
The Z Lot Murals: A colorful parking structure covered in large-scale artwork by dozens of artists.
- Where to see it: 1234 Library St, Detroit, MI 48226
The Heidelberg Project: A one-of-a-kind outdoor art environment on Detroit’s east side that turns an entire neighborhood into a creative experience.
- Where to see it: 3600 Heidelberg St, Detroit, MI 48207
Detroit Industry Murals: Diego Rivera’s world-famous masterpiece inside the Detroit Institute of Arts, widely considered one of the greatest murals in America.
- Where to see it: 5200 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48202 (Inside the Detroit Institute of Arts)
Want to see the Spirit of Detroit and the Fist? You can see these and other notable spots on our See the D Walking Tour.
#14 Explore Corktown
Corktown is Detroit’s oldest neighborhood and blends historic charm with some of the city’s most popular restaurants and breweries.
We recommend spending the day here and visiting:
- Michigan Central Station: A beautifully restored landmark that has become a symbol of Detroit’s revival.
- Batch Brewing Company: A neighborhood favorite known for craft beer and community events.
- Ottava Via: Our favorite Detroit Italian restaurant with a patio and homemade pasta.
- Slows Bar BQ: One of Detroit’s most famous barbecue restaurants and a must-visit for food lovers.
- The Corner Ballpark: Home of the historic site where Tiger Stadium once stood, now featuring youth baseball fields and public spaces.
- Two James Spirits: Detroit’s first licensed distillery since Prohibition, offering handcrafted whiskey, gin and cocktails.
- James Oliver Coffee Co.: A great stop for locally roasted coffee before exploring the neighborhood.
Michigan Central Station (opened in 1913) once stood as the tallest train station in the world and hosted famous figures like Charlie Chaplin and Thomas Edison.
#15 Visit the Henry Ford Museum
Lastly, just outside downtown in Dearborn, Michigan you’ll find the Henry Ford Museum which showcases American innovation through historic automobiles, aviation, presidential history and interactive exhibits that are good for all ages. The museum features attractions such as Rosa Park’s bus, JFK’s presidential limo and Thomas Edison’s lab.
Ready to explore Detroit? Check out our website for more availability.