Things To Do
in Detroit
Detroit, known as the Motor City, is famed for its significant contributions to the automotive industry, being the birthplace of America's automobile production. Situated along the Detroit River, it serves as a vital port connecting the Great Lakes to major markets across the world.
Rich in cultural heritage, Detroit boasts a vibrant music scene, notably as the cradle of Motown Records, alongside a resurgence in arts, dining, and entertainment, signaling a dynamic urban revival.
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $80 - $200
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $15 - $50
- ☕ Coffee: $3 - $6
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $2 - $3
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $50 - $150
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $30 - $70
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Visit the Detroit Institute of Arts to explore its amazing collection, including works by Diego Rivera. Enjoy the stunning architecture of the building as you start your day immersed in culture.
Head to the Detroit Historical Museum to learn more about the city's rich history and its role in the automotive industry. Don’t miss the exhibits on the civil rights movement that shaped Detroit.
Dine at a local restaurant in Greektown for an authentic taste of Greek cuisine. After dinner, experience the vibrant nightlife with live music venues in the area.
Stroll along the Detroit Riverwalk for breathtaking views and fresh air. Along the way, stop by the various parks and sculptures integrated into the waterfront.
Visit the RenCen (Renaissance Center) for shopping and a panoramic view of the Detroit skyline from the observation level. Grab a quick lunch at one of the many eateries inside.
Enjoy sunset views along the waterfront or catch a riverboat cruise. Wrap up the day with dinner overlooking the water.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich cultural heritage and historical significance
- Affordable cost of living compared to other major cities
- Revitalization efforts leading to new businesses and attractions
- Home to major sports teams and events
- Diverse neighborhoods with unique character
- Challenges with crime rates in certain areas
- Economic difficulties and unemployment issues in the past
- Infrastructure concerns, including public transportation
- Weather can be harsh, especially in winter months
- Negative perception and stigma around the city's history
Best Activities in Detroit
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Enjoy walking, biking, or skating along the scenic Detroit River with beautiful views of the city skyline.
Explore the island park with activities such as hiking, picnicking, kayaking, and visiting the aquarium and conservatory.
Experience a bustling farmer's market, explore local shops, and enjoy food and drinks in this vibrant historic district.
Tours
Uncover the best of Detroit with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Detroit
Visit one of these nice places.
Scenic walkway along the Detroit River with views of the skyline and access to parks and attractions.
Island park with beautiful views of the Detroit skyline, the Detroit River, and access to the Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory.
Historic train station offering a stunning view of the Detroit skyline and an iconic symbol of the city's architectural history.
Food in Detroit
Detroit Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A Detroit classic, the Coney Dog features a beef hot dog topped with chili, mustard, and onions. Head to Lafayette Coney Island or American Coney Island for the authentic experience.
Must-Try!
This thick, square-shaped pizza with crispy, caramelized cheese edges is a must-try. Try it at Buddy's Pizza, the birthplace of Detroit-style pizza.
These Polish pastries, similar to filled donuts, are a beloved Detroit treat, especially on Fat Tuesday. Visit New Palace Bakery or Dutch Girl Donuts for delicious paczki.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Detroit better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A historic public market with a variety of food vendors, offering fresh produce, artisanal products, and food stands. Don't miss the famous Saturday market for a true taste of Detroit's culinary scene.
For authentic Ethiopian cuisine, visit the food stand at Detroit's Eastern Market. Enjoy traditional dishes such as injera bread and flavorful stews.
Experience delicious street tacos with creative flavors like Korean beef or blackened shrimp at this food truck frequented at Eastern Market and various locations around the city.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Detroit, it's important to respect personal space and avoid standing too close to others, particularly when engaging in conversation.
Detroit is a diverse city, and it's important to embrace and respect people from different cultural backgrounds, races, and beliefs.
Politeness and courtesy are highly valued in Detroit, so it's important to use
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Detroit with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Detroit
Ensure a smooth experience
In Detroit, tipping is customary in restaurants, bars, taxis, and other service industries. The standard tipping rate is around 15-20% of the total bill.
Payment in Detroit is primarily done using credit/debit cards or cash. Most businesses accept major credit cards, and there are also mobile payment options available. Cash is widely accepted, especially for smaller transactions and in certain establishments.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Detroit.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Best time to visit Detroit for milder weather and blooming flowers, with average temperatures ranging from 45°F to 65°F.
Ideal for outdoor activities and festivals, as Detroit experiences warm temperatures ranging from 65°F to 85°F.
Beautiful foliage and moderate temperatures ranging from 45°F to 65°F make for an enjoyable visit to Detroit.
Winter sports enthusiasts can enjoy Detroit's snowy weather and average temperatures between 25°F to 35°F.
Detroit at Night
Hiking in Detroit
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A beautiful island park located in the Detroit River, featuring walking trails, scenic views, and natural landscapes.
Offers over 8 miles of hiking trails through a variety of terrains, including forests, fields, and wetlands.
A large park with several hiking trails and recreational opportunities near the banks of the River Rouge.
Provides a network of trails that wind through woodlands and wetlands, ideal for hiking and enjoying nature.
Features quiet trails that are perfect for hiking and exploring wooded areas with a mix of open spaces.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Detroit through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Detroit by plane.
The primary airport serving Detroit and the surrounding metropolitan area. It is one of the busiest airports in the United States and a major hub for Delta Air Lines.
Located approximately 170 miles southeast of Detroit, this airport serves as a hub for domestic and international flights.
Situated about 280 miles west of Detroit, O'Hare is one of the busiest airports in the world and serves as a major hub for international travelers.
Approximately 250 miles northeast of Detroit, it is Canada’s largest and busiest airport, offering a wide range of international flights.
Located about 400 miles northeast of Detroit, this airport serves the Buffalo and Niagara Falls area with numerous domestic and international flights.
Located about 300 miles south of Detroit, serving numerous international destinations primarily across North America and Europe.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The largest demographic group in Detroit, making up a significant portion of the city's population.
The second largest group, which includes both non-Hispanic whites and Caucasians from various backgrounds.
A growing demographic in Detroit, primarily of Mexican and Puerto Rican descent.
Includes various ethnicities such as Asian Indian, Chinese, Filipino, and Vietnamese.
This category includes individuals from various racial and ethnic backgrounds not specifically listed.
The Soul of Detroit
Discover the essence of Detroit through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Detroit is home to the Detroit Lions, a professional American football team that competes in the National Football League (NFL).
The Detroit Pistons are the city's NBA team, adding to the popularity of basketball among residents.
The Detroit Tigers represent the city in Major League Baseball (MLB), and baseball is a long-standing tradition in Detroit.
The Detroit Red Wings are a prominent NHL team, known for their rich history and success in ice hockey.
Soccer is gaining popularity in Detroit, with clubs like Detroit City FC creating a vibrant local scene.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Detroit.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Detroit has a growing number of restaurants and eateries offering diverse and creative vegetarian and vegan dishes. Notable options include Seva, Detroit Vegan Soul, and GreenSpace Café.
Many restaurants in Detroit are accommodating to gluten-free diets, with menus featuring clear labeling or dedicated gluten-free offerings. Check out Chartreuse Kitchen & Cocktails and Selden Standard for excellent gluten-free options.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Detroit with these cultural adventures.