10 Classically Romantic Places and Experiences in Detroit

Story by Sarah Bence | Photos by Bill Bowen, Christian Harder

Detroit is known for its automotive history, sports scene, and incredible street art, but it can also be a romantic city if you know where to look. There are plenty of romantic places and experiences across Detroit.

Almost anything, done with your loved one, could be romantic – but Detroit’s classic experiences, like walking along the iconic riverfront to cuddling up at an old fashioned drive in theater, will make date night even more special.

1. Stroll the Detroit RiverWalk

With three miles of paved walkway, strolling along the Detroit International RiverWalk hand-in-hand with your loved one is a wonderful date option in the city.

The path runs from Rose Parks Boulevard to the Belle Isle Bridge, and gives panoramic views of not only the downtown Detroit skyline, but Windsor, Canada as well.

2. Go fowling

There’s no more classic Detroit couples activity than to go fowling. Fowling is a fun hybrid of football and bowling, and is very popular in Detroit.

Head to the Fowling Warehouse in Hamtramck where you will find 30 fowling lanes, and over 150 types of beer to keep you and your significant other fueled for date night.

3. Explore Belle Isle together

Belle Isle is certainly one of the most romantic places in Detroit. This island is nearly 1,000 acres of lush greenery in the Detroit River, accessible by bridge.

Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory

Spend a day on Belle Isle strolling the paths, or exploring the gorgeous Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory. In the summer, you can rent kayaks and paddle boards, and in the winter you can admire the snowy views.

Note: Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory is temporarily closed due to COVID-19 but keep up to date on their website for reopening plans.

4. Take in the Sugar Hill Arts District

Detroit is a city full of art, and one of the best neighborhoods to immerse yourself in the art scene is the Sugar Hill Arts District. A day exploring museums, like the Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA) or the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCAD), can be very romantic.

You’ll definitely feel the romance as you try your hand at portrait drawing at the DIA, or discuss the deeper meanings of the modern art at MOCAD.

Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit

5. Peruse Eastern Market together

Eastern Market is one of the most classic Detroit experiences, and it can be very romantic to wander the stalls with your partner on a Saturday morning.

This outdoor farmers market is the largest in the United States, and features dozens of Detroit makers and local Michigan farmers. Pick up some fresh produce before stopping at one of the many nearby restaurants for brunch. Then, why not cook a meal together that evening with your purchases?

6. Go back in time at the Ford Drive-In movie theater

Ford Drive-In is an old fashioned drive in movie theater, located in Dearborn in metro Detroit. Nothing says classic romance like pulling up in your car for a movie date.

Be sure to bring along a blanket for cuddles! Tickets are $12 for adults, and there is always a double feature.

The Candy Bar at the Siren Hotel

7. Grab a cocktail at the Candy Bar

Candy Bar at the Siren Hotel has quickly gone from a quirky thing to do in Detroit, to one of the city’s most classic date nights!

This all-pink craft cocktail bar in downtown Detroit features skilled bartenders and creative candy-themed cocktails. The intimate interior, complete with pink velvet couches, is ideal for a romantic night out.

Note: Candy Bar is temporarily closed due to COVID-19 but keep up to date on their website for reopening plans.

8. Take a walking tour of Detroit

There are so many unique tours in Detroit – from vintage car tours to kayak tours! The most romantic tour is also the most classic: a simple walking tour of Detroit. Whether you live here or are a visitor, you are sure to see a new side of the city and learn a bit, with your loved one at your side.

Detroit Experience Factory offers a variety of walking tours, all led by local Detroiters. There is even a new virtual tour option!

9. Splurge on some Detroit-made chocolates

Nothing says “I love you” like chocolate, right? Bon Bon Bon is Detroit’s premier chocolatery. The gourmet chocolate here is not only hand-made, but it’s made by local Detroiters.

A fun and romantic option is to try the “Box Box Box Builder,” which lets you curate a box of your partner’s (or your…) favorite sweets.

10. Stay in at a boutique hotel

Trumbull & Porter Hotel

Take the romance up a level by staying overnight in one of Detroit’s beautiful boutique hotels. These hotels offer a level of luxury, with a smaller crowd and more tailored experience.

Siren Hotel is a midcentury-designed hotel with great drink options such as the Candy Bar or Populace Coffee bar. Trumbull & Porter is another hip and romantic option in Corktown, featuring Detroit-made furniture and stunning murals.

Once you’ve been through this bucket list of classically romantic experiences in Detroit, check out some of the city’s more unusual spots for a date night.

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