Detroit on a Budget: Free Things to Do & The Best Happy Hour Spots

Contributions by Danielle Alexander, Hania Manouzi, Max White, and Biba Adams

Detroit is an affordable destination for travelers looking to experience culture, food, and nightlife without overspending.

[Budget-Friendly]
[Best Happy Hour Spots]

Budget-Friendly

1. Belle Isle Aquarium

Open year-round, the Belle Isle Aquarium is the oldest aquarium in the country housing stingrays, coral reef fish, electric eels and more. Admission into the aquarium is free, allowing families and kids the chance to experience aquatic species from the different freshwater habitats around the world.

Cost: Free

Kid-friendly? Yes.


2. Belle Isle Nature Center

The Belle Isle Nature Center is truly a fun experience for all ages. Park visitors can immerse themselves into interactive exhibits showcasing Michigan's native wildlife, enjoy nature trails, and even have the opportunity to feed deer.

Admission: $11 for the Recreation Passport; otherwise, it’s free.

Kid-friendly? Yes.

3. Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory

Right next door to the Belle Isle Aquarium you’ll find the Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory, which actually opened its doors the same day as the Aquarium. It’s full of lush greenery, tropical plants and even has plants that grow bananas and oranges.

Admission: Free

Kid-friendly? Yes.

4. Belle Isle State Park

In addition to the nature center, aquarium, fountain, conservatory and Dossin Great Lakes Museum,
Belle Isle State Park serves as an excellent spot to hike, barbecue, bike, and picnic. The park also offers fishing with piers located at both the north and south sides of the island.

Cost: Small fee for the Recreation Passport; otherwise, it’s free.

Kid-friendly? Yes.

5. Campus Martius Park

Recently named the No. 1 "Top Public Square" in the U.S. by USA Today, Campus Martius serves as Detroit’s gathering place for both residents and visitors. The park was first created in 2003 and is located right in the heart of downtown! Enjoy free and fun family activities including city yoga, movie nights, summer markets, food trucks, and more.

Cost: Free

Kid-friendly? Yes.

6. Eastern Market

Founded in 1891, Eastern Market is the largest outdoor farmers market in the nation. With five different markets to choose from (two of which are open year-round), families are sure to find a unique set of foods, products and experiences to enjoy.

Cost: Free

Kid-friendly? Yes.


7. Detroit RiverWalk

Spaning more than 3 miles long, from Rosa Parks Blvd. to the Belle Isle Bridge, the Detroit RiverWalk is the perfect spot to bring your family for a relaxing walk, bike ride, or picnic.

The Detroit RiverWalk also features plenty of other things to do including volleyball leagues, food truck rallies, splash parks, yoga sessions, and zumba classes.

Cost: Free

Kid-friendly? Yes.

8. Outdoor Adventure Center

Also located on the Detroit RiverWalk, the Outdoor Adventure Center brings Michigan's great outdoors right to the heart of the city. Immerse yourself in thrilling adventures with interactive activities, exhibits, simulators, and more.

Perfect for families and outdoor enthusiasts, the OAC is a must-visit destination for experiencing nature without leaving the city.

Cost: Children under two are free, children up to 12 are $3 and adults are $5.

Kid-friendly? Yes.

9. The Detroit Institute of Arts

Among the top 10 museums in the country, The Detroit Institute of Arts is not just an art museum. From music and film to art-making and gallery games, there truly is something for everyone at The DIA. Visit The DIA’s website and click “Buy Tickets” to view general admission costs, as well as special exhibit and event pricing.

Cost: Residents of Wayne, Oakland and Macomb Counties and children five and under receive free, unlimited general museum admission, but children over five are $6 and adults are $14

Kid-friendly? Yes.

Pro-Tip: Some local art galleries offer free admission or host public events that make it easy to explore Detroit’s art scene. Check out these options:

Norwest Gallery

Playground Detroit

Happy Hour Spots

Dragonfly

A light-hearted, Detroit-centric experience, Dragonfly is a bright, colorful bar with a great happy hour. Stop by for a fun, inclusive, and value-driven experience and enjoy a range of menu items for only $5, typically from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. (or 6:30 p.m. on some days). Try the Caesar Salad with Locatelli Peccorino, Sourdough Breadcrumbs, and Crispy Chicken Skin pair it with a beer and a shot for $5 or a mocktail like Wonder When Winds of Winter featuring Apple Cider Vinegar, Palm Sugar, and Pear.

Parc Detroit

Located in the heart of the city at Campus Martius, Parc offers a delectable "social hour" with craft cocktails and small bites, set against some of the city's best views. During the winter months, the interior, decorated in lush, warm tones, is a welcoming environment for connecting with old friends or meeting new ones. During the warm-weather months, the surrounding urban park provides the perfect backdrop for relaxing. Try the Chili Shrimp Ceviche with Harissa Agua Chile, Cucumber, Tomatoes, Red Onion, and a White Corn Tostada, complemented with a Fuzzy Bubbles craft cocktail made with La French Vodka, Blood Orange, Elderflower Liqueur, Peach Purée, and Champagne.

@parcdetroit

The Shelby

One of the coolest bars in Detroit, The Shelby is in an old bank vault, and while they have a short happy hour, they have a good one.

The Shelby has four different cocktails for $8 – an old fashioned, a daiquiri, an amaretto sour or an espresso martini.

There are also two different food options for $10 – the “escar-no” and beef tartare.

Happy hour at The Shelby is from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.

Central Kitchen + Bar

While Central Kitchen + Bar doesn’t have an official happy hour, they do have what they call a “social hour” which has different drinks available for discounts Thursdays and Fridays from 4-6pm


Anchor Bar

No Detroit happy hour experience is complete without a visit to a historic dive bar. Founded in 1959, Anchor Bar is known for it's simple, but tasty menu like garbage can nachos for $8, chili and cheese whiz totchos (tater tot nachos) for $8, sliders for $3 each or a Caesar salad for $8. Also known for their wood-fired pizza and cheap but tasty shots, also try the $5 well drinks, $8 pitchers of Miller High Life or Pabst Blue Ribbon or $12 pitchers of other beers.

Besa

Sharing a taste of the Adriatic experience, Besa offers an elevated Happy Hour menu perfect for an after-work cocktail date or a meet-up with your "fancier" friends. Enjoy Globally Inspired bistro fare, a raw bar, & cocktails in an elevated space with rich interior details. Try the Herb-Marinated Chicken Kabobwith green chickpea hummus and pickled onion. The craft cocktail menu rotates, but a fan fave is Midwinter Dreams featuring Pinot Grigio, Sailor Jerry, spiced pear, and cinnamon.

The Block Neighborhood Bar & Kitchen

This Black-woman-owned restaurant in Midtown has become a neighborhood staple for happy hour and brunch. The Block takes pride in creating an experience that blends Detroit’s energy with warm hospitality, making every visit unforgettable. With a classic $6 hour hour menu, The Block's famous salmon sliders are a must-try, pair them with a classic margarita.

Firebird Tavern

Open since 2013, Firebird Tavern is a great happy hour spot to drop into during a tour of Historic Greektown. This casual, neighborhood tavern is a warm, lively and inviting spot to meet, dine, drink and dance. From 3pm-6pm Monday thru Friday try half-off beers and wine, and small plates for $5, try the Irish nachos, cauliflower dip, chicken salad cups, or caprese salad.

Ivy Kitchen & Cocktails

Travel a little out of the downtown area to enjoy happy hour at Ivy Kitchen & Cocktails. Committed to fresh, local ingredients, Ivy Kitchen & Cocktails guarantees a dining experience that isn’t just a meal; it’s a journey through flavors crafted with passion and a commitment to your well-being. During happy hour, Monday through Friday from 4 pm to 8 pm, try the buffalo cauliflower and mezcal wings, or a delicious cocktail by their creative bartenders. The blueberry martini is a delight.

Northern Lights Lounge

This classic neighborhood bar is a hidden gem for food and music lovers. Since 2004, this New Center eatery has been known for its cool aesthetic vibe, outdoor patio and lengthy happy hour every weekday from 3 pm to 6 pm. The relaxed atmosphere is a perfect place to hang out with friends over a $7 shot of Northern Lights Whiskey and a PBR. Come for the happy hour and stay for an awesome DJ set.

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