Detroit Has Something for Every Type of Traveler... What Does it Have For You?
Story By: Sarah Bence | Photos By: Vito Palmisano, Christian Harder, Bill Bowen, Noah Fecks, Michelle Gerard, Chris Gerard, Justin Milhouse, Mark M. Gaskill
Detroit goes by many names… Motor City, Motown, the D, and Hockeytown, to name a few.
It’s also known for its foodie scene, classic and modern art, urban development, sustainability initiatives, and more. In other words, there is a lot going on here in Detroit.
All this is to say, there is something in Detroit for everyone! Sure, you could plan your trip to Detroit around a cookie-cutter itinerary, full of the top things to do in Detroit for first-timers. Or… you could tailor your visit to the D to your own unique interests, travel style, and personal priorities.
Let’s dive into Detroit’s best sights, tastes, and places to lay your head for every type of traveler.
Arts, history, and culture lovers
Hotels: If you have an eye for design, consider staying at one of Detroit’s downtown boutique hotels. The Shinola Hotel, a luxury hotel with a curated style and its own art collection is a great pick. The Siren Hotel in the historic Wurlitzer Building is another top option, particularly for those who appreciate art deco design.
Restaurants: Looking for a special touch of art and design in your restaurants – and their menus? Some must-visits for a decadent dinner are The Whitney, Grey Ghost, San Morello, Freya, and Barda. And be sure to stop by Candy Bar – the pink cocktail lounge in the Siren Hotel – for a well-designed nightcap.
Activities: Any art lover in Detroit should spend some time at the Detroit Institute of Art and the Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit. Some more off-the-beaten-path artsy spots include the Heidelberg Project and Dabls’ MBAD African Bead Museum. Walk around downtown, particularly The Belt alley, and Eastern Market area to see some stunning street art. Finally, drop by the Detroit Historical Museum to put your visit to Detroit in context.
Nature and greenspace travelers
Hotels: The best hotel in Detroit for nature and sustainability-loving travelers is El Moore Lodge in Midtown. The historic, sustainably renovated building includes touches like solar panels, reclaimed features, rainwater harvesting, and a community garden with native Michigan plants.
Restaurants: The farm-to-table scene in Detroit is thriving, with many options for travelers who value this type of experience. Coriander Kitchen and Farm in particular is a pure Detroit farm-to-table experience. The canal district restaurant sources its produce from their own nearby one-acre urban farm by Eastern Market. Other Detroit restaurants with farm-to-table practices include Folk, Detroit Farm and Cider, Marrow, Table Number 2, Saffron De Twah, and Chartreuse Kitchen and Cocktails.
Activities: Within the city, you will find many parks and green spaces. Walk down the Detroit International Riverwalk to the Robert C. Valade Park and the William G. Milliken State Park. Alternatively, spend the day at Belle Isle State Park, a 982-acre island park with plenty of gardens, trails, and the Belle Isle Nature Center. Check out Eastern Market, the largest outdoor farmer’s market in the country, to browse local produce…or head to one of Detroit’s many urban farms.
Adventurers
Hotels: Adventurous travelers might feel at home at the Detroit Foundation Hotel, the former headquarters of the Detroit Fire Department. Trumbull & Porter in Corktown is another great choice: a modern, edgy hotel with local Michigan furnishings, bonfire pits, a 24-hour fitness center, bikes, and an on-site restaurant.
Restaurants: If you’ve got adventurous taste buds, then there are quite a few restaurants in Detroit that may pleasantly surprise you. Pie Sci puts some pretty bizarre (but delicious) spins on classic pizza toppings. At Sid Gold’s Request Room you’ll have a live piano bar with your meal – and may be inspired to do some impromptu karaoke.
Activities: Why not start off your trip to Detroit with some light axe throwing at Detroit Axe? If that’s your thing, you might also enjoy fowling (combination football bowling) at the Fowling Warehouse. In metro Detroit, try ziplining and treetop-high obstacle courses at TreeRunner Adventure Park. For those who prefer to adventure closer to downtown, rent bikes from Wheelhouse Detroit, or rent kayaks at Belle Isle from Riverside Kayak Connection.
Sports and Auto fans
Hotels: You’ll want to stay right downtown, or close to the District Detroit. One ideal option is staying at the Detroit Marriott, located within the iconic GM Renaissance Center. By staying here, you will be right where the action is.
Restaurants: Chances are, you’ll want to focus on restaurants close in proximity to Ford Field, Comerica Park, and Little Caesars Arena – bonus points if there are big screens showing the game. Some great options include Bookies Bar and Grille, Coaches Corner Bar and Grill, Elwood Bar and Grill, Hockeytown Café, Buffalo Wild Wings, and The Town Pump Tavern.
Activities: Depending on the season, catch a Detroit Tigers baseball game at Comerica Park, tailgate and attend a Detroit Lions football game at Ford Field, or cheer on the Detroit Pistons or Redwings at Little Caesars Arena. Auto lovers will definitely want to check out The Henry Ford and the Ford Piquette Plant, and even take a tour in a real-life vintage Model A car with Antique Touring. Try to time your visit to match with one of Detroit’s famous auto shows – such as the Woodward Dream Cruise, Chevy Detroit Grand Prix, or North American International Auto Show.
Foodies and Craft-anything seekers
Hotels: Foodies won’t regret a reservation at the Shinola Hotel. Order from their full-service in-room dining options, or dine at one of the hotel’s award-winning restaurants and bars: San Morello, The Brakeman, Evening Bar, Penny Red’s, and Mister Dips. The Detroit Foundation Hotel, home to The Apparatus Room restaurant and cocktail lounge, is another great pick.
Restaurants: There are so many award-winning restaurants in Detroit that it is going to be difficult to choose just a few. Grey Ghost is often on lists of the best food and cocktails in Detroit. Some hot new restaurants include Barda, Midnight Temple, and even Mom’s Spaghetti (Eminem’s restaurant… yes that Eminem). Craft beer lovers should stop by Founders Brewing Co., Batch Brewing Company, Atwater Brewery, Motor City Brewing Works, 8 Degrees Plato, and Brew Detroit. Those who prefer wine and cocktails should bookmark The Sugar House, The Skip, Standby, House of Pure Vin, and Detroit Vineyards Tasting Room. Prefer something a bit harder? Metro Detroit distilleries include Valentine Distilling, Detroit City Distillery, Two James Spirits, and more.
Activities: Your Detroit itinerary is going to be pretty packed with restaurants, cocktail lounges, breweries, and distilleries. If you want to add some structure, join a Motor City Brews Tour or a pub crawl with The Michigan Pedaler. The brand new Detroit Brew Trail is another great way to guide your time in Detroit.
Family travelers
Hotels: There are many family-friendly hotels in Detroit to choose from. If you want to spread out in a suite, stay at Atheneum Suite Hotel in Greektown, or Embassy Suites in Troy (complete with a pool and not far from the Detroit Zoo).
Restaurants: Both adults and kids will love a meal at Buddy’s Pizza, home of the original Detroit-style pizza and with multiple locations across the downtown and metro areas. For brunch, make a reservation at the Hudson Café on Woodward Avenue. Kids will love the red velvet or chunky monkey pancakes (adults will, too). For something sweet, stop by the famous Sister Pie and browse the range of pies and other desserts.
Activities: Plan your weekend around some of Detroit’s best-ranked activities for families. There is something for everyone at the Henry Ford, Sea Life Michigan Aquarium, Legoland Discovery Center, and the Detroit Zoo.
Budget travelers
Hotels: For the classic budget travel experience, stay at Hostel Detroit in Corktown where beds start from as low as $35/night in a dorm room. The Hamtramck Hostel is another good option for budget travelers. You can also often find good deals on Airbnb, VRBO, or last-minute on Booking.com or Hotels.com.
Restaurants: Most budget travelers will prefer to buy low-priced groceries and prepare their own food at their accommodation. However, if you want to dine out in Detroit on a budget, a good place to start is to check out some of the city’s food trucks. One meal you should splurge on is a Detroit coney dog – often relatively low priced so a good bang for your buck for travelers on a budget.
Activities: The great news for budget travelers is that some of Detroit’s most iconic activities are free! Take a stroll along the Detroit International Riverwalk, twice voted as the #1 riverwalk in the country. Peruse the stalls of Eastern Market or window shop along Woodward Avenue. For $11 (with an annual Michigan recreation pass) you can also get onto Belle Isle for an entire day and explore all the state park has to offer.
Mentioned Attractions And Venues
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Get Directions (313) 356-1400
The Shinola Hotel is Detroit’s new living room. Located in the heart of the city’s…
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Get Directions (313) 277-4736
This newly established boutique hotel in Detroit's Wurlitzer Building, built in 1926, offers 106 guestrooms…
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Get Directions (313) 262-6534
Nestled between the historic Brush Park and Midtown neighborhoods, this neighborhood eatery was born from…
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Get Directions (313) 209-4700
Award-winning Chef Andrew Carmellini's urban Italian neighborhood restaurant — inspired by the coastal towns of…
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Get Directions (313) 277-4736
The hotel's cocktail lounge is also one of America's most lauded. The menu features classics…
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Get Directions (313) 833-7900
The Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA), among the top 10 museums in the country, offers…
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Get Directions (313) 924-4374
Sustainably renovated and thoughtfully appointed, The El Moore Lodge is ready to welcome all to…
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Get Directions (313) 513-0361
Detroit's first neighborhood butcher shop and restaurant hybrid. As both a full service, James Beard…
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Get Directions (313) 566-8200
The Detroit International RiverWalk spans more than three miles, from Rosa Parks Blvd. to the…
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Get Directions (313) 566-8200
Robert C. Valade Park is the newest park to open along the East Riverfront. It…
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Get Directions (313) 396-0217
A portal for Michigan's state park system and tourism opportunities. Located in the heart of…
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Get Directions (313) 821-9844
Accessible by a bridge at the foot of East Grand Boulevard, this 982-acre island park…
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Get Directions (313) 833-9300
The largest outdoor farmers market in the nation, encompassing more than 43 acres and founded…
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Get Directions (313) 800-5500
Combining communal, industrial and luxury design in Detroit’s former fire department headquarters built in 1929…
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Get Directions (313) 496-1400
Detroit's newest boutique hotel - Trumbull & Porter boasts 143 completely renovated guest rooms, Red…
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Get Directions (313) 264-1288
A destination for individuals, couples, small groups or large events, The Fowling Warehouse is a…
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Get Directions (313) 568-8000
Experience stylish guest rooms featuring floor-to-ceiling windows with spectacular views of the city skyline, Detroit…
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Get Directions (313) 962-0319
Features three floors of fun, including a roof top deck and a full service kitchen…
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Get Directions (313) 463-4215
From its iconic architecture outside to its tailored appointments inside, Elwood is more than a…
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Get Directions (313) 961-9453
An ultra casual grill and bar known for its award-winning wings, more than 20 beers…
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Get Directions (313) 262-2000
Ford Field is an industry-leading sports and entertainment venue. In addition to Lions football, Ford…
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Get Directions (313) 471-7000
Little Caesars Arena in The District Detroit serves as the home of the Detroit Red…
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Get Directions (313) 982-6001
3 must-see attractions. 250 acres of unexpected. 1 awe-inspiring experience. At The Henry Ford, discover…
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Get Directions (313) 872-8759
Ford Piquette Avenue Plant is the birthplace of the Model T- the most significant automobile…
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Get Directions (313) 486-5300
The Brakeman is an American beer and rec hall by NoHo Hospitality Group featuring rotating…
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Get Directions (313) 800-5600
Chic yet approachable. Historic while tastefully modern. The Apparatus Room bridges the old and the…
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Get Directions (313) 877-9205
Welcome to the Atwater Brewery Rivertown Detroit Tap House! Enjoy American and German-inspired pub fare…
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Get Directions (313) 962-0123
Detroit demanded a craft cocktail bar, so Sugar House fulfilled the request by offering a…
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Get Directions (313) 724-3145
Tucked away inside The Belt, The Skip provides an experience that marries the heart and…
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Get Directions (313) 736-5533
Dedicated to the art of hospitality and creative thinking, this dimly lit space is designed…
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Get Directions (313) 638-2501
House of Pure Vin is a signature retail destination and a consumer attraction for wine…
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Get Directions (313) 338-3760
Creates small-batch artisanal whiskey, gin and vodka using the finest local ingredients sourced directly from…
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Get Directions (313) 964-4800
Detroit's first licensed distillery since prohibition uses local ingredients to produce the finest quality spirits…
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Get Directions (313) 962-2323
Located in the heart of downtown Detroit, the Atheneum Suite Hotel offers an intoxicating blend…
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Get Directions (248) 879-7500
Come experience our new $15 Million Dollar Renovation. Ideal for both business travelers and families…
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Get Directions (313) 892-9001
Established in 1946, Buddy’s is the birthplace of Detroit’s original square pizza and was named…
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Get Directions (248) 409-6001
This metro Detroit aquarium will transport you to the deep blue sea. Sea Life Michigan…
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Get Directions (248) 409-6001
Legoland Discovery Center Michigan is the ultimate indoor Lego playground where families with young children…
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Get Directions (248) 541-5717
The Detroit Zoo is now open. Timed tickets are available online only by visiting their…
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