Detroit Vibe Check: A Young Traveler’s Guide

Detroit is home to a diverse array of neighborhoods that each offer a unique experience. In downtown Detroit you’ll find the thriving heart of the city with Campus Martius Park in the center. In summer sample Detroit’s best food trucks while you sip pina coladas on a makeshift beach, and in winter ice skate under the stars and the twinkling lights of a towering Christmas tree.

Midtown is the city’s cultural epicenter where you’ll find museums, retail shops, and delicious food and drinks. Just a short QLINE ride north is New Center, home to Broadway shows at the Fisher Theatre and incredible Insta-worthy murals and sculptures at Lincoln Street Art Park.

Situated between West Village and the heart of downtown is Rivertown, a quiet neighborhood housing one of Detroit’s best hidden gems, the Dequindre Cut Greenway. Walk or bike the nearly two-mile-long recreational path for glimpses of some of Detroit’s most celebrated street art. For even more street art, head to the historic Eastern Market, an open-air market that also has farm-fresh produce, blooming flowers, artisan goods and delicious craft coffee for sale.

In Corktown prepare to be amazed by the recently-renovated Michigan Central Station, or take a tour at distillery Two James Spirits. Hop over to the burgeoning Core City neighborhood for Argentinian-style open-fire cooking and Core City Park, designed with reclaimed materials and dotted with tables under the sun to enjoy a refreshing shaken espresso from Cafe Prince. Not far is Southwest Detroit, home of Detroit’s thriving Mexican community and tasty tacos.

From the perfect Detroit-style pizza to creative Thai dishes, there’s something for all tastes and palettes in Detroit. Head to San Morello in downtown Detroit for house-made pastas and urban Italian food, or try Mad Nice in Midtown for photo-worthy digs and hearty pizzas to share. At James Beard finalist Baobab Fare in New Center, sample authentic East African dishes loaded with flavor, or dine at Takoi in Corktown for colorful Thai dishes served under neon settings.

At Midnight Temple in Eastern Market you’ll find a hidden gem with some of Detroit’s best Indian food, while dose. detroit in Midtown is a plant-lover’s getaway with succulents throughout and a delectable cafe menu to boot. Scoop up authentic French pastries at Cannelle in Midtown, or make your way to Alpino Detroit in Corktown for Alpine-inspired beer and dishes, like fondue.

Don’t miss out on Detroit’s best iconic bites and cheap eats, though. Green Dot Stables in downtown Detroit features a rotating selection of gourmet sliders, while food collective Detroit Shipping Company in Midtown houses six unique restaurants and a beer garden. Of course, no visit to Detroit is complete without a stop at American Coney Island for a classic coney dog.

Getting around Detroit’s best neighborhoods without a car is a breeze. The QLINE streetcar runs 3.3 miles up and down Woodward Avenue from downtown to New Center. Detroit People Mover is another convenient and accessible way to travel around Detroit’s downtown region. Best of all, Detroit People Mover is free and connects to major attractions and QLine stations.

E-scooters and e-bikes are also widely available throughout Detroit; just look for them along sidewalks in Detroit’s major neighborhoods. You’ll also find plenty of rideshare availability, including Uber and Lyft, and public transportation systems, such as the DDOT bus system.

No matter how you choose to visit, whether you’re here on a solo trip to try Detroit’s best iconic bites or soak up its vibrant nightlife with your entire crew, be sure to explore Detroit’s unique neighborhoods to discover the heart and soul of the Motor City. Booking a hotel in the downtown area can also make it easy to walk to bars, restaurants and many of Detroit’s top attractions.