Detroit is the perfect destination to celebrate your birthday from morning to night (and then some). Whether you’re starting your day with a cozy coffee run, spending the afternoon exploring museums and the Riverwalk, or heading out for an unforgettable dinner and night out, the city offers endless ways to make your weekend feel special.
From pampering yourself at a spa, to shopping local favorites, to experiencing unique activities like river tours, pedal pubs, and immersive museums, Detroit has something for every kind of birthday vibe—low-key, luxe, or full-on celebration mode.
Add in incredible restaurants, sweet treats worth saving room for, and stylish places to stay right in the heart of downtown, and you’ve got everything you need for a birthday weekend you won’t forget.
Add these suggestions to your itinerary to plan the ultimate Detroit birthday weekend.
Where to Caffeinate
Anthology Coffee
Anthology Coffee is a bright, modern space known for its high-end lattes and aesthetic interior that’s basically made for a birthday selfie.
Dessert Oasis Coffee Roasters
This cozy downtown staple offers expertly crafted coffee and a relaxed vibe, which is perfect for easing into your birthday morning. Try a bagel, pastry or cheesecake with your drink. Enjoy a cortado, batch brew, latte, tea or tea lattes with a croissant, cookie, muffin or signature cheesecake.
Madcap Coffee
This local spot is minimalist and elevated. It is ideal for a quick but very good coffee stop before heading out to explore downtown Detroit. It’s also located in Parker’s Alley, which is such a vibe.
The Congregation
This is a must stop that has to be on your list. A beautifully restored church turned coffee shop with tons of character–great for a slow, cozy start to your birthday. Grab a cold brew, matcha, chai or drip coffee and soak up the vibes.
What To Do
Detroit Institute of Arts
Explore the art museum, which includes over 100 galleries, at your own pace or enjoy a guided tour. If you’re looking for something to do that is cost-friendly, this is it. The museum is free for Macomb, Oakland and Wayne county residents. Parking is available for $8 in the parking lot in the back of the DIA. Be sure to browse the DIA Shop before heading out and treat yourself to a unique gift.
Detroit International RiverWalk
Enjoy a scenic stroll with skyline views of Detroit and Canada. The view is especially dreamy at sunset. Currently it stretches about five miles long and you can walk, bike or rollerskate along the path. An expansion is being built at the moment so expect closures in certain areas while that’s being done.
Diamond Jack’s River Tours
Finding an activity the whole family can participate in can sometimes be difficult, but the Diamond Jack’s River Tour is an easy pick. Cruising on the Detroit River is always a great idea because the Windsor–Detroit skyline is a sight that never ceases to amaze. The Diamond Jack’s River Tour offers sightseeing tours on select days at 1 p.m., 2:30 p.m., 4 p.m., and 5:30 p.m. All public tours are first come, first serve and you pay admission when you board the boat. It is $27 for ages 13-59, $20 for seniors 60 and up, $15 for ages 6-12 and $5 for ages 5 and under. Pay by cash or credit card.
Museum of Illusions Detroit
If you want something different for your birthday weekend, this is it. Walk through rooms that defy gravity, trick your senses, and make for the coolest photo ops with your friends or family. Book your tickets in advance.
Wheelhouse Detroit
Enjoy a public or private tour by bicycle. You can bring your own or rent one Wheelhouse Detroit’s. They offer many different tours including Belle Isle, Books & Bikes, Corktown, Sports Heritage, Haunted Detroit, Underground Railroad, Music Heritage and more. Public tours are almost every Saturday and Sunday and select weekdays from mid-April through October. Helmets must be worn.
Detroit Sports Games
Depending on the season, enjoy a Detroit City FC, Detroit Lions, Detroit Red Wings, Detroit Pistons or Detroit Tigers game in downtown Detroit. Download ParkWhiz and pay for your parking ahead of time so you’re not scrambling at the last minute. Also, be sure to check the bag policies at Ford Field, Comerica Park and Little Caesars Arena.
The Belt
Check out this hidden alley filled with murals, bars, and some of the coolest photo ops in the city.
The Michigan Pedaler
Experience a rolling party through the city on this group pedal bike. It allows you to cruise around Detroit while playing your own music, sipping drinks, and stopping at local bars along the way. Perfect for birthdays, it’s part sightseeing, part pub crawl, and 100% a good time with your crew of up to 15 people.
Where to Get Pampered
Detroit Barbers
If you have shorter hair, grab a seat at the Detroit Barbers location in Corktown. These wonderful barbers offer “a legendary haircut, trim or shave with an old-school feel.” Need some haircut inspiration for your new birthday hairdo? Check out some styles on their website so you can be ready to take on your birthday with a new look!
IMMERSE Spa
Located in MGM Grand Detroit, this spa is open daily. Spend the day getting a facial, a massage, a scalp treatment, waxing, a manicure, a pedicure and more.
SOAK Spa Detroit
Celebrate your big day at the Detroit Club. The “Treat Yourself Day” package comes with an 80 minute massage (either deep tissue or Swedish), a 50 minute facial based on your skincare needs, and a bottle of their house champagne. You can valet park here or park in surrounding areas.
Where to Eat and Drink
Apparatus Room
Enjoy upscale dining in a stunning historic space that makes your night feel extra special. It’s located in the Detroit Foundation Hotel and is where Detroit’s firetruck cavalry once had been. There is even a “Smoke Puff” installation above seating areas. This American restaurant teams up with local farmers and vendors for the freshest ingredients – including honey from Bees in the D.
Delux Bar & Lounge
If your birthday plans include dancing, drinks, and a little chaos (the fun kind), this Greektown hotspot delivers. Think DJs, games, a packed dance floor, and nonstop energy all night long.
Grey Ghost Detroit
This spot is trendy, moody, and known for incredible cocktails and burgers—perfect for a birthday dinner. Grey Ghost was named after the rum-running pirate on the Detroit River during prohibition so its aesthetic is from that time period as well.
Parc
Overlooking Campus Martius Park, this is the place for great food and even better views (especially around Christmas). If you want a birthday meal that feels like an experience, this is it. Their menu features wood-fired steaks, pasta entrees and shareable plates, along with craft cocktails, a vibrant atmosphere, and an unbeatable location. It’s the kind of place that turns dinner into a full-on celebration.
San Morello
This restaurant is located inside the Shinola Hotel. It’s a lively, stylish spot for brunch or dinner with fresh Italian flavors and a celebratory vibe. It offers wood-fired pizza and handmade pasta,
Where to Stay Downtown
Detroit Foundation Hotel
This landmark firehouse from 1929 has been beautifully restored. It features 100 hotel rooms and dining at the Chef’s table (a communal dining experience) and at the Apparatus Room.
Shinola Hotel
Sleek, luxurious, and right in the heart of downtown for easy access to everything. This hotel is a downtown favorite. Shinola is a Detroit- based luxury brand that features leather goods, apparel and jewelry. It’s located in Detroit’s historic Woodward shopping district and has 129 rooms. Grab a drink at the speakeasy called Evening Bar or at The Brakeman American Beer Hall or enjoy a meal at their in-house restaurants, San Morello and Penny Red’s Buckets and Biscuits.
The Godfrey Hotel Detroit
A newer hotspot known for its rooftop, I|O Rooftop Lounge, ideal for keeping the celebration going. They also have dining at their restaurant, Hamilton’s and cocktails at Lobby Bar. The Godfrey Hotel is less than a mile away from the Detroit Riverwalk. It features 227 guest rooms, including some pet-friendly rooms.
The Siren Hotel
This hotel is colorful, bold, and full of personality and is located in the historic Wurlizer Building. It features The Candy Bar (their signature cocktail bar), Sid Gold’s Request Room (their piano karaoke bar), The Siren Cafe and Bar Chenin (their wine bar). All of the 106 guest rooms have a retro-modern vibe.
Where to Get a Sweet Treat
Astoria Pastry Shop
A Greektown classic with endless options for satisfying every sweet craving. Choose from over 100 fine pastries including creme brulee, tortes, cannolis, eclairs, mouse, rum truffles, rum balls, rice pudding and more. If you’re with a group of people that can’t decide on dessert, Astoria Pastry Shop is the perfect spot since everyone can choose their own.
For the Love of Sugar
Over-the-top desserts that are as fun to look at as they are to eat. They offer delicious custom cakes so you can order your birthday cake ahead of time and pick it up before dinner. Also offers cookies, brownies and macarons.
Milk & Froth
If you’re celebrating, this is your sign to get the good ice cream. Think rich, small-batch flavors, fresh waffle cones, and creative combos you won’t find anywhere else (aka the perfect sweet ending to your birthday day). Their ice cream is free of artificial flavors and colors, pre-manufactured mixes, and chemical stabilizers.
Where to Shop
Eastern Market
A must-visit for local vendors, handmade goods, fresh flowers, and unique finds you won’t get anywhere else. It’s one of the largest historic public markets in the U.S. with over 150 businesses. Check their website out to find out what upcoming events will be there on your birthday weekend.
Shinola
A Detroit staple for beautifully made watches, leather goods, bicycles, journals and gifts that feel extra special (aka perfect birthday splurge energy). Enjoy a coffee, tea or baked gold while you shop and grab yourself some flowers from the florist there.
Woodward Avenue
The heart of downtown shopping, where you’ll find a mix of big brands and local boutiques all in one walkable stretch.
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