Visit Detroit Launches First-Ever Michelin Green Guide for Detroit

DETROIT (December 10, 2024) – Today, Visit Detroit officially launched the first-ever prestigious Michelin Green Guide for Detroit. The world-renowned Michelin Green Guide is centered around culture and the overall travel experience, and spotlights the best Detroit visitor experiences including art, culture, architecture, music, neighborhoods, entertainment and more. Detroit is now the 10th U.S. city that can boast a Michelin Green Guide.

“The world-renowned Michelin Green Guide is an invitation for visitors to explore one of America’s most iconic cities – to discover the innovation of our industries, the beauty in our art, flavors of our kitchens, and the stories of our people,” said Claude Molinari, president & CEO of Visit Detroit. “Given the trajectory Detroit is on, we are honored and proud to be one of just 10 U.S. cities to achieve this recognition and thank Michelin for inspiring the world to visit Detroit.”

Philippe Orain, Michelin Travel Guides Editorial and Contents Global Director based in Paris, France, joined Visit Detroit at Michigan Central Station for the announcement.

“Detroit is a really good introduction to what America is all about,” said Orain. “It’s very human. Detroit is a place that makes people believe anything is possible.”

“The history of Detroit is quite fascinating and it’s now booming with culture, art and atmosphere,” said Orain. “It encapsulates the meaning of a hidden gem. Detroit is a combination of art, architecture, music, sports, nature, and kind people, offering a really interesting mix that attracts people.”

Orain revealed Michelin three-star rated sites, including Cranbrook Educational Community, Detroit Institute of Arts, Downtown Detroit, Guardian Building and The Henry Ford Museum, a rating equal to the most famous attractions in the world such as the Louvre in Paris.

The famous stars of the Michelin Green Guide allow readers to prioritize their discovery choices. Michelin uses a set of nine criteria to rate attractions. Rankings include: Worth a special journey, 3 stars; Worth a detour, 2 stars; and worth a visit, 1 star.

Detroit impressed Michelin editors with its ability to constantly renew itself and its ability to earn distinctions such as its title of UNESCO City of Design, along with only 42 cities around the world. The guide calls out the city as “one of the trendiest destinations of the moment.”

"Being recognized with three stars in the Michelin Green Guide is a testament to the Detroit Institute of Arts’ commitment to offering an unparalleled cultural experience,” said Elliott Broom, Chief Operating Officer, Detroit Institute of Arts. “We are honored to be celebrated as a must-visit destination that inspires and enriches visitors from around the world."

Some of Detroit’s attractions in the 160-page guide considered “unmissable” are the Guardian Building, The Henry Ford, Eastern Market, Michigan Central, the Detroit Institute of Arts and Motown Historical Museum. The Guide also refers to its “top picks” including the Detroit International Riverfront, the Whitney, Eastern Market, the city’s murals and the Fox and Fisher Theatres.

“We are honored to be recognized with the highest ranking given by Michelin’s first-ever Green Guide for Detroit,” said Patricia Mooradian, president & CEO, The Henry Ford. “The Henry Ford is a destination that uses its expertise and unparalleled collections to inspire the next generation of critical thinkers, problem solvers, innovators and inventors.”

Ranked with some of the most famous attractions in the world includes Cranbrook Educational Community. “Earning the prestigious three-star rating in the Michelin Green Guide as a must-see destination highlights Cranbrook's global influence on contemporary design,” said Vijay Iyer, Chief Communications Officer of the Cranbrook Educational Community. “This honor reflects the exceptional art, science, and architectural programming we provide year-round, inspiring visitors and students of all ages.”

The city was called out in the guide for the notable number of cranes dotting the skyline and landmark projects such as the Michigan Central Station recently unveiled to the public. It was noted that the National Football League chose Detroit to host its 2024 draft, which attracted more than 700,000 visitors to the city, a confirmation that Detroit is more than ready to host signature events.

The Green Guide also pays homage to the people of the city. The Guide states: “The city’s best asset is neither its privileged geographical location nor the know how it has inherited but its exceptionally resilient citizens who invent new ways of living and doing things when things get tough.”

For travelers needing lodging for their stay in Detroit, the guide recommends several high-quality hotels in the Downtown district, as well as restaurant, shopping, nightlife and dining suggestions.

U.S. cities with a Michelin Green Guide include Portland, San Francisco, Los Angeles, New Orleans, Miami, D.C., Philadelphia, New York City, Chicago and now Detroit.

The Michelin Green Guide for Detroit will be available later this month. The French-edition of the Michelin Green Guide for Detroit was unveiled in Paris, France this fall and is distributed throughout Europe.