Detroit is a vibrant city and cultural capital, famed as the home of early American automobile history and the soulful Motown sound that permeated the country in the 1960s and 70s. Offering lively culinary and music scenes along with expansive green spaces that invite a little relaxation, Detroit is a place to visit when you want to get out and explore.
Top-tier museums and galleries highlight the city’s historic place in America’s cultural and industrial past. An award-winning zoo, bustling parks and riverfront greenways in the heart of the city with a walkable downtown area make traveling to Detroit an unexpected treat. In this guide to Detroit, we’ll explore things to do, where to stay, great restaurants, day trip destinations and how to make the most of your trip to Detroit.
How to Get Around Detroit
Getting around Detroit is a matter of knowing where you’re headed and what transportation options are available to you in those areas. In the city, the downtown People Mover tram system and cars are generally a good choice to get around without delays.
The downtown area is incredibly walkable and pedestrian-friendly with lots of attractions and restaurants clustered together. Use the free People Mover to access more attractions downtown by walking from your original stop. Use the Detroit Transit app to plan your transportation with multiple agencies (DDOT, SMART and QLINE) during your trip.
Car
Most people get around Detroit with a car. Public transportation is available but limited in areas beyond downtown. If you plan on staying outside the downtown area, you’ll want to rent a car to be able to get around reliably. While Detroit draws comparisons to cities like New York City with its array of attractions, entertainment and restaurants, it does not feature the same level of public transit, such as by not having a subway system. Having a car during your visit gives you the most freedom to move around the city and its suburbs.
There are ample parking garages (including Downtown Garage at 328 W Congress Street and Two Detroit Garage at 296 Larned Street) and street parking opportunities downtown.
Detroit People Mover
The Detroit People Mover is an elevated light rail system that connects downtown Detroit attractions. The People Mover is the best way to get around the heart of the city on weekdays and weekends and is free to ride for all passengers. It operates Monday through Friday from 6:30 a.m. to midnight and Saturday from 10 a.m. to midnight, and Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Servicing multiple stops downtown, from the SW Greenway and Riverfront to the Detroit Opera House, you can ride to most of Detroit’s popular attractions with a short walk to reach your destination.
DDOT Buses
There are several bus routes that run in Detroit proper and the surrounding suburban areas, offering a low-cost way to reach your destination in the city. Buses run every 15-60 minutes, depending on the time of day and route. Bus transportation is generally considered to be the better option for reaching destinations outside the downtown area since the People Mover is available in the heart of the city.
QLINE Streetcar
The QLINE Streetcar follows Woodward Avenue, the main road cutting through Detroit. You can reach destinations downtown (Southbound) all the way out to New Center and the Amtrak station (Northbound) to venture beyond the city on the QLINE. The QLINE Streetcar is free to ride, but you should expect up to 20 minutes between stops.
The streetcar operates seven days a week from 8-12:00 a.m., with limited service hours on Sunday (8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.). It’s free to ride, but park and ride passengers have to pay a fee to park at Wayne State Lot 12 near the station.
Best Time to Visit Detroit
The best time to visit Detroit is between March and May or September to November. The spring and fall shoulder seasons feature mild weather, smaller crowds, lower prices and plenty of events and festivals to capture your attention during your visit.
Spring is ideal for its mild weather with low humidity and sees the city’s green spaces becoming lushly green with flowers in bloom. Rainfall is a consideration between March and May, with warmer temperatures in May making it an excellent month to visit Detroit. Daily highs range from the mid-40s in March to low 70s in May. Spring events and festivals in Detroit include:
- Detroit Whisky Festival (March)
- Marche du Nain Rouge (late March)
- Motor City Blues Festival (late March-April)
- Movement Electronic Music Festival (late May)
Fall is another great time to visit Detroit with mild to chilly weather, smaller crowds and lower prices. With highs between the upper 40s (November) and low 70s (September) and brilliant fall foliage, fall is perfect for strolling downtown, going hiking and taking in festivals like:
- Detroit Jazz Festival (September)
- Art & Apples Festival (September)
- Michigan Brewers Guild Detroit Fall Beer Festival (October)
- Detroit Free Press Marathon (October)
- America’s Thanksgiving Parade (November)
Spring and fall each offer unique ways to experience Detroit with vibrant spring blooms or fall color and mild weather that makes enjoying the city even easier.
Top Things to do in Detroit
Detroit is packed with attractions and things to do, spanning the entire downtown area and into the surrounding suburbs. From strolling the waterfront to browsing museums and taking a culinary tour of the city’s best flavors, these are the best things to do in Detroit.
Stroll the Riverwalk
The Downtown Detroit Riverwalk is a stretch of paths for biking and walking lined with parks and attractions along Jefferson Avenue on the Detroit River. It’s one of the most beautiful parts of the city and is close to downtown. See the skylines of Detroit and Windsor, Canada while you walk under trees and manicured parks, stopping for a picnic at one of the pavilions along the way.
Bike riding, live music, festivals and fishing are a few ways to spend a day enjoying the Riverwalk on a beautiful day. There’s a pedestrian bridge linking the area to Belle Isle, another of the best (and free) things to do in Detroit.
Explore Music, Art and Automobile Museums
In downtown Detroit, music lovers should stop by the Motown Museum to venture through the history of Motown (Motor Town) music and “Hitsville U.S.A.” Guided tours are available. Explore the Detroit Institute of the Arts (DIA), just minutes away in Midtown, to take in global masterpieces by artists like Caravaggio and modern greats. Over 100 galleries featuring more than 65,000 works and murals make it an ideal spot to spend an afternoon.
The Detroit Historical Museum in the cobblestoned Midtown neighborhood is another fantastic option if you’re interested in the history of Motor City. Don’t miss the Automotive Hall of Fame for steam engines to automobiles and the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation for Ford history in the suburb of Dearborn, MI (about 45 minutes away).
Venture to Belle Isle Park
Belle Isle Park is the most popular tourist attraction in Detroit and the second most-visited state park in the nation. With almost 1,000 acres of green spaces and natural beauty just outside the downtown area, you can reach Belle Isle from a pedestrian path from the Riverwalk or take a car to do more exploring.
After paying the entrance fee, you access to some of the island’s best hiking trails, beaches, scenic views and attractions (which may have additional fees). Stop by the Belle Isle Aquarium, nature center or conservatory or opt for a relaxing 75-Minute Detroit River and Belle Isle Breeze Electric Cruise to see it all from a boat.
Go on a Detroit Food Tour
Check out Lafayette Coney Island downtown or its next-door neighbor, American Coney Island, to grab a Detroit coney. A sausage topped with beanless chili, white onions and yellow mustard sinks into a steamed bun to create a dish that’s as delicious as it is simple. As a Detroit staple, this can be considered a rite of passage when you visit the city.
Detroit-style pizza, a thick, pan pizza always cut into squares with thin stripes of sauce on top, is a must-try while you’re here. Buddy’s Pizza is often regarded as the best in the city, with a AAA Diamond designation.
Tour the Revitalized Historic Downtown
Downtown Detroit has been completely revitalized over the years, but its stunning architecture and famous historic landmarks and buildings make it an amazing place to tour when you visit. Take a Private Guided Half-Day Detroit Walking Tour or opt for a Self-Guided Walking Tour of Detroit's Spirit and History if you’d prefer.
You’ll get to stop by long-standing establishments, like the Guardian Building, Huntington Place, the Book Tower and more with chances to explore funky eateries, parks and mural-decorated alleys along the way. It’s a great way to get to know the city with a closer look at the places and architecture that have made it such a household name in America.
Where to Stay in Detroit
From effervescent downtown locations just steps from museums and famous restaurants to secluded accommodations that allow you to unwind close to everything the city has to offer, there are a range of accommodations in and around Motor City for every budget and itinerary. These are the best hotels in Detroit.
Godfrey Hotel Detroit, Curio Collection by Hilton
- Address: 1401 Michigan Ave., Detroit, MI
- Diamond-designation: AAA Four Diamond
- Best for: Those who want to stay in hotel near plenty of nightlife and restaurants.
Godfrey Hotel Detroit is a boutique hotel just west of downtown Detroit with a great location in the heart of Corktown. With pubs, live music and food close by, you’ll appreciate the hotel’s modern design and amenities even more. A rooftop restaurant and bar, spacious showers and plush guest rooms, local artwork on the walls and the chance to save up to 10% with your AAA membership, Godfrey Hotel Detroit is an excellent place to stay.
Hilton Garden Inn Detroit Downtown
- Address: 351 Gratiot Ave., Detroit, MI
- Diamond-designation: AAA Three Diamond
- Best for: Travelers seeking a hotel near downtown attractions
Those looking for luxury should consider a stay at the Hilton Garden Inn Detroit Downtown. Just steps away from many of the city’s main attractions downtown, the hotel boasts Detroit-inspired decor with sophisticated touches from the lobby to your guest room that elevate your experience. With great views of the city and excellent proximity to Harmonie Park and the stadium district, this hotel is at the heart of it all. AAA members can save as much as 10% on rooms.
Detroit Marriott at the Renaissance Center
- Address: Renaissance Center, Detroit, MI
- Diamond-designation: AAA Three Diamond
- Best for: Those who want to stay in a stylish hotel with views of the water or city skyline
The Detroit Marriott at the Renaissance Center features a beautiful waterfront location downtown at the famed Renaissance Center. From stylish rooms to sweeping views of the skyline and nearby Canada, this Three Diamond hotel stands next to Hart Plaza for quick access to festivals and events. AAA members can save 5% or more while earning Marriott Bonvoy™ points.
Comfort Inn & Suites Allen Park-Dearborn
- Address: 3600 Enterprise Dr., Allen Park, MI
- Diamond-designation: AAA Three Diamond
- Best for: Budget-conscious travelers looking to stay outside of Detroit
Staying just outside the city in the Allen Park suburb is a great way to unlock affordable accommodations like Comfort Inn & Suites Allen Park-Dearborn that offer elegant touches, like a hot tub and fitness center, located under 20 minutes from Detroit. If you want a laid-back stay that keeps you near the action without putting you in the center of it, this is a great option. Save 10% or more and earn Choice Privileges points when you book with your AAA membership.
Hollywood Casino at Greektown
- Address: 1200 St. Antoine St., Detroit, MI
- Diamond-designation: AAA Four Diamond
- Best for: Those looking to test their luck at casino games while visiting Detroit
Detroit’s Greektown is a cultural and entertainment highlight of the city and staying at the Hollywood Casino at Greektown puts you right on the money with table games, slots and more just steps away from your room. Upscale accommodations feature the option to stay in suites with Jacuzzis and floor-to-ceiling windows with views of downtown and the waterfront. AAA members can save 10% or more and earn Choice Privileges points.
Where to Eat in Detroit
Detroit’s culinary scene is incredible and always expanding with its multicultural roots and innovative chefs’ intent on shaking up the food scene. From classics to global cuisine inspired by Detroit flavors, these are the best restaurants in Detroit to check out during your trip.
Selden Standard
- Address: 3921 2nd Ave., Detroit, MI
- Diamond-designation: AAA Three Diamond
- Reservations: Suggested
A local favorite, Selden Standard is known for top-tier food and service worthy of a special night out. Upscale and elegant, this eatery specializes in small plates that tempt your palate with fresh, local ingredients in innovative dishes that are crafted in-house and rotated seasonally. From pastas and seafood to grilled meats and sumptuous desserts, Selden Standard never fails to deliver.
BESA
- Address: 600 Woodward Ave., Detroit, MI
- Diamond-designation: AAA Four Diamond
- Reservations: Suggested
Inspired by the Albanian word for “keep a promise,” BESA takes flavor, presentation and service seriously as one of Detroit's preeminent Four Diamond dining destinations. Appetizers and entrées explode in symphonies of flavor with options like perfectly cooked lamb chops and calamari highlighting the menu. Stay for a dessert like their chocolate torte or amarena cherry tart to complete the BESA experience.
Bar Pigalle
- Address: 2915 John R. St., Detroit, MI
- Diamond-designation: AAA Three Diamond
- Reservations: Suggested
Taking French cuisine to a new level, Bar Pigalle will remind you of a Parisian brasserie with its pressed-tin ceilings and array of small plate options featuring unique and complex flavors. Choose à la carte options options like steak tartare, croque madam and duck confit, or place your trust in the five-course chef’s tasting menu for a treat that delivers on taste and value.
Marrow
- Address: 8405 Kercheval Ave., Detroit, MI
- Diamond-designation: AAA Three Diamond
- Reservations: Suggested
Both a butcher shop and a restaurant, Marrow blends classic and contemporary in both setting and fare. This James Beard award-nominated restaurant selects the best cuts to present dry-aged beef, fresh tartares, roasted marrow and seafood along with vegetable side dishes that complement the flavors beautifully. Choose the prix fixe menu or à la carte options and pick up your favorite cuts at the butcher counter before you leave.
Michigan & Trumbull
- Address: 1331 Holden St., #100, Detroit, MI
- Diamond-designation: AAA Diamond Approved
- Reservations: No
For an option that’s easy on the wallet and taste buds, dive into real Detroit-style pizza at Michigan & Trumbull. From the cozy atmosphere to the piled-high pies with delicious toppings along with red, vodka or white sauce, this eatery edges out the others in terms of its deep-dish decadence. For a lighter dinner, they offer fantastic arugula salads with house-made lemon dressing.
Detroit Photo Spots
Some of the best Detroit photo spots are located downtown, where you can get shots of famous statues such as the opulent Fox Theatre and Detroit Masonic Temple or visit the beautiful Belle Isle State Park for Detroit skyline views. Finding these photography spots can make for a fun scavenger hunt around the city.
1. The Spirit of Detroit statue
Located on Woodward Ave, this iconic 26’ statue embodies the soul of the city and regularly gets decked out in unique attire for unforgettable photo ops during your trip.
2. Fox Theatre
From the intricate, neon-lit entrance sign to the opulent interior, you’ll feel like you’ve been transported to a European city at the Fox Theatre. With ample photo opportunities of the Art Deco style, it’s one of the best places to take shots in Motor City.
3. Detroit Masonic Temple
The world’s biggest masonic temple is here in Detroit and its imposing Neo-Gothic exterior in the Cass Corridor makes it a popular spot for Instagram-worthy shots.
4. Belle Isle Park
You’ll find great places for pictures at Belle Isle Park, including the fountain, koi ponds, beaches and wooded hiking trails. Get a beautiful shot of the Detroit and Windsor, Canada skylines, best seen from Sunset Point with the Ambassador Bridge in the background.
5. "The Fist" Statue
This Joe Louis monument at the intersection of Jefferson and Woodward Ave symbolizes the strength and grit of this historic city. With its 25.5’ size, it makes for a great photo that gives you a miniature effect next to the massive fist.
Detroit Day Trips
Part of the beauty of visiting Detroit is how close you’ll be to nearby cities and attractions that are worthy of taking a little detour. From nearby college towns and apple orchards to brewery trips and a themed German holiday village, these are the best day trips from Detroit.
1. Visit Buzzing Ann Arbor, MI
- Distance: 45 minutes from Detroit
Ann Arbor is less than an hour from Detroit with great food, museums and outdoor recreation. Home to the University of Michigan, visit the UM History Museum, the Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Arboretum or see a show at the Michigan Theater. Paddle kayaks on the Huron River, visit the Kerrytown farmer’s market and eat at Zingerman’s Deli to round out your visit. A Self-Guided Ann Arbor Scavenger Hunt is a great way to pack it all into one day.
2. Check Out Blake’s Orchard & Cider Mill in Armada, MI
- Distance: 1 hour from Detroit
Blake’s Orchard & Cider Mill is a must-visit when you’re in Detroit, especially during the fall. Pick your own apples and more during seasonal "u-pick" times. You’ll find family-friendly events happening throughout the year, from haunted attractions and corn mazes to holiday extravaganzas. Take a train ride through the apple orchard, pick your own fruit and enjoy an apple cider donut with a glass of apple cider to seal the deal.
3. Tour Breweries Galore in Grand Rapids, MI
- Distance: 2 hours 20 minutes from Detroit
Grand Rapids is a powerhouse of breweries that craft and serve unique beers in cozy, pub-like settings. Make a day of it with spots like Founders Brewing Co. and The Mitten Brewing Company. Stop to check out art galleries, museums, local shops and parks, like Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park and the Heritage Hill Historic District lined with old mansions.
4. Get a Taste of Bavaria in Frankenmuth, MI
- Distance: 1.5 hours from Detroit
This Bavarian-themed city features year-round holiday cheer and famous restaurants that serve heaping plates of crispy chicken schnitzel, potatoes and dressing (Zehnder’s and Bavarian Inn Lodge are the best). Stroll Main Street and shop at Brenner’s for Christmas decor, then check out River Place shops for sweets and museums to end your day.
Visiting Detroit on a Budget
Saving money on your Detroit trip doesn’t have to come at the cost of fun. If you want to stick to a tighter budget when you visit Motor City, try these travel tips and see how much you can save.
1. Book your trip in winter, spring or fall
Winter is cheapest for a Detroit visit, but spring and fall boast better weather and similarly affordable prices on hotels and attractions.
2. Choose cheap meals
Detroit has some incredible fine dining, but cheaper eats are abundant, too. From famous coneys and Detroit square-cut pizza to food truck fare, you can always find affordable meals here.
3. Check out the Heidelberg Project
This free outdoor art environment near downtown features funky art by local artists, ranging from murals and painted houses to half-buried cars and shoe displays.
4. Take advantage of AAA savings
AAA members can save money on car rentals, hotels and attraction tickets all over Detroit.
5. Use the People Mover
The free Detroit People Mover can help you avoid parking garages and access the most popular attractions downtown to stick to your budget.
Plan Your Detroit Vacation with AAA
Once you’ve gathered inspiration for your dream Detroit trip on Trip Canvas, contact one of AAA’s Travel Agents today to start making your vacation dream a reality, using your AAA membership to access exclusive deals. No matter your budget, they can help you simplify the planning process with prepackaged trips or à la carte options.