What to do in Detroit, MI

Activities, attractions and tours

Detroit
Detroit
Detroit
Detroit
Detroit

Detroit Attractions

Whether you call it Motor City or Motown, Detroit is a Michigan city with a lot of historical significance. It’s a hub of vehicle production and served as the birthplace of musical careers for decades. If you’ve ever bobbed your head to “My Girl” by “The Temptations” in the back of a Ford Mustang, you can thank Detroit. These days, the city is a diverse array of music, food, and sports. Fun things to do in Detroit range from touring old Motown studios to sitting front row at a professional football game. When you’re looking for a getaway, this Midwest city might offer just the escape you seek.

Areas & Neighborhoods in Detroit

From the historic to the gastronomy-focused, neighborhoods in Detroit boast a wide range of personalities. If you’re not sure where to get started, Detroit tours are a good way to pack in lots of sightseeing in a short period of time. Or, you can always explore these unique districts on your own.

Downtown — In the heart of The D, it’s easy to keep yourself busy with eating and entertainment. From chic nightclubs to low key lounges, downtown Detroit has it all. You can also catch a Detroit Lions game or concert at Comerica Park while you’re in town.

Eastern Market — Many of the most delicious things to do in Detroit take place in Eastern Market. This market doesn’t just open once a week: You can buy natural foods and ingredients from vendors any day of the week. You can always grab a bite at a local restaurant, too.

Midtown — Bring your camera to Midtown, where sites like the Detroit Masonic Temple and local Orchestra Hall make for fantastic photo opportunities on a walking tour. You can also marvel at the community gardens when weather permits.

Things to See in Detroit

There are plenty of things to see in Detroit for the whole family. Be entertained at the Detroit Symphony Orchestra or Fox Theater, and get a glimpse of the exhibits at the Detroit Institute of Arts. If you’re looking to fill out your scrapbook, the interior of Old St. Mary’s Church is worth a look and photo series. Of course, no trip to Detroit would be complete without a visit to the iconic Joe Louis monument.

Things to Do & Attractions in Detroit

Things to do in Detroit, Michigan range from the serene to the active. On the calmer side of things, you can go for a stroll on the Detroit Riverwalk, which runs along the American side of the Detroit River. Also worth time on your itinerary is a tour of the Motown Museum, where you can see exhibits dedicated to the likes of The Supremes and the Jackson 5. Make the trek to Belle Isle to see the zoo and take a jog in front of the downtown Detroit skyline.

Things to do


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What to do in Detroit


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Where to stay in Detroit

Find the best Detroit areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Detroit
Learn more about Detroit

Downtown Detroit

Known for its great live music and first-class casinos, there's plenty to explore in Downtown Detroit. Check out top attractions like Comerica Park and The Belt, and jump on the metro at Campus Martius Station or Cadillac Center Station to see more of the city.

Corktown

You'll enjoy the live music and historic sites in Corktown. You might want to make time for a stop at Michigan Central or PJ's Lager House.

Midtown

While you're in Midtown, take in top sights like The Majestic Theatre or Orchestra Hall, and hop on the metro to see more the city at Canfield Street Station or Martin Luther King Boulevard/Mack Avenue Station.

Eastern Market

The great live music and first-class casinos are just a few highlights of Eastern Market. Make a stop by Historic Trinity Lutheran Church or Rocky's Historic Eastern Market while you're exploring the area.

Greektown Historic District

Visitors to Greektown Historic District love its first-class casinos, and you can check out Hollywood Casino at Greektown and Old St. Mary's Church. If you want to see more in the area, you can get around town on the metro at Greektown Station.

 

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Day trip destinations from Detroit

Frequently asked questions

Is Detroit worth visiting?
Famous for its festivals and culture, discovering awesome things to do in Detroit is easy. Remember to add Fox Theatre to your itinerary while here.
How do I spend a day in Detroit?
Once you've visited leading attractions like Motown Museum and Detroit Riverwalk, spend the rest of your day discovering the retail and food options in Detroit.
What is the top tourist attraction in Detroit?
You can't go home without exploring Fox Theatre, ranked the top tourist attraction in Detroit.
Is three days enough to stay in Detroit?
Three days will be enough time to tick off the leading city sights, such as Fox Theatre, Detroit Institute of Arts and Motown Museum. The average stay in Detroit is two days. If you have the urge to extend your getaway, Romulus isn't far away.
Is Detroit a walkable city?
Some top sights in Detroit, like Fox Theatre and Detroit Institute of Arts, are within walking distance. You can also discover several of the city's neighbourhoods on foot. Only 0.16 kilometres from central Detroit is Downtown Detroit and Greektown Historic District is 0.64 kilometres away.
What are some activities to do in Detroit with kids?
If you are after activities and sights for all the family, check out these excellent ideas for what to do in Detroit with kids.

What to do in Detroit for adults?
Whether you're a food lover, culture enthusiast or outdoor adventurer, there's no shortage of things to do in Detroit for adults including The Belt and Woodlawn Cemetery.
Are there free things to do in Detroit?
One of the easiest ways to discover free things to do in Detroit is to ask a local tour guide. You'll get insider tips on hip neighbourhoods, parks and other highlights you can experience without getting your cash out. Detroit Opera House is one place that doesn't charge an admission fee.

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