What to do in Detroit, MI

Activities, attractions and tours

Detroit showing a city, a square or plaza and outdoor art
Detroit showing a city, a square or plaza and outdoor art
Detroit
Detroit
Greektown Historic District featuring signage as well as a large group of people

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.


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What to do in Detroit


Discover the most popular places to visit in Detroit

Explore areas of Detroit

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Downtown Detroit

4/5(247 area reviews)

Central business district meets residential area, Downtown Detroit boasts historic architecture, skyscrapers, and parks. Explore attractions like Campus Martius Park, Fox Theatre, and Detroit Riverwalk, with convenient transport options nearby.

Downtown Detroit
#BVStrove

Rochester Hills

Live music, restaurants, and shopping are just a few things travelers enjoy about Rochester Hills. Check out The Village Of Rochester Hills or Meadow Brook Amphitheatre while you're exploring the area.

Rochester Hills
Historic buildings in Downtown Detroit - Michigan, United States

Midtown

4.5/5(12 area reviews)

Historic districts and cultural attractions abound in this area, with highlights like the Detroit Institute of Arts and the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History. Independent retail outlets are on the rise, especially along the Cass Corridor.

Midtown
Detroit old train station under renovation in December 2019. Iconic building in downtown Detroit, Michigan

Corktown

Discover Detroit's oldest neighborhood, featuring historic Federal-style homes and charming Irish businesses. Enjoy a stay at the Trumbull & Porter boutique hotel or explore the walkable Mobility Innovation District around Michigan Central Station.

Corktown
One of magnificent old churches in Detroit

Brush Park

Brush Park might not have many top sights, but MGM Grand Detroit Casino and Little Caesars Arena are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Brush Park
Greektown Historic District

Greektown Historic District

Indulge in authentic Greek cuisine at various themed restaurants and visit the Hollywood Casino while exploring this district. Easily accessible via the Detroit People Mover station at Beaubien Street.

Greektown Historic District

 

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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?
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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