24 Hours in Detroit: The Perfect One-Day Itinerary

Start Your Morning in Detroit​

Bar Rotunda Coffee Cafe

In true European fashion, Bar Rotunda serves as an all-day cafe and wine bar. The space is canopied by the beautifully restored 100-year-old Keppler glass dome within the lobby of Book Tower, creating an idyllic setting for locals and guests to savor a bite or drink. Bar Rotunda is a premier destination for coffees, pastries, small plates, wine, and cocktails. The design and service makes us feel that we are enjoying a grand café in a venerable hotel of early twentieth-century Paris.

 

Folk

A Detroit gathering space - breakfast, lunch, brunch, espresso, wine, and specialty provisions. Breakfast and lunch restaurant and wine store. An "artisanal" café that specializes in seasonal, made-from-scratch comfort foods and healthful beverages that are inspired by the seasons. Folk utilizes many time-honored ingredients from around the world to create global yet familiar dishes. The open kitchen and small number of tables in a renovated old building create a comfortable space. Seasonal patio.

 

Explore Detroit's Top Attractions​

Motown Museum

Home to an extensive array of Motown artifacts, photographs and other memorabilia, the Museum’s mission is to preserve the legacy of Motown Record Company and to educate and motivate people. The restored upper flat is where Berry Gordy lived with his young family during the company’s earliest days. One of the Best of the Best Top Things To Do Downtown Detroit. Diana Ross & The Supremes, Smokey Robinson & The Miracles, Stevie Wonder, The Temptations, The Four Tops, Marvin Gaye, Michael Jackson & The Jackson 5, Martha Reeves and The Vandellas, Gladys Knight & The Pips, Lionel Richie & The Commodores, ...

 

Detroit Institute Of Arts

The world-renowned Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA) is one of the premier art museums in the United States - home to more than 60,000 works that comprise a multicultural survey of human creativity from ancient times through the 21st century. The foundation was laid by William Valentiner, a scholar and art historian from Berlin, who was director from 1924 to 1945. His extensive contacts in Europe, along with support from generous patrons, enabled him to acquire many important works that established the framework of today's collections.

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Belle Isle State Park

Belle Isle State Park, a 985-acre island park located in the Detroit River near downtown Detroit, is rich with history and natural beauty and provides spectacular views of Detroit to the North and Canada to the south. Extensive natural forest areas, plenty of picnic space. Picnic, jog, nature walk, swim at the beach, ride bicycles, fish, kayak, golf, and more. The island's 200-acre forested wetland is one of the largest wet-mesic flatwoods in existence … providing habitat for a large variety of rare plants, wildlife species and migrating songbirds. Home to Bald Eagles, Fallow Deer, Beaver, and more.

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Lunch in Detroit

Mudgie's Deli & Wine Bar

One of the best delis - any city, anywhere. Serving only the highest-quality, scratch-made, locally sourced food; fine wines, craft cocktails; local spirits; and craft beer. Outstanding sandwiches. Fresh and interesting ingredients. Lunch, happy hour, dinner and weekend brunch. Venue just has a great vibe and a lot of character, located in an older house in a historic Detroit neighborhood. Seasonal patio. Outstanding wine bar/store.

 

​Dinner in Detroit

Leila

A menu rooted in the savory yet simple flavors that define Lebanese cuisine, and an experience that evokes the simple pleasure of great food enjoyed in good company. Leila sits at the crossroads of sophisticated style and old-world hospitality. Great food, reasonable pricing, nice venue. A wonderful venue with a large outdoor patio. A proud member of the Best Dinner Restaurants Downtown Detroit.

 

End the Night with Live Music

Cliff Bell's Jazz Club

Dating back to 1935, the restored Cliff Bell’s is a must-visit for jazz and architecture enthusiasts. The exterior was recently spruced up, and the interior features rich colors and textures, plus Art Deco fixtures and lighting. Live jazz almost every night of the week, with artists from all over the globe playing traditional and contemporary jazz. Wonderful venue - plan on reservations to get in. Dinner, cocktails, wine.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Spending 24 Hours in Detroit

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Is one day enough to see Detroit?

One day is enough to experience many of Detroit's highlights, but if you have the time, two or three days allows you to explore the city's neighborhoods, museums, restaurants, and nightlife more fully.

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What is the best way to get around Detroit?

Refer to our Getting To/Around Downtown Detroit section. There are buses, Uber/Lyft, the QLine connecting downtown with the Museum District Detroit iand New Center. Detroit is a major city but very compact it does not take much time to travel from spot to spot. Detroit's Downtown is very walkable.

Where should I stay if I only have one day?

Stay in any of our recommended Hotels which are all downtown. Many things to do and see, restaurants, bars, and sporting/entertainment venues are within walking distance of these hotels.

Can I do this itinerary without a car?

This one-day itinerary would require a car or Uber/Lyft

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Should I book tickets in advance?

Book your visit to the Motown Museum before you visit, this is a very popular attraction. The Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA) and Belle Isle don't need bookings.