TOP THINGS-TO-DO in DOWNTOWN DETROIT
Unique Hidden Gems
These are our recommended attractions that are so unique, that they are well worth a visit! See how cars are assembled - Ford Rouge Factory Tour. Walk 5 miles along the Detroit River. Eastern Market Saturdays are crazy busy.
Some of these are out of Detroit, but well worth the visit! (Getting Around Detroit)
Between entertainment breaks: best Restaurants, Coffee Shops, Rooftop Bars, Wine Bars, and Hotels in Downtown Detroit.
One of our favorites. The Detroit RiverWalk spans more than three miles, from Rosa Parks Blvd. to the Belle Isle Bridge. This breathtaking feature offers the RiverWalk Café for guests to fuel up for an enjoyable walk, run, bike ride or just to relax. Aside from taking a walk or bike ride on the Detroit Riverwalk, take in the sight of new Detroit developments, splash around in several fountains and splash parks for kids, ride the carousel, enjoy nature areas and take in the views of both Detroit and Canada.
Along Detroit River Downtown
Preservation Detroit: Downtown Detroit Walking Tour -
Our award-winning walking tour of downtown Detroit! Explore the plan for the city from the ground up. Way up! Historic high-rises, towering monuments, grand boulevards, parks, and plazas are all part of this groundbreaking tour. Spanning over 300 years of Detroit history, see Detroit gems from streetscape to skyline.
Downtown Detroit
Eastern Market is the largest public market district in the United States, and the Eastern Market farmers' distribution center is the largest open-air flowerbed market in the United States. There can be more than 150 food and specialty businesses. On Saturdays, about 45,000 people shop at the city's historic Market. Designated a Michigan State Historic Site in 1974 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1978.
East of Downtown
Start to finish, Ford Rouge Factory Tour offers awe-inspiring encounters with America’s celebrated manufacturing past, present and future, plus a look into the sheer scale of a working auto factory. Walk through the Legacy Gallery to look back at the iconic vehicles manufactured at the Rouge complex. Travel up to the observation deck for sweeping views of the historic Rouge Complex and one of the world’s largest living roofs. Step into the elevated plant walkway for a look at where the legendary Ford F-150 is assembled.
Dearborn, MI
The Dequindre Cut Greenway is a peaceful, scenic, 2-mile long pedestrian/bike path, connecting Eastern Market to the Detroit Riverfront.
Well-known for its stunning examples of urban artwork and graffiti. One of our favorite best things to do in Detroit. We recommend renting a bike and traveling between the River and Eastern Market.
Entrance ramps to the Cut are located at Atwater Street, Franklin Street, Woodbridge Street, Lafayette Street, Gratiot Avenue, Wilkins Street and Mack Avenue.
Eastside Detroit
World famous Carhartt was born in Detroit in 1889. Known for rugged, high-quality working and outdoor clothing - jackets, shirts hats, pants, coveralls, boots, etc. The Carhartt Detroit Jacket is a classic. It was originally designed to be a rugged, durable garment for the American worker nearly seventy years ago. Over the years it has achieved worldwide acclaim as a workwear staple that transformed into a streetwear icon.
Headquarters Store - Midtown
Founded in 1903, Pewabic is one of the oldest continually operating potteries in the country. Working out of a National Historic Landmark studio on Detroit's east side, Pewabic preserves a tradition of hand craftsmanship that has enriched lives for generations. Visit this active working pottery, architectural tile studio, ceramic arts education center and vibrant cultural destination that attracts visitors from around the world every year.
Eastside Detroit
Habatat is the oldest and largest glass art gallery in the United States devoted exclusively to artists working with glass as their medium.
The Gallery is 16,000 sq. ft. and home of the original International Glass Invitational which, for 53 years, has introduced and exhibited the greatest artists working creatively with glass. The gallery has played a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of contemporary glass art. We loved our visit here - one-of-a-kind.
Suburb - Royal Oak
