I Live in the Midwest—This Is the Most Underrated City Everyone Should Visit Once

Incredible art, great dining, and river views. You can't keep Motor City down for long.

By Iona Brannon

Travel + Leisure Magazine

Published on March 1, 2026

To paraphrase Mark Twain, the reports of Detroit's death have been greatly exaggerated. In fact, the city, which is the most populous in the state of Michigan, is slowly building a reputation as one of the coolest places to visit in the Midwest, with a thriving culinary scene, gorgeous outdoor spaces, and a rich history to boot.

The city is perhaps best known for its legacy as the U.S.'s premier car manufacturing hub. The first auto companies set up shop in Detroit around the turn of the 20th century, and by 1917, the city's plants produced over one million cars per year. Beyond manufacturing, though, Motor City significantly impacted American pop culture. This is where Blues giants like Bessie Smith, Ma Rainey, and John Lee Hooker cut their teeth performing at venues throughout the city. And of course, Detroit is the home of Motown, and gave rise to stars such as The Temptations, Diana Ross & The Supremes, Marvin Gaye, The Jackson 5, and Stevie Wonder. The city also had a profound influence on other genres such as R&B, gospel, hip-hop, and even techno.

Today, Motor City is tapping into its creative history and Midwestern roots and blossoming once more. "In other places, people try to recreate this authenticity, and in Detroit, we just have it,'" says Jeanette Pierce, founder and president of City Institute, a company that specializes in educational walking tours of Detroit.

Here, visitors will find a walkable downtown centered around a restored plaza and a meandering riverwalk. The city also has a rich arts and culture scene. While here, you can check out Diego Rivera's Detroit Industry Murals, the world-famous Motown Museum, and vibrant community hangout spots like Spot Lite. From historic jazz venues to Burundian restaurants and craft cocktail bars set on former church grounds, Detroit truly has it all, served with a heaping helping of Midwestern hospitality.

Downtown

With restored historic buildings, restaurants, and bars, Detroit’s downtown scene has plenty to explore. Campus Martius Park serves as the epicenter, having once transformed from an ugly five-way intersection. The “mile zero” point of origin for the entire city of Detroit sits in a glass circle in front of the park's restaurant. The Detroit RiverWalk has stunning waterfront views, while sports venues, including Ford Field, Comerica Park, and Little Caesars Arena, bring a bustling energy to the district.

Corktown

Detroit's oldest surviving neighborhood, Corktown, has beautifully restored Victorian homes and a thriving restaurant and bar scene. This compact, walkable area is the only place in the city with the colorful Victorian houses similar to those famous in San Francisco. The neighborhood has become a hub for innovation and community, home to restaurants like Mudgie’s Deli and Slows Bar BQ (one of Detroit's first nationally recognized restaurants), Motor City Wine, and Ima (award-winning ramen and izakaya). 

Eastern Market

Beyond the famous Saturday market, this district has colorful murals that transform buildings into outdoor art galleries. Detroit is the only UNESCO City of Design in the United States and has painted over 600 murals in the last decade. Businesses like Rebel Nell (which transforms graffiti from abandoned buildings into jewelry) are a must-see.

Midtown/Cass Corridor

Housing the Detroit Institute of Arts, Wayne State University, and the Detroit Public Library, Midtown is the city's cultural and educational heart. The Canfield/Cass area is a walkable shopping district with local makers and heritage brands. Browse City Bird for locally-made gifts and Michigan treasures, Bon Bon Bon for inventive artisan chocolates, the Shinola flagship store, Carhartt flagship store (which was originally founded in Detroit), and Third Man Records.

West Village

This charming historic neighborhood was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1980. Visit Marrow, Sister Pie, Norm's Diner, and the dog-friendly Barkside bar, along with boutiques like Faircloth and Eugenie for the quintessential West Village experience.