A Local's Guide to Detroit
Best Things to Do in Detroit:
Local Favorites & Hidden Gems
Looking for the best things to do in Detroit?
Skip the generic lists. This local's guide highlights the attractions, neighborhoods, restaurants, and experiences that are truly worth your time.
Built by locals. No paid placements. No filler.
Note: A few recommendations are outside Downtown Detroit—but they're well worth the short drive.
Planning around a specific visit?
Only have one day? These guides will point you in the right direction fast.
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Our 10 Favorite Things to Do in Detroit
🌳 Belle Isle
Detroit's 985-acre island park is one of the city's premier attractions, offering historic landmarks, museums, gardens, beaches, and abundant wildlife just minutes from downtown.
👉 Visit the Belle Isle Aquarium and Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory
👉 Explore the Dossin Great Lakes Museum, Nature Center, and scenic trails
👉 Spot bald eagles, deer, beavers, and other wildlife
👉 One of Detroit's best destinations for walking, cycling, and picnics
⭐ Best for: Families, nature lovers, photographers, and first-time visitors.
The Detroit Riverwalk is one of America's premier urban waterfronts, stretching five miles along the Detroit River with parks, public art, and spectacular skyline views.
👉 Named USA Today's #1 Riverwalk multiple years
👉 Walk, bike, or relax while enjoying views of Canada and downtown Detroit
👉 Rent bikes from Wheelhouse Detroit or MOGO to explore Belle Isle and the Riverwalk
👉 Parks, plazas, restaurants, and seasonal events along the route
⭐ Best for: Walking, biking, sightseeing, and waterfront views.
The Ford Piquette Avenue Plant Museum is one of the world's most significant automotive heritage sites and the birthplace of the Ford Model T.
👉 Ford Motor's first purpose-built factory
👉 The Model T was developed here and introduced in 1908
👉 Early Ford models, including the B, C, F, K, N, R, S, and T, were assembled here
👉 Guided tours through the original factory and assembly floor
⭐ Best for: Automobile enthusiasts, history buffs
The Detroit Institute of Arts is one of America's finest art museums, featuring more than 60,000 works spanning ancient civilizations to contemporary masterpieces.
👉 USA Today's #1 Art Museum (2024)
👉 Home to Diego Rivera's Detroit Industry Murals
👉 Outstanding collections from around the world
👉 More than 100 galleries to explore
⭐ Best for: Art lovers, families, and one of Detroit's premier cultural attractions.
Eastern Market is one of North America's premier street art destinations, featuring more than 100 large-scale murals painted by artists from around the world.
👉 Explore 100+ murals throughout the historic market district
👉 New murals added during the annual Murals in the Market festival
👉 Perfect for photography and self-guided walking tours
👉 Follow our recommended routes.
⭐ Best for: Photography, public art, and exploring Detroit's creative side.
Discover one of Detroit's most unique public art experiences, featuring giant steel sculptures perched atop rooftops throughout downtown.
👉 More than 30 rooftop sculptures across the city
👉 Self-guided walking routes available
👉 A fun way to explore downtown architecture
👉 Created by artist Jerzy Kenar
⭐ Best for: Public art lovers, walking tours, and photography.
The Guardian Building is one of the world's finest Art Deco skyscrapers and one of Detroit's architectural masterpieces.
👉 National Historic Landmark with breathtaking interiors
👉 Awarded a Michelin 3-Star attraction rating
👉 Self-guided lobby visits during business hours
👉 Join a guided architecture tour
⭐ Best for: Architecture enthusiasts and photography. See our Detroit Art Deco Blog!
🌃 Detroit Nightlife
Detroit comes alive after dark with live music, rooftop bars, cocktail lounges, casinos, theaters, and one of America's best jazz scenes.
👉 Live jazz, blues, and concert venues
👉 Cocktail bars, breweries, and rooftop lounges
👉 Professional sports and casino entertainment
👉 Nightlife options for every style and budget
⭐ Best for: Evening entertainment and nightlife.
🍽 Detroit Dining
Detroit's nationally acclaimed dining scene features James Beard Award-winning chefs, neighborhood favorites, and innovative restaurants serving cuisines from around the world.
👉 James Beard Award winners and nominees
👉 Fine dining, casual favorites, and hidden gems
👉 Exceptional international cuisine throughout the city
👉 Explore our favorite Detroit Restaurants
⭐ Best for: Food lovers and special occasions.
⚾ Detroit Sports
Detroit is one of the few U.S. cities where all four major professional sports teams play within walking distance of downtown.
👉 Home of the Lions, Tigers, Pistons, and Red Wings
👉 Three major stadiums within about one mile of one another
👉 Catch multiple games or events in a single weekend
👉 Great sports bars and pre-game entertainment nearby
⭐ Best for: Sports fans and weekend visitors.
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