Detroit is a lively, cosmopolitan city in the state of Michigan. Lovers of contemporary art, green spaces, and great shopping outlets should definitely make a trip down to Detroit to listen to some modern jazz music, go on a walking tour of the city, or visit the Detroit Opera House. Besides the usual tourist haunts like the Henry Ford Museum, Belle Isle Park, and Comerica Park, there are many unique places of interest around Detroit that are worth a visit on your next trip there. If you are planning your next vacation down in Detroit, Michigan, below are the best things to do in Detroit’s downtown area that you should definitely check out during your next trip there.
Check out the best lofts and luxury Airbnbs in the city, too, in case you don’t have a place to stay yet.
1. Appreciate and support the art scene
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
If fine arts has a special place in your heart, check out one of the best galleries in Downtown Detroit: DuMouchelles. Established in 1927, this fine art auction house is one of the most trusted of its kind in the country. If you’re a collector of exquisite and one-of-a-kind antiques, you’ll be smitten by the personalized services offered at the auction house. Rare items from all around the US are sold here, with categories ranging from paintings and sculptures to ornate jewelry and porcelain items.
DuMouchelles
Address: 409 E Jefferson Ave, Detroit, MI 48226, United States
Website: DuMouchelles
Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 9:30am - 5:30pm (closed on Sun & Mon)
2. Catch a ballgame or a major live event
Detroit is home to Comerica Park. This world-famous attraction in the city is an open-air baseball park that functions as the home of Major League Baseball’s Detroit Tigers. The ballpark take its name after Comerica Bank, which was headquartered in Detroit at the time of its opening. Besides the globally watched baseball matches, Comerica Park is also home to various major events like Hockeytown Winter Festival, live concerts, and soccer matches. The park opened in April 2000 and has a seating capacity of almost 42,000.
Comerica Park
Address: 2100 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48201, United States
Website: Comerica Park
3. Listen to some snazzy live jazz music
For a quintessential downtown Detroit activity, head down to Cliff Bell’s for some swanky jazz music, which plays live every night at the restored art-deco club. The club also serves some hearty local fare, including comfort food dishes such as pasta, steaks and other grilled meats.
Cliff Bell's
Address: 2030 Park Ave, Detroit, MI 48226, USA
Website: Cliff Bell’s
Opening hours: Mon - Sun: 5pm - 12am
Price: 20 USD
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4. Snap a picture at a football stadium
What to do in downtown Detroit, you ask? Ford Field is a multi-purpose domed stadium and the home of the Detroit Lions of the National Football League. Fans of football can come down to the Ford Field and snap a photo on the field for their Instagram handle, or come down to watch one of the many matches playing on the field, which can get crowded especially over the weekend.
Ford Field
Address: 2000 Brush St, Detroit, MI 48226, USA
Website: Ford Field
5. Admire the intricate designs of an opera house
The Detroit Opera House is a majestic and ornate opera house located in downtown Detroit. Many local and international opera shows are held at the opera house throughout the year, including famous operas such as The Marriage of Figaro and La Traviata. Come down to the opera house to enjoy an evening show after a long day of sightseeing, or simply visit the opera house to snap a picture with one of its many ornate walls.
Detroit Opera House
Address: 1526 Broadway St, Detroit, MI 48226, USA
Website: Detroit Opera House
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 10am - 5.30pm; Sat - Sun: 1pm - 11pm
6. Watch a concert
Many great singers, dancers and performance troupes stop by at Detroit’s very own multi-use entertainment venue, the Filmore to perform on their tours. Events are held at the Filmore almost every other night, with events such as Hozier’s Wasteland, Baby! tour and Patton Oswalt’s stand-up comedy show playing at the venue.
The Filmore Detroit
Address: 2115 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
Website: The Filmore Detroit
7. Visit a famous convention centre
Pay a visit to the convention center along Jefferson and Washington avenues, The Cobo Center for a road show or performance. A wide range of road shows and conventions, including the North American International Road Show and the FIRST Championship, an international robotics championship for students, are held there annually.
The Cobo Center
Address: 1 Washington Blvd, Detroit, MI 48226, USA
Website: The Cobo Center
8. Shop till you drop
Shop till you drop at the Hart Plaza, Detroit. A wide range of international brands and local boutique shops can be found along this riverfront boulevard shopping plaza. A beautiful waterfall sits in the center of the shopping strip, providing travelers with great photo opportunities while shopping at the plaza. Many great dining options are available at the plaza as well, from delicious local fare to many international cuisines such as Japanese and Indian food.
Hart Plaza
Address: 1 Hart Plaza, Detroit, MI 48226, USA
Website: Hart Plaza
9. Attend an event at Hart Plaza
During the warm summer months, the spectacular Hart Plaza bursts into life. This fantastic open-air plaza was designed to be a shared community space dedicated to cultural, musical, and special entertainment events. Opened in 1975, the plaza was named for U.S. Senator Philip Hart and it includes the award-winning Horace E. Dodge and Son Memorial Fountain which was designed by Isamu Noguchi. From short, cultural exhibits to annual traditions like the Ford Detroit International Jazz Festival, Hart Plaza hosts amazing events.
Hart Plaza
Address: 1 Hart Plaza, Detroit, MI 48226, USA
Website: Hart Plaza
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
10. Enjoy the nightlife in a downtown casino
Enjoy Detroit’s vibrant nightlife at the MGM Grand Casino. Even for travelers less keen on playing poker or blackjack, many great restaurants and entertainment options are available within this downtown Detroit attraction. Some of these are the Fitness Center & Pool and the renowned steakhouse, Wolfgang Puck Steak. There is also the IMMERSE spa for travelers to relax and unwind.
MGM Grand Casino
Address: 1777 3rd Ave, Detroit, MI 48226, USA
Website: MGM Grand Casino
11. Catch a show at a hip theatre
Fox Theatre is a performing arts theatre known for showcasing great contemporary dance and music. Tickets to shows at the Fox Theatre are affordable and can be pre-booked online. Even if you do not plan on watching a show at the Fox Theatre, you can head down to the theatre to take some great snapshots of its majestic dome ceiling and plush red walls.
Fox Theatre
Address: 2211 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
Website: Fox Theatre
12. Explore Detroit with a local tour guide (from USD 29.0)
This two-hour tour around Detroit brings you to some of the key landmarks you must see in Detroit, including the Comerica Park, Fox Theatre and the Guardian Building. For guests stopping by Detroit for a day or two, this short walking tour is perfect for you as it allows you to experience Detroit authentically within the shortest amount of time.
Detroit: Downtown Detroit Walking Tour with a Local
Duration: 2 hour
13. Immerse yourself in Detroit's rich history (from USD 29.0)
Immerse yourself in Detroit’s rich history through this walking tour. The tour, which lasts approximately two hours, covers some of the key landmarks within downtown Detroit. These tourist attractions are of cultural and historical significance to Michigans, including the Guardian Building, Book Tower, Westin Book-Cadillac Hotel and Penobscot Building. A knowledgeable tour guide will give you a deeper understanding of Detroit’s economic rise and fall against the backdrop of many architectural landmarks around the city.
Detroit: The Rise, Fall & Renewal Walking Tour
Duration: 2 hour
14. Stroll through the relaxing Detroit RiverWalk
One of the best ways to enjoy the urban beauty of Detroit is to stroll along the RiverWalk. This promenade stretches 5.5 miles (9 km) along the Detroit River and offers wonderful views of the downtown skyline, as well as Canada. The trail is popular with cyclists and joggers, and there are even stands where you can rent kayaks to take out on the water. As you meander along the wide path, you can stop at child-friendly splash pads, peaceful parks, and delightful cafes.
Detroit RiverWalk
Address: 1340 Atwater St., Detroit, MI 48207
Website: Detroit RiverWalk
Opening hours: 6am - 10pm (daily)
Price: Free
15. Discover a world of innovations and achievements at the Henry Ford Museum
Delve into the legacy of American innovators and inventors at the brilliant Henry Ford Museum. This fascinating establishment immerses you in the lives and stories of the creative minds that shaped American history through their industrial inventions. The wide-ranging museum features exhibits on everything from race cars to agricultural equipment and it has many unique collections and interactive displays. The museum also includes amazing artifacts like the first steam locomotive and the bus where Rosa Parks sat in the name of civil rights.
The Henry Ford Museum
Address: 20900 Oakwood Blvd, Dearborn, MI 48124, USA
Website: The Henry Ford Museum
Opening hours: 9:30am - 5pm (daily)
Price: from 24 USD
16. Satisfy your inner bookworm soul at Detroit Public Library
As the second-largest public library in the state, the Detroit Public Library brims with fantastic books. The library was established in 1861, and today, there are 23 branches of the library across the city. The Main Library is the largest of these branches, and hosts many special events and exhibits throughout the year. You can also visit DPL Galleria here, which is a community art gallery, and enjoy free, one-hour tours of the library that feature fascinating information about the history, architecture, and art of this cultural institution.
Detroit Public Library
Address: 5201 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
Website: Detroit Public Library
Opening hours: Tue - Wed: 12pm - 8pm; Thu - Sat: 10am - 6pm (closed on Sun & Mon)
Price: Free
17. Browse through the archives at National Automotive History Collection
The city of Detroit is inextricably linked with the automotive industry. The National Automotive History Collection has an outstanding archive collection which details the history of transportation in America. This fascinating institution features a digital collection, as well as photographs, books, journals, and manuscripts which highlight the development of the industry. The National Automotive History Collection is a part of the Detroit Public Library system and is only open to visitors by pre-arranged appointments.
National Automotive History Collection
Address: 121 Gratiot, Detroit, MI 48226
Website: National Automotive History Collection
Opening hours: By appointment only
Price: Free
18. Enjoy the famous hot dogs at Lafayette Coney Island
Posted by Lafayette Coney Island on Wednesday, 12 October 2016
Lafayette Coney Island is a much-loved Detroit institution, and the perfect place to stop for a snack no matter the time of day. This casual restaurant is famed for its steaming “Detroit-style Coney Island” hot dogs that come piled high with chili, onions, and mustard. In addition to the much loved “coneys,” the chili-covered burgers and fries are also fantastic. If you still have room after polishing off a plate of hot dogs, make sure to try a slice of one of their great pies.
Lafayette Coney Island
Address: 118 W Lafayette Blvd, Detroit, MI 48226, USA
Website: Lafayette Coney Island
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 8:30am - 3am; Fri - Sat: 8:30am - 4am; Sun: 8:30am - 2am
19. Enjoy peaceful reflection at Old St. Mary's Catholic Church
The historic Old St. Mary’s Catholic Church is an impressive architectural marvel located in the city’s Greektown, and it is the third-oldest Roman Catholic Church in the city. With its twin spires on the western side, Old St. Mary’s Catholic Church is an instantly recognizable landmark along Detroit’s skyline! Constructed in 1885, this building beautifully blends elements of Pisan Romanesque and Venetian Renaissance styles within its towering walls. The interior of the church is wonderfully ornate, and it includes marble columns, a frescoed ceiling, and fine paintings. Mass is recited daily, and other religious events are hosted throughout the week.
Old St. Mary's Catholic Church
Address: 646 Monroe St, Detroit, MI 48226, USA
Website: Old St. Mary’s Catholic Church
Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (daily)
Price: Free
20. Visit the renowned landmark, The Spirit of Detroit
The Spirit of Detroit is one of the most well-known landmarks in the city. Standing proudly in the Coleman A. Young Municipal Center, this bronze sculpture was commissioned as a symbol of the city’s community, and it features a large, seated figure holding a bronze sphere in one hand and a small family group in the other. The monument was unveiled in 1958, and it remains an icon of the city today, appearing in many city emblems and business logos. You may even see the statue sporting the jerseys of local professional teams in the lead-up to special events!
The Spirit of Detroit
Address: 2 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48226, USA
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
21. Shop the best of crafted hats at Henry the Hatter
Brimming with unique stores, creative boutiques, antique shops, and high-end options, Detroit is a fantastic city for shopping enthusiasts. One of the city’s more unique stops is an historic business called Henry the Hatter. This stunning establishment has been in business since 1893, when it was founded by Detroit local Henry Komrofsky, and has sold hats to everyone from President Dwight D. Eisenhower to comedian Steve Harvey. Today, Henry the Hatter is located in Detroit’s Historic Eastern Market, and it offers a wide variety of headgear from straw hats to newsboy caps.
Henry the Hatter
Address: 2472 Riopelle St, Detroit, MI 48207, USA
Website: Henry the Hatter
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 9:30am - 6pm (closed on Sun)
22. Try your luck at Greektown Casino
With its table games, live poker, slots, and on-site dining, Greektown Casino keeps the fun rolling late into the night! This brilliant casino is open 24 hours daily, and it is packed with exciting attractions. There are over 3,000 slot and video poker machines available, as well as live table games for everything from Blackjack to Roulette. There are also live poker tournaments to enjoy! When you need a break from the fast-paced action, take a seat at one of the five in-house restaurants and enjoy a delicious meal. Greektown Casino is also home to a stellar hotel.
Greektown Casino
Address: 555 E Lafayette St, Detroit, MI 48226, USA
Website: Greektown Casino
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
23. Relax in nature at Campus Martius Park
This family-friendly park is a wonderful way to unwind in downtown Detroit. A wonderful green oasis surrounded by the city’s spectacular skyscrapers, Campus Martius Park is a gathering point for the community and it is filled with lovely amenities. Pack a picnic and sit near the sparkling Woodward Fountain or choose to eat at one of the many surrounding cafes, before visiting iconic landmarks like the Michigan Soldiers and Sailors Monument. Enjoy an outdoor concert or class in the park, or simply lounge upon the massive man-made beach. There are plenty of seasonal events held in the park, including a fantastic ice-skating rink in winter.
Campus Martius Park
Address: 800 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48226, USA
Website: Campus Martius Park
Opening hours: 6am - 10pm (daily)
Price: Free
Many great choices in downtown Detroit
Downtown Detroit is full of great things to do. Whether you want to shop till you drop or watch your favorite local band play some jazz music, there will be something for you to do in Detroit. As soon as you secure your vacation rental, be sure to check out our carefully curated list of best things to do in Detroit!
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