ONE DAY IN DETROIT - OUR DETROIT TRAVEL GUIDE
WHAT TO SEE IN DETROIT
IS DETROIT WORTH VISITING?
To answer your question right away: Yes, in our opinion, Detroit is definitely worth a visit—especially if you’re wondering where to stop on the way from Chicago to Niagara Falls. But, how did we experience Detroit, and what to do in Detroit?
Our local friend Scott introduced us to the history of Detroit. While he’s the first to admit that the city hasn’t always had it easy, his love for Detroit shines through as he shares the plan for the day and promises to show us the beautiful side of his hometown. If you prefer you can directly check what to do in Detroit.
DETROIT HISTORY
DETROIT CITY OF CHANGE
Detroit has come a long way in recent years, but there’s still much work to be done. Known as the birthplace of the American automotive industry, Detroit once was famous for companies like Ford, General Motors, and Chrysler shaping its success. However, the city faced a decline after foreign carmakers gained market share, leading to factory closures, mass layoffs, and a steep drop in population. By the 1990s and early 2000s, high crime rates and economic struggles earned Detroit a reputation as one of the most dangerous cities in the U.S. But has this already changed?
WHEN TO VISIT DETROIT
BEST TIME TO VISIT DETROIT
We went to Detroit in July, and it was sunny and hot that day. Scott told us that the best time to visit is late spring to early fall (May to October). During these months, the weather is pleasant, there are festivals to enjoy, and you can explore outdoor spots like Belle Isle (which we visited). Some museums also offer seasonal events during this time.
WHAT TO DO IN DETROIT
There are many fun things to do in Detroit, and a wide variety of experiences to enjoy. From learning about the origins of Motown music to exploring architecture, food, and drinks (two things you must try to be accepted in Detroit, which we’ll show you here), and relaxing at Belle Isle Park with views of Canada and Detroits skyline. Discover Detroit with us and Scott in just one day!
1. DIVE INTO THE MUSIC FROM DETROIT
To be honest, we’re not hardcore music lovers, but Scott told us that the Motown Museum was a must-see. We only saw it from the outside and didn’t go in, but if you’re into music history, it’s definitely worth a visit. Even just being in the area gives you a sense of the legacy of Motown Records and the incredible artists who helped shape music history.
We’d never really heard of Motown music before, but we quickly learned that this place is the birthplace of Motown Records and where some of the greatest music in history was created. To give you a taste of its impact, artists like Stevie Wonder and Marvin Gaye were signed to Motown. Studio A, where the magic happened, is still one of the museum’s highlights. Visitors can step inside and see the very space where these iconic tracks were recorded. Tickets cost 20.00 USD for adults and 17.00 USD for kids, with a guided tour included. Be sure to book your tickets a little in advance, as it can get busy, especially during peak times.
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Address
2648 Berry Gordy Jr. Boulevard, 2648 W Grand Blvd, Detroit, MI 48208, United States
Opening hours
Wednesday – Sunday
10:00 am – 06:00 pm
2. STOP BY THE FISHER BUILDING
According to the Fisher Building website, this building is “a symbol of a proud past and a promising future,” and we can confirm that’s true. When we shared a bit about Detroit’s history, we mentioned the changes happening in the city—and the Fisher Building is a perfect example. Popular among Detroit locals for shopping, offices, events, and shows, the most exciting part for us was the architecture. The interior is absolutely stunning and definitely worth a stop!
The Fisher Theater also called “The Broadway in Detroit”, located inside the building, hosts legendary musicals like Les Misérables and Six: The Musical. Tickets are available here. What impressed us most, though, were the old-school ticket offices—they really add to the building’s charm!
3. SPORTS IN DETROIT
Detroit is also a great place for sports fans! In April 2024, the city hosted the legendary NFL Draft, which created a lot of buzz and excitement.
And did you know this? The major sports stadiums in Detroit are all located quite close to each other. Comerica Park (home of the Detroit Tigers) and Ford Field (home of the Detroit Lions) are just a few blocks apart in downtown Detroit. Little Caesars Arena, home to the Detroit Red Wings and Detroit Pistons, is also nearby, making it easy for fans to catch multiple games in one visit. The walking distance between the stadiums is only 16 minutes
If you’re interested in attending a game, make sure to book your tickets well in advance and keep an eye on the season dates. The NFL (Football) season runs from September to February, the NBA (Basketball) season is from October to April, and the MLB (Baseball) season takes place from April to October.
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Addresses
Comercia Park
2100 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48201, United States
Ford Field
2000 Brush St, Detroit, MI 48226, United States
Little Caesars Arena
2645 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48201, United States
4. PENOBSCOT & THE GUARDIAN BUILDING
While we were walking through the heat of Detroit, the Penobscot Building was a building that caught our attention. Originally built as an office tower, it was named after the Penobscot Native American tribe, symbolizing strength and toughness. You can still see today, the statue of a Native American above the entrance, paying homage to the building’s name and its symbolic connection to the Penobscot tribe. This building was once the tallest in the city when it was completed in 1928. Standing at 47 stories, it is still one of the tallest buildings in Detroit and a stunning example of Art Deco architecture.
Another building that we even explored from the inside was the Guardian Building. The interior is absolutely stunning and really catches your eye. It was also the perfect place for us to cool down a bit from the heat. So, if you’re walking around downtown, make sure to stop by for a quick visit.
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Addresses
Penobscot Building
645 Griswold St, Detroit, MI 48226, United States
Guardian Building
500 Griswold St, Detroit, MI 48226, United States
5. BELLE ISLE PARK
An absolute must-do when visiting Detroit is a trip to Belle Isle Park. Especially on weekends, it gets super crowded, and you’ll see locals meeting to have BBQs, enjoy drinks, go running or biking, and just enjoying the good weather. You can drive around the island and take advantage of the many parking spots available. The entrance for the park is 11.00 USD
It’s the perfect spot for a view of the Detroit skyline, and you can even see across to Canada. There are also a few attractions on the island itself that are worth checking out.
BELLE ISLE AQUARIUM
The Belle Isle Aquarium opened on August 18, 1904, and was the oldest continually operating public aquarium in North America until it closed on April 3, 2005. Entrance is free, and you can see many colorful fish and other sea creatures. However, please consider making a small donation to help support the aquarium financially. Please note that the Aquarium is only open from Friday till Sunday!
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Address
3 Inselruhe Ave, Detroit, MI 48207, United States
Opening hours
Friday – Sunday
10:00 am – 04:00 pm
CONSERVATORY
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Address
4 Inselruhe Ave, Detroit, MI 48207, United States
Opening hours
Wednesday – Sunday
10:00 am – 05:00 pm
Website
https://www.michigan.org/property/anna-scripps-whitcomb-conservatory
JAMES SCOTT MEMORIAL FOUNTAIN
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Address
Detroit, MI 48207, USA
6. MORE THINGS TO DO
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Addresses
Urban Gardening
132 W Lafayette Blvd, Detroit, MI 48226, United States
Giant Boxing Arm of Joe Louis
5 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48226, United States
Some more fun things to do in Detroit include a visit to Mexicantown and Greektown. Greektown, in particular, offers a unique atmosphere you don’t find often in other cities. Additionally, a visit to Corktown, Detroit’s oldest neighborhood, is a must. Here, you can see how the historic old train station has been transformed into a beautiful new building.
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Addresses
Mexicantown
3409 Bagley St, Detroit, MI 48216, United States
WHERE TO EAT
Since we only had one day in Detroit, we didn’t have the chance to try much food, but to truly become a Detroiter, there’s one thing you absolutely have to try: a Coney Dog! The funny thing is, the two most popular places to get one are right next to each other and are even run by brothers! Scott took us to one of these classic spots, and it was definitely an experience. The food was incredibly delicious, and we could see why it’s such a local favorite.
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Address
118 W Lafayette Blvd, Detroit, MI 48226, United States
Opening hours
Sunday – Thursday
09:00 – 12:00 am
Friday – Saturday
09:00 – 02:00 am
This was one day in Detroit, with insights from our time in Detroit with our local friend. As you can see, you can easily fill a day in Detroit with different activities because there’s so much to explore. From impressive architecture to relaxing spots and delicious food, Detroit is truly booming, and we’re excited to see how the city continues to grow. We could really feel that Detroit is coming back, and now we understand why Scott loves his city so much. Thanks for the VIP tour, Scott! And don’t be scared of visiting Detroit – we never felt unsafe!
This Post Has 2 Comments
Thank you very very much for the outstanding review of my city Detroit. So well done. It was a honor and pleasure for me to have you both here and to give you the tour. It was a wonderful wonderful day.
Thank you so much Scott! It was a really nice day with you 🙂