Things to do in Detroit

Find and book activities, attractions and tours

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Detroit
Detroit
Greektown Historic District featuring signage as well as a large group of people
Detroit featuring skyline, a sunset and a lake or waterhole

Detroit Attractions

Whether you call it Motor City or Motown, Detroit is a Michigan city with a lot of historical significance. It’s a hub of vehicle production and served as the birthplace of musical careers for decades. If you’ve ever bobbed your head to “My Girl” by “The Temptations” in the back of a Ford Mustang, you can thank Detroit. These days, the city is a diverse array of music, food, and sports. Fun things to do in Detroit range from touring old Motown studios to sitting front row at a professional football game. When you’re looking for a getaway, this Midwest city might offer just the escape you seek.


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What to do in Detroit

Free Things to Do in Detroit

A vacation in Detroit need not blow your budget. You can leave your wallet behind if you go to:

Detroit Historical Museum - Approach the staff and learn more about the unique collections housed here.

Pewabic Pottery - This is a must-visit for culture vultures who want to add an artistic touch to their trip.

Campus Martius Park - If you're a fan of modern design and architecture, add this landmark to your list of must-sees.

Guardian Building - If you're thinking of exploring the region's history through its landmarks, include this one on your travel itinerary.

Detroit Riverwalk - See for yourself why locals and visitors alike are in love with the charm and character of this place.

Masonic Temple - If you're eager to check out a few of the more important or unique places in the community, this place is worth a visit.

Mariners' Church - Take a moment for some meditation or prayer at this revered sacred place.

Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory - Grab your picnic blanket, pack some finger food and find a cozy area to be at one with nature.

Areas & Neighborhoods in Detroit

From the historic to the gastronomy-focused, neighborhoods in Detroit boast a wide range of personalities. If you’re not sure where to get started, Detroit tours are a good way to pack in lots of sightseeing in a short period of time. Or, you can always explore these unique districts on your own.

Downtown — In the heart of The D, it’s easy to keep yourself busy with eating and entertainment. From chic nightclubs to low key lounges, downtown Detroit has it all. You can also catch a Detroit Lions game or concert at Comerica Park while you’re in town.

Eastern Market — Many of the most delicious things to do in Detroit take place in Eastern Market. This market doesn’t just open once a week: You can buy natural foods and ingredients from vendors any day of the week. You can always grab a bite at a local restaurant, too.

Midtown — Bring your camera to Midtown, where sites like the Detroit Masonic Temple and local Orchestra Hall make for fantastic photo opportunities on a walking tour. You can also marvel at the community gardens when weather permits.

Things to See in Detroit

There are plenty of things to see in Detroit for the whole family. Be entertained at the Detroit Symphony Orchestra or Fox Theater, and get a glimpse of the exhibits at the Detroit Institute of Arts. If you’re looking to fill out your scrapbook, the interior of Old St. Mary’s Church is worth a look and photo series. Of course, no trip to Detroit would be complete without a visit to the iconic Joe Louis monument.

Sightseeing in Detroit

Things to do in Detroit, Michigan range from the serene to the active. On the calmer side of things, you can go for a stroll on the Detroit Riverwalk, which runs along the American side of the Detroit River. Also worth time on your itinerary is a tour of the Motown Museum, where you can see exhibits dedicated to the likes of The Supremes and the Jackson 5. Make the trek to Belle Isle to see the zoo and take a jog in front of the downtown Detroit skyline.

Things to Do in Detroit with Kids

There are plenty of sensational experiences in Detroit that the whole gang will enjoy. These are a few of the top family friendly experiences around.


 

Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in Detroit? Search event tickets to see what's happening today, or to plan what to do this weekend!

 


 


Discover the most popular places to visit in Detroit

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Detroit

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Downtown Detroit

4/5(1,947 area reviews)

Central business district meets residential area, Downtown Detroit boasts historic architecture, skyscrapers, and parks. Explore attractions like Campus Martius Park, Fox Theatre, and Detroit Riverwalk, with convenient transport options nearby.

Downtown Detroit
#BVStrove

Rochester Hills

Live music, restaurants, and shopping are just a few things travelers enjoy about Rochester Hills. Check out The Village Of Rochester Hills or Meadow Brook Amphitheatre while you're exploring the area.

Rochester Hills
Cool atmosphere & excellent food!!

Midtown

4.5/5(113 area reviews)

Historic districts and cultural attractions abound in this area, with highlights like the Detroit Institute of Arts and the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History. Independent retail outlets are on the rise, especially along the Cass Corridor.

Midtown
Love finding Ouizis work all around the city 😍

Corktown

Discover Detroit's oldest neighborhood, featuring historic Federal-style homes and charming Irish businesses. Enjoy a stay at the Trumbull & Porter boutique hotel or explore the walkable Mobility Innovation District around Michigan Central Station.

Corktown
Incredible VEGAN gyro at this great little place in downtown Detroit.  I’ve been hungry for it since I had it. Got it with chili cheese fries. Yum.  The menu is entirely vegan.  What a gem.  It is in an area that looks to be actively gentrifying, so a fair number of boarded up and vacant lots, but close to tons of venues.  #OnTheRoad

Brush Park

Brush Park might not have many top sights, but Little Caesars Arena and Comerica Park are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Brush Park
Greektown Historic District

Greektown Historic District

Indulge in authentic Greek cuisine at various themed restaurants and visit the Hollywood Casino while exploring this district. Easily accessible via the Detroit People Mover station at Beaubien Street.

Greektown Historic District

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 


 

Popular day trips from Detroit

Frequently asked questions

Is Detroit worth visiting?
Offering a blend of festivals and culture, there are many things to do in Detroit. When you're here, check out Fox Theatre, a major attraction in the area.
How do I spend a day in Detroit?
After you've visited top attractions like Detroit Riverwalk and Motown Museum, spend the rest of your day experiencing Detroit's shopping and dining scene.
What is the top tourist attraction in Detroit?
Don't leave without visiting Fox Theatre, rated the top tourist attraction in Detroit.
Is three days enough to stay in Detroit?
Three days will be plenty of time to tick off the leading city highlights, like Fox Theatre, Detroit Institute of Arts and Detroit Riverwalk. The average stay in Detroit is two days. If you feel the urge to extend your getaway, Romulus isn't far away.
Is Detroit a walkable city?
Some leading sights in Detroit, such as Fox Theatre and Detroit Institute of Arts, are within walking distance. You can also visit several of the city's popular neighborhoods on foot. Only 0.1 miles from the city center of Detroit is Downtown Detroit and Greektown Historic District is 0.4 miles away.
What are some activities to do in Detroit with kids?
What to do in Detroit for adults?
The Belt and Highland Park Ford Plant are just two of the things to do in Detroit. With lots of activities available, there's something here for everyone.
Are there free things to do in Detroit?
In Detroit, Detroit Riverwalk is a top spot for anyone wishing to see the city without reaching for their wallet. Also, wander around the green spaces and other neighborhoods, and speak with a local tour guide. It's a top way to find out about the best free things to do in Detroit.