15 Best Things to Do in Detroit

Detroit Institute of Arts

A cultural jewel at the city's core, the Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA) is a must-see during your stay. Housing a remarkable collection of 65,000 artworks spanning centuries, the museum features 100 galleries thoughtfully curated. DIA takes pride in community involvement, hosting events, volunteering, and outreach initiatives to nurture art for future generations. Conservation labs ensure the preservation of invaluable artifacts.

DIA offers dining options and a unique gift shop for visitors. Convenient parking and flexible hours make it easily accessible. Immerse yourself in Detroit's cultural tapestry at the Detroit Institute of Arts—a testament to artistic brilliance in the heart of the city.

Comerica Park

Discover the excitement of Detroit's Comerica Park, home to the Tigers and located just a mile from downtown. This modern stadium at the city's core is the ultimate venue for baseball enthusiasts. Beyond sports, it transforms into an entertainment hub, hosting big-name concerts in its open-air setup. With its classic stadium layout, there's not a bad seat in the house. Savor a variety of dining options, from distillery bars to pop-up cafes, and explore nine meeting rooms for private events. Convenient parking and ticketing options simplify your visit. Tickets for Tigers games range from $15 to $75. Experience Comerica Park's blend of sports and entertainment in style.

MGM Grand Detroit

Detroit’s MGM Grand is a haven of sophistication offering a blend of entertainment and dining. Try your luck at the casino, dine in style at five exceptional restaurants, and revel in live entertainment at the MGM Grand Event Center, featuring music, boxing, and talks. Unwind in the vibrant nightlife spots like the AXIS Lounge and BetMGM Sports Lounge. For a quick pick-me-up, visit The Roasted Bean or explore Detroit Central Market's innovative dining. The on-site casino boasts slots, table games, and a poker room, with personalized services from casino hosts. Make reservations for a seamless visit and elevate your Detroit trip at the MGM Grand.

Belle Isle Park

A 982-acre island park situated in the Detroit River, Belle Isle Park offers visitors a day out to enjoy its natural wonders. Home to the nation's oldest aquarium, the Belle Isle Aquarium showcases unique air-breathing fish, open weekends with a suggested $5 donation. While the Belle Isle Conservatory undergoes a $10 million renovation until 2024, its glass dome and gardens usually offer free entry. The Belle Isle Museum boasts maritime artifacts and an extensive model ship collection, open on weekends. Outdoor enthusiasts can golf, relax on the beach, or join various activities. A Recreation Passport, priced at $13 for cars and $7 for motorcycles, is required for entry, available at designated offices. Experience the beauty and history of Belle Isle Park with a day visit.

Henry Ford Museum

Celebrate Henry Ford and American ingenuity when you visit the Henry Ford Museum, which spans 250 acres and houses four captivating attractions.

Explore the museum's diverse exhibits, from the Wright brothers' feats to Buckminster Fuller's Dymaxion House. Greenfield Village offers a journey through seven districts, including Edison's lab, historic trains, and Henry Ford's Model T rides. Enjoy dining at various village eateries. Take the Ford Rouge Factory Tour for an inside look at Ford F-150 production and experience 4K movies at the Giant Screen Experience.

On-site parking is $9, with museum tickets starting at $26.25, Greenfield Village at $28.50 to $38, Factory Tour at $18 to $24, and Giant Screen at $7.50 to $10. Immerse yourself in American innovation and history at this iconic institution.

Detroit Opera House

Originally opening in 1922 at the Capitol Theater, the Detroit Opera House can seat just over 2,700 seats. Attending an event at this elegant opera house is like stepping back in time. The interior features an Italian Renaissance style with lavish touches throughout. To attend an event, you will need to browse the company calendar for a performance that you find interesting. Then, purchase tickets online in advance. Make an evening of it by dining at one of the local cafes or restaurants nearby.

Detroit Riverwalk

Thanks to the dedicated effort of Detroit Riverfront Conservancy (DRFC), the Detroit Riverfront has been transformed into a beautiful and thriving community gathering place. The riverwalk spans 3.5 miles along the east riverfront. The Conservancy hosts several programs and events throughout the year. There is plenty to do along the riverwalk, including walking paths, promenades, bike trails, plazas, parks, green spaces, and pathways. This is the perfect place to enjoy the outdoors when the weather is warm and sunny. The Detroit Riverwalk is open from 6 am to 10 pm, seven days a week.

Eastern Market

The Eastern Market is one of Michigan's most popular and largest markets. You can find everything you could ever want at the market, including produce, baked items, artisanal items, flowers, meat, seafood, cheeses, and local art. Market tours are available, but they are through third-party services. They typically focus on a theme, such as food, drinks, art, or history. The market is open on Saturdays from 6 am to 4 pm June through September. A Sunday version of the market is open from 10 am to 4 pm, and a Tuesday market is open from 9 am to 3 pm.

Motown Museum

Founded in 1985, the Motown museum calls the original headquarters of Motown Records home. The museum celebrates the founding and legacy of the famed music label. Here, you will find costumes, artifacts, and photography from the era of Motown. Then upstairs, you can walk through the restored apartment where Berry Gordy and his family lived. The museum also hosts several youth music programs throughout the year. The museum is open Wednesday through Saturday. Its hours are from 10 am to 6 pm, with the museum staying open an additional two hours until 8 pm on Saturdays. Tickets range in price from $17 to $20. Street parking is available around the museum.

Fox Theatre

This elegant theater is located in the downtown neighborhood of Detroit. You can’t miss the larger than life lighted FOX sign on the front of the building. However, stepping through the doors is where you’ll discover a breathtaking design. The building is a National Historic Landmark and on the National Register of Historic Places. The theater is the largest surviving movie house from the 1920s. It has a 5,048 seat capacity. You can purchase tickets to see some of music’s biggest names and nationally touring shows.

Detroit Historical Museum

The Detroit Historical Museum opened in 1928. For over 90 years, it has expanded to encompass the full history of the Motor City. The elaborate exhibits give visitors a first-hand look at what life was like in Detroit throughout the years. A favorite exhibit is the Streets of Old Detroit, where you can see cobblestone streets and some of the original buildings from the 1800s. Another is America’s Motor City, which highlights the growth of the auto industry in Detroit with a model assembly line. Finally, there is the Doorway to Freedom, which includes two parts. The first shows visitors what it was like for those seeking freedom in Canada. The second part shows visitors what it was like for those who continued to live in Detroit as a fugitive slave.

Michigan Science Center

Bring science to life for your little ones at the Michigan Science Center. With over 220 interactive exhibits, this unique place puts visitors at the center of science. The science center consists of an 8,700 exhibit hall, 4D theater, IMAX Dome, and stage. The exhibits are organized into themed galleries, making it easier to explore what interests you the most. You will find all examples of STEM galleries, including, space, health, motion, math, construction, sound, and weather. Visitors are encouraged to purchase tickets online in advance. There are several ticket packages available. You can also purchase tickets to shows at the theater separately.

Little Caesars Arena

The Detroit Red Wings and Pistons call the Little Caesars Arena home. However, it isn’t just a sports arena, it is also a concert and event venue. There are two concourses that wrap around the arena, street level and upper. You will find plenty of dining and drinking options on both levels. If you want to attend a game, concert, or event at the arena, you will need to purchase tickets. Price will vary based on the event, timing, and the type of seats you purchase tickets for. This arena is a mobile ticket-only facility.

Ford Field

As the home of the Detroit Lions, Ford Field is a must-visit attraction. There are four levels of seating that each offer a unique experience. The carefully preserved old Hudson’s warehouse is a standout feature of the stadium. Built in the 1920s, this historic brick building has a seven-story atrium and glass wall overlooking the Detroit skyline. Throughout the stadium are 50 permanent and 75 portable concession stands. Visitors can choose from dining and beverage options that suit all tastes and dietary requirements.