Detroit Visitor Guide: Enjoying An Amazing Weekend In The Motor City
Planning a weekend trip to Detroit? Spending two to three days in the city famed for its historical leadership in mobility innovation can be a thrilling experience. Motor City, the D, or Hockey town, as the locals refer to it, offers a mix of automotive history, futuristic architecture, stunning street art, exciting music culture, and chic food markets. To help you create an itinerary for 2 or 3 days in Detroit, this short guide highlights top attractions, where to sleep and eat, and what to do.
Detroit is a fascinating and energetic city, one of the best places to visit in 2024, according to Condé Nast Traveler. Detroit’s excellent blend of grit and urban cool makes it a perfect destination to add to your list of top city breaks for a long weekend. But where do you start, which attractions are essential, and where to stay during your weekend escape?
D-Town Attractions You Can’t Miss
Like any other city, there are signature attractions you must see in Detroit, such as the Motown Museum. Who wouldn’t want to wander through one of the most legendary music studios in the world? Once you’re here, check out Studio A (the original recording studio), where music legends like Diana Ross, Marvin Gaye, and Smokey Robinson made great music hits. Get a closer look at promotional materials used in the 60s and 70s, rare photos, original attires worn by famous musicians, and other artifacts.
The next point of interest is the Detroit Institute of the Arts, a cultural gem where captivating art pieces like Diego Rivera’s ‘Detroit Industry’ frescoes and medieval art from across continents are displayed.
You can’t leave Detroit without visiting the Eastern Market, proudly standing since 1891. If you enjoy walking and the weather is pleasant, take the Detroit Riverwalk to Belle Isle Park, the largest city island in the U.S. The Riverwalk is a unique waterfront promenade with public spaces, many public art displays, gardens, and playscapes. Apart from being tranquil, this space provides an interesting way to view the city from a different angle.
Visit the aquarium at Belle Isle, go for a stroll, or check out the Dossin Great Lake Museum and the impressive James Scott Memorial Fountain.
Explore Detroit’s Car Museums And Experiences
Are you an auto enthusiast or curious about the automotive industry’s past and present? Detroit is the headquarters for the Big Three car manufacturers: Ford, Chrysler, and General Motors (GM). Plus, car museums are around, meaning there’s a lot of automotive history to discover here.
For example, at the Henry Ford Museum, you can explore the functional Ford Rouge Factory and view exhibits of classic cars. You can also enjoy immersive experiences driving the historic Ford Model T in Greenfield Village, a replica of a historic town.
Another great place to discover automobiles is the GM Renaissance Center. A walk through the showroom gives you a taste of the modern auto scene in Detroit. A professional guided tour provides insights into the transformational effect of tech on auto transport. You’ll see how AI, mobile apps, telematics, and other technologies work in the latest Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, and GMC vehicles.
If auto museums and showrooms don’t excite you, go on a city ride in a vintage Model A vehicle provided by Antique Touring. If you’re touring the city on the third Saturday of August, consider heading to the annual Woodward Dream Cruise. During this one-day annual classic car event, communities along Woodward stage free automobile shows on the road. Although the purpose of the Cruise is to pay tribute to America’s classic car, new models are also on display.
Additional Detroit Attractions
It’s impossible to run out of things to do in Detroit. You could join a downtown walking tour and savor the beautiful local art murals at the stylish Z Garage. While in downtown Detroit, visit One Campus Martius and see the striking indoor waterfall. Then, head to the Guardian Building, an icon of architecture and history. You can catch a baseball game at Comerica Park or Sunday football at Ford Field.
If you favor art over sports, participate in the Heidelberg Project, an outdoor art project established to revitalize a struggling neighborhood. Other Detroit highlights include watching a live music show at the Fox Theatre or the Majestic Theatre, shopping at the Eastern Market, and exploring Corktown. And don’t forget to try Detroit’s iconic dishes, such as coney island dogs, corned beef egg rolls, square pizza, and slow-roasted shawarma.
Getting Around And Where To Stay
Being the ‘Motor City’, you can bet the easiest way to get around Detroit is by car. You could rent a vehicle, take an Uber, or board the QLine, a public streetcar system connecting many points of interest from the Detroit River to Midtown. However, you could ditch the car or public transport and take a walk around downtown and Midtown Detroit.
Next, consider where you’ll sleep after exploring Motor City. I recommend several options, such as the downtown Detroit Foundation Hotel, The Siren Hotel, and the Cambria Hotel. Your choice depends on budget and personal preferences, so research different hotels to identify which one fits your needs.
You can do a lot in 2-3 days in Motor City when you know points of interest worth visiting. Identifying auto museums and shows to attend during your stay ensures you learn more about Detroit’s automotive history quickly. Equally important, list things you must do while exploring the city. And don’t forget to research your transport options and places to relax after hours of exploration.
