Detroit, located north of the western end of Lake Erie in Michigan, is a sprawling metropolis. Home to more than four million people, this city is often overlooked or ignored by domestic and international travelers alike. Despite the fact that many consider it a ruined city, burdened by debt, crime and abandoned by its people. Detroit has a lot to offer.
Why visit Detroit?
This city has historically been known for its automobile manufacturing sector, as well as its contributions to the early music industry and its sports teams. Currently, it is undergoing a revitalization process, which is why it has acquired new attractions.
World-class museums, an incredible variety of restaurants, and its eclectic music scene make Detroit one of the most exciting cities to explore in America.
What are the best things to see and do in Detroit?
Take a free walking tour
Any visit to a city that you want to know is best to start it on foot. And if it’s free, much better! This way you will get an introduction to the city of Detroit and its past. In addition, you will learn about its evolution and recent developments, and see the main sights of the center.
The company Detroit Experience Factory offers daily free tours, which will give you a solid introduction. They also have a paid option.
Visit the Detroit Institute of Arts
The Detroit Institute of Art is a 130-year-old museum located in the heart of Midtown and has something to offer every visitor. There are more than 65,000 works of art, ranging from classic pieces to more modern and contemporary pieces, spread across 100 different galleries. Gigantic!
Visit the Belle Isle greenhouse
You could easily spend an entire day exploring Belle Isle, a 982-acre island park with a variety of activities and attractions. It is a popular destination for locals to gather on a sunny day for picnics and barbecues, hang out on the beach, or hike its various nature trails.
Tour the Eastern Market
The Eastern Market is a large market with local foods, art, jewelry, crafts, and more. It covers approximately 21 hectares and is the largest public market historic district in the United States.
There are three different market days during the week: Saturday, Sunday and Tuesday. It’s particularly busy on Saturdays when farmers tend to bring in their poultry, livestock, and fresh produce for sale.
Take a hike through the Dequindre Cut
The Dequindre Cut Greenway is a two-mile urban recreational trail. It provides a pedestrian link between the East Riverfront, Eastern Market, and several intermediate residential neighborhoods. Along the way you will find all kinds of street art, as well as street musicians in the summer. It is a good place to walk, jog, bike and enjoy the city. Bicycles can be rented at very affordable prices.
Delight in one of the largest bookstores in the world
The bookstore John K. King Used & Rare Books, It is located in an old glove factory and it houses more than a million books. In their corridors you can marvel at many books of strange titles and be amazed at some rare editions that they have in stock. You can even make an appointment to be able to better see those editions that aroused your curiosity too much.
Visit the Fox Theater
This was the largest movie palace of the 1920s. Built in 1928 and with more than 5,000 seats, it continues to host a wide variety of live productions and events, including concerts, stand-up comedy and children’s performances.
The building is a National Historic Landmark. It is open for tours in case you cannot attend a performance. Tours take place on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Tickets go on sale two weeks in advance and cost around US$20.
Enjoy art at The Belt
The Belt is a culturally redefined alley in the heart of Detroit. Public art is the driving force behind the redevelopment of this place. It features murals and installations by local, national, and international artists.
Visit the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation
Michigan native and founder of Ford Motor Company Henry Ford was responsible for driving the automobile industry in the United States in the early 20th century.
Here you can tour the huge company museum and learn about the history of the car and its. The museum has numerous automobiles, as well as exhibits on trains, power generation, and much more.
Also, next to the museum is Greenfield Village, a semi-detached museum that houses all kinds of science and agriculture exhibits that Ford collected during his lifetime. It’s a great place to visit with children, as many of the exhibits are interactive and educational.
Explore the Campus Martius park
At just over 4,000 square meters, the park boasts outdoor cafes and bars, a small and fun area with a sandy beach, green spaces, plenty of food trucks, monuments, and a plethora of festivals and weekend activities.
In the winter, it is decorated with a large Christmas tree. There is also an ice skating rink and a Christmas market. For the locals, this area of the city is an example of how far the city has come in the last ten years, in terms of modernity and progress.
Visit the Museum of African American History
Opened in 1965, it has the largest permanent collection of African-American culture in the world. There are more than 30,000 items and artifacts that highlight the history and culture of African Americans throughout the centuries. The museum has exhibits on civil rights, art, film, and much more.
Detroit is one of America’s best emerging cities. With an affordable cost of living and so much more, tourism here is only going to continue to grow. So take advantage of visiting this great city. Detroit is sure to exceed your expectations!