Detroit, a city, often lauded for its automotive legacy, conceals a vibrant cultural heartbeat pulsating through its artistic veins. Picture this: the Detroit Institute of Arts, a sanctuary for international masterpieces, boasts over 65,000 works by luminaries such as Van Gogh and Rembrandt. Traverse the city’s streets, now transformed into an open-air gallery adorned with dynamic murals, from the community-driven artwork in Eastern Market to the thought-provoking displays along the Belt Alley. The city’s reinvention is palpable in the gastronomic delights of emerging chefs and the eclectic beats resonating from indie dive bars. It’s no wonder Detroit was named by Condé Nast Traveler as one of The Best Places to Go in North America in 2024.
Detroit’s cool quotient isn’t defined by the familiar; it thrives on reinvention, making it a city to watch, explore, and evolve with.
Welcome to the Motor City’s revolution.
Things to do in Detroit
1. Book an Architectural Guided Walking Tour
As architecture heavily defines Detroit’s cityscape, you will marvel at art deco gems like the Guardian Building and the Fisher Building, each telling their unique and defining tale. With landmarks like the newly restored Book Tower, Detroit’s skyline becomes a living testament to its perpetual reinvention and an absolute must, on your exploration checklist.
2. Visit the Motown Museum
Visitors will embark on a journey back through time as they explore the original home and residence where Berry Gordy and his family resided in the Motown Record labels early years. Tour the iconic Studio A and its original recording equipment where the greats like The Supremes, Diana Ross, and Stevie Wonder all made history with their Motown sound at Hitsville U.S.A.
3. Visit the Detroit Institute of Arts
The DIA, or Detroit Institute of Arts, is a globally renowned museum boasting over 65,000 works, spanning Ancient to contemporary art, including the iconic Detroit Industry mural by Diego Rivera. Notable for being the first U.S. museum to own a Van Gogh work, it also pioneers in African American art curation with the General Motors Center. The expansive 658,000-square-foot space features 100 galleries, a reference library, conservation lab, and hosts Friday Night Live events. Its historically restored 1,200-seat theater has been home to the esteemed Detroit Film Theatre for almost 50 years.
4. Belt Alley
Known lovingly as “The Belt”, Belt Alley is located in the heart of downtown Detroit. Chock full of artistic works, galleries, murals, bars, restaurants and shops, you can leisurely explore the alley for hours on end. Also a prime photo spot in Detroit, The Belt is a creative fan favorite.
Where to stay in Detroit?
Roost Detroit
Located in Detroit’s historic and recently reimagined Book Tower, Roost Detroit offers an upscale home away from home for those seeking a cozy, sophisticated stay.
The Godfrey Hotel Detroit
Nestled in the historic Corktown neighborhood, The Godfrey charms with its artistic energy and welcoming, elegant ambiance.
Shinola
A true luxury boutique hotel that speaks to the heart of a reimagined Detroit. Effortlessly luxe and cool, the Shinola marries artistic energy and thoughtful curation.
The Siren Hotel
Step into The Siren Hotel and prepare to be instantly under the spell of this siren’s song. Exuding otherworldly cool and quirk, this boutique hotel is what creative dreams are made of. Bonus points for being a photo taking hot spot.
Where to eat in Detroit?
Baobab fare
True East African flavors abound at Baobab Fare. Touted by Eater as one of America’s best new restaurants in 2021, this small but mighty Detroit spot is an absolute must-try. With as much heart as it has flavor, the bustling community favorite also won Food Network’s Chopped.
Le Supreme
If you’re looking for a modern take on a classic french brasserie, La Supreme will be your go-to. With a vast selection of over 300 wines and champagnes, this New York Times highly rated restaurant wows with indulgent bites and in-house prepared pastries and desserts in the restaurants own patisserie and boulangerie.
Cliff Bell’s
This historic Jazz club oozes old school, laid back ambiance. Naming the iconic club “the place to be in Detroit” by the New York Times, Cliff Bells is an all encompassing experience for the senses.
Buddy’s Pizza
If you’re looking for true, Detroit style pizza, Buddy’s hits the mark every time. The quintessential square, Detroit style, oozing with cheese and goodness, never disappoints. Bonus points for great Gluten Free crust options.
Iggy’s Eggies
If you’re looking to grab something delicious on-the-go, Iggy’s walk-up window in Capitol Park is a must-try. You can build-your-own breakfast sandwiches or even grab a burger. If you want something delicious and easy, Iggy’s is sure to please.
Where to drink in Detroit?
Bad Luck Bar
A back alley door leads you down the rabbit hole to the cocktail wonderland that is the Bad Luck Bar. With a speakeasy energy, the bar’s stellar menu is truly unmatched. Tshis experimental craft cocktail hotspot will leave you feeling like you just stumbled upon your best luck yet.
Kampers Rooftop Bar
In the newly renovated Book Tower in downtown Detroit, the aptly named “Kampers” rooftop bar pays homage to the 20th-century architect, Louis Kamper, the famous “architect of Detroit’s gilded age”. Boasting a luxe MCM aesthetic, this sumptuous rooftop space serves up a well-thought-out cocktail menu, and the 14th floor skyline is absolutely bewitching at magic hour.
The Candy Bar
On the main floor of The Siren Hotel, tucked behind a cotton candy pink curtain, The Candy Bar stuns with its plush decor and killer craft cocktail menu. It is no wonder Architectural Digest named this intimate hotspot the “Most beautifully designed bar” in Michigan, upon its opening in 2018.
The Monarch Club
Perched atop one of the highest rooftops in Detroit, The Monarch Club exudes a stylish, metropolitan energy. With sprawling city views, patrons can opt to cozy up in a luxe banquette, or lounge by the upscale fire pit.
Evening Bar
Nestled behind an inconspicuous door in Parker’s Alley, discreetly tucked away at the rear of the Shinola Hotel, this refined and intimate lounge boasts a curated selection of both timeless cocktails and more innovative craft options. With premium bar snack offerings, Evening Bar is a sophisticated destination for those seeking an elevated bar experience.
Hero Photo: Vito Palmisano / Visit Detroit
