Art. Architecture. Industry. Music.
Those are just a few of the reasons visitors choose to make a trip to Detroit, Michigan.
They were mine, too – but each was merely a cherry on top of the real reason I was there:
Pizza.
Specifically, pizza for Michael, as it was his birthday and the man wanted pizza for his birthday, and only one style of pizza would do.
And who am I to not make every effort to fulfill a birthday wish?
(Particularly after my birthday last year, when a craving for quesabirria landed us in Guadalajara – I think I got off pretty easy!).
So off we went for a pizza-filled trip to Detroit. But thankfully, there was plenty for me to scope out to occupy our time between meals – so I’m here today to share this first-timers weekend getaway guide to the Motor City.
Why an introductory guide? Because I know we’ll be back – and I know you will too:
ABOUT DETROIT
Detroit was founded in 1701 by the French explorer Antoine de la Mothe Cadillac as a fur trading post. Over the centuries, the city grew and evolved into a prominent hub of the automotive industry; Detroit is now the second-largest metropolitan area in the Midwest and the largest city by population in the state of Michigan.
But Detroit hasn’t always experienced prosperity and growth fueled by innovation; the city faced challenging times thanks to factors like the decline of its manufacturing base, increased competition by overseas automakers, and the oil crises of the 1970s. However, in recent years, this great city has experienced a remarkable resurgence, maintaining its history while embracing a wave of urban renewal and revitalization. Today’s Detroit showcases a vibrant and diverse cultural scene and an unwavering entrepreneurial spirit.
Five Things You May Not Know About Detroit
- Detroit is located North of Canada, so if you cross the border into Windsor, you’ll actually be driving South (check it out on the map!).
- The city gets its name from the French “le détroit du Lac Érié,” meaning “the strait of Lake Erie”.
- The “Big Three” automobile manufacturers (General Motors, Ford, and Chrysler) remain headquartered in Detroit, keeping the “Motor City” moniker alive.
- Martin Luther King, Jr. delivered an early version of his “I Have A Dream” speech in Detroit at an event called The Walk to Freedom.
- Detroit is kind of a big deal in music, as the birthplace of Motown and techno music (plus many artists you probably stream all day!).
Whether you’re a food lover, an art enthusiast, a history buff, or someone who is simply looking for an unforgettable urban adventure, Detroit is a perfect destination for a quick getaway. Your travel time is valuable, so here’s how to spend your weekend in the Motor City:
DETROIT SIGHTS + ATTRACTIONS
Detroit is a true cultural hub, with a longstanding devotion to art, architecture, and music
Motown Museum
The Motown Sound is alive and well in its hometown, and visitors have the chance to step back in time and experience the place where it all began at the Motown Museum. The guided tour walks visitors through the history of Motown, starting with Berry Gordy’s family history (including the loan he took out from his family co-op to start the company, pictured above), then offers a look at must-see memorabilia, before continuing through his apartment and concluding in Studio A.
Throughout the tour, you’ll learn about how Motown got its sound, how songs were produced, and even have the chance to sing and dance in the hallowed and historic recording studio. Visits are only scheduled through guided tours, and weekend timeslots fill up well in advance. A fair warning – you might not be able to get these songs out of your head before you leave! Reservations essential.
→Motown Museum // 2648 Berry Gordy Jr. Boulevard, 2648 W Grand Blvd, Detroit, MI 48208
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Detroit Institute of Arts
Another cultural gem in Detroit is the Detroit Institute of Arts. This museum landed in its current Beaux-Arts home on Woodward Avenue in 1927 and takes visitors on a captivating journey through time and across continents. Across more than 100 galleries you’ll find iconic pieces like Diego Rivera’s monumental “Detroit Industry” frescoes, which vividly depict the city’s industrial spirit, and film and theatre ephemera – plus vast collections of ancient Middle Eastern art, African art, and Islamic art.
To ease any disappointment, it’s helpful to go in knowing that you won’t be able to see everything in one day. At 658,000 square feet, the museum is quite maze-like (be sure to take a map when you purchase tickets!); creating a plan before your visit can be a huge help for those who are short on time. And thankfully, free lockers are available for you to lighten your load and explore unburdened. Advanced reservations recommended.
→Detroit Institute of Arts // 5200 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48202 Thank you to the Detroit Institute of Arts for generously providing passes for this visit!
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Architecture & Public Art
Detroit’s golden era of automobile manufacturing made its way throughout the city streets, and both form and function were taken into account when constructing new buildings in the 1920s in a way they are no longer regarded today. I highly recommend a stop at both the opulent Fisher and Guardian Buildings when in Detroit to marvel at the interior (okay, and shop if that’s what you’re in the mood for – both have retail space). Just don’t forget to look up outside, too!
Back at street level in downtown, you’ll find two of Detroit’s iconic sculptures: The Spirit of Detroit and the Monument to Joe Louis “The Fist”. Well, technically you’ll see The Spirit of Detroit all around the city – it’s an integral part of The City of Detroit’s official logo. In the statue’s left hand is an orb to represent divinity; in its right hand is a family to symbolize human relationships.
Turn toward the river, and you’ll meet a sculpture of the fist of Joe Louis – one of the greatest boxers of all time once called Detroit home. This 24-foot-long bronze arm was commissioned by Time, Inc., erected by Robert Graham, and unveiled in 1986. Today, many a visitor takes advantage of the fist-bump photo op.
→Fisher Building // 3011 W Grand Blvd, Detroit, MI 48202 →Guardian Building // 500 Griswold St, Detroit, MI 48226 →The Spirit of Detroit // 2 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48226 →Monument to Joe Louis “The Fist” // 5 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48226
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Detroit Riverwalk
Stretching along the banks of the Detroit River, the Detroit Riverwalk is a four-mile-long charming waterfront promenade. The Riverwalk invites both locals and tourists to exercise and explore the many public spaces placed along the path, from public art to gardens to playscapes. It’s an excellent way to see the city from a new angle.
→Detroit Riverwalk // Multiple Locations
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Local & Boutique Shopping
With just backpacks to tote all of our belongings for the weekend, shopping was a little low on the priority list. But even still, it was a treat to get to see some of the handcrafted leather goods from Shinola in person. Though the brand is only in its second decade, it feels embedded in the city’s history, so a visit to one of the Detroit locations should make its way onto your travel itinerary. Should you choose to visit the flagship store on Canfield, you’ll be just steps away from Third Man Records. This record store from one of the city’s most influential musicians, Jack White, houses a record pressing plant and shop for purchasing music and recording equipment. If you’re a vinyl lover, you won’t want to miss it.
Lovers of quirky indie fashion will find themselves at home in Coup D’état, across from the Fisher Building. Expect lots of cool clothing, fun home items, and accessories that no one back home will have.
Now, if you’re in the market for souvenirs, a stop at Pure Detroit is in order. The store carries a variety of t-shirts, stickers, art, and yes, pizza-making equipment for the perfect memento of your visit. Best of all, their mission is to continue to offer retail at ground level to retain the city’s vibrant urban atmosphere.
Lastly, I want to have the words to accurately describe to you the enormity of John K. King Used & Rare Books, but I fear I simply can’t do it justice. The bookstore contains a million books, and can only be successfully navigated by map or flagging down one of the patient and helpful staff members on each floor. Perch yourself on an overturned milk crate and get digging for your next read!
→Coup D'état // 3044 W Grand Blvd Suite L-460, Detroit, MI 48202 →John K. King Used & Rare Books // 901 W Lafayette Blvd, Detroit, MI 48226 →Pure Detroit // 70 W Alexandrine St, Detroit, MI 48201 →Shinola // Multiple Locations →Third Man Records // 441 W Canfield St, Detroit, MI 48201
WHERE TO EAT + DRINK IN DETROIT
Pizza, yes - but there's so much more to satisfy your cravings here in Detroit
Detroit-Style Pizza
You can’t visit Detroit without grabbing a slice of Detroit-style pizza (I forbid it!). Not every pizza place in town serves up the quintessential soft-and-crispy rectangular pan pizza, and of those that do, not everybody does it well.
Three places stand out to me for their great crusts and innovative flavors: Michigan & Trumbull, Amar Pizza, and Pie Sci Pizza. You can read all about these must-visits in my Three Great Spots for Detroit-Style Pizza post.
→Amar Pizza // 12195 Joseph Campau Ave, Hamtramck, MI 48212 →Michigan & Trumbull // 1331 Holden St #100, Detroit, MI 48202 →Pie Sci Pizza // 5163 Trumbull, Detroit, MI 48208
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Detroit Restaurants
I racked my brain while writing this post – is that right? I only have one non-pizza “restaurant” meal to share with you? But with so many pizza meals and bakery runs, it left us with time for only one non-pizza sit-down restaurant experience. But trust me when I say we made that meal count.
Grey Ghost Detroit offers seasonal, globally-inspired fare – and is the perfect place to have a celebratory meal while in Detroit (just ask Michael!). The inventiveness and quality of the dishes might suggest a pretentious dining experience, but everything is approachable and designed for sharing.
If I had to choose two standout dishes from this meal, they would be the Eggplant Tempura (with cardamom hummus, baby leek, and sweet chili) and the Brussels Sprouts (with honey, lime, and chicken skin). But honestly, I feel you can’t go wrong. Don’t forget a handcrafted cocktail, and save room for dessert! Reservations recommended.
→Grey Ghost Detroit // 47 Watson St, Detroit, MI 48201
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Detroit Treats
I always get a bit worried about visiting a place I’ve hyped up in my mind – what if it isn’t as good as it looks? Silly, really, considering the chef behind it won a James Beard Award. So thankfully, the pastries at Warda Pâtisserie aren’t just a feast for the eyes; they’re incredibly delicious. The bakery is worth a stop every day of your visit, but come Monday morning you’ll need to find somewhere else. My quest brought me to Seasons Market & Cafe, a charming little all-day market with local goods and a great menu. A thick slab of perfect banana bread held us until a very late lunch, but let your eyes be your guide!
Craving more treats? Happily, there’s no need to wait until after dinner to have dessert at Momento Gelato and Coffee, which opens as early as 7:30 a.m. some days and dishes up authentic scoops of gelato. As a discerning connoisseur of all things related to ice cream (I say that with only mild sarcasm), Pistachio is always my litmus test for whether a gelato shop is worth your time, money, and calories. The verdict? It absolutely is.
→Momento Gelato and Coffee // 2120 Trumbull, Detroit, MI 48216 →Seasons Market & Cafe // 4125 2nd Ave, Detroit, MI 48201 →Warda Pâtisserie // 70 W Alexandrine St, Detroit, MI 48201
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Detroit Coffee
A whirlwind weekend getaway calls for lots of caffeine. Thankfully, Detroit is there to answer the call with a variety of coffee shops to suit your tastes.
Prefer a local feel? Try Fourteen East, a cute and homey spot on the campus of Wayne State University’s Business School.
Looking for indie vibes? Head to Milwaukee Caffe, where you’ll find like-minded hipsters spilling out onto the sidewalk (like, not literally, but you know what I mean…).
At Cafe Alto, you’ll find coffee that’s taken with just the right amount of seriousness and friendly baristas who seem genuinely happy to chat.
Downing a coffee before heading out for a night on the town? SPKRBOX is your spot, with a DJ booth and a cocktail menu so you can also have your first drink of the evening.
→Cafe Alto // 3100 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48201 →Fourteen East // 2771 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48201 →Milwaukee Caffe // 447 E Milwaukee Ave, Detroit, MI 48202 →SPKRBOX // 200 Grand River Ave, Detroit, MI 48226
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Detroit Bars + Breweries
Booze has always been big business in Detroit – even during Prohibition when an estimated 75% of outside liquor flowing into the U.S. traveled through the city. Today the city offers visitors a number of great watering holes – no matter your drink of preference or the level of your brow.
Corktown’s The Last Chance Saloon is that rare type of bar that has a relaxed, divey atmosphere with a knock-your-socks-off cocktail program. If it feels truly local (which it does – perhaps the kind of place you’d like to call your own neighborhood bar), it’s because the gents behind the bar honed their craft at The Sugar House down the block. This bar has one of the biggest cocktail menus I’ve ever seen with a menu of 101 classic cocktails and a whole lot of whiskey. Ask for help if you need it – bartenders are friendly and happy to assist.
Over in downtown, you’ll find another great cocktail at Standby, likely paired with an equally great name. Our cocktails were stellar, but what sets this bar apart is their Break Even Bottle, where the team will pour you a 1-oz. tasting of a rare or specialty bottle at the wholesale price (select days only).
Back to more casual hangs, Batch Brewing Company is a fun brewery with a patio that’s made for relaxing on gorgeous days. Many of their brews veer from the classic, and a 4-oz. pour is a fun way to try each without worrying you won’t like it. Brush Park Bodega metamorphosizes throughout the day, and it’s a great last stop of the night if you’re staying in the area I recommend, which leads me to…
→Batch Brewing Company // 1400 Porter St, Detroit, MI 48216 →Brush Park Bodega // 2671 Brush St, Detroit, MI 48201 →Standby // 225 Gratiot Ave, Detroit, MI 48226 →The Last Chance Saloon // 1830 Michigan Ave, Detroit, MI 48216 →The Sugar House // 2130 Michigan Ave, Detroit, MI 48216
WHERE TO STAY IN DETROIT
Hotel or homeshare? There are plenty of both in Detroit, but I found a neighborhood that's in the middle of it all:
Brush Park
With Taylor Swift in town, the prices of hotels in Detroit skyrocketed. Spending $800 per night for a basic hotel room just wasn’t in the cards, so we turned back to Airbnb in hopes of finding a slightly less expensive option.
Many of the hosts also raised their rates significantly for the weekend, but we managed to find a host who wasn’t on a mission to price gouge. As it turns out, this humble walk-up apartment was in the perfect neighborhood for exploring Detroit for the very first time.
Brush Park was established in 1860 and is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Detroit. Encompassing twenty-four blocks between downtown and midtown, the area is charming and walkable, and there are so many great local businesses within its boundaries. A quick ride on the QLine Streetcar drops you right in the center of it all in downtown or up to cool restaurants and bars in midtown.
→Brush Park Historic District // Detroit, MI
WITH MORE TIME…
Detroit offers visitors so much to see and do over a weekend while leaving you longing to return. Here are a few places for second-timers:
More Detroit Sights
Eastern Market | This year-round market is one of the oldest in the U.S. – and a future must-visit on Saturdays.
Fox Theatre | Catch a performance at this iconic theatre.
Belle Isle Park | The perfect summer escape just a quick ride away from downtown.
Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation | Cruise through the history of the automobile and tour the factory that changed manufacturing methods forever.
More Detroit Eats + Drinks
Breakfast Spots | A second visit lends itself to lingering over the morning meal at places like the Detroit Institute of Bagels, Iggy’s Eggies, Brooklyn Street Local, See You Tomorrow, and Dime Store.
International Flavors | Detroit’s diverse population influences its dining options beautifully; next on the list are Baobab Fare, Alpino, Bar Pigalle, Boostan Restaurants, Empacho, BARDA, Saffron De Twah, and Small World Kitchen.
Coffee Shops | Always ready for more caffeine, new places to try include Anthology Coffee, La Ventana Cafe, Roasting Plant Coffee, Lucky Detroit, and Coffee Down Under.
Beyond Detroit
Ann Arbor, Michigan | A picturesque and artsy city that embodies its college town description.
Windsor, Ontario | Take a day-long international trip to Canada (bring your passport!).
Frankenmuth, Michigan | A bit of Bavaria in the Midwest, with German-inspired architecture, restaurants, and shops.
DETROIT TRAVEL TIPS + FINAL THOUGHTS
Sharing some Detroit-specific travel tips and my thoughts as a visitor
Direct flights to Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) are available from most large domestic airports, and several international ones – however the airport is not well-linked to the city by public transit, so you will need to rent a car or hire a rideshare/taxi to get to the city center.
In theory, the core of Detroit appears to be a very walkable city with easy-to-use public transit. But in practice, the city is probably best experienced with a car, even over a short weekend. The city blocks are longer than those in other metro areas, and crosswalk signals are not timed well for most pedestrians (seriously – we were hustling to cross the street and sometimes only made it halfway when the light changed).
Despite walking over twelve miles in just three days, I also spent $125 on rideshares (and often waited more than fifteen minutes for a ride). In retrospect, I would have put that money toward a rental car and any parking fees (then again, the city has a surprising amount of free parking available). I would have been sad to miss getting to know the city on foot as I did, however.
A mid-June visit is a pretty comfortable one, but as in the rest of the Midwest, the winter months are less kind. Detroit experiences a hot-summer humid continental climate, characterized by warm summers and cold winters, with moderate precipitation throughout the year and a propensity for thunderstorms in May and June (which we experienced firsthand). We can’t always choose when we visit a destination, but the weather is one thing you might want to take into account before booking.
But what about safety? This question gets asked when I visit certain destinations, with seemingly good intentions but always with a coded meaning bubbling under the surface – but I’ll address it anyway. I experienced zero issues while in Detroit (or in the other cities that rank ahead of it on those “most dangerous lists”), and never felt a sense of unease. As always, that’s not to say that nothing could ever happen – crime happens everywhere (even at home!). Don’t let fear get the best of you, and just be sure to exercise your city smarts and don’t place yourself in a precarious position.
If you can only take away one item from this section, let it be this: Detroiters are friendly folk who lean into the Midwest nice stereotype. On multiple occasions, I found myself in lengthy conversations with locals, none of whom were the type to gatekeep any of the city’s hidden gems.
FINAL THOUGHTS ON VISITING DETROIT
When I created a poll on Instagram asking for your favorite underrated destination, Detroit was the city mentioned the most – and after a visit, I can see why.
The city has real texture – remnants of a century-old golden age have a knack for surprising you, particularly when mixed in with modern-day design preferences. Detroit feels a bit like it can’t sit still, and I can’t wait to see what it does next; this is one city I look forward to revisiting time and time again (and sharing my latest finds with you!).
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Questions for you
Before this post, what was the first image that jumped to mind when you pictured Detroit?
And if you’re from Detroit, what places would you add to this list?
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This weekend travel guide to Detroit is fantastic! It highlights the perfect blend of cultural spots, dining options, and hidden gems that make Detroit such a vibrant city. The recommendations are spot-on for anyone looking to experience the best of what Detroit has to offer in a short visit. Definitely saving this for future trips!