Top Attractions for First Timers
Detroit has a little something for every type of traveler. History buffs, art lovers, sports fans and families will all find plenty to see and do. Here are some of the top attractions to prioritize for first time visitors:
Museums & Galleries
Start your visit at the renowned Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA), home to significant art collections spanning eras and cultures. Marvel at Diego Rivera’s famous Detroit Industry Murals depicting early 20th century factory scenes. The DIA also has an impressive collection of European masterpieces, American art, African art, modern design, contemporary art, Native American art and more. The Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History immerses visitors in the African American experience and culture. Interactive exhibits, oral histories and artifacts bring black history in America to life. The museum is an essential stop to understand Detroit’s important role in the Great Migration, civil rights, music and more. The Motown Museum lets you stand exactly where music history was made. Founded by Berry Gordy in 1959, Hitsville U.S.A. was the birthplace of Motown records and its distinct soulful sound. Visitors can see Studio A, Berry Gordy’s restored apartment and learn about the legendary artists that recorded here like Smokey Robinson, Stevie Wonder, The Temptations, The Supremes and more.
Outdoor Spaces & Tours
At the Detroit Riverfront, you can take in views of Canada while learning about the area’s maritime and industrial past. The Dequindre Cut is an urban recreational path with artwork that connects the riverfront to Eastern Market. Grab a bike and explore this greenway. See Detroit’s amazing transformation for yourself on a tour with Detroit Experience Factory. Knowledgeable guides dive into the history, reinvention, architecture, food scene and culture of the city. Tours can be private, public or even self-guided. Options range from the “Must See Detroit” tour to neighborhood, beer and street art focused tours. Get out on the water and see Detroit from a different perspective with a ride on the Detroit Princess Riverboat. Ninety minute public cruises run daily with live narration. Charters are available too for private group events. Relax on the multi-level Victorian styled paddle boat and take in waterfront views.
Sports & Entertainment
Catch a Detroit Tigers baseball game at Comerica Park in downtown. This stadium with retro styling opened in 2000 and quickly became a fixture. The Tigers have played here for decades, so you may be able to catch a piece of history at a game. Just north of Comerica Park, Little Caesars Arena is the current home of the Detroit Red Wings NHL team and the Detroit Pistons NBA team. Attend a game to experience the energy of Detroit sports up close. Concerts and shows are hosted here too. For performing arts, the Detroit Opera House is a historic venue that hosts the Michigan Opera Theatre and touring Broadway shows. Originally built in 1922, the restored Opera House has stunning French Renaissance architecture and ornate details.
Food & Drink
One of the best ways to experience Detroit’s diverse cultures is through food. Start your food exploration at Eastern Market, the country’s largest public market district. On Saturdays, it’s bustling with specialty vendors selling produce, meat, cheese, flowers and artisanal goodies. During the week, shops and wholesalers supply many Detroit restaurants. For a uniquely Detroit pizza, stop into Buddy’s Pizza in Downtown or Detroit-style Cloverleaf Pizza on the Eastside. Buddy’s lays claim to inventing the thick, square deep-dish pizza synonymous with Detroit. You’ll find their original location on Conant Street where they’ve been baking pizzas since 1946. No visit to Detroit is complete without trying a coney dog from an iconic coney island restaurant. Dating back generations, these diners serve hot dogs smothered in ground beef chili, mustard and onions. Lafayette Coney Island and American Coney Island on Lafayette Boulevard are rivals both famous for their flavorful coney dogs.
Shopping
Eastern Market is the place to go for edible souvenirs and gifts like spices, coffees, packaged snacks and artisanal goodies made locally. On Saturdays, the outdoor sheds are filled with vendors. During the week, shops like Germack Pistachio Company and Morley Candy offer sweet treats. Find made in Detroit innovation at Shinola’s flagship store downtown. Shinola gained fame for reviving American watchmaking and now sells a variety of skillfully crafted goods like leather bags, journals, pet accessories and audio equipment. Their slogan “Where American is Made” pays homage to Detroit’s manufacturing legacy. The Somerset Collection is Michigan’s largest luxury retail destination with 180 stores and restaurants. High-end brands include Burberry, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Salvatore Ferragamo and more. Even if you don’t plan to splurge, Somerset is worth a visit just to browse the chic stores.
Family Fun
At the Michigan Science Center (MiSci), kids and kids at heart can explore hands-on science exhibits covering space, physics, chemistry and more. Film screenings at the Toyota Engineering 4D Theater provide an immersive educational experience. MiSci also hosts science-themed events, camps and activities. Let kids run wild at Detroit’s Campus Martius Park, an urban oasis in the heart of downtown. The beach provides sandy “shores” to build castles and the fountain offers shallow wading pools on hot days. There’s also a carousel, game tables and seasonal events like ice skating. The newly reimagined Detroit Zoo in suburban Royal Oak provides an up close look at 1,400 animals representing 190 species. Get eye to eye with a polar bear, take the Wildlife Carousel for a spin and say hello to giraffes on the guided Safari. Special events and camps help kids engage with nature.
Music & Nightlife
No music lover should miss a chance to see a show at the legendary Motown Museum. Although the museum has daytime hours, the theatre hosts Motown revue style shows in the evenings where you can groove to all the timeless hits. For jazz, Baker’s Keyboard Lounge has been a fixture since the 1930s. Legends like Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Armstrong and Nat King Cole have graced the stage here. The club continues showcasing live jazz and blues nightly with rotating local performers and touring musicians. PJ’s Lager House is a casually hip music venue, bar and eatery hosting rock, indie and local bands in Corktown. The original 1904 tin ceilings, wood floors and brick walls provide a cool backdrop. Check their calendar ahead of time to catch live music and plan your visit.
How to Get Around Detroit
Detroit is a drivable city with attractions spread around neighborhoods and surrounding suburbs. Having your own transportation makes it easy to see more. Here are some options for navigating Motor City:
Public Transportation
While public transportation options are limited compared to major coastal cities, the QLINE streetcar, SMART regional bus system and DDOT city buses provide transportation alternatives. The QLINE streetcar runs along Woodward Avenue with 12 stops connecting Downtown to Midtown. SMART buses serve Detroit and surrounding suburbs with 250 fixed routes. Major bus routes run every 10-30 minutes depending on time and location.
Taxis and Rideshares
Taxis can be found at major hotels, attractions and transportation hubs like Detroit Metro Airport. However, they are not as plentiful around Detroit compared to larger cities. Uber and Lyft generally have quick availability. Detroit taxi companies include Checker Cab, Metro Cab Company and Detroit Taxi Company. Prices vary based on demand. Using rideshare apps, you can get carpool options and real-time ETAs before requesting a ride.
Charter Buses
For group transportation, charter buses and limo buses are great for airport transfers, corporate events, weddings and fully customized private transportation. Charter buses range from mini coaches seating 20-30 people to full size buses holding 40-60 passengers. Amenities like leather seats, WiFi, TVs, restrooms and individual climate controls create a luxurious ride. Limo buses feature plush interiors and onboard bars perfect for parties. Benefits include door to door service, professional team and streamlined group travel. No need to coordinate parking or transit schedules. Charter buses allow you to customize routes and pickup locations to fit your group’s schedule and needs.
Ready to Get Started?
Detroit has transformed into a vibrant destination with a wealth of cultural, culinary and entertainment options. Whether you’re visiting for a sporting event, music and art, or simply to experience Detroit’s storied history, this guide covered the top things for first timers. Renting a charter bus provides convenient transportation for groups to get the most out of your visit. Contact us if you need group transportation in Detroit at 313-209-8428.