Everything You Need to Do in Detroit During Your First Visit

A First-Timer’s Guide to Motor City

Ever been to Detroit before?

You’re in for a treat in one of the best cities in Michigan.

We’ve picked out 11 things you can do in Detroit if you’re swinging by, from museums to food and so much more.

The Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation

Henry Ford shows off America’s greatest inventions.

You can see the actual bus where Rosa Parks took her famous stand and the very same cars that were once used by famous presidents back in the old days.

Let’s not forget the iconic Oscar Mayer Weinermobile.

Allegheny steam locomotive, a massive 1.2 million-pound attraction sits at this museum and historians claim it once pulled 160 coal cars.

Sustainability did exist back in 1945. You’ll witness this at Dymaxion House, a round aluminum home that collected rainwater.

The museum also has Henry Ford’s first engine from 1893. Word is he built it using a kitchen sink. Next door is Greenfield Village, where you can explore 80 acres of historic buildings, including Thomas Edison’s workshop.

Money-saving tip: If you have a SNAP/EBT card, you get $3 off admission.

Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA)

The DIA’s most famous feature is Diego Rivera’s Detroit Industry Murals.

27 huge paintings show factory workers and machines. You’ll also find famous artwork by Van Gogh and Rembrandt.

The museum has art from the last 5,000 years, including Egyptian mummies, pottery from Persia, and old Islamic books.

Detroit residents get in free, while others pay $18.

Motown Museum

Detroit is La La land for music lovers (for real).

Check out the famous Studio A at Hitsville U.S.A., where stars like Stevie Wonder and Diana Ross hit records. You can also try mixing Motown songs and learn how Berry Gordy turned an $800 loan into a music empire.

See Marvin Gaye’s performance outfits and Smokey Robinson’s original song lyrics. You can even sing along with 3D videos of the Temptations.

Book your tickets early because they sell out quickly.

Belle Isle Park

This 982-acre island park is perfect for outdoor fun.

Visit the Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory ($2 entry) to see over 600 types of plants under glass domes built in 1904.

At the Dossin Great Lakes Museum, you can pretend to steer a real ship and see the massive anchor of the famous SS Edmund Fitzgerald.

Take pictures at the beautiful Scott Fountain, walk the 4-mile trail to spot blue herons, or rent bikes and kayaks to explore the park.

Detroit Riverwalk

Detroit Riverwalk is pretty iconic. Take a stroll through 4 miles of the riverfront with great views of Canada across the water.

Add a ride through the old train tunnels on your checklist. Many people love to rent electric bikes at the Wheelhouse Detroit and stroll through the street art.

Or have a picnic under the glowing roof at Cullen Plaza.

In summer, you can join free yoga classes or watch concerts at the Aretha Franklin Amphitheatre. In winter, go ice skating near GM Plaza.

Fox Theatre

Fox Theatre, where dreams do come true.

This beautiful 1928 movie hall is famous for its huge crystal chandelier from Czechoslovakia, which weighs about 10,000 pounds.

You can take a backstage tour to see the giant Wurlitzer organ as well and check out the old trap doors from vaudeville shows.

In 2024, they hosted popular shows like the Hamilton and special Elvis performances with holograms.

Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History

The museum also shows important artwork like Jacob Lawrence’s Migration Series and bronze sculptures from the Benin Kingdom.

But it’s the main exhibit, “And Still We Rise,” that’ll catch your eye.

It takes up about 22,000 square feet of area featuring a model slave ship that includes Rosa Parks’ actual arrest papers.

Look up at the Ford Freedom Rotunda’s glass dome, which lists over 2,000 important moments in Black history.

Eastern Market

This is North America’s biggest historic public market, with over 250 sellers offering fresh food like Michigan cherries and homemade pierogis.

You can shop for old car collectibles or Motown records at the Detroit Antique Mall, and watch butchers hard at work on Saturdays.

Try the special “Detroit-style” hummus at Rocky Peanut Company (it’s a local fav).

Guardian Building

This 1929 skyscraper is so fancy that it’s called the “Cathedral of Finance.”

It has beautiful tile designs inspired by ancient Maya art. Go up to the Rocket Fiber Lounge on floor 32 for drinks under a ceiling covered in 7,500 gold tiles.

A free tour will give you all the details about the building’s influence and impact on Detroit’s banks back in the 1920s.

Cliff Bell’s

Here’s a jazz club from 1935 that still serves old-fashioned cocktails like the “Bee’s Knees” as you watch live music under its still-preserved wooden arches.

On Mondays, catch live shows from new artists or see famous musicians on weekends. The food menu includes local dishes like Great Lakes whitefish tacos.

Lafayette Coney Island

Well, it’s not the actual Coney Island.

But every Detroit local knows this place by heart. You’ll most likely come across somebody debating over Detroit’s best chili dogs at the diner from 1917.

They top their hot dogs with “Greek sauce,” it’s a special meat sauce with a hint of cumin for a good aftertaste. Get the “Double-Up” for $6.99. That’s two hot dogs, chili fries, and a Faygo soda.

Here’s the best part young MCs. The walls have signed pictures of famous Detroit rappers (Eminem and Kid Rock), who eat here often.

They’re open 24 hours, so you can grab a bite anytime.