Downtown Detroit Travel Guide

Detroit

Downtown Detroit
Downtown Detroit
Downtown Detroit
Downtown Detroit
Downtown Detroit

Detroit is known for its architecture, industrialization and the arts. As creative entrepreneurs reclaim downtown, a new urban culture is rising next to the old.

While Detroit may have suffered a fall, when in 2013 its council filed for bankruptcy, the city is quick to be back on its feet. The revitalization of Downtown Detroit is where you can see the city rapidly transforming. Fashion and art are revived, historic buildings are being restored, and green spaces, restaurants, cafés and new urban areas are being created.

Detroit became one of the world’s wealthiest cities after the post-World War I auto industry boom. There is no better way to see this than in a walking, cycling or personalised guided tour of the city. See stunning art deco buildings including the Guardian Building, the Detroit Opera House and the Detroit Public Library. Admire the Fisher Building, a 441-foot (134-metre) tall building known as the Eiffel Tower of Detroit because of its stunning art deco architectural designs.

Art and history enthusiasts will find enough museums to fill several days’ worth of exploring. Admire old cars and model trains in the Detroit Historical Museum. At the Motown Museum, see where The Supremes and other famous Motown artists recorded their music. Visit the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History to see memorabilia, films and photographs celebrating the African-American legacy of freedom and justice. Watch an IMAX movie or learn about space at the Michigan Science Centre. Visit the Detroit Institute of Arts to see Vincent van Gogh’s important painting,Self Portrait, and Mexican artist Diego Rivera's most successful work,Detroit Industry, among others.

Dance the night away or see a live band in bars and nightclubs throughout the district. Have a cocktail and listen to some jazz at Cliff Bell’s, one of the oldest jazz clubs in Detroit.

Explore downtown’s river walks and gardens. See outdoor entertainment at Campus Martius Park or cross the MacArthur Bridge to enjoy natural parklands on Belle Island in the Detroit River.

While Detroit is best seen with a car, you can rent a bike or taxi or use the Detroit People Mover, an automated transit system. The Detroit Metro Airport is a 30-minute drive southwest of downtown.


Popular places to visit

Things to do


Top hotels in Downtown Detroit

Hollywood Casino at Greektown

Hollywood Casino at Greektown

4 out of 5
1200 Saint Antoine St, Detroit, MI
The price is £175 per night from 1 Sept to 2 Sept
£175
1 Sept - 2 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Detroit. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 5 restaurants and a casino. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the convenient ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (4,434 reviews)
"Like the area & Gambling."

Reviewed on 25 Aug 2025

Hollywood Casino at Greektown
Atheneum Suite Hotel

Atheneum Suite Hotel

4 out of 5
1000 Brush Avenue, Detroit, MI
Stay at this boutique hotel in Detroit. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a free local area shuttle. Our guests praise the bar and the helpful staff ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,909 reviews)
"Very clean"

Reviewed on 27 Aug 2025

Atheneum Suite Hotel
Fort Pontchartrain Detroit, a Wyndham Hotel

Fort Pontchartrain Detroit, a Wyndham Hotel

3.5 out of 5
2 Washington Blvd, Detroit, MI
The price is £131 per night from 1 Sept to 2 Sept
£131
1 Sept - 2 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Detroit. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (2,184 reviews)
Happy but unhappy
"The bed was extremely uncomfortable. The room was beautiful, but they charge you for parking and breakfast."

Reviewed on 27 Aug 2025

Fort Pontchartrain Detroit, a Wyndham Hotel
The Siren Hotel, an Ash Hotel

The Siren Hotel, an Ash Hotel

4 out of 5
1509 Broadway St., Detroit, MI
The price is £193 per night from 7 Sept to 8 Sept
£193
7 Sept - 8 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Detroit. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 3 bars/lounges and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff in their ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,655 reviews)
"The location to Comerica Park was wonderful. The staff was very accommodating for our early check-in even though there were no rooms available at that time. They parked our car and stored our luggage until after the game. The room was very small and plain for the price that is charged. I had expected ..."

Reviewed on 27 Aug 2025

The Siren Hotel, an Ash Hotel
Hotel Indigo Detroit Downtown by IHG

Hotel Indigo Detroit Downtown by IHG

3.5 out of 5
1020 Washington Blvd, Detroit, MI
The price is £115 per night from 1 Sept to 2 Sept
£115
1 Sept - 2 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Detroit. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,006 reviews)
"Valet was quick! Location great for Tigers, Lions and other downtown events!"

Reviewed on 24 Aug 2025

Hotel Indigo Detroit Downtown by IHG
Sonder by Marriott Bonvoy Gabriel Richard Apartments Downtown

Sonder by Marriott Bonvoy Gabriel Richard Apartments Downtown

3.5 out of 5
305 Michigan Avenue, Detroit, MI
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is £70 per night from 10 Sept to 11 Sept
£70
10 Sept - 11 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in Detroit. Enjoy a fitness centre, concierge services and in-room washers/dryers. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,425 reviews)
"I had a wonderful stay at the Sonder in Detroit. The space was clean, comfortable, and well-designed, making it easy to relax and feel at home. Everything I needed was within walking distance and the overall experience was smooth and convenient. I look forward to staying at another Sonder in a different ..."

Reviewed on 24 Aug 2025

Sonder by Marriott Bonvoy Gabriel Richard Apartments Downtown
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around Downtown Detroit

Greektown Historic District

Greektown Historic District

Visitors to Greektown Historic District love its first-class casinos, and you can check out Hollywood Casino at Greektown and Second Baptist Church. If you want to see more in the area, you can get around town on the metro at Greektown Station.

Greektown Historic District
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Lafayette Park

When in Lafayette Park, you can plan a visit to Comerica Park and MGM Grand Detroit Casino, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Lafayette Park
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Douglass

When in Douglass, you can plan a visit to Comerica Park and MGM Grand Detroit Casino, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Douglass
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Brush Park

Brush Park might not have many top sights, but Comerica Park and MGM Grand Detroit Casino are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Brush Park
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Corktown

Travellers enjoy Corktown for its live music and historical sites. Consider checking out Michigan Central while you're in the area.

Corktown
Eastern Market featuring interior views, shopping and flowers

Eastern Market

The great live music and first-class casinos highlight some of the most notable features of Eastern Market. Make a stop by Historic Trinity Lutheran Church while you're exploring the area.

Eastern Market


Downtown Detroit Travel Guide

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