Downtown Detroit Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

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

Activities


Our pick of the best Downtown Detroit Hotel Deals

Hollywood Casino at Greektown

Hollywood Casino at Greektown

4 out of 5
1200 Saint Antoine St, Detroit, MI
The price is AU$315 per night from 26 Oct to 27 Oct
AU$315
26 Oct - 27 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Detroit. Enjoy free WiFi, 5 restaurants, and a casino. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the convenient ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (4,734 reviews)
"The hotel itself was great, with the added bonus of direct access to the casino, which was very convenient. Close to all the sports venues, being less that 10 min walk away. However, at the time of our stay, most of the surrounding streets were either closed or under construction, which made getting ..."

Reviewed on 18 Oct 2025

Hollywood Casino at Greektown
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 AU$241 per night from 9 Nov to 10 Nov
AU$241
9 Nov - 10 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Detroit. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (2,260 reviews)
"Parking options are limited, but the overall accommodations were lovely."

Reviewed on 18 Oct 2025

Fort Pontchartrain Detroit, a Wyndham Hotel
Atheneum Suite Hotel

Atheneum Suite Hotel

4 out of 5
1000 Brush Avenue, Detroit, MI
Book a stay at this boutique hotel in Detroit. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a free area shuttle. Our guests praise the bar and the helpful staff ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,978 reviews)
"Our suite was lovely. Very clean. Comfortable beds. Very nice bathroom. The hotel itself was also clean, updated with nice bar and choice of restaurants. The area around the hotel was pleasant. Our room overlooked a small park at the entrance of the hotel. The staff was great. Friendly, helpful and ..."

Reviewed on 17 Oct 2025

Atheneum Suite 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 AU$318 per night from 23 Oct to 24 Oct
AU$318
23 Oct - 24 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Detroit. Enjoy free WiFi, 3 bars/lounges, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff in our ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,713 reviews)
"We used valet parking, which was an extra cost but well worth the convenience. We had breakfast at the cafe, which was lovely. The room was a little noisy (could hear street nose, ambulance, etc.) but it was quiet enough when we went to sleep. Bed was comfy. Bathroom was tiny but clean and functional. ..."

Reviewed on 19 Oct 2025

The Siren Hotel, an Ash Hotel
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
The price is AU$146 per night from 9 Nov to 10 Nov
AU$146
9 Nov - 10 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in Detroit. Enjoy a fitness center, concierge services, and in-room washers/dryers. Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,504 reviews)
"Awesome little loft, very clean. Close to everything."

Reviewed on 19 Oct 2025

Sonder by Marriott Bonvoy Gabriel Richard Apartments Downtown
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 AU$219 per night from 9 Nov to 10 Nov
AU$219
9 Nov - 10 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Detroit. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,013 reviews)
"Lovely hotel - very clean and spacious rooms and they have hardwood floors with rugs (instead of full carpet). Also, had breakfast at the restaurant - the staff was very attentive and the food was delicious."

Reviewed on 18 Oct 2025

Hotel Indigo Detroit Downtown by IHG
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 Underground Railroad Station Marker. 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 showing interior views, flowers and shopping

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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