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
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is AU$296 per night from 29 Sept to 30 Sept
AU$296
29 Sept - 30 Sept
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! (4,611 reviews)
"Noce location and clean hotel"

Reviewed on 25 Sept 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$284 per night from 12 Oct to 13 Oct
AU$284
12 Oct - 13 Oct
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! (2,227 reviews)
"The view from the 25th floor was amazing. I stayed on the 12th floor and that view was amazing as well. Everything was convenient and walking distance to the ballpark. The free people mover was a bonus. The only thing I did not like was the the cost of the parking"

Reviewed on 21 Sept 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 ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,972 reviews)
"This is the only hotel we will stay at when we visit Detroit. Exceeded our expectations. Our suite was very spacious and comfortable. The staff are wonderful, friendly and helpful whether we're just walking in the door or need assistance. Walking distance from all event centers and greektown."

Reviewed on 24 Sept 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$314 per night from 28 Sept to 29 Sept
AU$314
28 Sept - 29 Sept
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! (1,688 reviews)
"Staff was amazingly helpful, especially Ivory at the front desk. However I like to read at night and the lighting in my room was minimal, I didn’t have a travel light ao couldn’t read…. Wish they had better lighting"

Reviewed on 24 Sept 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$144 per night from 12 Oct to 13 Oct
AU$144
12 Oct - 13 Oct
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! (1,471 reviews)
"I loved how easy checking in was!!! Great for a stress free anxiety free experience."

Reviewed on 24 Sept 2025

Sonder by Marriott Bonvoy Gabriel Richard Apartments Downtown
Cambria Hotel Detroit Downtown

Cambria Hotel Detroit Downtown

4 out of 5
600 WEST LAFAYETTE, Detroit, MI
The price is AU$269 per night from 12 Oct to 13 Oct
AU$269
12 Oct - 13 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Detroit. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (825 reviews)
"It was beautifully decorated. The decor was very elegant and nice. The room was clean the different options from the rooftop bar. The five iron golfing in the restaurant was beautiful. Just wish they had a pool."

Reviewed on 25 Sept 2025

Cambria Hotel Detroit 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 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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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
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North Corktown

While North Corktown may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like MGM Grand Detroit Casino and Comerica Park.

North Corktown


Downtown Detroit Travel Guide

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