Detroit, Michigan · City Break
Motown, motors & the great American comeback
The birthplace of Motown, mass production and techno, Detroit's riverfront, museums, food and music scene make it one of the most surprising and rewarding city breaks in the USA.
Why Detroit
Your gateway to America's Heartland
Detroit is a destination for everyone, a city with one of America's great riverfronts, world-class museums, a fierce live-music tradition and some of the friendliest welcomes in the Midwest. Pair a few nights downtown with a Great Lakes loop, a Route 66 fly-drive or a cross-border escape into Canada.
Key Destination Highlights
Why travellers love Detroit
Music Heritage & Culture
Birthplace of Motown and a global influence on music history, with legendary venues, museums and a creative spirit that continues to shape the city today.
Automotive Legacy
The heart of America's car industry and innovation, home to iconic automotive experiences and a proud history of engineering and mobility.
Gateway to Canada
Located just across the river from Windsor, Ontario, Detroit offers seamless cross-border travel with five passport control options, including the new Gordie Howe International Bridge, making it easy to combine a Detroit visit with a Canadian itinerary.
Arts, Design & Architecture
World-class museums, vibrant street art, historic neighbourhoods and an iconic skyline showcasing Detroit's creativity and transformation.
Sports & Entertainment
Passionate sports culture with major league teams, live entertainment, concerts and year-round events bringing the city to life.
Food & Urban Revival
A thriving dining scene, local markets and revitalised neighbourhoods showcasing Detroit's diverse flavours and entrepreneurial spirit.
Explore More · Top Tips
Top things to do in Detroit
From the birthplace of Motown to America's greatest riverwalk, these are the experiences we build Detroit stays around. Tell us which appeal and we'll fold them into your itinerary.
Motown Museum (Hitsville U.S.A.)
Stand inside Studio A, the tiny room where Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, the Supremes, Smokey Robinson and the Jackson 5 cut the records that changed popular music. The most moving 90 minutes in Detroit. Please note: the Motown Museum is currently closed for refurbishment and will reopen following completion of renovations.
The Henry Ford & Greenfield Village
In Dearborn, 20 minutes from downtown: the bus Rosa Parks sat on, the chair Lincoln was shot in, the Wright Brothers' workshop and 80 acres of relocated historic buildings including Edison's Menlo Park lab. Easily a full day.
Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA)
One of America's great encyclopaedic museums and home to Diego Rivera's monumental 'Detroit Industry Murals', a 27-panel masterpiece Rivera himself called his finest work. Free for residents of Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties.
Walk or cycle the Detroit Riverwalk
Repeatedly voted the best riverwalk in America, 3.5 miles of landscaped waterfront from Hart Plaza to Belle Isle, with views straight across to Windsor, Canada. Rent bikes or join an evening sunset stroll.
Eastern Market
The largest historic public market district in the United States, 150-year-old Saturday market, food halls, murals plastered over every wall and brilliant brunch spots. Go Saturday morning for the full Detroit experience.
Belle Isle Park
An Olmsted-designed 982-acre island park in the Detroit River with a free aquarium (the oldest in the U.S.), a conservatory, the Dossin Great Lakes Museum and skyline views from the south shore.
Catch a game, Tigers, Lions, Red Wings or Pistons
Detroit is one of only a handful of U.S. cities with all four major league sports downtown, Comerica Park (baseball), Ford Field (NFL), and Little Caesars Arena (NHL Red Wings & NBA Pistons) all within walking distance.
Eat like a Detroiter
Square-pan Detroit-style pizza at Buddy's (the original) or Grandma Bob's; a Coney dog at American or Lafayette (you have to pick a side); paczki at New Palace Bakery in Hamtramck; and modern American at Selden Standard or Mabel Gray.
Live music, from blues to techno
Detroit is the birthplace of Motown, techno, and a serious live-music city. Catch jazz at Cliff Bell's, blues at the Northern Lights Lounge, big shows at the Fox Theatre or Fillmore, and summer festivals on the riverfront.
Explore Corktown & Michigan Central
Detroit's oldest neighbourhood is reborn around the beautifully restored Michigan Central Station, Ford's new mobility innovation district. Brunch at Folk, cocktails at the Sugar House and Irish pubs along Michigan Avenue.
Cross to Windsor, Canada
Detroit is the only major U.S. city where you look south to Canada. The Detroit–Windsor Tunnel or Ambassador Bridge puts you in a different country in 15 minutes, Caesars Windsor casino, riverside parks and a different skyline view back at the D.
Drive the start of Route 66… and the Woodward Dream Cruise
Detroit is America's Motor City, pick up scenic Woodward Avenue and head north, time a visit for August's Woodward Dream Cruise (the world's largest one-day classic car event), or use Detroit as a Great Lakes road trip launchpad.
Where to Stay
Hotels we recommend in Detroit
From design-led boutiques to landmark hotels and resort-style stays, these are the properties we book most often in the D.
Shinola Hotel
Downtown Detroit
Stylish boutique hotel showcasing Detroit craftsmanship, thoughtful design and locally inspired experiences in the heart of the city.
Detroit Foundation Hotel
Downtown Detroit
Trendy boutique hotel housed in the beautifully restored former Detroit Fire Department Headquarters, blending historic character with modern luxury.
The Westin Book Cadillac Detroit
Downtown Detroit
A landmark hotel offering classic elegance, spacious rooms and modern comfort in one of Detroit's most iconic buildings.
MGM Grand Detroit
Downtown Detroit
A resort-style hotel experience featuring luxury accommodation, dining, entertainment, casino facilities and a full-service spa.
Atheneum Suite Hotel
Greektown
Spacious European-inspired suites located in Detroit's lively Greektown district, close to restaurants, entertainment and major attractions.
Key Areas
Detroit's neighbourhoods & districts
Detroit is not a beach destination, but its riverfront, neighbourhoods and cultural districts are major selling points.
Downtown Detroit
The heart of the city, offering entertainment, dining, major events, waterfront experiences and easy access to many of Detroit's top attractions.
Belle Isle Park
A scenic island park offering outdoor recreation, walking trails, natural beauty and impressive skyline views.
Midtown Detroit
A cultural hub filled with world-class museums, galleries, creative spaces and a thriving arts scene.
Greektown
A lively district known for its restaurants, nightlife, historic charm and vibrant atmosphere.
Eastern Market
One of the largest historic public markets in the U.S., showcasing local food, art, events and Detroit's community spirit.
Good to Know
Why Detroit works for your trip
Birthplace of Motown
A must-visit destination for music lovers and cultural travellers.
Easy access into Canada
Great for twin-centre holidays with the Gordie Howe International Bridge.
The perfect Michigan add-on
Easily combined with Michigan fly-drive itineraries and Great Lakes road trips.
Ideal for short stays
A compact, walkable downtown with attractions, dining and entertainment close by.
Events, sports & entertainment
A year-round calendar of major league sports, festivals and live events.
An authentic city experience
Discover a unique U.S. city offering history, culture and innovation beyond the usual tourist trail.
Ready for Detroit?
Pair a few nights in the D with a Great Lakes road trip, a hop across to Chicago or the start of historic Route 66, we'll build the hotel, the Motown tour, the ball game and the day trips around you.