Detroit is a city with a lot to offer first-time visitors. You can spend the morning by the river, explore its music history in the afternoon, and end the day with good food, a sports game, or a walk through downtown.
The city is known for cars, Motown music, art, sports, and its food scene. It also has old buildings, large parks, and new public spaces that show how Detroit has changed over the years a legacy that goes back to how Detroit was founded.
If you are planning your first trip, these are nine of the best things to do in Detroit.
1. Walk the Detroit RiverWalk
The Detroit RiverWalk is one of the easiest places to start your trip. It gives you a chance to see the city from the water while enjoying a walk, bike ride, or a quiet break.
The RiverWalk now runs for about 4.75 miles, from Gabriel Richard Park near Belle Isle to Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Centennial Park west of downtown. A new extension opened in October 2025 and made the route more connected.
You can walk along the river, enjoy views of Canada, stop at nearby parks, and explore parts of downtown along the way. The RiverWalk is also open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Good for: Walking, biking, views, and a relaxed first look at Detroit.
2. Explore Belle Isle
Belle Isle is a large island park in the Detroit River. It is close to downtown but feels much more open and quiet.
The park has several things to see, including the Belle Isle Aquarium, Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory, and Dossin Great Lakes Museum. You can also spend time walking, taking photos, or enjoying the outdoor areas.
If you want a break from museums and busy streets, Belle Isle is a good choice. It also works well for families and travelers who enjoy outdoor activities.
Good for: Nature, families, walking, photos, and outdoor time.
3. Experience Detroit’s Motown History
Detroit played a huge role in American music. One of the best-known places to learn about that story is the Motown Museum at Hitsville U.S.A. One of several stops worth knowing about if you’re building a museum-focused day in Detroit.
The museum is home to important Motown sites, including the famous Studio A, along with artifacts, photos, and other items linked to the label’s history. The museum was founded by Esther Gordy Edwards and is located in the original Motown Records headquarters and recording studio.
There is an important update for visitors in 2026. Guided tours at Hitsville U.S.A. paused on January 20, 2026, while the museum works on its expansion and prepares for a planned reopening in spring 2027.
The expansion is a $75 million project that will grow the museum campus to nearly 50,000 square feet. Plans include interactive exhibits, a performance theater, recording studios, expanded retail space, a café, and Hitsville NEXT, an education and community hub.
For now, visitors should check the museum’s current exhibit and visitor information before making plans. The museum is hosting the Psychedelic Soul: A Journey Through Rhythm and Time exhibit at the Esther Gordy Edwards Centre for Excellence through September 27, 2026.
Good for: Music fans and anyone interested in Detroit history.
4. Explore the Detroit Institute of Arts
The Detroit Institute of Arts, often called the DIA, is a good stop for art and culture fans.
The museum has more than 65,000 works in its collection. One of its best-known features is the Detroit Industry murals by Diego Rivera, which show the city’s industrial history and workers.
The DIA is also useful on a rainy or very hot day. Its current regular hours are Tuesday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Friday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. It is closed on Mondays.
Some galleries are also being updated. The museum says its reimagined Modern and Contemporary Art galleries are set to open on November 15, 2026.
Good for: Art, history, culture, and indoor sightseeing.
5. Explore Eastern Market
If you want to see a more local side of Detroit, add Eastern Market to your trip. The historic market district is known for fresh food, local products, vendors, shops, and murals. Saturday is the main market day and is a good time to see the area at its busiest.
You can also walk around the surrounding streets and see some of the colorful murals that have become part of the area’s identity.
Eastern Market is more than a place to shop. It is a good way to spend a few hours eating, walking, and getting a feel for local Detroit life.
Good for: Food, shopping, local culture, and street art.
6. Discover Detroit’s Automotive History at The Henry Ford
Detroit and the auto industry are closely linked; the city’s identity as the Motor City runs through the history of Detroit’s auto industry, so it makes sense to include some car history in your trip.
The Henry Ford is a major attraction for this. One thing to know before you visit is that it is not in Detroit proper. It is in nearby Dearborn.
The complex includes the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation and Greenfield Village. The Ford Rouge Factory Tour is another option when available.
It is worth giving yourself enough time if you want to see more than one part of the site. Check the official schedule before visiting, as hours and attraction availability can vary.
Good for: Car fans, families and anyone interested in American history.
7. Explore Detroit’s Historic Architecture
Detroit has some impressive buildings, and you do not need to spend a full day in a museum to enjoy them. The city’s layout and architecture still reflect its roots; if you’re curious, Detroit’s founding story and Antoine de la Mothe Cadillac’s role explain how the city took shape.
The Guardian Building is one of the city’s standout landmarks. Its Art Deco design, colorful interior, and detailed tile and mosaic work make it a popular stop for visitors.
You can also look for the Fox Theatre, Fisher Building, Penobscot Building, and Michigan Central as you explore different parts of the city.
Walking through downtown is a simple way to see many of these landmarks. You can also join a local architecture tour if you want to learn more about the history behind them.
Good for: Architecture fans, photographers, and history lovers.
8. Experience Detroit’s Sports Culture
Sports are a big part of life in Detroit. The city has major professional teams in baseball, football, hockey, and basketball.
Comerica Park is home to the Detroit Tigers. Ford Field hosts the Detroit Lions, while Little Caesars Arena is home to the Detroit Red Wings and Detroit Pistons.
If you are visiting during the sports season, check the local schedule and see if you can catch a game. Even if there is no game during your visit, the sports areas are worth exploring if you enjoy the city’s sports culture.
Good for: Sports fans and visitors looking for an evening activity.
9. Explore Downtown Parks and Public Spaces
Finish your Detroit sightseeing with a walk through the downtown area.
Campus Martius Park is one of the main gathering spots in the city. It sits in the heart of downtown and hosts events and seasonal activities.
You can also visit Hart Plaza near the river and see nearby landmarks such as the Spirit of Detroit and Joe Louis Fist.
Downtown is a good place to slow down after visiting museums and attractions. Grab a meal, explore nearby streets, or simply sit in one of the public spaces and watch the city.
Good for: First-time visitors, casual walks, events, and downtown sightseeing.
Frequently Asked Questions About Things to Do in Detroit
How many days do you need in Detroit?
Two to three days is a good starting point for a first visit. That gives you time to see major attractions without trying to fit everything into one day.
What is Detroit best known for?
Detroit is best known for its auto history, Motown music, sports, art, and architecture. These are also some of the main themes you will see while exploring the city.
What are the best free things to do in Detroit?
Walking the Detroit RiverWalk, exploring downtown public spaces, and viewing Detroit’s historic architecture are good low-cost options. Some attractions also offer free admission or free areas, but check current rules before visiting.
Can you visit Detroit without a car?
Yes. Downtown has several attractions that can be reached on foot or by local transit. A car or rideshare can be more useful when visiting places farther from downtown, such as Belle Isle or The Henry Ford in Dearborn.
What is the best time of year to visit Detroit?
Late spring through early fall is a good time for outdoor activities, markets, sports, and waterfront walks. Winter can still be a good choice if you plan to focus on museums, indoor attractions, and seasonal events.
Is Detroit worth visiting for a first-time traveler?
Yes. Detroit is a good choice if you enjoy history, music, art, cars, sports, and local food. The city also has enough variety that you can build a trip around your own interests.
What are the most popular attractions in Detroit?
Popular choices include the Detroit RiverWalk, Belle Isle, Motown Museum, Detroit Institute of Arts, Eastern Market, and the city’s historic buildings.
Is the Detroit RiverWalk worth visiting?
Yes. It is one of the easiest outdoor attractions to add to a Detroit trip. The connected RiverWalk now covers about 4.75 miles and offers views, parks, and space for walking and biking.
Is Eastern Market worth visiting?
Yes, especially if you like food, local products, and street art. Saturday is a good time to visit when the main market is active.
Is The Henry Ford Museum in Detroit?
No. The Henry Ford is in Dearborn, just outside Detroit. It is still easy to add to a Detroit-area trip, especially if you are interested in cars and American history.
Is Detroit safe for tourists?
Like any major city, it depends on the area and time of day. Downtown, Midtown, Corktown, and the RiverWalk are the areas most first-time visitors stick to and are well-traveled by tourists. Use normal city precautions, especially at night.
What’s the best neighborhood to stay in for a first visit?
Downtown and Midtown put you closest to most of the attractions on this list, including the DIA, Comerica Park, and Campus Martius. Corktown is a good option if you want to be near restaurants and a slightly quieter feel.
How do you get from Detroit Metro Airport (DTW) to downtown?
A rideshare or taxi is the most common option and takes about 25-30 minutes depending on traffic. Some hotels also offer shuttle service; check with yours before booking a car.
Final Thoughts
Detroit is not a city you need to rush through. Give yourself time to enjoy the river, visit a museum, try local food, and walk through the downtown area.
If you have 2 days: Focus on the RiverWalk, Motown Museum, Eastern Market, and downtown’s public art and architecture.
If you have 3 days: Add Belle Isle, the DIA, and a half-day trip to The Henry Ford in Dearborn.
For a first trip, start with the Detroit RiverWalk, Belle Isle, Eastern Market, and one or two museums. Then add sports, architecture, food, or automotive history based on your interests.
That mix will give you a good feel for what makes Detroit different from other U.S. cities.
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