Stand on the Detroit International Riverfront at Hart Plaza and the city arranges itself for you: the towers of the Renaissance Center rise behind, the Detroit River runs wide in front, and Windsor, Ontario sits on the far bank. It is one of the few places in the United States where another country is simply part of the view.
Detroit suits travellers who care about architecture, music and industrial history, and who are happy to move between distinct neighbourhoods rather than expect everything in one cluster. The city gave rise to Motown and techno, and its built landscape spans Art Deco skyscrapers, Victorian houses and the surviving structures of its automotive years.
This guide covers the main sights and experiences, grouped by what they are, followed by a one-day plan and answers to common questions.
Top things to do in Detroit
1. Detroit Institute of Arts
One of the most significant museums in the United States, with a collection worth more than one billion dollars. The industry murals are the part to seek out in particular.
It sits in Midtown-New Center, so you can pair it with the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History and Hitsville U.S.A. in the same part of the city.
2. Hitsville U.S.A.
Motown Records' first headquarters, founded by Berry Gordy in 1959, where all of the Motown hits were recorded. The building now houses a museum of the history of Motown Records.
Combine it with the Detroit Institute of Arts and the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, all in Midtown-New Center.
3. Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History
Holds the world's largest permanent exhibit on African American culture. It is a substantial museum, so give it real time rather than treating it as a stop-off.
It is in Midtown-New Center, which makes it straightforward to visit alongside the Detroit Institute of Arts and Hitsville U.S.A.
4. Renaissance Center
A group of seven interconnected skyscrapers, also known as the Ren Cen, whose central tower is the tallest building in Michigan and the tallest hotel in the Western Hemisphere. Built in 1977, it has the world's largest rooftop restaurant, reached by a glass elevator ride, and it is the headquarters of General Motors.
It stands on the Detroit International Riverfront, so combine it with Hart Plaza next door and the river views from there.
5. Belle Isle
Detroit's premier park, lying in the river between Detroit and Windsor and reached by bridge. It offers swimming, a nature center, a yacht club, a rowing club, a conservatory, a golf course and a maritime museum, and it hosts motor racing, off-shore boat racing, concerts and small athletic events.
Because there is so much on the island, plan it as a half-day or more rather than squeezing it between other stops.
6. Guardian Building
A bold example of Art Deco architecture, including art moderne designs. The interior is decorated with mosaic and Pewabic and Rookwood tile, and it is the interior that repays the visit.
It is in Downtown, close to the other downtown architecture and parks listed here.
7. Fisher Building
A historic Art-Deco building designed by Albert Kahn in 1928, and it has been called Detroit's largest art object.
It is in Midtown-New Center, so it fits naturally into the same outing as the museums there.
8. Corktown
Detroit's oldest neighbourhood, settled by Irish people from County Cork, which gives the area its name. Many historic landmarks are found here, including the Michigan Central Station and the remnants of Tiger Stadium.
It is in the Southwest Side, and its historic buildings make it a good area for simply walking and looking.
9. Greektown
Probably Detroit's most famous neighbourhood, with an endless number of Greek restaurants, and home to Greektown Casino.
It is in Downtown and only partially counts as a central entertainment district, so treat it as one stop among several rather than the whole evening.
10. Mexicantown
The fastest growing neighbourhood in Detroit, famous for its Mexican cuisine, which is evidenced by its vast number of restaurants.
It is in the Southwest Side, so it pairs well with Corktown on the same side of the city.
11. Campus Martius Park
Detroit's main urban park, surrounded by skyscrapers and adjacent to Cadillac Square Park, which was made in 2007 to increase the amount of park space. It is home to several monuments, including the Michigan Soldiers' and Sailors' monument, a Civil War monument.
It is in Downtown and hosts the Detroit Jazz Festival, so check what is on while you are in the city.
12. Hart Plaza
A park on Detroit's riverfront offering great views of the city's skyline, with several monuments including Dodge Fountain and the Joe Louis Fist.
It is adjacent to the Renaissance Center and is where the Dock of Detroit receives major cruise lines on the Great Lakes. It also hosts the Movement Music Festival and the Detroit Jazz Festival.
13. Historic Fort Wayne
A fort built in 1845 to defend Detroit from Canada. It also houses the Tuskegee Airmen Museum.
Two collections in one site, so allow enough time for both.
14. Dossin Great Lakes Museum
A museum devoted to the maritime history of the Great Lakes. One exhibit is the pilot house of a bulk ore freighter.
Given the subject, it works well on the same day as other riverfront stops.
15. Detroit's music scene
Detroit is the birthplace of American electro and techno music, with Juan Atkins, Kevin Saunderson and Derrick May all hailing from the area. The city is still a great place to dance and see the masters at work. Detroit's musical output also includes Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder and Eminem.
There is no central entertainment district, and many up-and-coming groups play at venues scattered throughout the area, so decide where you are going before you set out for the evening.
If you only have one day
Morning: Start in Midtown-New Center at the Detroit Institute of Arts, then walk to Hitsville U.S.A. and the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, which are in the same part of the city. If you have time before lunch, add the Fisher Building.
Afternoon: Move Downtown to the Guardian Building and its tiled interior, then continue to Campus Martius Park and its monuments. Finish the afternoon on the riverfront at Hart Plaza for the skyline views, with the Renaissance Center next door.
Evening: Eat in Greektown among its Greek restaurants, or head to the Southwest Side for Mexicantown's Mexican restaurants, then find a venue for Detroit's music scene. Decide on the venue in advance, since performances are scattered across the area rather than concentrated in one district.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit Detroit for events?
The city's calendar is spread across the year. The North American International Auto Show is in January, the Marche du Nain Rouge in March, the Movement Music Festival in May, the Detroit Grand Prix in late May and early June, the Ford Fireworks in June, and the Detroit Jazz Festival over Labor Day weekend. Check current dates before you book, as the listings are updated periodically.
Where can I see Detroit's architecture in a single area?
Downtown holds the Renaissance Center, the Guardian Building, the Westin Book Cadillac Hotel and the Wayne County Building, along with Campus Martius Park, Hart Plaza and Grand Circus Park. Midtown-New Center holds the Fisher Building. Corktown and Woodbridge are the places to go for historic residential streets.
How do I get out on the water?
The Dock of Detroit, adjacent to the Renaissance Center on Hart Plaza, receives major cruise lines on the Great Lakes. Local tours include Diamond Jack's River Tours and Detroit Princess, and chartered tours are also available.
Is there a single nightlife district?
Not really. Unlike some cities, Detroit has no central entertainment district, and Greektown only partially counts as one. Many up-and-coming groups play at venues scattered throughout the area, so pick your venue before you go out.
Pick the neighbourhoods that match your interests, check the event dates for your travel window, and start building your Detroit itinerary around them.