Location: Detroit
Top Things to do in Detroit
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What to do and see in Detroit, United States: The Best Places and Tips
With a vibrant, revitalized downtown, it’s revival time in Detroit. Renowned
as the birthplace of Motown and techno, the city boasts one of the largest
theater districts in America — as well as four pro sports teams, set just blocks apart. The city’s transformation includes a dynamic culinary scene, featuring everything from high-end dining with international tastes to Coney dogs. Visitors also love Detroit’s outstanding shopping, exciting outdoor activities, and world-class cultural attractions.
Restaurants in Detroit
1. Detroit Institute of Arts
Overall Ratings
5 based on 2 reviews
Considered to house one of the best art collections in the United States, the Institute showcases everything from mummies to modern art and African masks to Monets in its outstanding collection of over 65,000 works. Don't miss the General Motors Center for African American Art, a part of the DIA which showcases 400 pieces, in various media, by African American artists.
Reviewed By 547rania - United States
Great place to spend the whole day; esp. now that admission is free for residents of Wayne, Oakland, Macomb counties. Special exhibits do cost extra but they are totally worth it. I recently saw the Monet paintings there. The venue is very well laid out, so it is easy to navigate thru'. The Diego Riviera mural is by far my favorite; I highly recommend taking the audio tour for this area (available at a table off the the mural room)- full of fascinating facts and info, lets one get into Riviera's head (or alternately pull up the description on your phone).
The restaurant and cafe are both very good with excellent choices for snacks, lunches and beverages; albeit a bit pricey. Lots of parking available in the DIA lot off John R. Street parking available in the alley off Farnsworth (in a residential area).
2. The Ford Piquette Avenue Plant
Overall Ratings
5 based on 344 reviews
Experience the Original Model T Factory Visiting the Piquette Avenue Ford Plant is a unique experience-it's the oldest auto plant open to the public anywhere in the world. Almost unchanged since Henry Ford's day, the plant is a three-story New England-style mill building. Each floor is divided into sections by the original metal fire doors, complete with the shadows of Henry Ford's "Positively NO Smoking" stencils. The old plank floors are worn from the 12,000 Model Ts built on them, so wear appropriate shoes for your visit. The plant is on the National Register of Historic Places, and is a designated National Historic Landmark and a Michigan State Historic Site. Walk the worn wood floors and touch the brick walls where Henry Ford and his team of automotive pioneers developed the car that led to an automotive and social revolution. See Henry Ford's office as it was in 1908 when he was on the cusp of fame. And learn why it still matters today. See a selection of rare Detroit-built cars from the first decade of the 20th century and learn their fates.
Reviewed By 2RedSquirrels - Windsor, Canada
This rather unimposing building is the origin of the modern car industry. The tour provides a comprehensive overview of the beginning of Ford Motors. The tour highlights the evolution of the early models.
An eye opener is one of the earliest Model Ts - the old adage is not true
Great diner down the street
3. The Guardian Building
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 563 reviews
Reviewed By AmyLynn1980
The Guardian Building simply must been seen with your own two eyes to be believed ... such incredible beauty, grandeur and attention to detail. An Art Deco masterpiece heavily influenced by Aztec styling, built during Detroit's more prosperous times when clearly no expense was spared.
Kudos to anyone involved in ensuring this building is kept up and never allowed to become vacant like so many other beautiful structures in Detroit.
It is well worth spending a few minutes wandering about to check everything out!
4. Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 221 reviews
Museum serves to document, preserve and educate the public on the history, life and culture of African Americans.
Reviewed By Yusuf N - East Lansing, Michigan
The most exciting thing IMO is the journey through the history of the African American People. You get immersed through a realistic journey from the cradle of mankind, to Ancient African cultures with authentic artifacts, then through the slave trade, there is a ship also that accompanies the slave trade portion, then through the underground rail system and colored troops during the civil war errors, to the cultures of the people after slave trade was abolished, to emergence of black activists and evolution of Motown music to current black cultures. It is so realistic and very informative and a great way to learn about a whole new race
5. Motown Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
This old Detroit home belies the greatness that was born here: the Motown Sound. But one step inside Hitsville, USA, the original house where Berry Gordy lived and recorded the Motown hits, and you'll catch the beat and spirit of this booming music era. Photos, costumes, artwork, music and other memorabilia take you back to simpler times.
Reviewed By PITTparent - PA
I have been to Detroit many times and finally got to see the Motown Museum. What a place to visit. I really enjoyed my visit and shopping in the gift shop. Must book ahead on line so you will not be disappointed by just showing up and finding they are fully booked. What a Detroit Gem.
6. Fisher Building
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 222 reviews
Reviewed By MLM2003 - Detroit, Michigan
Stopped with visitors to see the building, and pleasantly surprised by the many interesting shops that have opened. Coffee shop too. Highly recommend. Not for young children, due to shops with lots of breakables, and low rails on the 2nd & 3rd floors.
7. Comerica Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2 reviews
Home of the Detroit Tigers, this is no ordinary ballpark. Combination theme park, ballpark, and baseball museum, it features huge statues of tigers, a Ferris wheel, carousel (with tigers, of course) and a fountain that celebrates each home run with colored lights and music.
Reviewed By 334mel2013 - Detroit, Michigan
Another great. Event in Detroit for opening day. Its like a holiday. Even though the team is not very good its still very special. I love the fly over after the national anthem. Also. It is great to see all the players standing unlike the NFL. I love the park. Gets better every year
8. Detroit Historical Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 355 reviews
The Motor City Exhibition, where visitors see how a Cadillac is assembled, is just one of the many interesting displays at this museum dedicated to telling the story of Detroit.
Reviewed By WanderlustJournal - Japan
Free entry to the museums. Parking next to the museum cost $7 per entry, so park on the streets if you are not going to take long.
There are lunch rooms in the basement, so you can bring your own lunch and have it there. Overall, it was a good museum, with a lot to learn and see about the history of Detroit.
9. Old St. Mary's Church
Overall Ratings
5 based on 113 reviews
Reviewed By marysia14 - Southgate, Michigan
in the hustle and bustle of the city, this is a welcome respite. the facility is beautiful and charming. no matter what your religious background, the beauty and serenity is all encompassing in mind & spirit!!
10. Eastern Market
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 359 reviews
Farmer's market.
Reviewed By JenBell1969 - Detroit, Michigan
Came here for Black Santa :) Walked around while waiting for our turn for Santa, and wow! So many unique items. We sampled some pickles, relish, poppy dressing, chocolate, and nuts....all by local entrepreneurs too! Looked around and saw all different kinds of items at great prices from body care items made from shea butter, to clothes, to picture frames made of items like dog bones or candy, to holiday decor. Parking is free everywhere from on the street to the surrounding lots along the streets. I'd advise to give yourself time to find a good parking spot (as it was pretty full the whole time we were there 1:30-4), and browse all the booths in all the "sheds". Lots of walking between sheds also so be prepared. They had food trucks also.
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