Detroit, Michigan, US-6-day-itinerary
Detroit, Michigan, USA: 6-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Downtown Detroit & The RiverWalk
Places to Go:
- Greektown: A vibrant neighborhood with a mix of Greek restaurants, shops, and nightlife.
- Eastern Market: An historic public market offering fresh produce, meats, fish, flowers, and more.
- Riverwalk: A 3.5-mile path along the Detroit River that features beautiful views, parks, and public art.
Activities:
- Explore Greektown’s restaurants and shops
- Visit Eastern Market for lunch or snacks
- Take a stroll along The Riverwalk
Where to Eat:
- Buddy’s Pizza: A popular spot for square pizza
- American Coney Island: Try the classic Detroit-style coney dog
- Astoria Pastry Shop: Enjoy traditional Greek pastries and coffee
Where to Stay:
- The Siren Hotel: A luxurious boutique hotel in downtown Detroit
- Aloft Detroit at The David Whitney: A trendy hotel with a rooftop bar
Things to Know:
- Detroit has a strong public transportation system, including buses and the QLine streetcar.
- Be prepared for variable weather; pack layers and rain gear.
Day 2: Motown & Hitsville U.S.A.
Places to Go:
- Hitsville U.S.A.: The legendary recording studio where Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, and other Motown greats recorded their hits
- Motown Museum: A museum showcasing the history of Motown Records
Activities:
- Take a guided tour of Hitsville U.S.A.
- Visit the Motown Museum to learn about the label’s history and legacy
Where to Eat:
- The Whitney: Enjoy upscale American cuisine in a historic mansion-turned-restaurant
- Slows Bar BQ: A popular spot for barbecue and live music
Where to Stay (same as Day 1):
Things to Know:
- Be prepared for crowds at Hitsville U.S.A. and the Motown Museum.
- Take some time to explore the surrounding neighborhood, which features street art and unique shops.
Day 3: Midtown & The Cultural Center
Places to Go:
- Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History: One of the largest institutions in the world dedicated to African American history and culture
- Detroit Institute of Arts: A world-renowned museum featuring a collection of over 65,000 works of art
Activities:
- Visit the Charles H. Wright Museum to explore its vast collections
- Spend some time exploring the DIA’s galleries and exhibitions
Where to Eat:
- The Whitney (same as Day 2): Enjoy upscale American cuisine in a historic mansion-turned-restaurant
- Cheli’s Chili: A popular spot for Detroit-style chili and live music
Where to Stay (same as Day 1):
Things to Know:
- The Charles H. Wright Museum and the DIA are both located in Midtown, which features a vibrant arts and cultural scene.
- Be prepared for crowds at the museum and the art institute.
Day 4: Eastern Market & The Historic District
Places to Go:
- Eastern Market (same as Day 1): Visit the historic public market for lunch or snacks
- The Heidelberg Project: A vibrant outdoor art installation featuring recycled materials and community-driven projects
Activities:
- Explore the Heidelberg Project’s latest creations
- Visit Eastern Market for a unique shopping experience
Where to Eat:
- Vernor’s Ginger Ale Fountain: Enjoy a classic Detroit soda fountain experience
- Russell Street Diner: A popular spot for breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Where to Stay (same as Day 1):
Things to Know:
- The Heidelberg Project is a community-driven initiative that changes frequently.
- Be prepared for crowds at Eastern Market.
Day 5: Belle Isle & The Riverwalk
Places to Go:
- Belle Isle Park: A beautiful island park featuring gardens, a conservatory, and a beach
- The James Scott Memorial Fountain: A stunning fountain featuring water features and public art
Activities:
- Take a stroll through the beautiful gardens on Belle Isle
- Visit The James Scott Memorial Fountain to admire its unique design
Where to Eat:
- American Coney Island (same as Day 1): Try the classic Detroit-style coney dog
- Buddy’s Pizza (same as Day 1): Enjoy a popular spot for square pizza
Where to Stay (same as Day 1):
Things to Know:
- Belle Isle Park is accessible by car or on foot via The Riverwalk.
- Be prepared for variable weather; pack layers and rain gear.
Day 6: Old Shillelaghs & Corktown
Places to Go:
- Old Shillelagh: A historic Irish pub featuring traditional live music
- Corktown: A charming neighborhood featuring a mix of old and new shops, restaurants, and nightlife
Activities:
- Visit Old Shillelagh for a taste of traditional Irish culture
- Explore Corktown’s unique shops and restaurants
Where to Eat:
- Old Shillelagh (same as above): Enjoy a classic Irish pub experience
- Buddy’s Pizza (same as Day 1): Try a popular spot for square pizza in the Corktown area
Where to Stay (same as Day 1):
Things to Know:
- Old Shillelagh is a local favorite; be prepared for crowds.
- Explore Corktown’s unique shops and restaurants.
Tips & Transportation:
- Detroit has a strong public transportation system, including buses and the QLine streetcar. Be prepared for variable weather; pack layers and rain gear.
- Rent a car or use ride-sharing services to explore the city and surrounding areas.
- Take advantage of the city’s many bike lanes and rent a bike for a unique perspective on the city.
Additional Tips:
- Detroit is a city with a rich history, vibrant culture, and strong community spirit. Be prepared to experience all that it has to offer!
- Try some of the local cuisine, such as square pizza, coney dogs, and traditional Greek pastries.
- Explore the many unique shops, galleries, and museums throughout the city.
Getting Around:
- The QLine streetcar runs from downtown Detroit to Midtown and New Center.
- Bus routes cover most areas of the city; use Google Maps or the Moovit app to plan your trip.
- Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are widely available in Detroit.
- Rent a car for easy access to the surrounding suburbs and attractions.
Accommodations:
- The Siren Hotel and Aloft Detroit at The David Whitney offer luxurious boutique accommodations.
- Explore other options, such as Airbnb apartments or budget-friendly hotels.
Safety & Security:
- Be aware of your surroundings in public areas, especially at night.
- Follow local advice on safety and security; stay informed through official sources.
I hope this itinerary helps you plan a memorable trip to Detroit!