Uncover the charm of Detroit, Mich., as you explore its captivating mix of world-class museums, cutting-edge galleries, renowned restaurants and unique shopping destinations. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or are returning to rediscover the Motor City, find out where to stay, eat, shop and explore with our ultimate guide.
Where To Stay
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Nestled in Detroit’s lively entertainment district, this luxury bed and breakfast takes up residence in a historic 18th-century mansion built in 1870. Helmed by sisters and innkeepers Roderica and Francina James, the travel destination offers an indulgent experience with steam showers, free-standing garden tubs, wine and cheese plates, full spa packages and more. The team will also arrange everything from private chef visits to pamper sessions to elevate your visit even further. 216 Winder St.
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Located within the buzzy Book Tower skyscraper, the upscale ROOST Detroit apartment hotel is a chic getaway, featuring curated artwork, hardwood floors, vintage rugs, living areas and kitchenettes. Choose from studio, one-bedroom, or two-bedroom layouts, and while you’re there, pay a visit to acclaimed in-building dining destinations like Le Suprême, Bar Rotunda and Sakazuki. 1265 Washington Blvd.
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Situated in downtown Detroit’s circa-1929 fire department headquarters, this sleek hotel is the ideal home-away-from-home, complete with stylish furnishings, flat-screen TVs, minibars and desks. The hotel also boasts a 24/7 fitness center, dining destination, The Apparatus Room, and a range of packages like complimentary valet parking, early booking savings, and more. 250 W. Larned St.
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With 129 boutique rooms and suites, this luxury hotel is known for its charming and upscale ambiance, which is brought to life by sleek hardwood flooring, midcentury modern furniture, loft-style windows and ample amenities, from in-room dining to signature bathrobes. The travel destination also boasts a curated art collection, meeting and events spaces and five on-site dining venues. 1400 Woodward Ave.
Where To Eat
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This upscale dining destination, located on the ground floor of the Detroit Foundation Hotel, serves a diverse selection of New American fare, from Michigan heritage pork to gem Caesar salad. Pair selections like East and West Coast oysters, crispy cauliflower and snap pea risotto with house cocktails, draft brews and globally sourced wines. 250 W. Larned St.
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Indulge in the flavors and seasonal ingredients of Detroit at this elevated mainstay, which offers a luxurious alfresco dining experience on its outdoor patio. Dine on specialties like chili shrimp ceviche, Northern Fields salad with roasted beets, braised lamb sugo and wild boar chops topped with grilled peach relish, wild and jasmine rice, charred rosemary and balsamic reduction. 800 Woodward Ave.
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For top-notch wood-fired steaks, tempting raw bar selections and curated wine pairings, visit this high-end institution. Highlights include tomahawk ribeye steaks, tableside dover sole, trios of Osetra caviar and rare cuts like Japanese craft A5 wagyu, Nashville whiskey-aged cowboy ribeyes, Australian wagyu New York strip steaks and more. 1145 Griswold St.
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Taking up residence in an iconic lumber baron’s mansion, this grandiose dining establishment is a staple in Detroit’s food scene, dishing out curated (and ever-evolving) prix fixe menus, Sunday brunch, afternoon tea and a la carte specialties like lobster bisque, Maryland crab cakes, beef Wellington and roasted pork osso buco. 4421 Woodward Ave.
Where To Shop
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A gallery and shop all-in-one, this Detroit-themed spot is the place to go for a curated selection of housewares and gifts crafted by local artisans. While you’re there, peruse candles, apparel, accessories, kitchen and bar essentials, cards and more. Don’t forget to check out the store’s assortment of “Staff Favorites” for popular picks like cocktail napkin sets, Baggu totes, Cellar Door handmade soap and Nice Life tea towels. 460 W. Canfield St.
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Shop for modern apparel, accessories and lifestyle items from this luxury boutique, which showcases a wide-reaching selection of coveted designers like Sandy Liang, Clyde and Maison Margiela. Whether you’re looking to elevate your look or want to bring home a memento from your travels, this high-end shop has got you covered. 9301 Kercheval Ave., Ste. 6
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Browse fine cheeses, spices and other high-quality products from this gourmet market, which has been a Detroit institution since 1887. The spot carries a wide variety of Michigan-made goods, including Eastern Market tote bags, Detroit Gourmet Nut Company maple walnuts, American Gourmet butter pretzels and more. 2468 Market St.
What To See & Do
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Located on the Detroit River near downtown, this 985-acre island park is a coveted escape for locals and visitors alike. With scenic views of Detroit to the North and Canada to the south, the island is home to serene natural beauty and historical and cultural facets like the Belle Isle Aquarium, the Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory, the Dossin Great Lakes Museum, the Belle Isle Nature Center and the James Scott Memorial Fountain. 7200 Jefferson Ave.
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Founded in 1885, this museum institution is woven into the fabric of Detroit’s art and culture scene, featuring one of the largest and most significant art collections in the country, with over 65,000 works. As you meander through the museum, be sure to check out the rotating exhibits and collections of various art forms, including paintings, sculptures, textiles and more. 5200 Woodward Ave.
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This buzzy performing arts center has been open since 1928 and is often considered one of the most iconic theatres and music venues in the world. Not only has the destination hosted a prestigious roster of show business luminaries (think Aretha Franklin, The Temptations, Stevie Wonder and Elvis Presley), but it also boasts an acclaimed lineup of award-winning Broadway musicals, interactive shows and holiday showcases. 2211 Woodward Ave.
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No trip to Motor City is complete without a visit to Detroit’s legendary Motown Museum, home to the famed Studio A, where artists like The Temptations, Marvin Gaye and others recorded alongside the Funk Brothers. Take a tour and experience the voices of Motown while taking in the environment where some of the most iconic songs of all time were recorded. 2648 Berry Gordy Jr. Blvd.; 2648 W. Grand Blvd.
See also: The Ultimate Chicago Neighborhood Guide
Photography by: Pawel Gaul, courtesy of Getty Images
