Summary
Downtown Detroit encompasses an area of just under one and a half square miles, which may be considered small in comparison to the downtown regions of other major U.S. cities. However, one should be prepared to uncover intriguing and exhilarating discoveries around every corner, as Downtown Detroit is filled with diverse activities and attractions.
The skyline of Downtown Detroit is characterized by the seven towers of the Renaissance Center. While they present an impressive sight, it is the district’s International Riverfront that truly captivates visitors. This development is located along the banks of the Detroit River, which meanders through the city, delineating the United States from Canada. The three-and-a-half-mile riverfront features a variety of parks, plazas, pavilions, marinas, and walking trails.
Beyond the riverfront, the streets of Downtown Detroit are rich with historical structures, vibrant music venues, casinos, and traditional dining establishments. There is a notable buzz in Detroit, and here are fifteen prime activities to consider during your visit to Downtown Detroit.
1. Detroit Princess Riverboat
Embark on the Detroit Princess Riverboat, docked at Civic Center Drive in Downtown Detroit, for a serene sailing experience along the Detroit River. Originally constructed in Louisiana as a gambling vessel, the boat has since been transformed into an elegantly adorned floating restaurant and showboat.
Ascend to the top deck of this two-hundred-and-twenty-foot-long vessel, and you will be rewarded with breathtaking vistas of the Detroit skyline.
Consider taking a lunchtime cruise to enjoy a premium buffet accompanied by live Motown music or opt for a sunset dinner cruise featuring fine dining and professional Soul singers. It serves as a remarkable opportunity to experience Downtown Detroit while indulging in iconic Motown melodies.
2. Detroit Opera House
Although Detroit is widely recognized for its deep roots in Motown music and its history of producing remarkable talent, it also hosts a variety of musical performances at the Detroit Opera House located on Broadway Street.
This opulent venue accommodates nearly three thousand guests and features grand productions of well-known operas like the Barber of Seville, in addition to Disney-inspired performances such as Aladdin.
The Detroit Opera House is also a prominent venue for observing top ballet and contemporary dance ensembles.
3. Detroit Riverwalk
The Detroit Riverwalk consists of a spacious asphalt promenade that extends from Joe Louis Arena to William G Milliken State Park, forming part of the Downtown Riverfront development.
One side of the riverwalk is designated for pedestrians, while the opposite side includes a cycle path for those wishing to skate or ride bicycles. When visiting, it is surprisingly easy to forget that you are in the center of a bustling city.
Take a pause in one of the many “garden rooms,” which are landscaped areas featuring benches that face the waterfront and contemporary sculptures created by local artists. On clear days, one can wave to those on the Canadian shore.
4. Grand Trunk Pub
Situated beneath the vaulted ceilings of a historical railway station from the early 1900s, the Grand Trunk Pub on Woodward Avenue in Downtown Detroit is brimming with character. From the intricate exterior design to the attentive staff behind the bar, it exemplifies a stylish Downtown pub.
Offering only Michigan-brewed draft beers, the pub also serves a delectable menu. A highlight includes the Finnigan’s Sandwich, featuring grilled chicken breast on olive bread with pesto aioli, or opt for a hearty plate of meatloaf drenched in whiskey gravy. Save room for a slice of the renowned Michigan mud pie.
5. Cullen Plaza
Cullen Plaza represents an ideal location for outdoor recreation near the riverside. Situated on Atwater Street in Downtown Detroit, the plaza becomes a lively hub during the summer months.
Relive your youth by riding a white swan or seahorse on the Cullen Family Carousel before enjoying refreshments at the RiverWalk Cafe. This creates a delightful way to spend a sunny afternoon in Downtown Detroit.
The Detroit Riverwalk is accessible from Cullen Plaza, and The Wheelhouse bicycle rental is available on-site for those who prefer cycling to walking.
6. The Belt
While Downtown Detroit may lack a dedicated art museum, it boasts The Belt.
The Belt is an alleyway that has been revitalized with large, vibrant murals and artworks created by skilled local artists. Nestled between Broadway and Library Street, this once dilapidated alley has transformed into a lively and noteworthy destination.
Arrive in the late afternoon to enjoy happy hour at the colorful terrace bar, The Skip. Their frozen cucumber margarita is the perfect refreshment after a day of exploring Downtown Detroit.
7. Joe Muer Seafood
Visit Joe Muer Seafood, located beneath the GM Renaissance Center, for a delectable fish-themed lunch or dinner by the water.
The restaurant features a classic design with a color scheme of red, black, and white, accompanied by an outdoor terrace that offers stunning views of Downtown Detroit and the riverfront.
Consider starting with steamed mussels, calamari, or a Detroit Roll consisting of king crab, cream cheese, and a spicy sauce, followed by a main course of Dover Sole Meuniere or oven-roasted Barramundi. Your palate will rejoice.
8. The Fillmore
The Fillmore is a historic, twelve-story entertainment venue located on Woodward Avenue in Downtown Detroit. Established in the mid-1920s, it was originally constructed as a theater and accommodates approximately three thousand attendees.
In keeping with the building’s historical character, the lobby features grand, eighty-year-old chandeliers, tiered balconies, and mezzanine seating, as well as private concierge services.
Numerous renowned musical performers grace the stage at the Fillmore, including Elvis Costello, Echo, the Bunnymen, and Tech N9ne, among others.
9. Greektown Casino
Put your luck to the test within the one thousand square feet of gaming space at Greektown Casino located on Lafayette Street in Downtown.
This casino is situated in the thirty-floor Greektown Hotel and offers a variety of gaming options including slot machines, blackjack, poker, roulette, craps, and baccarat.
If fortune isn’t on your side, there are numerous in-house restaurants and plenty of bars to help alleviate the disappointment.
10. Hart Plaza
Hart Plaza is among the finest locations to capture breathtaking views of Downtown Detroit and across the river to the Canadian waterfront. This plaza has hosted numerous historically significant events, including speeches by Martin Luther King Jr., an occasion marked by an arch at the west entrance.
This fourteen-acre square is adorned with memorials and sculptures that depict crucial moments in Detroit’s history. It features statues honoring the city’s founder, a sculpture commemorating the city’s role in the underground movement against slavery, and a magnificent thirty-foot-high fountain with over three hundred jets of water.
In addition to being a fascinating glimpse into Detroit’s past, Hart Plaza features two amphitheaters where concerts and festivals take place throughout the summer months.
11. Hard Rock Cafe
Recognizable by the iconic neon guitar adorning the wall on Monroe Avenue in Downtown Detroit, this is the location of the Hard Rock Cafe.
Explore a rich display of Motown and rock memorabilia, and indulge in the Hard Rock Cafe’s renowned culinary offerings. Begin with a Jumbo Combo appetizer, then tackle the Atomic Burger, ensuring a fulfilling dining experience.
12. Eastern Market
Eastern Market is a bustling market held every Saturday throughout the year in Downtown Detroit. This popular weekly event attracts crowds of up to fifty thousand individuals, so arriving early is advisable to secure the best bargains.
Having been in operation for over a century, the market features more than two hundred twenty stalls offering a diverse range of goods, from fresh produce to clothing and footwear.
During the summer months, additional market days occur on Tuesdays and Sundays, along with a night market on Thursdays that emphasizes handicrafts, pop-up eateries, and live music.
13. Exodus Rooftop Lounge
The Exodus Rooftop Bar is a premier nightlife destination in Downtown Detroit. Positioned on Monroe Street, this bar features an impressive rooftop terrace where you can begin your evening with happy hour as the lights of Downtown shimmer.
Relax on cushioned sofas with your drink before the DJs start performing, leading you to the dance floor for an evening of enjoyment.
The venue is lively, vibrant, and sometimes features live music as well. Be prepared for an energetic nightlife experience.
14. Joe Louis Monument
For those seeking an Instagram-worthy photo, the Joe Louis Monument in Hart Plaza is a must-visit.
This monument, dedicated to the legendary boxer born in the city, features a colossal, twenty-four-foot-long arm and clenched fist suspended on chains within a metal tripod.
This structure symbolizes not only Joe Louis’s significant achievements in the boxing arena, but it also represents his dedication to advocating for reform during the era of segregation.
15. Niki’s Pizza
When it comes to cuisine, a traditional dish that should not be overlooked in Downtown Detroit is the Detroit-style square deep-dish pizza. Located on Beaubien Street, Niki’s Pizza is a Greek-themed restaurant renowned for its exquisitely crafted slices, which have been recognized as one of the top twenty-five pizzas in the United States.
Settle into a booth or take a seat on the terrace, select your desired toppings, and await your square pizza, generously topped with cheese. For those passionate about cheese, the Saganaki is a must-try, which consists of battered and fried Greek cheese brought to your table flambéed. Much like a visit to Downtown Detroit itself, this dining experience is one that will remain memorable.
