Amazing art, cool cars, history-changing music – Detroit rocks for many reasons, including its budget friendliness. While you’ll have to pay for accommodation, the abundance of free things to do and the relatively low cost of food and transportation help defray expenses.
Here are our top tips for stretching your dollars in the D.
Keep an Eye Out for Deals on Airfare
Detroit Metro Airport is large, with numerous flights and competition. It is a hub for Delta Air Lines and a base for Spirit Airlines, which results in many reasonably priced tickets for flights. In fact, the airport was recently recognized as one of the USA’s best for affordable domestic fares by Scott’s Cheap Flights.
Take the SMART Bus from the Airport
The airport is located about 20 miles southwest of the city, roughly a 25-minute drive. Taxis typically cost around $55; Lyft and Uber may charge slightly less.
However, there’s a much more economical option if you have the time. The FAST Michigan SMART bus (#261) services both airport terminals – North and McNamara – and then runs with limited stops along Michigan Ave to downtown. The trip costs only $2 and takes about an hour, with buses leaving every 30 minutes. This choice leaves a significant amount of extra cash for local experiences compared to taxis and ride shares.
Use Public Transportation for City Center Visits
Let’s be honest: having a car is the quickest, easiest way to navigate Detroit’s sprawl, and often it’s the only viable option to reach more remote neighborhoods. However, you can rely on public transportation if your itinerary is focused mostly on downtown, Midtown, and other central areas.
Public transit is quite the bargain, primarily when compared to renting a car. For just $5 a day, the Dart Pass allows unlimited rides on Detroit’s QLine streetcar and all buses. The QLine glides right through the heart of the city, connecting many hotels, top museums, and entertainment venues, including the Detroit Institute of Arts and Fisher Building. Additionally, the SMART bus is beneficial for getting to and from the airport.
The MoGo bike share program, alongside Uber and Lyft, can fill in the gaps to reach some of the outlying attractions.
Visit in Spring or Fall to Save Money
Late May through August is Detroit’s peak season, when accommodation can be pricier. Winter is typically the cheapest time to visit, although the cold weather may not be appealing. Spring (especially April and early May) and fall (September through November) offer an ideal blend of good deals and fair weather.
Consider Staying at a Hostel
Detroit features two quality hostels: Hostel Detroit in Corktown is situated near lively cafes and nightlife, while Hamtramck Hostel is about six miles north of downtown, where budget-friendly Polish, Bangladeshi, and Yemeni eateries are abundant. Both hostels are most practical with a car; Hostel Detroit is a bit more convenient on foot.
Look for Lodging Beyond the Core
Traveling away from Downtown and Midtown, Detroit’s central districts, often reveals lower prices. Explore neighborhoods like Corktown, just west of downtown, filled with unique bagel shops, burger bars, and distilleries, alongside West Village, east of downtown, known for its historic homes and charming restaurants nestled on leafy streets. Many accommodations in these areas are apartment rentals, providing an opportunity for self-catering and additional savings.
Graze Through Eastern Market
Eastern Market offers a vibrant six-block spread of tantalizing goods every Saturday year-round. Vendors sell fresh vegetables, cheeses, cream pies, smoked fish, apple cider, and much more. From June through September, a smaller market operates on Tuesdays, and there’s a craft market featuring food trucks on Sundays. Any day of the week, bargain hunters can find deals at cafes and specialty shops surrounding the market – just follow the enticing aromas of fresh-roasted peanuts, chocolates, coffee, and barbecue.
Browse for Cheap Eats in Mexicantown, Hamtramck, and Dearborn
Certain neighborhoods are especially abundant in top-notch, inexpensive dining options. Mexicantown, located southwest of downtown next to Corktown, boasts a variety of affordable Latin restaurants, particularly along Bagley Street.
In north Detroit, Hamtramck features a multitude of budget-friendly eateries offering Bosnian, Bangladeshi, Polish, and more, reflective of the rich immigrant history in the community.
In nearby suburban Dearborn, the focus is on Middle Eastern cuisines, particularly Lebanese and Yemeni food, with a significant number of dining options found along Warren Avenue, Michigan Avenue, and Schaefer Road.
Find the Food Trucks
Numerous food trucks roam through the city, serving delicious portions of soul food, Middle Eastern dishes, tacos, and more at reasonable prices. In warmer months, popular spots for these trucks include Eastern Market, Cadillac Square, and Beacon Park, especially during lunch hours. Check Street Food Finder for specific locations.
Check for Museum Discounts
The Detroit Metro Convention & Visitors Bureau provides various discounts for museums and tours. Past promotions have included 20% off admission to the Wright Museum of African American History, Ford Piquette Avenue Plant, and others.
If you’re visiting the renowned Henry Ford Museum, consider purchasing a combination ticket for its multiple attractions. For instance, paying full price for the Museum of American Innovation allows you to receive a discounted rate for the Rouge Factory Tour. Similar savings apply for Greenfield Village.
Take Advantage of Free Sights
Detroit is rich in free attractions, especially in the realm of art and architecture. Marvel at the street art in Eastern Market and the Grand River Creative Corridor, as well as the Heidelberg Project and the Belt, all of which are completely free to explore. Don’t miss the opportunity to admire art deco masterpieces like the Fisher Building and Guardian Building, also available at no cost.
Daily Costs in Detroit
Hostel room: $30–40 (dorm bed)
Basic room for two: $85–150
Self-catering apartment (including Airbnb): $80–160
Public transport ticket: $5 day pass
Coffee: $3
Coney (hot dog): $3–4
Dinner for two: $30–60
Pint of microbrew at the bar: $6
