Itineraries for Your Trip to Detroit
3 Days in Detroit for First Timers
I made the trek to Detroit quite a few times when I lived in the Midwest, and I found that there was always something new to discover there. The ever-evolving food scene kept me hungry for return trips, and I loved just walking around the city to check out new public art and stopping by the Motown Museum. With three days in Detroit, you can spend some time learning about the Industrial Revolution at The Henry Ford, the largest indoor and outdoor museum complex in the US. This 3-day Detroit itinerary for first timers hits all the favorite spots, plus a few you might not yet know about.
While the winter typically means snow, sunny summer days are pretty much guaranteed.
If you only have time for one thing, make it a food tour.
The first thing you'll learn about Detroit is that it wears many hats. A good way to learn about some of the city's history is on a walking tour that takes you past must-see architectural landmarks, such as Hart Plaza's Horace E. Dodge Fountain and the Shinola Hotel.
If you're more of a ballpark fan than a history buff, Detroit has sporting events to entertain as well. Head to Comerica Park to see the Detroit Tigers play, or make your way to Ford Field to watch the Detroit Lions. Then set out on a food tour to learn about Detroit-style pizza and all the other local specialties.
Situated on the Detroit River, Belle Isle Park is your first stop on day two in Detroit. Explore the walking and biking trails, then head out on an electric boat to see the skyline from the water.
There's so much to see in Detroit after dark, from speakeasies and jazz clubs to arcade bars where you'll find all the action. If you want to delve into the supernatural, a ghost tour is the way to go.
If you haven't gotten enough of Detroit's food scene by day three, a doughnut tour is a fun way to kick-start your day with a little dose of sugar.
During your last afternoon in the city, take in some of Detroit’s street art on a self-guided tour. Be sure to swing by the Monument to Joe Louis (The Fist), a tribute to the athlete and Civil Rights Movement activist. Amp up the fun with an outdoor scavenger hunt!
