Top Attractions for…
Detroit may be famous for its automotive legacy, but it offers so much more than just cars. The city’s diverse array of attractions touches nearly every interest and passion you can think of. Are you a history buff? An art aficionado? Maybe you live for live music and theater? No matter what floats your boat, you’ll find plenty of ways to spend your time here. We’ve gathered some of the top spots around town to appeal to all kinds of visitors – from families with kids and teens in tow to sophisticated culture-seekers. Get hyped and start adding these must-visit destinations to your Detroit to-do list!
Family Fun
With numerous interactive museums and hands-on activities, Detroit is a shockingly awesome place to bring the kids. Unleash your inner child (and theirs!) at destinations like: The Michigan Science Center – This state-of-the-art science museum lets families explore engaging STEM exhibits through a mind-blowing assortment of hands-on displays and demonstrations. Don’t miss the Dassault Systemes Planetarium for a stargazing journey light-years beyond any ordinary night sky. Detroit Zoo – Home to over 2,400 animals from anteaters to zebras, the award-winning Detroit Zoo offers an up-close look at wildlife from around the world. The Buddy’s 4D Theater brings the animal kingdom bursting into your seat with 3D animation and sensory special effects. Legoland Discovery Center – Calling all Lego fanatics! This indoor playground brings the iconic building blocks to life with rides, a 4D cinema, themed exhibits, and an awesome recreation area for endless brick-building fun.
Arts & Culture
If museums and performing arts are more your vibe, Detroit’s cultural district won’t disappoint. From the hallowed halls of venerable institutions to incredible avant-garde galleries, prepare to immerse yourself in a flourishing creative scene: Detroit Institute of Arts – Housing an awe-inspiring collection of 60,000+ artworks spanning 6,000 years, the DIA is a masterpiece in itself. Masterpieces by iconic artists like Van Gogh, Rembrandt, and Picasso decorate the interior, while the renowned Detroit Industry fresco covers an entire vaulted hall. Motown Museum – As the official birthplace of the legendary Motown Records, this unassuming house turned museum gives an intimate look into the launchpad that shot artists like Stevie Wonder, The Supremes, and The Jackson 5 into superstardom. Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit – For edgy, thought-provoking art focused on social issues and ideas, MOCAD is a funky artistic playground featuring bold works across all media from installation art to performance pieces.
Music & Entertainment
With its prominent role in shaping American music history, Detroit knows how to put on a show. From arenas rocking with the industry’s biggest names to funky local joints channeling that signature Detroit sound, the city’s live entertainment scene hits all the right notes: Fox Theatre – This iconic venue dazzles with its jaw-dropping Neo-Renaissance architecture and world-class schedule of Broadway shows, comedians, and musical acts. As one of the grandest remaining movie palaces from the 1920s, just being inside is an experience itself. The Fillmore Detroit – Part of the legendary Fillmore family of rock venues, this relatively new downtown destination brings the gritty vibes of a grungy urban juke joint with blistering music acts, many making their Detroit debut. Cliff Bell’s – For a taste of old-school Jazz Age ambiance, Cliff Bell’s intimate art deco club has been keeping it classy with live jazz, burlesque shows, craft cocktails and more since prohibition days.
Sports Frenzy
Detroit sports fans are a loyal, passionate breed, and it’s no wonder with teams like these in their backyard: Comerica Park – As home field for the beloved Detroit Tigers, this classic ballpark with its iconic towering tigers sculpture delivers an all-American experience of cheering on the local nine, snacking on ballpark classics like coneys and Vernors, and soaking in the game-day atmosphere. Little Caesars Arena – This dazzling new multi-purpose arena opened in 2017 as the home turf for the Detroit Red Wings hockey team and Detroit Pistons basketball squad. Along with heart-pounding professional sports action, it hosts major concerts and entertainment acts on its massive centerhung video board. Ford Field – Football is king in Motown, where Ford Field hosts the Detroit Lions of the NFL. This state-of-the-art indoor stadium brings all the hard-hitting gridiron action while treating fans to incredible amenities and high-tech enhancements.
Tasty Bites
Detroit’s sizzling culinary scene is hotter than a wood-fired pizza oven these days. As an authentic melting pot of cultures and flavors, you’ll find pretty much any cuisine your tastebuds crave, but don’t leave without sampling these iconic regional staples: Coney Dogs – Take one bite of a Detroit coney dog from an old-school coney island joint like American or Lafayette, and you’ll get why this natural casing hot dog smothered in beanless, Greek-spiced chili, diced white onions and mustard is the city’s signature dish. Detroit-Style Pizza – Prepare your mind (and appetite) to be blown by this thick, square deep-dish creation with an insanely crispy outer crust and layers of gooey, bubbling pepperoni-laced cheese. Try Via 313 or Buddy’s for the genuine artery-cloggin’ article. Paczkis – These big fluffy jelly/custard-filled donuts are a Polish Fat Tuesday tradition, and the bakeries of Hamtramck, one of Detroit’s most ethnic enclaves, are paczki masters. Grab a box for breakfast, dessert, anytime really.
Outdoor Adventuring
The Motor City offers plenty of opportunities to put the pedal to the pavement for some outdoor fun and recreation: Belle Isle Park – An idyllic 982-acre island park smack in the middle of the Detroit River, Belle Isle is a green oasis packed with gems like the Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservancy, a beach, picnic areas, trails and even a little “lake” where you can paddleboat. Best of all, it’s just a quick jaunt from downtown. Detroit Riverfront – This sparkling revitalized strip that lines the Detroit River Downtown offers a bikeable/walkable path for non-motorized exploring along with parks, plazas and green spaces. Ride the carousel at Cullen Plaza or veg in one of the beach areas sprinkled along the banks. Campus Martius Park – Often serving as the epicenter of downtown festivities and events, this lively urban park and historic site is a popular hang-out and gathering place amid the city’s skyscrapers. Soak in the classic Motor City ambiance on its inviting lawn and public plazas.
How to Get Around Detroit
As an expansive metro area covering 142.9 square miles, getting around Detroit can present some challenges for first-time visitors. While the city’s core and most popular districts are easily walkable, venturing farther out to explore different attractions and neighborhoods demands reliable transportation. Driving yourself in your own vehicle is an option, but not the most convenient for groups with costs like parking fees in unfamiliar areas. Fortunately, Detroit offers multiple options for getting from A to B affordably and with plenty of comfort and ease.
Public Transportation
Detroit’s public transit network may not be as extensive as some other major metro areas, but it provides a cost-effective way for solo travelers or small groups to access many of the key points of interest. The primary services include: DDOT Buses – Detroit’s standard public bus system operated by the Detroit Department of Transportation offers routes covering most of the inner city’s major corridors, neighborhoods and downtown. Bus fare is $2 for adults and $1 for kids/seniors. QLINE Streetcar – Running a 6.6 mile loop from Downtown through Midtown, Corktown and New Center, the QLINE is an efficient way to hit key districts and avoid traffic snarls. Fare is an affordable $1.50 ($3 for unlimited rides all day). SMART Buses – The Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation bus system extends service from Detroit and Wayne County outward into the surrounding suburbs and communities. Most rides cost $2 or $1 discounted.
Taxis and Rideshares
For the ultimate in point-to-point convenience and door-to-door service, taxis and app-based rideshares are a relatively budget-friendly option for smaller parties: Taxis – Detroit is serviced by numerous taxi companies including Checker Cab, Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation (SMART) and several smaller operators. Cab fares start around $2.50 base then $2.50 per mile, with availability decent throughout most of the city and metro area. Rideshares – Ride-hailing services like Uber and Lyft provide a modern way to summon an affordable private vehicle with just a few taps on your mobile device. Surge pricing during peak demand times can drive up rates considerably. The main drawback of rideshares and taxis is the inability to accommodate larger groups all in one vehicle cost-effectively. For parties larger than 4-6 people, the costs add up quickly versus bundling everyone into one private transport.
Charter Buses
When it comes to group travel involving families, sports teams, corporate outings, conventions or any decent-sized gathering, motor coaches and shuttle buses simply provide the most seamless, hassle-free solution. Allow Detroit Party Buses to arrange private, all-inclusive charter bus transportation to shuttle your entire crew around Detroit comfortably. With services operating 24/7 and a vast network of charter bus companies and a professional team to draw upon, we can custom-tailor the perfect bus for your group size and trip needs. From compact 18-passenger mini coaches to sprawling 56-seat full-sized motorcoaches, your group will travel in a modern, climate-controlled bus equipped with plush seating, TV entertainment systems, luggage storage and more. Let your personal team shuttle your entire entourage between downtown hotels, restaurants, attractions and events while you just sit back and enjoy the ride – zero worries about parking, driving directions, or leaving folks behind. It’s the most cost-effective, reliable way for larger groups to see the real D!
Ready to Get Started?
Now that you have the inside scoop on Detroit’s must-see sites, gustatory delights, and options for navigating the city, it’s time to get the ball rolling on your epic Motor City adventure! Whether you’re a lifelong local looking to rediscover what makes your hometown so special or an out-of-towner eager to experience Detroit’s renaissance firsthand, Detroit Party Buses is here to make getting around a total breeze. Our team of transportation experts is on call 24/7 at (313) 209-8443 to outfit you with the perfect coach or shuttle bus for your group’s size, needs and itinerary. From airport transfers to wedding guest shuttles to field trips – we’ve got you covered from start to finish with comfortable transportation and a professional team which knows Detroit’s streets inside and out. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation quote! The gritty glamor and high-octane energy of Detroit awaits.