Detroit Travel Guide

Detroit, Michigan, known as the Motor City, blends industrial heritage, creative revival, and lakeside beauty into an exciting travel destination. Once the heart of American auto manufacturing, Detroit has transformed into a cultural powerhouse filled with music, art, history, and great food. Visitors will find a city full of energy, innovation, and pride in its unique character.

Top Downtown Attractions

Begin your adventure in downtown Detroit, where history and modern life come together beautifully.

• Campus Martius Park: A lively public square that hosts concerts, ice skating, and outdoor dining.
• Detroit Riverwalk: Stretching for miles along the Detroit River, this scenic path offers waterfront views, parks, and art installations.
• Greektown: Known for its vibrant restaurants, bakeries, and casinos, this neighborhood is full of flavor and fun.
• Guardian Building: A 1929 Art Deco masterpiece nicknamed “the Cathedral of Finance,” famous for its ornate lobby and tilework.

Arts and Culture Hotspots

Detroit’s cultural scene celebrates both its past and artistic future.

• Detroit Institute of Arts: Home to Diego Rivera’s Detroit Industry Murals, this museum features one of the largest and most diverse art collections in the country.
• Motown Museum: Step into the recording studio where legends like Stevie Wonder, Diana Ross, and Marvin Gaye made history.
• Detroit Opera House: A beautifully restored theater offering performances that range from opera to Broadway.
• The Heidelberg Project: An open-air art environment that transforms a neighborhood into a colorful statement on community and creativity.

Outdoor Adventures Near Detroit

Detroit’s parks and waterfront provide plenty of space to enjoy the outdoors.

• Belle Isle Park: This island park in the Detroit River features beaches, gardens, and an aquarium.
• Dequindre Cut Greenway: A two-mile urban trail for biking and walking, lined with murals and street art.
• Lake St. Clair: Just northeast of the city, this lake is perfect for boating, fishing, and water sports.

Eat, Drink, and Explore Detroit’s Food Scene

Detroit’s dining culture blends classic comfort food with creative innovation.

• Detroit-Style Pizza: Thick, crispy, and square, this local favorite can be found at Buddy’s Pizza throughout the city or Loui’s in Hazel Park.
• Eastern Market: One of the oldest year-round markets in the country, packed with local produce, street art, and great eats.
• Corktown Restaurants: Detroit’s oldest neighborhood is now home to hip eateries, craft cocktail bars, and breweries.

Shopping and Sports in the City

Detroit delivers plenty of excitement for shoppers and sports fans alike.

• Downtown Shopping: Find boutique stores and Michigan-made products in districts like Midtown and Rivertown.
• Little Caesars Arena: Catch the Red Wings or Pistons in action in this modern sports and entertainment complex.
• Ford Field and Comerica Park: Home to the Lions and Tigers, these stadiums are just steps apart in the heart of downtown.

Getting Around Detroit

Detroit is increasingly easy to navigate, thanks to its growing transportation options. The QLINE streetcar connects major neighborhoods along Woodward Avenue, while buses and bike-share programs provide affordable access to local attractions. Rideshares and scooters are popular for shorter trips, and rental cars are ideal for exploring the lakes and suburbs nearby.

Why Visit Detroit?

Detroit is a city of resilience and reinvention. Its mix of art, music, and innovation makes it one of America’s most fascinating travel destinations. Visitors can enjoy vibrant neighborhoods, world-class museums, and an unmistakable sense of community. For those planning to move here, Public Storage offers convenient and secure options to store belongings while you explore neighborhoods and settle into your new Motor City home.