Detroit, Michigan, US 2 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Exploring Downtown Detroit

Morning:

• Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Astro Coffee, known for its artisanal coffee and pastries.
• Visit the Detroit Institute of Arts, one of the nation’s top art museums with a collection that includes works by van Gogh, Monet, Renoir, and Degas.
• Explore the Detroit Historical Museum to learn about the city’s rich history.

Afternoon:

• Head to Belle Isle Park, an 982-acre island park on the Detroit River. Visit the Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory, Aquarium, and enjoy the scenic views of the riverfront.
• Take a stroll along the RiverWalk, a five-mile walkway lined with parks, restaurants, and attractions.

Evening:

• Dine at Slows Bar BQ, a popular spot for barbecue lovers.
• Catch a game or concert at the Little Caesars Arena (home to the Detroit Red Wings and Pistons) or the Ford Field (Detroit Lions).
• End your day with a drink at The Belt, a historic building turned bar with great views of downtown Detroit.

Day 2: Exploring Beyond Downtown

Morning:

• Grab breakfast at Supino Pizzeria, famous for its Sicilian-style pizza.
• Visit the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation and Greenfield Village, a 80-acre outdoor museum with historic buildings and artifacts.
• Explore the Ford Rouge Factory Tour to witness Ford’s assembly line in action.

Afternoon:

• Lunch at La Lanterna of Detroit, an authentic Italian restaurant serving dishes from various regions of Italy.
• Head to the Motown Museum to learn about the history and impact of Motown Records.
• Visit the Heidelberg Project, an outdoor art environment created by artist Tyree Guyton.

Evening:

• Dine at Gather, a farm-to-table restaurant featuring locally sourced ingredients.
• Explore the vibrant neighborhood of Corktown, home to many bars and clubs. Visit Ponyride for craft beer or El Club for live music.

Things to Know:

• Detroit is known for its Motor City nickname, as it was the center of the U.S. automobile industry.
• The city offers free admission to many cultural institutions on certain days of the week (e.g., DIA and the Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit). Check their websites for details.
• Transportation options include driving, taking the People Mover (a free looping rail line in downtown Detroit), or using bike share programs like MoGo Detroit.
• Be sure to check out the public art installations throughout the city, such as the Heart of Detroit Mural and the Spirit of Detroit statue.

Tips:

• Plan your trip around events such as the Detroit International Jazz Festival or the North American International Auto Show.
• Download the Detroit Experience Factory app for recommendations and discounts on attractions, restaurants, and tours.
• Stay at a hotel in downtown Detroit for easy access to most attractions (e.g., The Westin Detroit Metropolitan Airport or The Shinola Hotel).