7-Day Itinerary for Exploring Detroit, Michigan

Day 1: Arrival & The City Center

• Morning: Check-in at your hotel (recommendations below). Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Astoria Pastry Shop, a Detroit institution since 1945.
• Afternoon: Visit the Detroit Institute of Arts, home to an impressive collection spanning 5,000 years of art. Don’t miss Diego Rivera’s famous fresco, “Detroit Industry.”
• Evening: Stroll around Campus Martius Park and enjoy dinner at Andiamo Detroit Riverfront, offering classic Italian dishes with a view of the river.

Day 2: Historical & Cultural Sites

• Morning: Visit the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation and the Greenfield Village, showcasing American history from the 18th century to the modern era.
• Afternoon: Explore the Motown Museum, where Berry Gordy created Motown Records, the legendary label that launched the careers of many music greats.
• Evening: Dine at Slow’s Bar BQ, a Detroit favorite for barbecue. Try their famous brisket or pulled pork.

Day 3: Exploring Eastern Market & Corktown

• Morning: Visit the Eastern Market, one of America’s oldest and largest open-air markets. Grab a coffee at Zingerman’s Coffee Company before exploring the various stalls.
• Afternoon: Head to nearby Corktown and check out The Belt, a unique shopping experience featuring local artisans and vendors.
• Evening: Have dinner at Townhouse Detroit in the heart of Corktown, known for its farm-to-table cuisine and extensive wine list.

Day 4: Belle Isle & The Riverfront

• Morning: Take a ferry to Belle Isle, Detroit’s largest city park, home to the Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory and the Dossin Great Lakes Museum.
• Afternoon: Relax at the Belle Isle Beach or rent a bike and explore more of the island.
• Evening: Enjoy dinner with a view at Roostertail, offering seafood, steak, and live entertainment on the Detroit River.

Day 5: Sports & Entertainment

• Morning: Take a tour of Comerica Park (if there’s no game) or visit Ford Field to see where the Detroit Lions play football.
• Afternoon: Visit the Detroit Science Center or the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History.
• Evening: Catch a show at the Fox Theatre or enjoy a comedy night at Mark Ridley’s Comedy Castle.

Day 6: Art & Music

• Morning: Visit the Heidelberg Project in the Heidelberg neighborhood, an outdoor art environment created by artist Tyree Guyton.
• Afternoon: Explore the vibrant music scene in Detroit by visiting Eastern Market’s Saturdays at the Market or catching a live performance at Cliff Bell’s Jazz Club.
• Evening: Dine at Gather, offering contemporary American cuisine in a warm and inviting atmosphere.

Day 7: Departure & Last Minutes

• Morning: Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before checking out of your hotel. You might want to revisit your favorite spots or explore areas you didn’t get to see.
• Afternoon: Head to the airport for your departure, taking with you memories of a fantastic trip to Detroit!

Hotels

• The Shinola Hotel - A luxury boutique hotel in the heart of downtown Detroit.
• Detroit Foundation Hotel - A historic hotel located in the city’s New Center area, featuring a rooftop bar and restaurant.

Transportation

Detroit has an extensive public transportation system, SMART, as well as bike-sharing programs like MoGo. Taxis and ride-sharing services are also readily available.

Tips & Other Information

• Detroit has a rich and diverse food scene, with many unique dishes to try beyond just the famous Coney Dogs.
• Be sure to check event schedules for sports games, concerts, or other activities that may interest you during your visit.
• Embrace Detroit’s motto, “Speramus Meliora; Resurget Cineribus” - We hope for better things; it shall rise from the ashes.