How to Spend 1 Day in Detroit

Once among the country’s largest and wealthiest cities, Detroit, Michigan, today retains remnants of its glorious past in its architecture. With one day in Motor City, you can cover its walkable Downtown, take in some culture, and get a glimpse of the city’s heyday. Here’s how to spend 24 hours in Detroit.

Morning: Downtown Walking Tour

Detroit’s Downtown area contains some amazing examples of late-19th- and early 20th-century architecture: the Guardian Building, the Westin Book Cadillac, and the Book Tower are highlights. Some of these fell into disrepair after Detroit went bust but have been restored to their original glory. See these architectural treasures while learning about the city’s history on a walking tour or a bicycle tour, some of which include a ride on the People Mover, Detroit’s elevated railway.

Afternoon: Detroit Institute of Arts or Family Fun

Lovers of the fine arts shouldn’t miss the Detroit Institute of Arts. One of the finest and largest art galleries in the US, the museum has a collection of more than 65,000 works from all over the world, from ancient times to modern. A highlight are the huge Detroit Industry Murals by Mexican artist Diego Rivera, depicting the heyday of car manufacturing in the city. Alternatively, if you’re traveling with kids, consider a visit to SEA LIFE® Michigan or LEGOLAND® Discovery Center, both in Auburn Hills, north of central Detroit.

Night: Nightlife Sampler

Spend the evening discovering Detroit’s happening nightlife scene. Listen to live music at the legendary Fox Theater, catch some jazz at Cliff Bell’s, or design your own bar crawl in the Downtown area. If you’re visiting in summer, check out the city’s huge range of seasonal festivals, which celebrate everything from jazz and cars to food and culture; many continue into the evening.