The city has plenty of history, good food, live music, and interesting places to explore. But if you want to get a feel for what Detroit is actually like, here are a few ways.

Start With Eastern Market on Saturday Morning

People come to Eastern Market to buy fresh produce, flowers, baked goods, and other local products. Saturday morning is the best time to visit, when the market is busy and there are plenty of vendors to explore.

You can grab a coffee, get something to eat, and spend some time walking around without having to follow a particular route. The surrounding area is also worth a look, with old industrial buildings, street art, and small businesses.

Interestingly, you can also use Eastern Market as the starting point for a bike ride. The Dequindre Cut, a former railway corridor turned into a greenway, connects the market area with the Detroit RiverWalk. It’s a good way to see a different side of the city without spending the whole day driving around.

Spend Some Time Along the Detroit River

The Detroit RiverWalk is one of those places where you don’t really need a plan. You can walk along the water, watch the boats, or find a bench and enjoy the view. Across the river is Windsor, Canada, which makes the location a little unusual compared with other American waterfronts.

If you have more time, head to Belle Isle, a large island park in the river. There are walking paths, open green spaces, river views, and places to sit down for a picnic. You can bring your own food from Eastern Market and spend a couple of hours there without having to visit every attraction on the island.

Fall is a particularly good time to visit if you want to see the changing colors. You can also watch the large freighters moving along the river, which is interesting in a city with such a strong connection to industry and transportation.

Look at Detroit’s Architecture

For anyone interested in Detroit’s history, the architecture tells part of the story. The city became a major industrial center, and many of its grand buildings reflect that period.

The Guardian Building is one of the best places to start. Its colorful interior and detailed tilework make it stand out from the outside as well as inside. The restored Book Tower is another building worth seeing, especially if you’re interested in historic parts of the city.

If you want a quick overview of downtown, you can also take a ride on the People Mover, the elevated transit system that loops around the city center.

Try the Food Detroit Is Known For

Detroit-style pizza is a good place to start. It has a thick, airy crust, crispy edges, and is usually baked in a rectangular pan. Supino Pizzeria is a popular choice, especially if you’re already visiting Eastern Market.

Another local favorite is the coney dog, a hot dog topped with meat sauce, mustard, and onions. Lafayette Coney Island and American Coney Island are two well-known spots that have a long-running rivalry. People have their preferences, so you can try one and see what you think.

If you want to explore different food traditions, head to Southwest Detroit, also known as Mexicantown, for tacos and Mexican bakeries. Dearborn, just outside Detroit, is another good option for Middle Eastern food and bakeries.

For dinner, Selden Standard in Midtown is worth considering if you enjoy seasonal ingredients and locally sourced food. Just keep in mind that some popular restaurants require reservations, so it’s a good idea to check before you go.

Find Some Live Music

The city has a long history of jazz, soul, techno, and hip-hop, and there are still plenty of places to hear live performances.

Cliff Bell’s is a good choice if you want to listen to jazz in a historic setting. The art deco interior makes it an interesting place to spend an evening, and you can have dinner while listening to the music.

Baker’s Keyboard Lounge is another well-known jazz venue with a long history. If you’re more interested in smaller shows, check local listings for concerts, comedy, theater, and dance events during your visit.

Explore Beyond the Main Attractions

If you have some extra time, Midtown is a good area to explore on foot. You’ll find cafés, restaurants, historic buildings, and cultural spaces close enough to combine in a relaxed walk.

The Heidelberg Project is another interesting stop if you enjoy art. It’s an outdoor art environment created by Detroit artist Tyree Guyton, using houses, found objects, and colorful installations. It looks very different from a traditional gallery.

It’s also worth remembering that Detroit is a large, predominantly Black city with many different neighborhoods and communities. The experience can change quite a bit depending on where you go. Exploring local businesses and neighborhood restaurants gives you a broader picture of the city than staying around downtown alone.