Despite the city’s past struggles, Detroit has undergone a remarkable transformation over the past decade. Nowadays, visitors can experience a unique blend of old and new, with historic landmarks and architecture, world-class museums, thriving arts and music scenes, and a vibrant food and beverage culture. This 3-day Detroit itinerary will give you everything you need to have the BEST one weekend in Detroit.
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Side note: This post was written by Teresa, a local of Detroit. This way you can be sure you are reading the best and most accurate weekend guide to Detroit. Locals know best! See the author’s bio at the end for more information!
Table of Contents
How do I get to Detroit?
Detroit is the largest city in Michigan, and many major freeway options will take you to the heart of the metropolis. If the drive is a bit far, the Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) is approximately 20 miles southwest of downtown Detroit.
DTW is a major hub for several airlines, making it easily accessible from most major cities.
From the airport, you can take a taxi, shuttle, or ride-share service into the city or rent a car from one of the many rental car companies located onsite. If you opt for a rental car, you will need to hop on the car rental bus to get to the rental car facility, which is about 7-15 minutes away.
A rental car will help explore some of Detroit’s outer suburbs; many of the city’s main attractions are located within the downtown area and are easily accessible by foot, bike, or public transportation.
Detroit has a bike-share program, the QLINE, a modern streetcar system that connects downtown Detroit with the city’s cultural center and historic district, and the People Mover to help you get around town. Of course, Uber and Lyft are also available.
When is the best time to visit?
Any summer/fall weekend is an excellent choice to visit Detroit. There are often events – from the Detroit Grand Prix on Belle Isle, a Detroit Tigers baseball game, and Eastern Market to music concerts.
December is also a great month to visit – ice skating at Campus Martius Park, Detroit Red Wings games, and Holiday Markets at Eastern Market.
So, fit in a visit to Detroit whenever it tickles your fancy!
Detroit, MI Average Temperatures:
- Summer (June-Aug): 81/63
- Fall (Sept-Nov): 50/45
- Winter (Dec-Feb): 33/22
- Spring (March-May): 57/40
Where should I stay in Detroit?
I recommend staying right downtown as you will be close to all the action. There are of course many hotel options in the downtown area and most have been restored in the last ten years….which also means they come with a hefty lodging cost.
Below are some of my personal recommendations!
- Downtown Detroit Budget Hotel $: The Inn on Ferry Street is a historic hotel in the Cultural Center of Detroit. Along with the uniquely decorated rooms and peaceful terrace, there’s also free breakfast. Reminder: “Budget” should be taken lightly if hoping to stay right downtown.
- Detroit Midrange Hotel $$: The Siren Hotel is a luxury historic boutique hotel with six bars/restaurants and retail shops. The hotel is close to many restaurants and about a 15-minute walk to most sporting and concert venues. It’s also close to a People Mover station. If traveling with your four-legged bestie, dogs under 50 pounds stay free (one pet per room).
- Detroit Luxury Hotel $$$: Detroit Foundation Hotel was a fire department headquarters in its past life, is steps away from a People Mover stop, which will make getting around without a car easier. Parking is available via a secured covered onsite, including in/out privileges – be prepared to spend upwards of $40 per night to park. This hotel is also pet friendly for pets up to 50 pounds – fees apply.
If you do want to save a bit of money, you could look for hotels outside of downtown or by the airport!
3-Day Detroit Weekend Itinerary
It’s time! Here’s how to spend one weekend in Detroit. It’s the ULTIMATE 3-day Detroit itinerary right from a local!
Day 1 in Detroit:
Morning:
Start your day at the iconic Motown Museum, formally Hitsville U.S.A., which celebrates the legendary Motown Records Corporation music label founded in Detroit. Take an hour-long guided museum tour and see the recording studio and other historical artifacts. Have your singing voice ready – you might get to belt along to a Motown tune!
Regular Museum Hours are Wednesday – Sunday from 10 am-6 pm. Book a tour in advance or take your chances on a first-come, first-serve basis. Expect to pay around $20 for tickets.
Afternoon:
Head over to the Detroit Institute of Arts for an afternoon of exploring the city’s impressive art collection. With over 65,000 works of art, the DIA is one of the largest art museums in the country.
If you get hungry, grab a bite at the Museum’s cafe, Kresge Court.
Reservations are recommended. Adult tickets are $14, and youth (6-17) are $6 each. Parking is available for $7. Plan to spend 4-6 hours if you want to attempt to see it all.
The Museum is closed on Mondays but is generally open from 9 am-4 pm during the week and from 10 am-5 pm on the weekend.
Evening:
Finish your day with a trip to the Detroit Riverwalk, which offers stunning views of the Detroit River and the city skyline. The Detroit Riverwalk was recently named America’s Best Riverwalk. Woo Woo!
The Riverwalk is an excellent spot for a leisurely stroll or bike ride spot. Stop by the Detroit Princess Riverboat for a dinner cruise along the river.
The riverboat often features entertainment like Murder Mystery Dinner Theater, Live Bands, or a DJ. The season runs from May to early October. Expect tickets to be nearly $90 for adults and $55 for children.
Day 2 in Detroit:
Morning:
Start your Saturday at the historic Eastern Market, where you can browse fresh produce, meats, and other local goods. Grab breakfast at one of the market’s nearby cafes or food stalls.
Note: Eastern Market is only open on Saturdays from 6 am- 4 pm. And it’s definitely the place to be on Saturday mornings – arrive by 8 am to avoid some of the crowds!
Afternoon:
After strolling the market, be sure to check out the Detroit Historical Museum -This Museum offers exhibits and artifacts that showcase the city’s rich history, from its founding to the present day. The Cadillac assembly area is a visitor favorite.
The Museum is open Thursday-Saturday from 10 am-5 pm and Sundays 1 pm-5 pm. Tickets range from $6 to $10. Allow 1 to 2 hours.
Evening:
Spend you evening by catching a Detroit Pistons basketball or Red Wings Hockey game at the Little Caesars Arena. Or, depending on the season, head over to Comerica Park to watch a Detroit Tigers game.
You can then enjoy dinner at one of the many restaurants in the arena or from one of the vendor booths at the stadium.
If sports aren’t your thing, here are many other restaurants in the area – one of our favorites is Bucharest Grill (chicken shawarma).
Day 3 in Detroit:
Morning:
Start your day with a visit to the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, which showcases African Americans’ history, life, and culture in Detroit and beyond. Open Wednesday-Sunday between 9 am-5 pm. Prices range from $12-$15 per person.
Plan to spend around 2 hours at the Museum.
If you’re all museum’ed out, you can try out a self-guided scavenger hunt around Detroit. It’s a very affordable and fun way to see the best parts of the city!
Afternoon:
This afternoon it’s time to explore the Belle Isle! The park is an island park located in the Detroit River and a popular destination offering hiking, biking, fishing, boating, picnic areas, play areas, and golf. You may have heard of the giant slide in the news in the summer of 2022 – if you didn’t look it up…so cool!
The park has several unique buildings – a Conservatory (under renovation until May 2024), an Aquarium (initially opened in 1904 – making it the oldest in the country), and a Casino (now the home of the Dossin Great Lakes Museum). The oldest marble lighthouse in the country is located at the north end of the island (no public tours).
There is a fee, per car, for the park. $12 yearly rate for state of MI residents, and non-residents pay an $11 daily rate.
Evening:
End your trip with a night out in downtown Detroit. Check out the bustling scene at the Detroit Opera House, the Fox Theatre, or the Fillmore Detroit. Enjoy dinner at one of the many downtown restaurants, such as Wright & Company or the Apparatus Room.
Keep Reading: The BEST Weekend Getaways in the Midwest!
Other things to do in Detroit:
- Michigan Science Center: A hands-on science museum is great for families and offers interactive exhibits, a planetarium, and an IMAX theater. Open Wednesday-Sunday, 10 am-4 pm. Tickets vary from $14 to $23 per person.
- Guardian Building: Enter the building to check out some art deco for free!
- The Heidelberg Project: A unique outdoor art display – free!
- Take a short road trip to explore the quaint town of Ann Arbor!
Where else to eat in Detroit:
- Detroit is known for its Coney Dogs. Located next to each other makes it convenient for you to be the judge – which is better, Lafayette Coney Island or American Coney Island?
- Eminem fan? You may have heard of Mom’s Spaghetti. This window-serve joint serves spaghetti that is supposed to taste like leftovers. They open after 4 pm.
- Are you looking for something more upscale? Consider Grey Ghost Detroit, where you can find various options, including vegan. They open after 4 pm and serve brunch on Sundays from 10 am-2 pm.
Know Before You Go: Detroit Travel Tips
- Embrace the City’s Resurgence: Detroit has undergone a remarkable transformation in recent years, with revitalized neighborhoods, cultural attractions, and a thriving food scene. Be sure to explore areas like Downtown, Midtown, and Corktown, where you’ll find trendy cafes, art galleries, and restaurants housed in historic buildings. Don’t shy away from chatting with locals—they’re often the best source of insider tips on hidden gems and upcoming events.
- Stay Street Smart: Like any major city, Detroit has its share of urban challenges. While the city has made significant strides in improving safety, it’s essential to exercise common sense and be aware of your surroundings, especially in certain neighborhoods. Stick to well-lit areas, avoid flashing valuables, and consider using rideshare services or public transportation, particularly at night.
- Explore Beyond Downtown: While Downtown Detroit offers plenty to see and do, don’t overlook the city’s diverse neighborhoods and surrounding suburbs. Venture out to Eastern Market for a vibrant farmers’ market experience or visit the Detroit Institute of Arts in the cultural hub of Midtown. Additionally, take time to explore Belle Isle Park, a lush island oasis in the Detroit River offering outdoor recreation and stunning views of the skyline.
- Sample the Local Cuisine: Detroit is known for its unique culinary offerings, from classic Coney Island hot dogs to mouthwatering Detroit-style pizza. Be sure to indulge in these local delicacies during your visit, and don’t forget to try a “Detroit-style” coney dog topped with chili, onions, and mustard. For a taste of Detroit’s diverse culinary scene, explore the city’s burgeoning restaurant scene, where you’ll find everything from artisanal cocktails to globally-inspired cuisine.
One Weekend in Detroit Isn’t Enough
As you can see, there’s SO much to do in Detroit that one weekend would never be enough to see it all. You can customize your 3-day Detroit itinerary based on what interests you. No matter what you’re looking for, you’ll find plenty of entertaining activities to create your own fun-filled, jam-packed adventure weekend in Detroit!
What else would you add to this “One Weekend on the Detroit” Itinerary?
Want to take this itinerary with you?! Check out this EXACT itinerary without ads AND an interactive map for just $5! This way, you’ll have it at the tip of your fingers (via the app) during your travels!
Other Michigan Getaways!
- One Weekend in Muskegon
- One Weekend in Ann Arbor (Just a 40 minute drive from Detroit!)
About the Author!
Hey, there! I’m Teresa, and I’ve lived in the metro Detroit area since my college days. I spend my day engineering, but blogging, reading, and crafting keep my evenings full. I love to travel (USA and beyond), and my husband and I try to take at least one monthly trip. To see some of my travels, hop on over to visit my blog or visit my Instagram!
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