Things to Visit in Detroit For Your Urban Escape

A visit to the Motown Museum, a true treasure trove of Detroit’s musical history, is the perfect way to kick off your stay. Here, visitors get an up-close look at rare memorabilia, historic photographs, and iconic stage costumes from legendary American artists, alongside fascinating documents about popular music. You can even step right into Studio A, the very recording studio where Motown's greatest hits were born. We highly recommend visiting during the week to avoid the weekend crowds.

Surrounded by the gentle currents of the Detroit River, Belle Isle Park is a 3-mile-long island where visitors can absorb the cultural essence of Michigan’s most iconic city. Here, it’s all about beautiful botanical gardens and scenic trails for hiking enthusiasts. The island offers unique entertainment with the historic Belle Isle Aquarium, guided tours, and fascinating maritime artifacts at the Dossin Great Lakes Museum. Its natural side can also be admired during peaceful birdwatching sessions, where you can spot majestic blue herons.

Founded in 1885, the Midtown Detroit Institute of Arts has something to thrill art lovers of every kind. This temple of artistic beauty is home to more than 65,000 pieces of art, spanning from antiquity to the contemporary era. Featuring masterpieces by Van Gogh, Diego Rivera, Picasso, and more, the collection is organized across 100 separate galleries. Red Roof suggests reserving a full day for your visit, as exploring it all will take several hours.

Sprawling across more than 250 acres, The Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation tells a story of progress and American legacy that sparked an unprecedented economic boom. Here, travelers can immerse themselves in historical documents, videos, and automotive artifacts celebrating game-changing inventions like the Model T and the 1865 Roper. Moving beyond machinery, the museum’s Rosa Parks Bus serves as an immortal symbol of social innovation.

Located in Downtown Detroit, Campus Martius Park is a lively 2.5-acre square and the city's literal "point of origin." Ranked among the best public spaces in the US, it’s the ultimate hub for sightseeing. Red Roof suggests pausing here on your walking tour to enjoy the Woodward Fountain and check out The Fist, the powerful nearby monument honoring Detroit boxing legend Joe Louis.

Want to experience real Michigan pub culture? A visit to HopCat is an absolute rite of passage. Iconic for its incredible tap list, this local favorite features an extensive craft beer selection that pairs beautifully with everything, from quick bites and hearty appetizers to excellent vegan-friendly options. Red Roof recommends ordering a pint of Grand Rabbits beer to start your flavor journey.

Ford Field is full of rich history and triumphs. Opened in 2002, in Downtown Detroit, this massive stadium is the perfect place for sport buffs, as it has hosted legendary events, from Super Bowl XL (2006) to concerts by pop icons. Here, travelers can book a Ford Field Behind The Scenes Tour to discover its history and identity with a stop at the Hall of Heroes to learn about football legends or admire the architecture, which includes a former 1920 Hudson’s warehouse now converted into luxury suites, bars, and lounges.

Looking for an alternative vibe? The iconic MOCAD (Museum of Contemporary Art in Detroit) is what you need. This unconventional gallery is creatively repurposed from an old, abandoned car dealership, breaking away from traditional galleries. It has served as the canvas for brilliant exhibitions like Robolights Detroit and Crossing Night. At this time, the art here is ever-evolving, focusin on pieces of art as a vehicle for social activism.

Are you craving local food in Detroit? Red Roof suggests you visit the Eastern Market, a melting pot of flavors, aromans, and authenticity named after a 19th-century market that used to be in Cadillac Square. Upon arrival, people can shop prime cuts, tasty drinks, and groceries.

Cruising along the majestic Detroit River offers unique perspectives you won't find anywhere else. With Diamond Jack’s River Tours, visitors can experience the magic of the city from the water, enjoying a scenic boat ride that glides past iconic skyscrapers and peaceful green spaces alike.

As a protected historic and cultural landmark, Fort Wayne embodies the spirit of Detroit’s past. Established as a 19th-century military fortification just steps from the river, the fort never saw actual combat, thanks to its proximity to Canada and centuries of peaceful relations between the two nations. Today, it offers visitors a chance to explore historic limestone barracks, discover ancient Indigenous burial mounds, and enjoy timeless waterfront views.

Looking to spark your curiosity? The Michigan Science Center (MiSci) is the ideal destination for STEM enthusiasts and science lovers of all kinds. Red Roof highly recommends this spot for its immersive experience, featuring live science demonstrations, 220 hands-on exhibits, and captivating programs designed to entertain and educate people.

A trip to the Detroit Zoo makes you feel like you're at the center of the world, thanks to its wide selection of animals from across the globe. Popular for its deep commitment to animal welfare and as a pioneer in eliminating the use of bars in habitats, it is home to birds, penguins, and savanna wildlife. Notably, a massive four-acre indoor and outdoor facility is dedicated entirely to polar bears. It is a unique wildlife sanctuary that stands out from traditional zoos, complete with plenty of dining spots available to refuel.

With over 5,000 seats, a chic Siamese-Byzantine design, and a strategic location in the heart of Detroit, the Fox Theatre transports you straight back to the Roaring Twenties. Here, visitors can enjoy world-class performances, live concerts by pop and rock stars, and timeless musicals. We highly suggest booking your tickets in advance, as shows tend to sell out quickly.

Food brings us together on an epicurean journey that Detroit will make truly unforgettable. Get closer to local life with Red Roof’s map of the best places to eat and drink, from cozy bistros to lively bars and pizzerias. You can satisfy any craving here, whether you're looking for a thick, rectangular Detroit-style pizza, an iconic Coney Island hot dog, or historic local sweets ready to lift your spirits.

Books hold a timeless charm, and the same goes for the Detroit Public Library, a city institution since 1865. Once inside, you can immerse yourself in endless rows of literature, novels, and historical texts, with millions of books waiting to be discovered. Among its many architectural highlights, the majestic grand marble staircase is an absolute must-see.

Despite its Greek roots, the Coney Dog is the ultimate signature food of Detroit. Try it once, and you’ll quickly realize how perfectly every ingredient comes together. The star is the classic meat-based Coney sauce, traditionally made with ground beef heart to give it a distinct, rich, and savory depth, all served inside a steamed bun.