Are you planning a trip to Detroit and wondering what to include in your itinerary? Look no further! Our curated Detroit itinerary for 5 days will take you on a journey through the best of Motor City. Detroit is a city rich in history, culture, and diverse neighborhoods. With so much to explore, it can be overwhelming to plan, but fear not. Our Detroit travel guide covers iconic landmarks, top-rated museums, delicious eateries, outdoor adventures, and insider tips to make the most of your trip.
Discover the beauty of downtown Detroit, explore midtown’s cultural delights, dive into Motor City’s automotive heritage, immerse yourself in outdoor adventures, and wrap up your trip exploring the city’s diverse neighborhoods. Our Detroit travel guide has you covered. So pack your bags and get ready to explore the best of Motor City with our comprehensive Detroit itinerary for 5 days.
Day 1 – Downtown Detroit Exploration
Kick off your Detroit adventure by exploring the vibrant downtown area. There are plenty of Detroit attractions to discover and things to do in Detroit. One of the most popular landmarks in downtown Detroit is the Renaissance Center, which houses General Motors’ headquarters. Enjoy scenic views of the city and the Detroit River by strolling along the Detroit Riverwalk, an expansive pathway that spans 5.5 miles along the riverfront.
Explore Campus Martius Park, the city’s central gathering place and a hub of activity throughout the year, with a skating rink in winter and free concerts in summer. Detroit sightseeing is not complete without visiting the Detroit Historical Museum, which chronicles the city’s rich history. Or head over to the Henry Ford Museum, where you can explore exhibits on American innovation and technology.
| Detroit Attractions to visit: | Description: |
|---|---|
| The Renaissance Center | Home to the General Motors headquarters and stunning views of the Detroit River. |
| Campus Martius Park | A central gathering place with year-round activities and free concerts in summer. |
| Detroit Riverwalk | An expansive pathway spanning 5.5 miles along the Detroit River with stunning views of the city. |
| Detroit Historical Museum | Chronicles the rich history of Detroit from its founding to today. |
| Henry Ford Museum | Explores American innovation and technology with exhibits on cars, trains, and planes. |
“The Renaissance Center’s stunning glass towers are a Detroit icon and home to General Motors’ headquarters. The Detroit Riverwalk is a beautiful pathway with scenic views of the Detroit River and the city’s skyline. Campus Martius Park is the perfect place to relax and enjoy free concerts, ice skating in winter, and year-round events.”
Day 2 – Cultural Delights in Midtown Detroit
Spend your second day immersing yourself in the incredible arts and culture scene in Midtown Detroit. Explore the Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA), home to more than 60,000 works of art. Admire pieces by prominent figures such as Van Gogh, Rivera, and Rembrandt and marvel at the extensive collection of American art. Don’t forget to snap a photo of the iconic Diego Rivera murals while you’re there.
Nearby, you’ll find the historic Detroit Cultural Center, a complex housing several museums and theatres. Take time to explore the venues and learn more about the city’s rich history and culture. Stop for a meal at one of the many acclaimed Midtown Detroit restaurants and indulge in some delicious cuisine.
| Restaurant | Cuisine | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Selden Standard | New American | $$-$$$ |
| Chartreuse Kitchen & Cocktails | Farm-to-table | $$-$$$ |
| Shinola Hotel | Italian | $$-$$$ |
After lunch, head over to the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, where you can explore the stories and contributions of African Americans. Admire the impressive collection of cultural artifacts and art pieces and learn about Detroit’s pivotal role in the struggle for civil rights.
End your day with a stroll around the lush Main Campus of Wayne State University, where you’ll get a glimpse of college life in the heart of the city. Take in the beautiful architecture and watch students as they go about their day. You’ll be ready for day three, where you’ll dive into Motor City’s automotive heritage.
Day 3 – Automotive Marvels in Detroit
On your third day in Detroit, immerse yourself in Motor City’s automotive heritage. At the Henry Ford Museum, explore the fascinating exhibits that pay tribute to the evolution of transportation. Highlighted by a vast collection of classic cars, including the iconic Model T, the museum also showcases artifacts related to aviation, agriculture, and railroads.
Afterwards, head to the Ford Piquette Avenue Plant, the birthplace of the Ford Model T. Constructed in 1904, the factory became the cornerstone of the 20th-century automobile industry. Today, visitors can step back in time and tour the historic building. Gain insight into the manufacturing process and marvel at the early models of the cars that changed the world.
Day 4 – Outdoor Adventures in Detroit
After exploring the city for the past three days, it’s time to take a break and enjoy the great outdoors. Head to Belle Isle Park, one of the top Detroit attractions and a 982-acre island park offering stunning views of Detroit’s skyline. This picturesque destination offers something for everyone, whether you’re looking for a scenic picnic spot or an adrenaline-filled adventure.
Explore the Belle Isle Conservancy and enjoy activities like hiking, biking, fishing, kayaking, canoeing, or simply relaxing on the beach. If you’d like to learn about the park’s history and ecology, take a guided nature walk or bicycle tour.
Don’t miss out on visiting notable Detroit landmarks such as the Belle Isle Aquarium, the Dossin Great Lakes Museum, and the Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory. These attractions offer a fascinating glimpse into the history, culture, and natural beauty of Detroit.
Outdoor Activities at Belle Isle Park
| Activity | Description |
|---|---|
| Hiking and Walking | Belle Isle has several hiking trails with varying degrees of difficulty. The Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory provides an excellent starting point for a picturesque walk around the island. |
| Biking | Rent a bike from Wheelhouse Detroit Bike Shop and explore the 5.3-mile loop around the park. |
| Kayaking and Canoeing | Belle Isle has a rental location for kayaking and canoeing on Lake Muskoday. |
| Fishing | Anglers can enjoy fishing for multiple species on Belle Isle, including bluegill, bass, pike, and more. A state fishing license is required. |
| Picnicking | Belle Isle has numerous picnic areas scattered throughout the island. Also, the half-mile Sunset Point offers a beautiful view of the Detroit skyline. |
After spending a rejuvenating day surrounded by nature, return to your hotel and recharge for Day 5, where you will explore the diverse neighborhoods of Detroit.
Day 5 – Neighborhood Exploration in Detroit
As you wrap up your 5-day itinerary in Detroit, take some time to explore the city’s diverse and vibrant neighborhoods. Start your day by discovering the street art and unique shops in the Eastern Market, the largest open-air market in the United States. This historic neighborhood is home to a variety of vendors, offering fresh produce, handcrafted goods, and more.
Insider tip: Check out the Eastern Market on a Saturday to experience the weekly farmers market, filled with local goods, food trucks, live music, and more.
Next, indulge in delicious cuisine at one of Detroit’s renowned restaurants. Try the classic Coney Dog at Lafayette Coney Island or enjoy fine dining at Selden Standard, known for its innovative menu and craft cocktails.
Finally, rest and rejuvenate at a comfortable hotel like the Westin Book Cadillac Detroit, located in the heart of downtown. This historic luxury hotel features stunning architecture, modern amenities, and easy access to Detroit’s top attractions.
Insider tip: Book your hotel in advance to secure the best rates and availability, especially during peak travel seasons.
Insider Tips for Your Detroit Adventure
Ready for some insider tips on maximizing your Detroit trip? Here are some must-do activities to add to your itinerary:
Experience live music in the city
Detroit has a rich music history, and you can still catch great live shows throughout the city. From jazz to rock to hip hop, there’s something for everyone. Check out venues like the Fox Theatre, El Club, or the Magic Stick for a night of great music.
Catch a game at Comerica Park or Ford Field
Get in on the excitement of Detroit’s sports scene by catching a game at Comerica Park or Ford Field (depending on the season). Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just looking for a fun outing, these stadiums offer a great atmosphere and entertainment for all.
Explore downtown Detroit’s nightlife
Downtown Detroit has a vibrant nightlife scene, with countless bars, clubs, and restaurants to choose from. Check out The Belt, a hub of art, culture, and nightlife, or hit up one of the many rooftop bars for great views of the city.
Don’t forget to try Detroit-style pizza
A trip to Detroit isn’t complete without trying the city’s signature dish – Detroit-style pizza. This delicious pie features a thick, crispy crust, and toppings that range from classic pepperoni to more creative options like fig and prosciutto. Check out places like Buddy’s Pizza or Loui’s Pizza for some of the best in town.
Now you’re armed with some insider knowledge to make the most of your Detroit adventure. Get out there and explore all that Motor City has to offer!
Transportation and Logistics in Detroit
Getting around Detroit is easy and convenient, thanks to various transportation options available. To make the most of your visit, consider taking a Detroit city tour that covers the top attractions of the city. This is an excellent way to learn about the history, culture, and architecture of Detroit in an informative and entertaining way.
If you prefer to explore the city independently, then public transportation is an affordable and efficient option. The Detroit People Mover is a fully automated light rail system that operates on a loop, offering easy access to downtown destinations. Also, the Detroit Department of Transportation (DDOT) has an extensive bus network that covers most areas of the city.
For more flexibility during your trip, consider using rideshare services like Uber and Lyft. These services are widely available in Detroit and offer affordable and convenient transportation.
Getting to and from Detroit
Reaching Detroit is easy, thanks to its central location and well-connected transportation infrastructure. If you’re visiting from out of town, you can fly into the Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW), located about 20 miles west of downtown Detroit. From the airport, you can take a taxi, shuttle, or rental car to your destination.
If you’re driving to Detroit, several interstates converge in the city, making it easily accessible by car. Also, Amtrak offers train service to Detroit, with the Michigan Services route connecting Detroit with Chicago and several other Midwestern cities.
| Transportation Option | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Detroit city tour | Informative, entertaining, covers major attractions | May not offer as much flexibility, cost may be higher |
| Detroit People Mover | Affordable, convenient, easy to use | Only covers downtown area, limited hours of operation |
| DDOT bus | Extensive network, affordable | Routes may be confusing, may take longer to reach destinations |
| Rideshare services (Uber, Lyft) | Flexible, convenient, widely available | Cost may vary depending on demand, surge pricing may apply |
| Rental car | Flexible, convenient, offers more freedom | May be expensive, parking may be challenging in some areas |
When planning your transportation in Detroit, consider your budget, travel needs, and preferences to choose the option that suits you best. With so many transportation options available, navigating Motor City is a breeze!
Conclusion
There you have it, your comprehensive Detroit itinerary for 5 days packed with the best landmarks, museums, eateries, and neighborhoods Motor City has to offer. We hope our travel guide has provided you with a wealth of exciting options to choose from as you explore the city. Take photographs, make memories, and enjoy the ride!
Don’t forget to check out insider tips on making the most of your adventure and planning your transportation and logistics in Detroit with ease. By following our guide, you’ll leave the city feeling like a true insider.
Whether you’re a motor enthusiast, a cultural connoisseur, or a foodie, Detroit has something for everyone. Now all that’s left is to book your trip, pack your bags, and get ready for an unforgettable journey through the heart of Motor City. Happy travels!
Keywords: Detroit Itinerary 5 Days
