Two Days in Detroit

Detroit has plenty of gems to discover. The city has one of the best sports scenes in the nation. The Motown diversity is reflected in the beautiful historic buildings, markets, and art and cultural activities. The city has lots to be proud of, from automobile innovation to Motown. Delve into the D’s vibrant art and cultural communities, markets, outdoor activities, eateries, and other world-class attractions in 48 hours through this guide-

Day 1: Explore the Motown!

Kick off your day with a scrumptious breakfast at the Hudson Cafe. This eatery is popular for its pancakes, do try them out! This spot has a creative menu, delicious eats! The waits can be long, so head early!

Address: 1241 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48226, United States

Phone: 1 313-237-1000

Opening hours: Monday to Friday: 8:00 am-3:00 pm; Saturday 7 Sunday: 8:00 am-4:00 pm

Head over to the Detroit Institute of Arts which features artwork by famous artists, such as Picasso, Rembrandt, Matisse, Francis Bacon, Van Gogh and many more. This spot has an impressive art collection, from the pre-historic times to present. Enrich your artistic soul at this spot!

Address: 5200 Woodward Avenue, Detroit, MI 48202-4094, United States

Phone: 1 313-833-7900

Opening hours: Tuesday to Thursday: 9:00 am-4:00 pm; 9:00 am-10:00 pm; Saturday & Sunday: 10:00 am-5:00 pm

Distance from Hudson Cafe: 2.9 miles or 8 minutes drive

Motown museum, also known as the Hitsville USA showcases the history of the recording studio and its founder Berry Gordy. Some of legendary Motown singers recorded here- Smokey Robinson, Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, and more.

Address: 2648 West Grand Boulevard, Detroit, MI 48208-1237, United States

Phone: 313-875-2264

Opening hours: Tuesday to Saturday: 10:00 am-6:00 pm

Website: www.motownmuseum.org

Distance from Detroit Institute of Arts: 2.5 miles or 8 minutes drive

Head over to the Michigan Science Center which features hands-on science exhibits. There is so much to see and do at this center- planetarium, IMAX, traveling exhibits, live demonstrations and special kids’ zone. A great learning experience for kids of all ages!

Address: 5020 John R Street, Detroit, MI 48 202, United States

Phone: (313) 577 8400

Opening hours: Wednesday to Friday: 9:00 am-3:00 pm; Saturday: 10:00 am-6:00 pm; Sunday: 12:00 pm-6:00 pm

Website: www.mi-sci.org

Distance from Motown Museum: 2.0 miles or 7 minutes drive

Up for some vegetarian food, head over to the Seva (66 E. Forest), for some American fare, drop by the Hop Cat Detroit (4265 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48201, United States). For some Japanese or Sushi, go to Wasabi (15 E Kirby St. 48202), for Mediterranean fare, head over to La Palma (113 E Canfield St, Michigan). You can also go to Byblos Cafe and Grill II (4830 Cass Ave) which serves Middle Eastern and Vegetarian cuisines.

Head over to the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History to know about the journey of the African American from the beginning of time to the present day through exhibits and audiovisual presentations. Do see the “Still We Rise” exhibit. A beautiful walk through African American history!

Address: 315 East Warren Ave., Detroit, MI 48201, United States

Phone: (313) 494-5800

Opening hours: Tuesday to Saturday: 9:00 am-5:00 pm; Sunday: 1:00 pm-5:00 pm

Website: www.thewright.org

Head over to the Detroit Historical Museum that features several revolving and interactive exhibits chronicling the history of the city and its people. A great overview of the Motor City history and heritage!

Address: 5401 Woodward Avenue, Detroit, MI 48202-4097, United States

Phone: 1 313-833-7935

Opening hours: Tuesday to Friday: 9:30 am-4:00 pm; Saturday & Sunday: 10:00 am-5:00 pm

Distance from Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History: 0.5 miles or 2 minutes drive

Catch a show of your interest at the intimate Fox Theater which is housed in a historic building. This theater is a classic historic theatre that has been restored to its past beauty. Whether you want to catch a comedy, movie or musical show, this spot has it all!

Address: 2211 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48201, United States

Phone: 1 313-471-3200

Opening hours: Tuesday to Saturday: 10:00 am-5:30 pm

Distance from Detroit Historical Society: 1.7 miles or 6 minutes drive

Head over to Greektown for some shopping. This popular neighbourhood of the D has Monroe Avenue and its several side streets. Check out the specialty and boutique shops here.

Address: Monroe Ave, Detroit, MI 48226

Phone: 313-963-3357

Distance from Fox Theatre: 1.2 miles or 8 minutes drive

Are you a baseball fan? Head over to the Comerica Park (2100 Woodward Avenue, Detroit, MI 48201-3470, United States),) to catch a Tigers name.

Distance from Greektown: 0.6 miles or 4 minutes drive

To watch a game of football, go to the Ford Field (2000 Brush St, Detroit, MI 48226, United States), the home of the Lions.

For some amazing craft cocktails, head over to the Sugar House. This spot has a great selection of beers, and organic and natural wines. Enjoy classic drinks in an intimate atmosphere. Great Speakeasy it is!

Address: 2130 Michigan Ave, Detroit, MI 48216, United States

Phone: 1 313-962-0123

Opening hours: Monday to Tuesday: 5:00 pm-12:00 am; Wednesday to Sunday: 5:00 pm-2:00 am

Website: www.sugarhousedetroit.com

Distance from Comerica Park: 1.6 miles or 7 minutes drive

Have dinner at Slows Bar BQ. This spot serves delectable slow-smoked barbecue paired with wine or craft beer.

Address: 2138 Michigan Ave, Detroit, MI 48216, United States

Phone: 1 313-962-9828

Opening hours: Monday: 11:00 am-10:00 pm; Tuesday to Thursday: 11:00 am-11:00 pm; Friday-Saturday: 11:00 am-12:00 am; Sunday: 11:00 am-10:00 pm

Website: slowsbarbq.com

Distance from the Sugar House: 1 minute

Head over to the Cliff Bell’s (2030 Park Ave, Detroit, MI 48226, United States) to enjoy the nightlife in the Motown. This spot takes you back in time to the 40s era with the art deco interior. Enjoy the live jazz music while sipping a few drinks. You might run into Ryan Gosling at this spot as he’s a regular visitor here when in town.

Distance from Slows BBQ: 1.4 miles or 4 minutes drive

Kick off your morning by walking or jogging at the Detroit Riverfront. Wake up to a beautiful sunrise at the Riverfront!

Address: 600 Renaissance Center, Detroit, MI

Website: www.detroitriverfront.org/riverfront

Head over to the Astro Coffee (2124 Michigan Ave, Detroit, MI 48216, United States) for tasty coffee and some great eats. The warm smell of fresh coffee and baked goods greets you at this spot.

For scrumptious breakfast, you can go to Louie’s Ham & Corned Beef (3570 Riopelle St, Detroit, MI 48207-4546). This spot has varied menu and serves huge portions of delectable fare at reasonable price, thus making it a local’s favorite spot.

Head over to the Henry Ford Museum that features amazing inventions and living traditions and culture extending over three centuries of American life. The museum contains exhibits on timepieces, automobile, home appliances, agriculture, limousines of past presidents, jewelry and more.

Address: 20900 Dearborn MI 48124, United States

Phone: (313) 982-6001

Hours: Mon-Sun 9:30-5pm
Website: www.thehenryford.org/museum

Up for some automobile history, head over to the Automotive Hall of Fame, it  features the interactive exhibits which showcases the history. This spot features the accomplishments of automotive's  who is who and a sure to visit spot for all those who love cars or appreciate history of automotive industry.

Address: 21400 Oakwood Blvd, Dearborn, MI 48124, US

Phone: (313) 240-4000
Opening hours: Wednesday to Saturday: 9:00 am-5:00 pm

Distance from the Henry Ford Museum: 1 minute

Head over to the Arab American National Museum that features the Arab-American history through beautiful exhibits and art displays. Informative, aesthetically delightful and interactive museum it is!

Address: 13624 Michigan Ave, Dearborn, MI 48126, United States

Phone: 1 313-582-2266

Opening hours: Wednesday to Saturday: 10:00 am-6:00 pm; Sunday: 12:00 pm-5:00 pm

Website: www.arabamericanmuseum.org

Distance from Automotive Hall of Fame: 0.4 miles or 7 minutes drive

Head over for lunch at the Buddy's Pizza (22148 Michigan Ave) that serves Italian, or L.A. Bistro (21928 Michigan Ave). For some Mexican, head over to the Frida Mexican Restaurant (22053 Michigan Avenue), or Edison's (20301 Oakwood Blvd. The Dearborn Inn) for American fare. You can also go to JoA Sushi (1041 Howard St.) that serves delicious sushi.

Stroll through the Detroit Zoo having great exhibits, such as ape exhibit, wolf, gorilla, penguin and many more exhibits. Walk through an indoor rain forest with free-roaming animals. Treat for all!

Address: Detroit Zoological Society, 8450 W. 10 Mile Rd, Royal Oak, MI 48067, United States

Phone: 248.541.5717

For a great theatre experience, head over to the Majestic Theatre. This theatre has bands playing live music and also has as a bowling center. Enjoy the musical concert at this spot!

Address: 4120 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48201, United States

Phone: 1 313-833-9700

Distance from Detroit Zoo: 11.5 miles or 20 minutes drive

Stroll along the Belle Isle Park that features beach area, a nature center, aquarium, a waterslide, conservatory, and tennis courts. This park also offers beautiful views of Detroit skyline and Windsor across the border. Enjoy the nature and city views at this spot!

Address: Jefferson Avenue and Grand Boulevard, Detroit, United States

Phone: (313) 628 2081.

Distance from The Majestic Theatre: 6.7 miles or 17 minutes drive

Just a few steps away is the Dossin Great Lakes Museum. This museum is situated on Belle Isle Park. Learn about the commercial trade and riverboats. This museum offers an intimate view of ship traffic on the Detroit River and also has many exhibits and artifacts featuring stories of freighters and history of Detroit River. Great maritime museum!

Address: 100 The Strand, Detroit, MI 48207, United States

Phone: 1 313-833-5538

Head over to the GM Renaissance Center for some shopping. This center has many retails shops. Shops such as Godiva, Brooks Brothers, Jos. A. Bank and more are at this spot.

Address: 400 Renaissance Ctr, Detroit, MI 48243

Distance from Dossin Great Lakes Museum: 4.0 miles or 14 minutes drive

Some more shopping? Head over to the Eastern Market (2934 Russell St., Detroit, Michigan, 48207, United States). This is the country’s oldest continually running market full of shops in every nook and cranny, from fresh produce and veggies to antique galleries and specialty goods store.

Distance from GM Renaissance Center: 2.4 miles or 7 minutes drive

Head over to the Joe Louis Arena (19 Steve Yzerman Drive, Detroit, MI 48826), the home of Detroit Red Wings. Watch hockey games at this arena.

Distance from Eastern market: 3.4 miles or 7 minutes drive

Grab the D original at Atwater Brewery. This spot has a great selection of beers on tap.

Address: 237 Joseph Campau Street, Detroit, MI 48207, United States

Phone: 1 313-877-9205

Opening hours: Monday to Friday: 5:00 pm-10:00 pm; Saturday: 2:00 pm-10:00 pm; Sunday: 12:00 pm-8:00 pm

Distance from Joe Louis Arena: 2.1 miles or 8 minutes drive

Head over to the Coach Insignia situated atop the Renaissance Center for dinner. This spot dishes out contemporary American fare and has an impressive wine list. Enjoy the astounding views of city while having dinner at this place!

Address: 71st & 72nd Floor, GM Renaissance Center, 200 E Jefferson Ave, Detroit, MI 48243, United States

Phone: (313) 567 2622

Opening hours: Monday to Thursday: 5:00 pm-10:00 pm; Friday & Saturday: 5:00 pm-11:00 pm

Distance from Atwater Brewery: 1.5 miles or 7 minutes drive

Up for some live music, head over the Bleu Detroit. Let loose on the dance floor to the music, ranging from hip hop to electronic music. Enjoy the after-parties that keep the night going!

Address: 1540 Woodward Ave., Detroit, MI 48226, United States

Phone: (313) 974-7799

Opening hours: Friday-Saturday: 9:00 pm-2:00 am

Distance from Coach Insignia: 1 mile or 8 minutes drive

Head over to the Lafayette Coney Island for late night snack. It is the best hot dog diner in the D. This spot serves great eats, from Coney hot dogs to fries and chili. Enjoy snacks with drinks!

Address: 118 W Lafayette Boulevard, Detroit, Michigan, United States

Phone: (313) 964 8198

Opening hours: Monday to Sunday: 8:00 am -4:00 am

Distance from Bleu Detroit: 0.5 miles or 4 minutes drive