Are you looking for some exciting and intriguing tourist spots in Detroit Michigan and don’t have much time? Check out how to make the most of your visit in 12 hours or less!
Planning a trip to Detroit Michigan is super exciting! If you’re anything like me, you’re here because you love to research and plan your trip ahead of time. As someone who briefly lived in Detroit, there is something so special about the motor city. You can’t help but feel soul and spirit unlike any other city.
In this post you will learn about places to visit like Belle Isle, the Motown Museum, The Belt, historical buildings, where to eat, and more. After learning about these places, you are going to be ready for your next Michigan travel adventure!
This post is all about 12 hours of intriguing tourist spots in Detroit.
Morning: Breakfast and Lunch
Okay, so my first stop in my list of tourist spots in Detroit, isn’t exactly in the city, but it’s not too far and it’s not to miss. Dearborn is just 20 minutes outside of downtown Detroit. A perfect stop if you are driving into the city. It is the birthplace of Henry Ford and the eight largest city in Michigan. It is also home to the largest Arab American community in the United States! The restaurants and coffee shops in this city are incredible!
I highly recommend going to Qahwah House or Haraz Coffee House. At either coffee shop you’ll find the most delicious yemeni coffee and adeni chai tea. These coffees and teas have unique flavors of cardamom and other spices. Pair your warm drink with traditional Lebanese honeycomb buns. This pastry is filled with cheese and drizzled in honey. It’s so good!
After enjoying a light breakfast, check out Coriander Kitchen and Farm for brunch or lunch. I love that the outdoor patio is set alongside the Detroit River. It’s a beautiful spot in the summertime. We ordered cowboy caviar, grape leaves, falafel, black garlic soba noodles, and fish and chips. Everything was delicious! We really enjoyed the soba noodles and fish and chips.
Afternoon: Nature and Soul Music
Belle Isle
After lunch, drive over to Belle Isle Park. The park is a 982 acre-island in the Detroit River that has gone through a lot of renovations recently. It is open year round from 5:00am to 10:00pm. Pedestrians and cyclists can enter the park for free, otherwise a Michigan recreation passport is needed to enter the park when driving. If you do not have a recreation passport, you’ll be able to purchase a day pass.
One of the newly renovated buildings is the aquarium. I loved walking through this very cool space. There were several very interesting fish and sea creatures including piranhas, axolotls, octopus, and seahorses. The aquarium is free to enter, but donations are encouraged.
After the aquarium, walk or drive through parts of the park and admire the scenery. On the island you’ll find the Dossin Great Lakes Museum, Belle Isle Nature Center, Detroit Yacht Club, Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory (currently closed for renovation), and Belle Isle Boat House.
Motown Museum
Next, consider going to the Motown Museum! This is by far one of my favorite things to do in Detroit! If you are a big fan of Motown music, you must visit this museum. Purchase your tickets online in advance as tours sell out quickly. The tour lasts about 2 hours and goes through the history of Motown, spotlights famous artists like Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, The Jackson 5, and Diana Ross, and walks you through the recording studio and more. Free street parking is available.
Fisher Building
After the Motown Museum, I recommend visiting the Fisher Building. Located just a short three minute drive down the street from the Motown Museum, this historical building is a Detroit city landmark. Built in the late 1920’s by architect Albert Kahne, its art deco style will bring you back in time. Aside from its beauty, the building offers unique shopping and guided tours.
Evening: Dinner and Drinks
Eastern Market
If you plan to visit in the summer, check out the Eastern Market. An indoor/outdoor market with a shed and several covered stalls, you’ll find fresh produce, flowers, small business artisan products, and more. Surrounding the market are several small shops and restaurants. Be sure to check their website for a schedule of events and hours.
The Belt
In the late afternoon, make your way to the city center and check out The Belt. This small alley is covered in beautiful murals and has several unique bars including Deluxx Fluxx, Standby, Vicente’s Cuban Cuisine, and Mootz Pizzeria and Bar.
Another drinks option nearby is The Brakeman. This beer hall uses tokens to purchase beer and cocktails. The tokens are available for purchase upon entering. There are several fun games to play while enjoying your adult beverage. Life size Jenga, Connect 4, and UNO. If you’re hungry, Penny Buckets & Biscuits is next door and their food can be brought into the beer hall. Definitely check this place out for a fun time!
Saffron De Twah
For dinner, consider Saffron De Twah. This restaurant has received several awards and recognitions including being a James Beard Award semi-finalist for best new restaurant. Their Moroccan fried chicken sandwich is incredible! The chicken is crispy, juicy, and the harissa adds a special flavor. The harissa potatoes and saffron tomato dip are so good too. The portions are large, consider sharing.
Other Tourist Spots in Detroit
If one of the landmarks above is not your vibe, check out some of these other options!
The Guardian Building is a national historical landmark for the city of Detroit. Located in Detroit’s financial district, this art deco skyscraper showcases the beauty of the roaring 1920s.
If you have the afternoon free, check out the Detroit Institute of Arts. This art museum is one of my favorites! There are several rotating exhibits but my favorite permanent installment is the mural by Diego Rivera. Check their website to find out what will be on display during your visit.
Another well known restaurant is Green Dot Stables. Known for their sliders it’s a great place to try several different flavors at once. The menu will always have a “mystery meat” slider! This slider is usually a less common meat like alligator or elk.
It can’t be a trip to Detroit without Detroit style pizza. Known for its rectangular shape and having crunchy crispy edges, this pizza is unique to the New York or Chicago styles. One of the most iconic pizza restaurants is Buddy’s Pizza.
Of course if you’re into sports, check out Ford Field and Little Caesars Arena.
12 hours isn’t a lot of time to explore a city, but I think it’s just enough to get a taste of the Detroit spirit I mentioned above. I hope you enjoy checking out some of these iconic tourist spots in Detroit.
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