Location: Detroit
Top Things to do in Detroit
The 10 Best Free Things to do in Detroit, Michigan (MI)
With a vibrant, revitalized downtown, it’s revival time in Detroit. Renowned
as the birthplace of Motown and techno, the city boasts one of the largest
theater districts in America — as well as four pro sports teams, set just blocks apart. The city’s transformation includes a dynamic culinary scene, featuring everything from high-end dining with international tastes to Coney dogs. Visitors also love Detroit’s outstanding shopping, exciting outdoor activities, and world-class cultural attractions.
Restaurants in Detroit
1. Old St. Mary's Church
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 131 reviews
2. Sweetest Heart of Mary Roman Catholic Church
3. Detroit Historical Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 447 reviews
The Motor City Exhibition, where visitors see how a Cadillac is assembled, is just one of the many interesting displays at this museum dedicated to telling the story of Detroit.
Reviewed By 866TaylorB - Chicago, United States
The Detroit Historical Museum is to Detroit what the Chicago History Museum is to Chicago. Located at 5401 Woodward Avenue in Detroit's Cultural Center Historic District in Midtown Detroit, it chronicles the history of the Detroit area from cobblestone streets to 19th century stores to the automobile assembly line to toy trains to fur trading in the 18th century to Motown music to Detroit's development as a major industrial center and the Automobile Capital of the World. The original museum opened in 1928 in a one-room suite on the 23rd floor of the Barlum Tower, now the Cadillac Tower. The current museum was dedicated on July 24, 1951, the 250th anniversary of Detroit's founding. Today, it houses over 200,000 items. Among the most interesting exhibits are The Motor City exhibition, which traces Detroit's development in the auto industry and includes an operating assembly line; the Frontiers to Factories exhibit, which depicts Detroiters at work in the city's first 200 years, from 1701 to 1901, as it grew from a French fur trading post to a major industrial giant; and The Streets of Old Detroit exhibit, a recreation of the old cobblestone streets and shops and stores dating to the early 1900s. Also Doorway to Freedom: Detroit and the Underground Railroad, which allows visitors to simulate the journey of a runaway slave traveling through Detroit to Canada. And Detroit: Arsenal of Democracy, which explores the city's role in World War II. If you've never visited Detroit before and you don't have much knowledge about the city's history, the Detroit Historical Museum is sure to give you a good education.
4. Mexicantown
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 274 reviews
Mexican section of southwest Detroit.
Reviewed By 747codyc - Detroit, United States
Authentic, delicious spot for Mexican food in Detroit. There is convenient parking across the street and the food is well worth it. Their prices are also reasonable and the margaritas are great. One of my favorite local Mexican spots.
5. African Bead Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 29 reviews
Reviewed By Travelanna1 - London, United Kingdom
One of the most unusual places I have ever visited. This place is an outstanding place to walk and be surrounded by art. I was very lucky to visit the African Bead Museum on a beautiful sunny day. It meant I could spend loads of time walking around the grounds and really get a feel of the place. It was unfortunate that I had just missed out on a tour of the grounds with the creator but I got to do a lengthy interview with him which gave me a great insight to the significant of beads in African culture and religion. This place is a must go to when visiting Detroit.
6. Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 121 reviews
Reviewed By JMT2424
Cool spot to wander when on the island. Lots of different species in a nice layout. Took our kids there for a day off and they enjoyed it just as much as we did. We'll definitely be back!
7. Detroit Public Library
8. Dossin Great Lakes Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 134 reviews
Reviewed By BuckeyePaige
What a gem on Belle Isle. The park around the museum is a bit downtrodden but the museum and lakefront itself were just thoroughly enjoyable. Many cool exhibits and artifacts and so much history! Was so pleased to learn more about the history of the Edmund Fitzgerald and its relationship to Detroit and the Great Lakes. Received special attention from the museum manager, Steve, who happened to be walking around the building and grounds......what a knowledgeable man. Check this out!
9. Eastern Market
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 480 reviews
We shepherd Eastern Market's rich history to nourish a healthier, wealthier, and happier Detroit. Since it began in the 1800s, Eastern Market has gradually become a cornerstone, nourishing its residents by providing fresh and nutritious food throughout Southeastern Michigan. In more recent years, Eastern Market Partnership has built an infrastructure around the market to support our unwavering mission to enrich Detroit--nutritionally, culturally and economically. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, our goal is to maintain Eastern Market's: * Authenticity * Development Equity * Connectivity * Density * Diversity
Reviewed By marketinginsight - Detroit, United States
Been to Eastern Market many times. Saturday’s are pretty much guaranteed to be open, otherwise check their website. Tons of local food, sometimes clothing and jewelry. In the spring, if you are local, go for perennials. You can’t beat the prices - $5.00 for a beautiful Hosta that would be $15.00 at your local nursery. In spring go EARLY (like 7:00 am) for best plant selection. Also check out surrounding businesses like Rocky Peanut Company. A friend from Seattle said “this is way bigger than Pike Place Market!”
10. Mariners' Church
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