20 Interesting Things To Do In Downtown Detroit

1. Walk Along The Detroit Riverwalk

The Detroit Riverwalk is a lively and colorful place in downtown Detroit, where you can find a good combination of natural activities and urbanization. The Detroit River’s waterfront was a barren area until it transformed into a wonderful place taking the whole stretch from the marina up to the Ambassador Bridge.

People can take walks or rides through well-kept paths while enjoying scenic parks or simply lounging by the lake. Other sights on Riverwalk include Cullen Family Carousel which is an old-fashioned creative carousel for one’s nostalgia.

2. See A Show At The Fox Theatre

Fox Theatre is truly an embodiment of culture which is one of the best things to do in downtown Detroit Michigan. A testament to this, its Art Deco style and exquisite finish make it one historic place for hosting a variety of events like Broadway musicals, concerts, and old movies.

For one to understand how life was during the early 20th century by just having a look at some mosaics that have been around since then, golden chandeliers and intricately designed ceilings depict what those times must have been like.

Whether you’re looking for maximum entertainment or just trying to get more immersed in Detroit’s rich history these are some of the reasons why people buy tickets from here.

3. Visit The Beacon Park

In Downtown Detroit Beacon Park is a busy and lively urban place that offers various activities and things to see. This contemporary park plays host to community events, entertainment as well as relaxation.

The park also features landscaped green spaces, interactive art installations, and various recreational facilities thus creating a crowded atmosphere for people of all ages. In addition, the park offers different events throughout the year like outdoor concerts, food fairs, and exercise sessions.

4. Admire The Statue "Waiting" by KAWS

The statue "Waiting" by KAWS located in Downtown Detroit is a striking and modern art piece that injects some uniqueness into the city’s cultural landscape. It is one of the amazing attractions in Detroit downtown.

This large-scale sculpture created by the famed artist KAW is characterized by his signature style comprising oversized, cartoonish figures with crossed-out eyes.

Meanwhile, "Waiting" depicts a seated character that portrays both contemplation and expectation. Its bright colors and exciting design make it an eye-catching landmark; thus making it ideal for every kind of visitor including art lovers or just casual ones.

5. Visit Campus Martius Park

Campus Martius Park is an urban oasis in the heart of downtown Detroit that offers a multitude of activities and attractions for visitors. This beautifully landscaped park features a central fountain, seasonal events, and ample green space to be used as relaxation areas.

The park has become known for its dynamic programming including outdoor concerts, festivals, and food trucks which set the mood all year long. In addition, there are plenty of seats that make it ideal for a casual picnic or simply to take a walk around.

6. Explore Detroit Princess Riverboat

The Detroit Princess Riverboat is an extraordinary one that provides sightseeing tours in downtown Detroit. A three-story riverboat of great sophistication that offers different kinds of cruises at the Detroit River with striking sights of beautiful buildings in the city and historical monuments.

Visitors can enjoy daylight sightseeing cruises, eat tasty meals during the evening cruise, or even dance to live performers at night entertainment events.

Above all this, it combines leisure activities like watching out for things in motion or taking meals worth of kings which interestingly are prepared by people who have studied cooking professionally thus making it much more pleasant & worth remembering for either residents or tourists.

7. See The Spirit Of Detroit Statue

Among the sights when Touring Downtown Detroit, there’s no place as important as The Spirit of Detroit statue. This famous bronze sculpture resides at Coleman A. Young Municipal Center symbolizes the strength and soul of all its citizens.

Sculpted by Marshall Fredericks, the statue has a height of 26 Feet and features a seated figure grabbing a golden ball with one hand and a family in another, such that it represents the relationship between God and humanity at large. This enables every tourist to marvel at its spectacular artistry while also taking great photographs in front of this iconic personage.

8. Discover The Detroit Opera House

Downtown Detroit is home to the Detroit Opera House, a place where lovers of performing arts should go to have fun. For those who wish to engage in such activities in a beautiful and interesting building like this one that has been here since time immemorial can now get their wish.

Here opera, ballet productions, and Broadway musicals among others. The elaborate auditorium with its amazing acoustics makes every performance unforgettable. Therefore, this is the best stuff to do in downtown Detroit.

9. Explore The Detroit Riverfront Conservancy

The Detroit Riverfront Conservancy is a beautiful maelstrom located in Detroit's downtown area where locals and visitors can get away from the hustle and bustle of city life. It was established to promote the Riverwalk in Detroit so as always to provide an excellent place for relaxation on the shores of River Detroit.

They can go for a walking trip or bring along their bicycles to enjoy an afternoon riding session while gazing at this surprising waterway with its features in terms of sightseeing opportunities as well as seeing some buildings in town.

Visitors should not forget about numerous parks, and plazas, which offer picnic spots within their green spaces where they can rest at any time any day during their stay along this stretch of land. Some events include music shows, celebrations, and workout sessions organized by this institution every year.

10. Visit The Gratiot Central Meat Market

Gratiot Central Meat Market located in Downtown Detroit, is bustling with foodies and serves as a veritable taste of the city’s food scene. Being Detroit’s largest public market, it has a vivacious atmosphere full of various fresh meats, seafood, poultry products, and other specialties.

Noted for the quality of its goods and the skills of its vendors, this market remains a place to shop for shoppers looking for that perfect meal. Hence, this is one of the best things to do in downtown Detroit MI.

11. Admire The Architecture Of The Guardian Building

This stunning skyscraper, known as "the Cathedral of Finance", is a perfect model for Art Deco design characterized by the magnificent mix of colorful tiles, elaborate mosaics, and breathtaking stained glass. The lobby’s sumptuousness is impressive when you walk in; it has ornate ceilings, lively murals, and the remarkable Pewabic Pottery.

Apart from its architectural elegance, the Guardian Building is home to several shops and cafes hence making it an ideal place to discover and experience a piece of Detroit’s history that is slightly different from what used to be seen before.

12. Check Out Cafe D'Mongos Speakeasy

The vibrant environment with an antique feel of D'Mongos Cafe Speakeasy makes it a favorite place in Downtown Detroit. Outfitted like a 1920s speakeasy, this unique venue offers a selection of classic cocktails, locally crafted beers, and comfort food in a retro setting.

Vintage furniture, soft lighting, and mellow tones inhabit the place which conjures images from the Prohibition Era. Live bands performing jazz on occasion add a soundtrack while you gulp your drink or share appetizers with friends.

13. Tour The Library Street Collective

For art lovers and culture aficionados, Library Street Collective is a must-visit destination located in Downtown Detroit. This modern and contemporary gallery highlights the contemporary urban art that emerges from both local and international artists.

Here, you will find the most exciting exhibitions, installations that provoke thought, and exhibits promoting the newest forms of art. Visitors can delve into all kinds of painting, sculpture-making, and photography-related activities as well as mixed media works intended to capture their attention.

But more than just a gallery space, Library Street Collective serves as an active site for events geared toward artists’ talks or collaborations, thus becoming an important center within Detroit’s arts community.

14. Dine At Dime Store

The Dime Store in Downtown Detroit is a must-visit place for passionate foodies and people who enjoy dining. It is a popular brunch and lunch place known for its creative menu that consists of various comfort food items with a gourmet twist.

You can get anything from sumptuous breakfast meals, artisanal sandwiches, and fresh salads to unusual daily specials at the Dime Store. In addition, this cozy and inviting restaurant provides a lovely atmosphere where one can indulge in scrumptious food while exploring the buzzing downtown.

15. Explore Cullen Family Carousel

The Cullen Family Carousel is a lovely ride made of wood, and its animals are hand-carved with great detail, giving visitors of all ages an exciting trip down memory lane.

This carousel is located next to the beautiful river bank where families can take their time and enjoy a ride while admiring the sights of the Detroit River. The carousel’s bright hues and elaborate patterns distinguish it from other structures along the Riverwalk; it is an ideal area for unforgettable moments and stunning photographs.

16. Experience Hart Plaza

Hart Plaza is a vibrant and multifunctional public area located in Detroit’s downtown that provides its visitors with assorted activities and attractions. This remarkable urban square stands on the banks of the Detroit River, hosting a variety of cultural events and music festivals throughout the year.

In its large expanse, it has several notable landmarks like the Detroit International RiverWalk, James Scott Memorial Fountain, and the Spirit of Detroit statue. If you visit Hart Plaza, you can stroll along the riverfront; join themed festivals or just gaze at the skyline and enjoy waterfront views.

17. Discover The Michigan Building

The Michigan Building is a captivating structure that offers tourists a move to explore the city’s architectural and cultural heritage in-depth. It opened its doors for the first time in 1926 as a magnificent movie palace but later became an office space with a twist: its former theater auditorium was transformed into an indoor parking garage, maintaining most of its lavish ornaments.

This building combines both old-fashioned charm and current-day practicality which means it is worth seeing to people who adore architectural designs and history lovers. Moreover, it is surrounded by beautiful decorations, including plasterworks and murals with many modern possibilities making this place more significant than ever.

18. Tour The Masonic Temple

The Masonic Temple, located in downtown Detroit, has an amazing architecture that ticks history, architecture, and culture boxes all in one. This historic structure shows off its stunning Gothic revival style with intricate stonework, grandiose halls, and well-crafted interiors.

Those who visit this place will have an opportunity to admire its majestic appearance and get tours of numerous elaborate rooms. In addition to this, the Masonic Temple also holds different kinds of events such as concerts, theatrical performances as well as social gatherings thus turning it into a cultural hotspot.

19. Relax At Comerica Park

In Detroit’s downtown area, one can find Comerica Park which is a superb site for sports lovers and people who are visiting the city. This modern baseball stadium is home to the Detroit Tigers, making it an exciting place for watching any Major League Baseball match.

The park boasts numerous features that are loved by fans; these include a beautiful sight of Detroit skyscrapers, a special type of carousel, and a Ferris wheel among other things related to drinks and food that caters to everyone’s taste buds. Moreover, Comerica Park serves as a host for many events occurring at various times during the year thus ensuring that there is never a dull moment in this city.

20. Experience Ford Field

Ford Field is an exquisite place for spectators and visitors who love contact sports in Downtown Detroit. For NFL fans, this modern-day mountain has been by far the most entertaining place to watch their city’s Lions on game day.

But there’s more than just football at Ford Field; it serves also as the venue for popular concerts, college football games, and big events of all kinds. Moreover, the guides can show you behind the scenes in this stadium including the locker rooms, press box, and actual playing territory as well.