KAYAK - Detroit, Michigan Travel Guide

Detroit Travel

Popular Michigan (MI) Destinations

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Detroit Airports

Detroit Vacations

Get your motor revved by visiting the automobile capital of America – Detroit. The Motor City has thousands of tourists that stop by for a visit but end up staying for an extended vacation because of its awesome attractions. From Detroit, look across the River to revel in the fabulous skyline of Canada. Then take a short drive over the Ambassador Bridge or through the underwater Windsor Tunnel to another country without even needing a passport. Come back and enjoy many ethnic opportunities in Greektown or an exciting night at a hopping bar or nightclub before going to sleep in one of downtown Detroit’s charming or business-class hotels. Experiencing Detroit’s diverse cultural and ethnic cuisines as well as traditional American restaurants will not leave you disappointed in this Midwestern city’s tourist opportunities.

Popular Detroit Hotels

Detroit Marriott at the Renaissance Center
Renaissance Center - 400 Renaissance DR

Roberts Riverwalk Hotel Detroit
1000 River Place

Hotel St. Regis
3071 West Grand Boulevard

The Westin Book Cadillac Detroit
1114 Washington Blvd

Atheneum Suite Hotel Detroit
1000 Brush Avenue

The Holiday Inn Express and Suites Detroit Downtown
1020 Washington Boulevard

View more Detroit hotel info »«

Top rated attractions in Detroit

1.	The Drew and Mike Radio Show While in Detroit, one of the things you must experience is the Drew and Mike Radio Show on 101.1 WRIF. Possibly the most intelligent morning shows in the region, Drew and Mike have a perfect blend of discussion and humor that appeals to a wide variety of listeners. The duo has entertained Detroit and surrounding area audiences for over a decade and they continue to do so with no end in sight. While not nationally known or syndicated, you will undoubtedly notice their bumper stickers on thousands of cars throughout the Motor City. « hide
2.	The Detroit Institute of Arts In addition to the plethora of fun and exciting activities around downtown Detroit, the Detroit Institute of Arts offers visitors a cultural experience like no other. As the sixth largest and significant collections of meaningful art in the United States, this facility has over 65,000 works ranging from ancient Egyptian artworks to contemporary pieces. It is also listed on the National Registry of Historic Places so you can be assured of its cultural significance. Located in the cultural district, the Detroit Institute of Arts is directly across the street from Wayne State University and other great Detroit attractions. « hide
3.	The Motown Historical Museum For a magnificent guided tour of the music that put Detroit on the melody map, the Motown Historical Museum is exactly what you have been looking for. Located in the small house turned recording studio where legends like Stevie Wonder, Diana Ross, and Aretha Franklin recorded their blockbuster hits, this museum takes you through the wonderful world of the Motown record label. The museum has a small gift shop where you can get souvenirs of your experience, but it is not touristy at all. It is just outside the historical district on Grand Boulevard so it is a convenient stop during your Detroit vacation. « hide
4.	Tastefest Visiting Detroit during the Fourth of July weekend gives you the opportunity to participate in the town’s Tastefest. This festival is a popular 5-day street festival where local restaurants and vendors gather to offer the most delicious items from their menus. The event is accented by exciting entertainment and live performances by popular local and nationwide musical acts. Eateries from nearby Canada also participate in this festival for even more unique and interesting cuisine choices. « hide
5.	Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth on Paczki Day Typically a holiday celebrated in the Midwest region, Paczki Day occurs just before Ash Wednesday on Fat Tuesday. Since it is a popular Polish tradition, Detroit’s celebration of Paczki Day is celebrated by the majority of the population, including the large group of Polish people in nearby Hamtramck. Donut shops in the area are usually overwhelmed with massive orders for these fattening jelly-filled donuts and pastries that are also deep-fried before being dipped in powdered sugar and covered with icing. You might gain a pound or two, but it will definitely be worth it. « hide
6.	Greektown Casino One of the most popular gambling venues in southeast Michigan, Greektown Casino offers some of the best opportunities and entertainment in the region. In its Vegas-like atmosphere lets you enjoy the slots or poker games around the clock at anytime you have the urge. Bring a large group of friends or family for a special event and get a discount rate for shows. Located directly from the major freeways through the area, you can’t miss experiencing the excitement to be had at this popular attraction. « hide
7.	Take in a Football Game at Ford Field A brand new arena in the heart of metropolitan Detroit, Ford Field is a state-of-the-art facility that sports fans will undoubtedly savor. Home of the 2007 Super Bowl and Wrestle Mania 23, this venue has already attracted worldwide attention due to its lavish style. If you time your vacation just right, you can enjoy a Tiger baseball game and then walk across Woodward Avenue to enjoy a Lions football game or concert at Ford Field. Located off the freeway at the corner of Lafayette and Brush Streets, you can’t leave Detroit without experiencing this attraction. « hide
8.	Peek Over to Windsor from the Riverwalk The Detroit Riverfront is one of the most spectacular sights you will experience in the Midwest. From the Riverwalk along the Detroit River, you can look across to see wonderful Windsor, Canada. Relish the sight during the evening to see the lighted skyline and or early in the morning to witness a glorious sunrise after a thrilling night on the town. The best part is that you can enjoy this attraction for free. Accessible from the luxurious Renaissance Center in downtown Detroit, the Riverwalk is one of the town’s premier attractions. « hide
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Top rated restaurants in Detroit

1.	Opus One Restaurant Opus One Restaurant, Detroit, offers French-style foods in a romantic atmosphere for you and your significant other. Duplicate the romance that only Paris can offer with an impressive wine list combined with a magnificent presentation of your meal. Make reservations to be sure you get a table at this popular restaurant. « hide	6.	Rattlesnake Club Rattlesnake Club, Detroit, is an adult-oriented dining facility that offers a magnificent wine list in an elegant atmosphere. Though frequented by the upper crust, the staff is not snobby as you would expect in many upscale restaurants. You can also choose dishes from a line of organic offerings on their menu. « hide
2.	Jacoby’s Bistro Jacoby’s Bistro, Detroit, is a great dining option with an adult atmosphere. The friendly staff and chefs are dedicated to making your dining experience one that you will want to come back for. Menu options include authentic French cuisine in a family atmosphere. « hide	7.	The Caucus Club The Caucus Club, Detroit, is an upscale dining facility complete with dim lighting, a great wine list, and a classic menu with contemporary features. The great staff and delicious London Broil make this one of downtown’s best kept secrets for traditional American cuisine. « hide
3.	Tribute Restaurant Tribute Restaurant, Detroit, is just outside the city limits, but it is worth the drive. Charm and sophistication in an elegant atmosphere is what this restaurant is all about. Offering the best in French Fusion cuisine, you can be sure to get a unique and memorable dining experience combined with excellent cooking. « hide	8.	The Buzz Bar This café-style bar is one of the best facilities to enjoy a relaxing evening with some friends. With live music throughout the week and traditional bar food specialties, this place is ideal for crowds in their 30s and into their 40s. Many of the live bands play jazz and blues, but there is a wide variety for all to enjoy. « hide
4.	New Parthenon Restaurant New Parthenon Restaurant, Detroit, is a popular choice among the late-night bar crowds at night but also a great option for families during the day. Traditional Greek dishes, including octopus and crème caramel, are excellent choices to satisfy your Mediterranean cravings. « hide	9.	The Deck at Hockeytown USA This great downtown Detroit bar is convenient for fans of any sport. Most of the people that come here are gearing up for a thrilling Red Wings game or winding down after another disappointing loss from the Lions. It is within walking distance of the three major sports venue, including Comerica Park, Ford Field, and Joe Louis Arena. « hide
5.	Laikon Café Laikon Café, Detroit, offers authentic Greek cuisine in a non-touristy restaurant. Visit this establishment to savor Mediterranean choices with many locals and regulars as well as a friendly-staff that is ready to meet your dining needs. « hide	10.	Detroiter Bar Designed for the more laid back sports fan, this bar has a big screen TV that shows the important sporting events of the night. During the week, regulars frequent this bar but younger crowds use this as one of the stops during one of their bar-hopping weekends. « hide

Detroit Insider tips

1.	Public Transportation is nearly non-existent in Detroit If you are visiting Detroit without a personal vehicle, bring your walking shoes. Though many attractions, hotels, and dining opportunities are within walking distance of each other in downtown Detroit, the city has an inferior public transportation system when compared to other major metropolitan areas. Most bus routes serve mainly the downtown area and the ones that go beyond that area are inconvenient and hard to follow. The city also has very few cabs and other modes of transportation which makes it that much more difficult to get around outside of the downtown area. « hide
2.	Statistics are rarely wrong Detroit is consistently rated as one of the most dangerous cities in America. In 2006, it was rated as the third most dangerous, so be careful when visiting. Though most areas of the city are not dangerous, be sure where you are going before venturing out of your hotel so you do not end up in unfamiliar areas that are less populated. Also, make sure you travel in groups rather than alone and only stop at well-lit businesses if you are going to ask for directions. « hide
3.	Detroit’s winter weather can put a chill on your vacation Michigan winters are unpredictable and, at times, unbearable. This is especially true in Detroit. If your plans to visit the city are rather flexible, try planning your trip during the spring and summer months between April and September. Autumn months can also provide a great exhibition of changing leaf colors, but the temperature is usually too chilly to enjoy walking around or other outdoor activities. If you must visit during the winter, take extra precaution when driving around the city as the snow and below-freezing temperatures can prove to be treacherous. « hide

Detroit nightlife

1.	I-Rock Nightclub Built during the 1980s as an alternative to the popular disco hangouts, this club offers affordable drink prices and a cheap cover in addition to the live music almost every night of the week. While dancing the night away, you are surrounded by autographed memorabilia and posters that reflect the significant history of the surrounding regions. « hide
2.	The Well With live alternative music and experienced local DJs, there is no wonder this is one of the most talked about clubs in the cultural district of Detroit. Frequented by University of Detroit and Wayne State University students, this is an ideal place to enjoy a Saturday night because of its friendly atmosphere and even friendlier staff. « hide
3.	Magic Stick Set inside the Majestic Theater complex, this dance club is a spacious and preferred place for many twenty-something bar goers in downtown Detroit, although you only need to be 18 to get in. With several billiard tables and a wide-array of music, you are sure to get the entire nightclub experience by spending a few hours here. « hide

Cheap Detroit Flights

These are the cheapest* flights to Detroit found by KAYAK users in the past 48 hours. Use the links to see if you can get a better flight deal.

From $151 Flights New York (NYC) - Detroit (DTT)
From $371 Flights San Francisco (SFO) - Detroit (DTT)
From $242 Flights Boston (BOS) - Detroit (DTT)
From $369 Flights Seattle (SEA) - Detroit (DTT)
From $286 Flights Los Angeles (LAX) - Detroit (DTT)
From $274 Flights Denver (DEN) - Detroit (DTT)
From $170 Flights Washington (WAS) - Detroit (DTT)
From $180 Flights Atlanta (ATL) - Detroit (DTT)
From $350 Flights Houston (HOU) - Detroit (DTT)
From $400 Flights San Diego (SAN) - Detroit (DTT)