Is Detroit Worth Visiting in 2025? What You Need to Know Before You Go

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Wondering if Detroit is worth visiting? Keep reading for my honest take (as someone who has been there)!

Detroit, Michigan is one of those cities that surprised me in the best way the first time I visited. Like many people, I’d heard of Detroit as being a dangerous place to visit and only had a few points of reference for it. After a few days in Detroit, I seriously considered moving to this vibrant, interesting, and changing city. 

One of my best friends and a close family member live in the Detroit area, so I have visited the city a couple of times. A core travel memory I have is doing the Slow Roll, an enormous event where the city came together and rode bikes along a route through the city (from what I can tell it was a pandemic casualty). 

When I think of Detroit, I picture some truly exceptional diner food, Detroit style pizza (my favorite pizza style!), and a mix of blighted and shiny buildings. It’s also a city that has lived through some seriously tough times, but its inhabitants didn’t let it die. From urban farming and beekeeping to local restaurants to revitalization projects, Detroit is still fighting for itself all of these years later. 

So, in this post, I’ll tell you all about Detroit as I see it and let you know whether I think it deserves a visit.

Table of Contents
Is Detroit Worth Visiting? My Honest Opinion
About Detroit
Is Detroit Safe to Visit?
Best Time to Visit
Top Things To Do
Where to Stay
Getting Around Detroit
FAQs
Conclusion

Is Detroit Worth Visiting? My Honest Opinion

To be very honest, I think Detroit is really, really cool and egregiously underrated. The city is unlike anywhere I’ve visited in the US, and Anthony Bourdain once unironically compared it to ​​Chernobyl on his hit show, Parts Unknown. Bourdain was said to be working on a four part documentary series about Detroit at the time of his death in 2018. 

Like Bourdain, I couldn’t help but gawk at Detroit’s incredible views of urban decay – especially with the contrast of immaculate houses just a few yards or blocks away. As he’ll tell you, locals hate when you do this; it’s known as ‘ruin porn’ and ignores or disregards the people who actually live in the city. 

At the same time, there’s an incredible energy of resilience. It almost feels like Detroit has been left to fend for itself, and the people who call the city home find ways to rely on each other, build community, and carry out inspiring projects. When I picture Detroit, my mind drifts to surprisingly lush urban gardens, which have been built to combat the city’s persistent status as a food desert. 

So, I personally consider Detroit well worth a visit.

That said, it’s undeniably less safe than many other cities in the US. If I didn’t know anyone in Detroit and were traveling alone, I probably would go elsewhere like Chicago or Columbus, Ohio. Or, I’d stay in Ann Arbor and make a day trip or two into Detroit. So I won’t judge you if you read this post and decide that Detroit isn’t for you. 

About Detroit

Detroit was once the picture of the American Dream, mostly thanks to the post-WWII auto industry boom that was led by the Ford Motor Company. Ford, along with other automobile manufacturers, led to Detroit’s population growing to be the fourth largest city in the US by 1920. 

In the 1970s, however, two gasoline crises pushed consumers to favor smaller, more fuel-efficient cars as the price of gasoline rose. Auto manufacturers laid off workers as they shrunk their operations and the city experienced an era of white flight to the suburbs or out of the city entirely. 

Today, Detroit struggles with political corruption, financial problems, blight, and arson, to name a few issues. Still, the city and its inhabitants have worked on urban renewal and revitalization projects that have driven tourism in recent years. In 2022, for example, TIME named Detroit one of the World’s Greatest Places. So, it’s not just me here to tell you to go to Detroit. 😉

How Many Days to Spend in Detroit?

I would say that a long weekend in Detroit is a good amount of time to see the major attractions, try a few great restaurants, and see the nearby town of Ann Arbor. Plan for an extra day if you happen to visit during Dally in the Alley, which takes place the Saturday after Labor Day in September. 

As mentioned above, don’t skip a day trip to Ann Arbor, home of the University of Michigan. Ann Arbor has an adorable, walkable downtown with lots of tasty and adorable eateries. It reminded me a bit of both Fort Collins, Colorado and Burlington, Vermont in its collection of cafes and fun, local-feeling spots. 

Is Detroit Safe to Visit?

Truthfully, Detroit is not a safe city to visit in the US –  which is already less safe when compared to European destinations like Ireland or Paris, France. The locals I’ve known in Detroit were conscious of their safety, especially when visiting Downtown Detroit. I never felt unsafe when I was in Detroit, but I avoided traveling alone and was never in central areas after dark. 

Let’s not go off of vibes alone, though. Detroit scored a 5.2/10 in safety from the US News and World Report Crime and Safety Ranking. In 2024, the BBC named Detroit the second most dangerous city in the US, behind only St. Louis, Missouri. The BBC noted that violent crime in 2019 reached a rate of approximately 2,057 violent felonies per 100,000 people. The national average in 2019 was 367 violent crimes per 100,000 inhabitants.

So, by vibes and by the numbers, Detroit is not a very safe city in the US. Take precautions when visiting, especially staying in neighborhoods known to be safe, locking your cars and doors, and avoiding solo travel at night. Take care to hide valuables from sight in your home and car.  

Personally, I consider the suburbs of Detroit to be about as safe as the city of Denver or South Philadelphia – but it definitely depends on where you go. That is to say that you should still take precautions, including being aware of your surroundings, locking your doors, and avoiding solo travel after dark (unless driving yourself). 

What’s the Best Time of Year to Visit Detroit?

The shoulder seasons of May, September, and October are the best times to visit Detroit. During these months, you can usually escape the hot, humid summer weather and frigidly cold winters. May brings warm, springtime temperatures and a sense that the city is waking up from a long, cold winter. 

September and October also see milder temperatures, along with the possibility of spotting some fall foliage. If you’re traveling specifically to see and/or photograph fall foliage in Michigan, here are some spots to include in your itinerary. 

The summer is a fine time to visit, but you could experience some hot and humid days during June, July, and August. Summer also tends to be the most expensive time to travel in the US, so it could be a bit harder to find a deal on your accommodations. 

Winters in Detroit are known for being quite harsh and cold, with pretty heavy snowfall in December, January, and February. If you visit during the winter, be prepared for frigid temperatures with a jacket, boots, and warm layers to stay comfortable. You could have snow as early as October and as late as May, depending on the year. 

Top Things To Do in Detroit

You won’t be bored when you get to Detroit; there’s a ton to see and do! From the (deservedly) famous Henry Ford Museum to local eateries to glimpses of the Canadian skyline, there’s plenty to enjoy in Detroit. Plus, if you happen to visit during the first weekend after Labor Day in September, there’s a free outdoor festival and block party that you should definitely check out. 

Here’s a bit more information about some of my top picks for things to do in Detroit:

Visit the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation

A friend took me to the Henry Ford Museum on my first visit to Detroit and I absolutely loved it, even though I’m really not a car person. The museum is enormous, with really incredible displays like the original drive-in signs for McDonalds and the bus where Rosa Parks famously declined to offer her seat to a white passenger during the Civil Rights Movement. 

Of course, there are also plenty of cars and auto history relics. There’s an Oscar Meyer Weinermobile, a presidential limo, and Model T’s, to name a few. You can also see other relics from American innovation history, like the steam engine, farm equipment, and telephones. 

If you can swing it, I definitely recommend setting aside a minimum of a half day for this museum. Personally, I’d go early and plan for a full day so as to not feel rushed. Book tickets in advance if you can – but it’s not essential, like it would be if you were visiting the Louvre Museum in Paris. 

Tickets and Discounts

The ticket price here is definitely on the high side, especially for Detroit, at $36 per adult as of this writing. I chose not to go on my most recent trip because of the high ticket cost, but I’m still really glad that I got to go once. Take care when booking tickets, as the system is a little hard to navigate – you probably don’t need to do the $75 All Access ticket (unless you’re a true fan!). 

Active US military members can enter the museum for free. SNAP/EBT or WIC recipients get free parking and a $3/person discount per venue. You’ll need to present your SNAP/EBT or WIC card to receive the discount. 

Here’s the discounts page for up to date information and additional discount offers. 

Try Some of the Local Food

Detroit is a foodie city, so don’t miss the chance to try a few local restaurants. My absolute favorite spot didn’t survive the pandemic, but don’t worry – there are still lots of great bites to be had. I’m including a few spots to try here, but it’s just the tip of the iceberg. Check out Eater’s Essential Restaurants and Affordable Restaurants for more places to try! 🥰

Detroit is famous for its unique pizza style, which tastes like a mix between Sicilian style pizza and Chicago deep dish – it’s divine. Try it at Buddy’s Pizza, a Detroit institution that first opened in 1946 and is still a local favorite. They have a few locations, but I say go to the original on Conant and E McNichols Rd if you can swing it. 

Another local spot is Sister Pie, where they serve baked goods made with love. You can get a slice of pie or try their cookies. They’re known for having unique flavor combinations like salted rosemary shortbread (cookie), salted maple pie, and blueberry rhubarb pie. 

Finally, I had brunch at the vegan- and vegetarian-friendly Spacecat V-stro and absolutely loved it. This little spot is out in the suburbs (and not easily accessible by public transit), but I adored my breakfast biscuit and coffee here. Plus, the cafe had a very cool, local vibe and super friendly staff. 

Take a Walking Tour of Downtown Detroit

One thing I wish I’d done on my previous trips to Detroit is take some sort of walking tour – either on my own or with a guide. In the past, I had a friend drive me around the city (it was the middle of winter), but we couldn’t get out of the car and really take it in. 

If you’re not on a super tight budget, you might consider a walking tour with a local guide who can tell you about Detroit from their perspective. You’ll also get to see inside of some of Detroit’s landmarks, which will certainly help you have a fuller picture of the city than if you just walk around. 

For those who can’t swing the cost of a local guide, there’s also a very affordable self-guided tour that you can download. 

See Canada from the Waterfront 

When I was last in Detroit, my host took me to the Detroit Waterfront and it was a cool way to see a little more of the city (and the shoreline of our lovely northern neighbors!). We initially had some trouble figuring out how to actually access the waterfront, but some locals kindly gave us directions and we found our way. 

There are several waterfront access points, but I suggest navigating to the Riverside Skatepark. The skatepark is just a short walk from the water and has lots of free parking. I’m not sure how safe this area is after dark, so I’d say to stick to the daylight hours and leave if it starts to feel dicey or empties out. It was very busy, full of families, and felt totally safe when I visited. 

From the waterfront, you can look out over the Ambassador Bridge that connects the US and Canada. And, the city view that you see from the waterfront in Detroit is Windsor, Canada! The Ambassador Bridge is the only bridge that connects the two cities (but it’s not the only border crossing; there’s also a tunnel). 

Check Out the Motown Museum

Detroit has deep roots in American music. It’s known as the birthplace of Motown, early punk rock, and techno. There was also a “Golden Age” of hip hop in the 1990s that ushered white rappers like Eminem to national and international acclaim. Rodrigo, the artist featured in the documentary Searching for Sugarman is also from Detroit (sidebar: watch this documentary if you haven’t already, and it’s best to go in blind). 

You can learn about Detroit’s storied musical history at the Motown Museum. If you’re not familiar with Motown, it’s the genre that includes “My Girl” by The Temptations and “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell. 

The museum is set inside the old Hitsville U.S.A. headquarters, with exhibits about the history of the Motown Sound, relics of the era, and even the infamous office and recording studio. Viewing is only possible with a tour guide and tickets tend to sell out, so it’s best to book in advance. 

Go to Dally in the Alley 

Dally in the Alley is a free music festival and block party that takes place every year in Detroit in the Cass Corridor district near Wayne State University. The first “Dally” was held in 1977, though it wouldn’t get its official name until 1982. 

The Dally’s origins are pretty cool, as described by a documentary about the festival:
This David vs. Goliath story is about an indomitable group of neighborhood residents up against city hall who planned to destroy an artist’s enclave within the city of Detroit and how an impromptu, scrappy block party provided the necessary means to bring the city’s plans to its knees.

Today, you can go to the Dally in the Alley each year on the Saturday after Labor Day in September. 

Take a Day Trip to Ann Arbor

While you’re in Detroit, I strongly recommend that you take a day and drive to Ann Arbor to see this quintessential college town. The town is home to University of Michigan, a Big Ten school that’s known for its athletics and strong academic reputation. Football fans might try to get tickets to a Michigan Wolverines game while you’re there. 

When I was in Ann Arbor, I loved just walking around and getting a feel for it. There was a very cool graffiti alley, some great picture spots, and it was nice to see a bit of the campus. I really enjoyed my dinner and batido at Frita Batidos Ann Arbor – a Cuban spot with some decent vegetarian options. 

Where to Stay in Detroit

The safest feeling places to stay in Detroit are likely going to be in the suburbs or in the safest parts of downtown. That said, you should be OK – just check the reviews (and make sure there are lots of good reviews! Check multiple sites!). In the suburbs, I would check both a hotel site and Airbnb if you use the platform; you might find a better spot on Airbnb. 

Specifically, search within the reviews to see what people say about the location and safety. Detroit is not a good city to be the first person to stay in a particular accommodation – opt for places with at least 100 reviews and a minimum score of 4 out of 5 stars (or 8/10 on Booking.com). 

📍 Budget Pick: Hostel Detroit has private and dorm rooms in Detroit, and it’s a great choice for budget travelers. The amenities are nice enough, but guests especially love the staff who are happy to give recommendations and information about the area. The location is a bit on the outskirts of the city, but downtown is accessible by public transit (and car).
📍 Mid Range Pick: The Inn on Ferry Street is a beautiful inn set in a restored Victorian mansion in Detroit’s historic district. The rooms are very tastefully designed, with some feeling more modern than others. Note: previous guests were underwhelmed by the breakfast and parking, though available, is expensive. 
📍 Luxury Pick: The Shinola Hotel is an elegant and tasteful 4-star hotel in the center of Detroit. This spot has tons of old world character, an onsite bar, and wonderful, helpful staff. Valet parking is available and the hotel is walking distance to both Ford Field and Commercial Park. 

Getting Around Detroit

Detroit isn’t known as “The Motor City” without reason; this is 100% a car destination. Don’t go to Detroit and try to get around by public transit if you can avoid it; definitely drive or rent a car. The city is not very walkable, and I often found myself driving 20+ minutes between things I wanted to do in Detroit. 

The exception is for those who have a very short visit and are staying somewhere central. Detroit has an above ground trolley system called the People Mover that makes a loop around the center of the city. Importantly, it does not run to the Henry Ford Museum – you’ll need to take a bus or a rideshare to access the museum. 

If you visit before the end of 2024, you’re in luck – the People Mover is completely free all year thanks to a sponsor. 

For those who aren’t renting a car, I would suggest budgeting for some rideshare trips. 

FAQs: Is Detroit Worth Visiting?

Wondering if Detroit is worth visiting and still have some questions? Here are some answers to the top queries from other travelers. 

Is There Any Reason to Visit Detroit?

Detroit is a city that boasts quintessential Americana – in both the street signs and with places like the Henry Ford Museum. It’s a place that hasn’t given up despite the odds, and has some fantastic restaurants and things to do. It’s definitely worth a stop, whether you’re road tripping across the US or just looking for a short trip from a nearby city. 

Is it Safe to Walk Downtown Detroit at Night?

No, it is not recommended to walk around downtown Detroit at night, especially alone and/or if you’re not familiar with the area. If you do need to walk around at night, pay attention to your surroundings, keep your headphones out of your ears, and walk with purpose. When in doubt, consider taking a rideshare to get back to your home or hotel if you didn’t drive. 

How Many Days Do You Need to Visit Detroit?

I recommend that you spend at least two full days visiting Detroit, but three or four days is even better. Within a couple of days, you can see many of the main sites, try several restaurants, and spend a day at the Henry Ford Museum. If possible, allocate an extra day to visit nearby Ann Arbor, which is home to the University of Michigan.

Is There Anything Fun To Do in Detroit?

There’s tons of fun things to do in Detroit. If you happen to visit during Dally in the Alley, held in September, you’ll have a great time listening to local artists, shopping, and trying some street food. The Henry Ford Museum is also worth a stop, with exhibits that showcase American innovation. Finally, check out the former Hitsville U.S.A. headquarters, now home to the Motown Museum, to learn about the Motown Sound of the 1950s to the 1970s. 

Conclusion: Is Detroit Worth Visiting?

Detroit, Michigan is a memorable travel destination in the US. Not only does it boast some great food and attractions, but it’s also a remarkable example of resilience and revitalization. Like nearby Chicago, it has a distinct Midwestern charm along with mementos of Americana and nostalgia. 

Despite being one of the least safe cities in the US, travel here has been booming in recent years. In 2022, the city was even named one of the best greatest places in the world by TIME Magazine. A number of neighborhoods boast ambitious urban gardening projects – Anthony Bourdain carefully noted that this is, in fact, subsistence farming, because the produce wouldn’t be sold outside of the city. 

So, I say that Detroit is definitely worth a visit. From where I sit, it’s a really special place in the US that has faced up to some extraordinary odds and I can’t wait to go back.