Things To Do
Places to Explore
Campus Martius Park - In the heart of downtown and voted Top Public Square by USA Today! Capitol Park - One of our favorite places to enjoy a coffee and people watch. Fun fact - when Michigan became a state in 1837, a courthouse in Capitol Park functioned as the state capitol prior to it moving to Lansing. Detroit Riverwalk - Voted one of the top riverwalks in the United States, spanning from the Ambassador bridge to Belle Isle. Eastern Market - A historic public market and bustling district, known for its vibrant atmosphere and diverse offerings. Established in the 1800s, it is one of the largest and oldest public markets in the United States. The Belt - An alley that is a hub for public art, featuring murals and installations by local, national and international artists. Parker's Alley - A vibrant retail and dining destination located behind the Shinola Hotel in downtown Detroit. Bonus points if you can find mine and Ryan's love lock in the alley!
Detroit Staples
Detroit Institute of Arts - The DIA is a world-renowned art museum located in Mid-town Detroit. It boasts a collection of over 65,000 works spanning ancients time s to present day, making it one of the top 10 museums in the United States. Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History - For over half a century, the museum has dedicated itself to exploring and celebrating the rich cultural legacy of African Americans. Motown Museum - Home to iconic Hitsville USA, Studio A, and an extensive array of Motown artifacts, photographs, apparel, and memorabilia. Tigers Game at Comerica Park - The first team in the 2025 MLB season to reach 50 wins! The Tigers will be playing at home September 19th - 21st against the Atlanta Braves.
Breakfast Recommendations
Iggy's Eggies - Our favorite breakfast sandwich on earth. We recommend an English muffin, with egg and their homemade sausage! Take your sandwich and head over to Capitol Park to enjoy. Cannelle - Across the street from Iggy's, Cannelle specializes in French pastries and a great latte. Hudson Cafe - Located directly across from the new Hudson's building, you can enjoy a classic American breakfast here. Plan to make a reservation. Mad Cap Coffee - A great place for a cup of coffee or tea. Located directly behind the Shinola hotel, we recommend taking your cup of coffee over to their hotel lobby (downstairs and upstairs) to enjoy.
Dinner Recommendations
Leila - Our favorite restaurant in the city! Located in Capitol Park with a focus on Middle Eastern cuisine, you can't go wrong with anything on the menu. Ottava Via - Located in the historic Corktown district, you can't go wrong with pasta and wine. Wright & Co. - A contemporary restaurant offering small plates, it occupies the second floor of the historic Wright-Kay building and offers views of Woodward Grand Trunk - A classic pub located near Campus Martius. We recommend their classic homemade chicken fingers and ranch. San Morello - Located in the Shinola Hotel, enjoy homemade pastas and pizza and explore the hotel and connected Shinola store after your meal.
Late Night Eats & Drinks
The Brakeman - A beer hall featuring rotating drafts beers and serving up fried chicken and biscuits from its adjoining neighbor, Penny Red’s. The cocktail bar offers classic craft spirits and seasonal frozen drinks. The Skip - A lively outdoor cocktail lounge and bar featuring frozen drinks and great tunes. Mootz Pizzeria - Grab a late night pizza or slice at Mootz - open until midnight. Queens Bar - The couple's favorite place to celebrate a Detroit sports team win or to enjoy a casual drink on the patio with friends. Monarch Club - At the 14th floor of the Element Detroit Hotel located at the Metropolitan is the Monarch Club. It’s a beautiful rooftop bar with small plates and delicious classic cocktails. Make a reservation if you plan on visiting. Spkr Box - The best place for a night cap and house music. Enjoy a classic mixed drink or specialty coffee drink.
