Things To Do
Friday — Ways to Enjoy the Weekend / Arrival + Explore
After settling into your hotel, take some time to explore downtown Detroit. • Visit the Detroit Institute of Arts or Motown Museum if arriving earlier in the day • Rooftop drinks at Monarch Club • Explore Corktown and see the beautifully restored Michigan Central Station • Enjoy live jazz music at Cliff Bell’s or Baker’s Keyboard Lounge
Saturday — Wedding Day (Keep it Easy)
Most guests will likely spend the day getting ready and preparing for the evening celebration. If you have time earlier in the day, a few relaxed options nearby: • Coffee and a light stroll around Campus Martius • Walk or bike the Dequindre Cut Greenway • A short visit to the Eastern Market for local produce and Keep the day easy — the best event of the weekend happens tonight.
Sunday — Brunch + Scenic Detroit
Sunday is the perfect time to explore a little more of the city before heading home. Brunch Favorites • Dime Store • The Hudson Café • Sugah Please After Brunch • Walk the Downtown Detroit Loop Spirit of Detroit → Campus Martius → Cadillac Square → Detroit Riverwalk • Take a shorter scenic walk along the Detroit Riverwalk • Visit Belle Isle Park for skyline views and waterfront scenery
Detroit People Mover
For a complimentary and enjoyable way to experience downtown Detroit, we highly recommend the Detroit People Mover. This iconic, elevated train provides panoramic views of the city's key landmarks and serves as a convenient form of transportation. Guests can access the People Mover from the Millender Center (Courtyard by Marriott) or the GM Building (Marriott Renaissance) where the hotel rooms are blocked, for a scenic and efficient circular tour of the downtown area.
Downtown - The Detroit Loop*
This short walk offers a beautiful introduction to the city and is the perfect a way to experience Detroit between wedding festivities. Begin at the Spirit of Detroit, one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks. From there, walk toward Campus Martius Park, the heart of downtown Detroit and a lively gathering place surrounded by historic architecture, restaurants, and cafés. Continue a few blocks to Cadillac Square, where seasonal markets and public events often take place. Along the way, keep an eye on Detroit’s alleyways and parking structures — this is where some of the city’s most striking murals are hidden. From there, head toward the Detroit Riverwalk, consistently ranked among the most beautiful urban riverfronts in the country. Walk along the water for views of Windsor, Canada, the Ambassador Bridge, and Detroit’s skyline. In less than an hour, you’ll experience the energy, architecture, and waterfront that make Detroit so special.
Downtown - Detroit RiverWalk
Detroit’s riverfront is consistently ranked among the most beautiful urban waterfronts in the country, especially during the summer months. Several bustling attractions are within easy walking distance of downtown. Begin at Campus Martius Park, often called Detroit’s “gathering place,” then head toward the river. Along the way, stop to see the Spirit of Detroit and the Joe Louis Fist sculptures. Continue through Hart Plaza and past the Dodge Fountain until you reach the Detroit Riverwalk — a scenic stretch of pathways with beautiful views across the Detroit River to Windsor, Canada.
Belle Isle
Set within the Detroit River, Belle Isle is a 982-acre island park offering some of the most beautiful views in the city. This park is not downtown Detroit but is within driving distance (Not recommended for ride sharing unless you are planning to visit a specific location like the conservatory or aquarium, it will be a great deal of walking). Visitors can stroll along the waterfront, explore the nation’s oldest aquarium, visit the historic Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory and botanical garden, admire the century-old James Scott Memorial Fountain, or simply take in skyline views stretching toward Canada. It’s a peaceful and memorable way to experience Detroit’s natural beauty — perfect for a scenic reset before or after wedding festivities.
Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA)
One of the top art museums in the country, the Detroit Institute of Arts is home to an extraordinary collection spanning centuries and cultures. Be sure to visit the Rivera Court to see Diego Rivera’s iconic Detroit Industry murals — a powerful tribute to the city’s industrial and artistic heritage. Visitors can also explore the museum’s impressive modern and contemporary galleries. Check the museum’s website for Friday Night Live events, which often feature music, performances, and special programming
Michigan Central Station
One of Detroit’s most inspiring symbols of renewal, Michigan Central Station has recently been restored after decades of vacancy and now stands as one of the city’s most striking architectural landmarks. Located in the historic Corktown neighborhood, the Beaux-Arts station has been carefully brought back to life and now anchors one of Detroit’s most exciting redevelopment districts. Even a quick visit to see the building and surrounding plaza is well worth the stop. The area is also known for its vibrant restaurants, nearby nightlife, and proximity to Mexican town.
Oh the Detroit Food!
Detroit Favorites: Food, Coffee & Casual Stops Detroit’s food scene is one of the most exciting in the Midwest, shaped by the city’s diverse communities and culinary creativity. If you have time between wedding festivities, here are a few favorite spots to explore: BRUNCH & BREAKFAST Dime Store Hudson Café Rose’s Fine Food Sugah Please DETROIT CLASSICS Buddy’s Pizza (Detroit-style square pizza) Slows BBQ American or Lafayette Coney Island Sweetwater Tavern NEIGHBORHOOD FAVORITES Baobab Fare (East African) Yum Village (Afro-Caribbean) Ima Izakaya (Japanese comfort food) Xochimilco (Authentic Mexican food) Mexican Village (Authentic Mexican food) Bucharest Grill (Middle-eastern) COFFEE & SWEET SHOPS Roasting Plant Coffee Madcap Coffee Cannelle Patisserie For the Love of Sugar JP Makes and Bakes