Detroit - Downtown
Set along the Detroit River, Downtown Detroit is the city's central hub of activity, with unique architecture, food and drink hotspots, entertainment, and a diverse culture.
Downtown Detroit is the city’s central, bustling hub of activity. Set along a walkable riverfront on the Detroit River, the city is a collection of unique architecture, food and drink hotspots, entertainment, and a diverse culture.
Photo credit: Shinola Hotel
As Detroit’s central business district, Downtown is the perfect place for young professionals to live, work, and play. The neighborhood is lined with numerous stores, an innovative food scene, and entertainment hot spots. In the heart of Downtown lays Woodward Avenue, the perfect spot for shopping (Nike, H&M, and Lululemon), food, and spending an evening in the city.
Pamper yourself with a night spent at the Shinola Hotel and grab brunch at the attached restaurant, San Morello, or journey to the corner of Griswold and West Grand River to pick up a croissant or pastry from Cannelle. In the mood for Lebanese cuisine? Check out Leila, a chic eatery serving Lebanese staples. Hot dogs more your speed? Try a Coney dog, a Detroit-staple, from either Lafayette Coney Island or American Coney Dog.
Cheer on the Tigers, Lions, Pistons, and Redwings at a game. Did you know that Detroit is one of only four metropolitan areas with a team in each of the four major pro sports leagues? Check out one of the many concerts or musicals held at the ornate Fox Theater, network and dine at the Detroit Athletic Club, or catch a show at the Detroit Opera House.
Campus Martius. Photo credit: Downtown Detroit Partnership
Downtown’s unique parks and greenspaces offer residents and guests a spot to relax, reflect, and enjoy the beauty of the city. Be sure to check out Campus Martius Park, which is a city treasure and national destination. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy your lunch break with coworkers. Throughout the summer, Campus Martius Park brims with food trucks and a man-made beach, and, in the winter, transforms into a winter wonderland complete with an ice rink and twinkling tree.
Take a stroll on the Detroit RiverWalk, which was voted the number one riverwalk in the nation by USA TODAY in 2021, 2022, and 2023. A trip to Detroit wouldn’t be complete without journeying to Belle Isle, a 985-acre island park located in the Detroit River, and visiting the Belle Isle Aquarium and Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory.
The pedestrian-friendly neighborhood can be easily explored on foot or take advantage of Downtown’s many options for public transportation, including the Detroit People Mover, QLINE, DDOT buses, and an extensive network of scooters and bike-sharing.
Detroit RiverWalk. Photo credit: Nadir Ali
Downtown has a vast assortment of living options, from high-rise apartments and condos, industrial-turned residential lofts, and even Detroit’s first building of micro-apartments.
Hart Plaza is Downtown’s favorite destination for summer festivals, concerts, and special events, including Movement Electronic Music Festival, one of the longest-running dance music events in the world that pays homage to the birthplace of techno—Detroit!
Conde Nast listed Detroit as one of the Best Places to Go in 2024, choosing the city for its global leadership in innovation and mobility, its remarkable investment in rebuilding, and its contribution to the music scene. Detroit is a great place to visit—and most importantly live—with its culture, culinary scene, rich automotive and music history, and grit.
