Once synonymous with urban decline, Detroit has staged one of the most dramatic turnarounds in modern American history. The Michigan metropolis, now widely celebrated as "the comeback city," has reinvented itself as a compelling destination for culture, cuisine, and history, shaking off its dystopian reputation through sustained investment and revitalisation that accelerated throughout the 2010s.
Positioned on the banks of the Detroit River, directly across from Windsor, Canada, the city's strategic location has been key since its founding by the French in 1701. Today, its attractions are spread across four main neighbourhoods: Downtown, Midtown, Corktown, and Eastern Market.
Cultural Powerhouse and Musical Heart
Detroit's cultural offerings are nothing short of monumental. The crown jewel is the Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA), home to an awe-inspiring collection of roughly 65,000 artworks. Its most famous treasure is the room-encompassing Detroit Industry Murals by Diego Rivera. Visitors can also find masterpieces by Rembrandt, Monet, van Gogh, and Warhol across its 100 galleries.
Equally significant is the city's musical legacy. Detroit is the undisputed birthplace of the Motown sound, and the Motown Museum, "Hitsville U.S.A.," preserves the very house and studio where Berry Gordy Jr. launched the label. Here, legends like Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, and The Supremes recorded era-defining hits. Note: Tours will be paused from 20 January 2026 for several months due to expansion work.
For jazz enthusiasts, historic venues like Baker's Keyboard Lounge, operating since 1934, and the elegant Cliff Bell's offer world-class performances in atmospheres rich with history.
A Feast for the Senses: Food, Drink and Green Spaces
Detroit's culinary scene is a point of immense local pride, characterised by its laid-back vibe and iconic specialities. The city is a heavyweight in America's pizza landscape, famous for its deep, rectangular pies with caramelised cheese crusts. The style was born in 1946 at Buddy's Rendezvous, now Buddy's Pizza, and remains a must-try.
Another sacred staple is the "coney" – a hot dog laden with chilli, mustard, and onions. The long-standing rivalry between neighbouring American Coney Island and Lafayette Coney Island offers a delicious opportunity for personal taste-testing.
For outdoor respite, the transformed Detroit Riverwalk provides a six-mile landscaped pathway perfect for strolls with views of passing freighters and Canada. Belle Isle Park, a 985-acre island in the river, offers beaches, gardens, and stunning skyline vistas.
Planning Your Visit: Where to Stay and How to Get Around
Detroit offers a range of distinctive accommodation. The Detroit Foundation Hotel (rooms from $266), set in a former fire station, oozes local character. For historic luxury, The Westin Book Cadrick Detroit (from $286) delivers in a restored skyscraper. The design-forward Shinola Hotel (from $306) acts as a vibrant social hub with multiple dining venues.
While Downtown and Midtown are walkable, the city's vast size makes driving or using ride-hailing services advisable for maximising your time. The QLine streetcar connects Downtown and Midtown, and bikes or e-scooters are available along the riverfront. Tourist areas like Downtown, Midtown, Corktown, and Eastern Market are generally safe for exploration, but standard big-city caution is recommended.
From its world-class museums at the DIA and the vast Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation in Dearborn to its buzzing food districts and legendary music venues, Detroit's revival is not just a story of recovery—it's an invitation to experience one of America's most resilient and rewarding cities.
