5 best things to do in Detroit
The essentials of Detroit with the booking notes that actually matter — which tickets sell out, which slots are quietest, which formats reward the advance purchase. Every booking happens with the provider you choose.
Browse all Detroit activities
Attractions, tours, day trips and transport passes from major providers — instant mobile tickets.
The Detroit shortlist
- Detroit Institute of Arts — Rivera’s Diego Court — the murals survive everything.
- Motown Museum (Hitsville U.S.A.) — Studio A where the sound was made; tours book out.
- Henry Ford Museum & Greenfield Village — the full day of American innovation in Dearborn.
- Eastern Market Saturdays — the 19th-century market halls, murals and food stalls.
- Michigan Central & Corktown walk — the restored station and the oldest neighbourhood.
Flying in, Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) serves the city — attraction districts sit 30–60 minutes away at typical city speeds.
Compare Detroit activity providers
- Klook — Detroit activities — the widest catalogue, instant QR tickets, strong on transport passes and day trips.
- KKday — Detroit experiences — local-led formats and small-group tours.
- Tiqets — museums and landmarks with instant mobile entry.
Frequently asked questions
What is the number one thing to do in Detroit?
Detroit Institute of Arts — Rivera’s Diego Court — the murals survive everything. Start there, then build the itinerary around it.
Do I need to book Detroit attractions in advance?
The headline attractions reward advance booking — timed-entry systems and quota tickets mean walk-up availability is worst exactly when you want to visit. Everything on this page links to providers showing live availability.
How many days do you need in Detroit?
Three to four days covers the shortlist above at a humane pace for a first visit; add days for the day-trip formats rather than compressing the city itself.
Is a city pass worth it in Detroit?
Run the arithmetic honestly: a pass wins when you would genuinely visit three-plus ticketed attractions in its window. Our provider links show pass options side by side with single tickets — compare before committing.