Detroit holidays

How to reach Detroit

Flight time: Flights to Detroit from London and other major UK airports usually take about 8 hours.

Transfer time: The Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) is located about 30km southwest of downtown. Visitors can get to the city centre by taking the SMART bus, which operates the FAST Michigan route with limited stops. This service runs daily from 5 am to 11:25 pm. The journey typically takes around 45 minutes to an hour. Alternatively, a taxi or ride-sharing service can get you downtown in about 30 to 40 minutes, depending on traffic.

Price:

• The SMART bus costs around $2 each way.

• A taxi from the airport to downtown will cost you approximately $65.

• A ride-sharing service might range from $50–$60.

Weather and best time to visit Detroit

The best time of year for your Detroit holidays largely depends on your weather preferences and your interests.

April to June is one of the best times to visit Detroit, with pleasant spring weather making it ideal for outdoor activities. Your average temperatures rise from around 10°C in April to 24°C in June. Rainfall is moderate, ranging from 50mm–80mm, and you can expect about 8–10 hours of sunshine a day.

July to August is the peak season with warm temperatures and a host of festivals. Daily temperatures average between 25°C and 28°C, with occasional highs exceeding 30°C. Rainfall is around 70–90mm, with 10–12 hours of sunshine each day. This is a great time for exploring the city’s waterfront and parks.

September to November offers cooler temperatures and vibrant autumn foliage, making it a popular time for holidays to Detroit. September sees average temperatures of around 21°C, which drop to about 8°C by November. Rainfall increases from 60mm in September to 90mm in November, with 6–8 hours of sunshine.

December to March brings winter's chill, with temperatures ranging from -2°C to 5°C. Snowfall is common, especially in January and February, making it perfect for those who enjoy winter sports. Rain and snow combine for around 50–80mm of precipitation, and there’s about 5–6 hours of sunshine a day.

Practical information

• Spoken languages: English is the primary language spoken in Detroit.

• Local habits and customs: Detroiters are known for their friendliness and the pride they take in their city. Tipping is customary in restaurants and for services, typically around 20 percent.

• Currency: The currency is the US dollar (USD). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, but it can be handy to have some cash for tips.

• Getting around: Public transportation includes the QLINE streetcar, which runs along Woodward Avenue, and the People Mover, an elevated train circling downtown. Single People Mover rides cost around $1.50, but the QLINE is free. Taxis and ride-sharing services are also readily available.

• Electricity and plug types: The US uses 120V electricity with Type A and B plugs. UK travellers will need an adaptor.

• Time zone: Detroit is in the Eastern Time Zone (ET), 5 hours behind GMT.

Best things to do in Detroit

Detroit is a city with a rich history, a vibrant culture and a dynamic arts scene. From iconic museums to picturesque parks, there’s no shortage of activities to enjoy during your holidays to Detroit.

Viewpoints and panoramas

• Detroit Riverwalk: A scenic waterfront promenade offering beautiful views of the Detroit River and the Windsor skyline across the border in Canada.

• GM Renaissance Center: Head up to the Detroit Marriott’s seventy-second floor for stunning panoramic views of the city and the river. The Renaissance Center is also home to shops, restaurants and a fascinating visitor centre.

The best districts

• Downtown Detroit: The heart of the city is bustling with restaurants, shops and entertainment venues. Visit Campus Martius Park, a vibrant gathering spot with year-round events.

• Midtown: Known for its cultural institutions, Midtown is home to the Detroit Institute of Arts, the Detroit Historical Museum and the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History.

• Corktown: Detroit’s oldest neighbourhood is full to the brim with historic charm. Be sure to check out the iconic Michigan Central Station.

Parks and gardens

• Belle Isle Park: This beautiful island park on the Detroit River is home to a zoo, aquarium and conservatory. There’s also plenty of space for picnics and outdoor activities.

• Eastern Market: While primarily a market, this area also boasts some lovely green spaces and murals.

Historic monuments

• Motown Museum: Also known as Hitsville USA, this museum is the birthplace of the Motown sound. The tours here provide a fascinating look into the history of Motown Records and its legendary artists.

• Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation: Located in nearby Dearborn, this expansive museum showcases the Rosa Parks bus and some of the first Ford cars.

Day trips in the area

• Ann Arbor: A short drive from Detroit, Ann Arbor is home to the University of Michigan, some charming downtown streets and a number of beautiful parks.

• Greenfield Village: Part of the Henry Ford complex in Dearborn, this outdoor museum offers a step back in time with historic buildings, working farms and vintage rides.

Activities for families in Detroit

Detroit is a fantastic destination for families, offering a variety of activities that cater to all ages.

• Detroit Zoo: Families will love the Detroit Zoo in Royal Oak, which is home to more than 2,000 animals and has attractions like the Arctic Ring of Life and the Australian Outback Adventure.

• Michigan Science Center: This interactive museum makes learning fun with hands-on exhibits in science, technology and engineering.

• Legoland Discovery Center: Located in Auburn Hills, this indoor attraction is perfect for families with younger children, featuring Lego-themed rides, a 4D cinema and play areas.

• Belle Isle Park: Beyond its zoo and aquarium, Belle Isle offers numerous playgrounds and open spaces for children to run and play. The park is also home to the Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory and the Belle Isle Aquarium.

Free things to do in Detroit

Detroit offers plenty of free activities, making it easy to explore the city on a budget.

• Detroit Riverwalk: This scenic walkway along the Detroit River offers stunning views and is perfect for a leisurely stroll or bike ride.

• Campus Martius Park: Located in the heart of downtown, this park hosts free events throughout the year, including concerts, movie nights and ice skating in winter. There’s also a sandy beach that’s popular in the summer.

• Detroit Historical Museum: The museum offers free admission and hosts fascinating exhibits on the city’s rich history, from its founding to its automotive legacy.

• Eastern Market: One of the oldest and largest year-round markets in the US, the Eastern Market is free to explore.

• Heidelberg Project: This outdoor art environment in the McDougall-Hunt neighbourhood features colourful and thought-provoking installations made from found objects. Better still, this open-air art gallery is completely free to visit.

Local dishes in Detroit

Exploring the food and drink scene in Detroit is a highlight of any visit, with dishes and desserts to please all palates.

Some typical dishes

• Coney Island Hot Dogs: A Detroit classic, these hot dogs are topped with chilli, mustard and onions, all served in a steamed bun. Lafayette Coney Island and American Coney Island are two of the most famous spots to try them.

• Detroit-style Pizza: Known for its thick, crispy crust and rectangular shape, this pizza is topped with cheese that extends to the edges, creating a deliciously caramelised crust. Buddy’s Pizza is a local favourite for this.

• Slows Bar BQ: This restaurant is famed for its mouthwatering barbecue dishes, such as the Yardbird Sandwich (smoked chicken with cheese and mushrooms) and its hearty Mac and Cheese servings.

Street food

• Shawarma: Reflecting Detroit’s significant Middle Eastern community, shawarma is a popular street food. These tasty wraps are filled with spiced meat, usually chicken or lamb, along with vegetables and sauces.

• Falafel: These deep-fried balls (made from ground chickpeas or fava beans) are a staple street food, often served in pitta bread with salad and tahini sauce.

Sweets and desserts

• Paczkis: These Polish doughnuts are filled with a variety of sweet fillings, such as custard, jam or chocolate.

• Vernors ginger ale floats: A unique Detroit treat, this dessert drink is made with Vernors Ginger Ale and a scoop of vanilla ice cream, creating a sweet and spicy float.

Local drinks

• Faygo: This locally produced soda comes in a variety of flavours, from the classic Redpop to Rock & Rye. It’s a beloved beverage in Detroit.

• Detroit craft beer: The city has a growing craft beer scene, with breweries like Atwater Brewery and Detroit Beer Co serving up a variety of local brews.

• Detroit Distillery spirits: For something a bit stronger, sample the spirits from Detroit Distillery, which produces a range of craft liquors including bourbon, vodka and gin.