Are you thinking about visiting Detroit, Michigan? Here's what you need to know before planning your trip.
Is Detroit worth visiting?
Detroit is worth visiting for one to three days so that you can explore everything that the city has to offer. Detroit is the largest city in Michigan. Although it's not at the top of many traveler's itineraries, the city offers a unique local atmosphere and a growing art scene. It's history is shaped by the auto industry and its influential music scene.
Detroit, Michigan
Reasons to Visit Detroit
Music
Few cities have such an influential music industry. It's home to Motown and is well known for its soul music, jazz, blues, and rap.
Nightlife
It's long history in music still influences the nightlife scene. You'll find bars, clubs, and other activities around town. Greektown and Midtown are both popular neighborhoods during the evening.
Museums
Popular museums around town include the Detroit Institute of Arts, the Detroit Historical Museum, and the Michigan Science Center.
Food
There's a local flavor to the food with a number of classic dishes that are popular like square pizza, Coney dogs, and corned beef egg rolls.
Shopping
There are several shopping streets like Woodward Avenue. There are also outlet malls, shopping centers, and Eastern Market.
Authenticity
Detroit has an authentic vibe where you can experience local culture, cuisine, and activities without the large tourist crowds of other popular destinations.
Is Detroit worth visiting in the Summer?
The warm weather in summer is one of the reasons people visit at this time of year. Temperatures average around 24°C (74°F) with daily high temperatures often more than 29°C (84°F).
The peak season for travel is summer in Detroit, so expect to see more tourists than usual. Even though this destination is not very touristy, in the high season it's busier than usual because this is when most visitors come here.
This is a great time of year to browse the museums, enjoy the city's energy, and dance the night away.
Summer Weather in Detroit
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| July | 24°C (74°F) | 85 mm (3.4 in) |
| August | 23°C (73°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) |
| September | 19°C (65°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) |
Is Detroit worth visiting in the Autumn?
Autumn is the shoulder season for travel in Detroit. This destination is not very touristy, and in the shoulder season it can become fairly quiet.
You'll find the weather to be very nice here during autumn with average temperatures around 12°C (54°F).
You'll find plenty to do during autumn, as you'll be able to spend time at the museums, discover the big city activities, and listen to some live music.
Autumn Weather in Detroit
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| October | 12°C (54°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| November | 6°C (43°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| December | -1°C (31°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
Is Detroit worth visiting in the Winter?
This is the low season for travel in Detroit. This destination is not very touristy, so in the low season it can become fairly quiet.
The weather in Detroit can be quite cold during winter, and averages around -4°C (25°F). But be prepared for much lower temperatures, too.
During this season it's fun to experience the museums and landmarks, the cuisine, and the nightlife. Also, you can experience the live music and the big city activities.
Winter Weather in Detroit
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| January | -4°C (25°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| February | -3°C (27°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| March | 3°C (37°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
Is Detroit worth visiting in the Spring?
The weather in Detroit can be quite cold during spring, and averages around 9°C (49°F). But be prepared for much lower temperatures, too.
Spring is the shoulder season for travel in Detroit, which means slightly less visitors than in the peak season. This destination is not very touristy, and in the shoulder season it can become fairly quiet.
This is a great time of year to browse the shops, wander through the museums, and listen to some live music. Also, you can enjoy an evening out.
Spring Weather in Detroit
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| April | 9°C (49°F) | 80 mm (3.2 in) |
| May | 16°C (60°F) | 76 mm (3 in) |
| June | 21°C (70°F) | 97 mm (3.8 in) |
Things to Consider Before Visiting Detroit
Not As Family-Friendly
While there are some family activities, it's not as child-friendly as other destinations.
Getting Around
The area is not very walkable, and public transit is not great here, so it might be difficult to get around without arranging your own transportation.
The Cost
Depending on your budget, schedule, and travel style, Detroit might be an expensive destination for you. You can find out the travel costs for Detroit here or see if Detroit is expensive here.
Related
What is Detroit most famous for?
Detroit is most famous for its Motown music, blue collar atmosphere, and influential auto industry. People visit this impressive city for its great music. It's also known for nightlife. And many travelers come for the museums, food, and shopping, as well. It is often described as under-rated, hardworking, and overlooked .
What is the most famous sight in Detroit?
The most popular sight in Detroit is the Henry Ford Experience. You can see prices and costs for this and other sights in Detroit on our travel costs page.
Or, see tickets, activities, and tours for the Henry Ford Experience and other attractions here.
How touristy is Detroit? Is it a popular city to visit?
Detroit is an off-the-beaten-path city that many travelers overlook. Here are some of the most popular activities and tours. (Prices in US Dollars)
- Detroit Red Wings Ice Hockey Game Ticket at Little Caesars Arena: $222
- Self Guided "Detroit's Spirit and History" Solo Walking Tour: $7.75
- Ann Arbor Scavenger Hunt: Ann Arbor Adventure: $12
- Detroit Tigers Baseball Game Ticket at Comerica Park: $6.52
- SEA LIFE Michigan Aquarium Admission Ticket: $25
- LEGOLAND® Discovery Center Michigan Admission Ticket: $26
- Motor City Ghosts Tour: $33
- Murder Mystery Detective Experience Ann Arbor, MI: $15
How long should I spend in Detroit?
The ideal length of time for a trip to Detroit is one to three days. Since Detroit has a variety of activities such as music, most people need this much time to see and do everything here.
If you have a specific amount of time for your trip, see our advice about how much time to spend here: Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Detroit? and Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Detroit?.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.