48 Hours in Detroit: The Ultimate Travel Guide

The ultimate travel guide to Detroit,Michigan I’ll show you where to stay, what to eat and what to do while visiting The D!

As a Michigan gal, I often get requests for travel guides within my amazing state which is why I couldn’t wait to get to Detroit! I’ve already written travel guides for Grand Rapids and Traverse City so it only made sense that I headed east to write about all the best eats, activities and more in The D!

Truth be told: this was originally intended to be my usual 10 Things to Do in 24 Hours travel guide but there were just TOO MANY incredible things to share about the city of Detroit. The food, the people, the energy, it was all out of this world and I can’t wait to share it with all of you. Without further ado, here is your 48 hour travel guide to Detroit:

Eat Lebanese Food at La Pita in Dearborn: One of the MANY reasons I couldn’t wait to visit Detroit is because it is home to the largest Middle Eastern population in the US. Believe it or not, although I am of Middle Eastern descent myself, the area of Michigan where I live (Grand Rapids) has very few Middle Eastern people which means fewer delicious Lebanese restaurants!

As a result, whenever I have the chance to head to the east side of the state, I always hit up La Pita in Dearborn. Hands down, it has the most incredible, authentic Lebanese food I’ve ever tasted outside of my kitchen.

Explore Eastern Market: One of the oldest and largest year-round markets in the United States, you must take time to explore Eastern Market.

Offering all sorts of community events, cooking classes, and open air markets (both farmers markets and craft/artisan markets), the huge complex is definitely worth a visit.

Check-In to Detroit Foundation Hotel: While there are many hotels to choose from in Detroit, I can’t visit the city without staying at the beautiful Detroit Foundation Hotel.

Merging the past and the present, the Detroit Foundation Hotel is actually in the former Fire Department Headquarters! Of course, you’d never know it by walking around.

When you’re there, be sure to grab a drink or a bite to eat in their lobby restaurant, Apparatus Room. I highly recommend the crispy fried cauliflower and the cavatelli.

Sample Local Craft Beer at Founders Brewing Co.: Considering I literally live down the street from the founders of Founders Brewing, there was no way I wasn’t going to check out their new spot in Detroit. This Grand Rapids based brewery is home to many of my favorite beers including All Day IPA and Centennial IPA.

Get Your Coffee Fix: In case you haven’t noticed by now, coffee is my life blood. As a result, I love checking out local coffee shops whenever I travel.

I’ve got two great options for you in Detroit starting with Roasting Plant just a short walk from the hotel. What’s so special about Roasting Plant is that they use their own state of the art custom technology to called Javabot to deliver a just-roasted, brewed-by-the-cup coffee experience.

My second recommendation for great coffee in Detroit is ASHE Supply Co. founded by two Detroit natives who met in high school. They even have a shop on site that sells hand crafted art and clothing.

Grab Drinks and Apps at Grey Ghost: For hand crafted cocktails and incredible food, Grey Ghost is not to be missed.

The Chicago style oysters and fried bologna over a cheddar waffle were two of the best bites of my entire trip.

Enjoy Dinner at The Peterboro: If you love Asian food, head to The Peterboro, a casual restaurant located in Detroit’s Historic Chinatown.

The dumplings are not to be missed and I highly recommend the curried fish as well.

Get Your Game on at Punch Bowl Social: After dinner, head to Punch Bowl Social: a multi-level entertainment complex featuring an arcade, bowling, karaoke, drinks, food and more. Ideal for a girl’s night out or a fun date night – you really can’t go wrong at Punch Bowl Social.

Indulge in a Late Night Eats at Lafayette Coney Island: From the minute I mentioned to anyone I was heading to Detroit, the age-long debate about the best coney in the city would come into the conversation. Whether you pick Lafayette or American, you need to try a coney when you’re in Detroit. (My vote is for Lafayette!)

Start Your Day at Rose’s Fine Food: The ultimate diner experience, be sure to grab breakfast at Rose’s Fine Food. The menu will surprise you featuring bone broth soups, quinoa bowls and more.

Admittedly not one for sweets, you must grab a slice of pie to share with the table. All of the baked goods are made in house and worth every calorie.

Catch a Tigers Game at Comerica Park: Believe it or not, despite living here in Michigan I had never attended a Tigers game until my recent visit to Detroit!

It was such a fun experience – I highly recommend it when you’re in town during baseball season. Comerica Park is also super kid-friendly so bring the whole family for a day of fun!

Grab Lunch in Greektown: Greek food is one of my all time favorites but we don’t have a lot of Greek restaurants where I live. As a result, I couldn’t wait to grab a bite to eat in Detroit’s history Greektown. Pegasus Tavernas is my go-to but you can’t go wrong anywhere on this strip.

Pro Tip: Stop by Astoria Bake Shop and grab a box of pastries to take home. Featuring baklava, black and white cookies, cannolis and more, it’s the perfect edible souvenir.

Bike Detroit’s Riverfront: After all the incredible food you’re going to enjoy in Detroit, be sure to carve out time to get active. My favorite way to take in the sights of the city is to bike along the beautiful, newly restored riverfront. In case you’re curious, check out these amazing before & after photos of the project. Need to rent a bike? No problem – Wheelhouse Detroit has everything you need to get rolling.

Slurp Ramen at Johnny Noodle King: If you’re a ramen lover like I am, Johnny Noodle King is your place. Admittedly, I’m pretty picky when it comes to ramen but this place has it all – the broth, the noodles, the ambiance, you name it.

If you’re not a ramen fan, fret not – they offer a full menu of other incredible Japanese dishes including gyoza, seared mackerel and more.

Experience Detroit’s Live Music Scene: Last but not least, you can’t talk about Detroit without talking about live music. ONEFREQ was performing during my recent visit (they’re amazing, btw!) but be sure to check out the Detroit Metro Times Events Calendar before your visit to see who will be on stage when you’re in town.

Whew…what a whirlwind!! While 48 hours probably isn’t enough time, it just means you’ll need to visit Detroit more than once to get it all in.

Whatever you do, be sure to add Detroit to your travel bucket list this year! You’ll be so glad you did.

Your passport is waiting.

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