Detroit's renaissance unfolds: a city of design, art & flavor

Detroit's many nicknames hint at its cultural gravity: The Motor City, Motown, The City of Champions, The Paris of the Midwest, and my personal favorite, The Renaissance City.

Few American cities wear their resilience so visibly, or so proudly, as Detroit. Detroiters possess a singular talent for reinvention and a stubborn optimism about what comes next, all while honoring the history and legacy that's made the city great.

A reimagined riverfront & iconic architecture

With a reimagined riverfront, the triumphant reopening of Michigan Central Station, the near completion of the Gordie Howe International Bridge, and a cascade of James Beard Award nominations energizing its culinary scene, the city hums with fresh momentum and palpable energy.

Must-visit spots & hidden gems

Eastern Market, where vendors still sell heirloom tomatoes and armfuls of peonies, remains a childhood favorite, as does the Detroit Institute of Arts, where Diego Rivera's Detroit Industry frescoes leave you dwarfed, and the Wright Museum, where the story of African American history unfolds.

Summer days are spent biking the perimeter of Belle Isle or ducking into the nation's oldest public aquarium. Visits aren't complete without paying homage at the Motown Museum, currently undergoing a major expansion.

Architecture is part of Detroit's rich inheritance, and the city remains the first and only U.S. city designated a UNESCO City of Design. The Guardian Building, Fisher Building, Lafayette Park, and Wayne State University's campus are all masterpieces of various eras and styles.

Revitalized neighborhoods & creative hubs

Little Village's The Shepherd anchors a burgeoning creative scene, transforming a once-dilapidated Romanesque-style church into a multidisciplinary arts campus.

Corktown's Alpino serves up Alpine-inspired cuisine, while Rose's Fine Food has transformed into an intimate Polish-leaning dinner space.

A food & drink lover's paradise

Detroit's dining scene mirrors the city itself: rooted in immigrant communities, shaped by Black excellence, and propelled by a new generation of chefs who see possibility where others once saw decline.

Ladder 4, Supino Pizzeria, and Tacos Wuey are local institutions, while Baobab Fare, Warda Pâtisserie, and Coriander Kitchen & Farm offer unique flavors reflective of Detroit's diverse heritage.

From bagels at Bev's to chocolates at Bon Bon Bon, Detroit's food scene is as vibrant as its people. And with top-notch coffee shops like Milwaukee Caffè and La Ventana Café, every meal is a celebration.

Shops & galleries that tell a story

Detroit's shops reflect the city's independent spirit: design-forward, community-rooted, and unapologetically original.

Eugenie, Signal-Return, and Pewabic Pottery offer one-of-a-kind items, while Bon Bon Bon crafts inventive, artful chocolates.

Periodicals and Nest & City Bird are go-to spots for niche publications and gifts that feel distinctly Detroit.

Where to lay your head

Stay in the heart of the action at Shinola Hotel, where industrial chic meets refined elegance, or opt for a more intimate neighborhood experience at Honor & Folly or Aleo B&B.

In 2027, the NoMad Hotel will debut at Michigan Central Station, crowning the station's stunning revival.