What to do in Downtown Detroit for two days?

There are many unique things to do in Downtown Detroit, but it depends what your interests are.

If you're a big reader, you have to go to John King Books on the western edge of downtown. It is four stories of used books of every type in every category you could imagine. Arguably the best used bookstore in the world!

If the weather is nice enough, rent a bike from Wheelhouse Detroit on the river near the Ren Cen and bike the Riverwalk and the Dequindre Cut: a truly unique experience.

On Saturdays, check out the Eastern Market, the largest public market district in the country. Check out all of the unique shops like R. Hirt, Rocky Peanuts, Cost Plus Wine, antique shops and plenty of food and farmer stalls. While there, try the best Bloody Mary in town at Vivio's.

If you're a sports fan, check out a Red Wings hockey game, a Tiger's Baseball game, or a Lions Football game. All of the stadiums are Downtown, and the gift shops should be open even if the team isn't playing.

If live music is your thing, check out what's playing at St. Andrew's Hall, The Fox Theatre, The Fillmore, The Majestic and Magic Stick or any of several smaller bars downtown. There is live music almost every night somewhere downtown.

If you're into architecture, especially Art Deco, there are some of the best examples in the world in Downtown Detroit. There are free tours of the incredible Guardian Building. You can also check out the Penobscot Building and the newly restored Cadillac and Fort-Shelby Hotels, all downtown, and the old GM Headquarters (now called Cadillac Place) and the Fisher Building in the New Center part of town, about three miles from downtown. There are little places to have lunch in all of these buildings.

For an incredible meal in a magnificent old Lumber Baron's mansion, eat at the Whitney near Wayne State and the Medical Center.

There is often some great live theater in the downtown area. Look into the Hillberry and Bonstelle Theaters at Wayne State, just north of downtown, or the Abreact Theater just west of downtown.

Take an afternoon to take the Tunnel Bus to Windsor Canada across the river. It's $3.75 each way and will drop you off in the middle of downtown Windsor. Plenty of nice restaurants and pubs to visit.

There really isn't much shopping left downtown, but check out the Pure Detroit stores in the Ren Cen and the Fisher Building: lots of unique merchandise.

Make sure to check out the Detroit Film Theater at the Detroit Institute of Arts. They show some great films, and the Museum is worth a visit too.

Take a look at the Metro Times calendar on line to see what's going on, and have a great time!

I hope you are able to come, there are fun things to do in Downtown Detroit without a car. 1st of all, there is a very inexpensive train called the people mover that will take you around a loop in the city. Ask your hotel for a map of the routes, that will help you get around. I highly recommend going for dinner at SLOWS. This is by far the best slow bbq place, you may need to get a cab to get there, but it's 100% worth it. Also even if you dont gamble the casinos are fun to walk through. Greek town is a great place for a bite to eat and atmosphere. Right across from the Renaissance Center is a very cool antique shop with historical items. Also there are museums that are excellent. African American Museum, Art museum, there is a planitarium at the Science museum that is excellent. If you look in advance, there may be a show playing at the Detroit opera house, or a concert at the FOX theatre, both beautiful locations. Also there is a park right down the street from the REN CEN, that has a water fountain, and festivals often throughout summer, although it might be to late for any of that now the river walk and the park are a great way to take a look at the river, and enjoy yourself for an afternoon. Hope this helps!

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RE:

What to do in Downtown Detroit for two days?

My husband has to travel to Detroit for work in a couple of weeks. I am thinking that it might be fun to take a couple of days to getaway with him while he is there...what could I do for two days in Downtown Detroit without a car? He will be working in the big GM Renaissance center, and the hotel...

GM Renaissance Centre itself is not much of an attraction.

You can go to MGM Grand Casino.

For shopping, go to the suburbs of Detroit. You'd need a car because they are about 20-30 minutes out. The shopping is fun (lots of branded stores, e.g. Saks).