Just a few years ago, it was hard to imagine associating Detroit with words like innovation, or transformation, or modernism.  

Yes, those phrases encapsulated the spirit of ‘Motor City,’ the birthplace of the American auto industry, and ‘Motown,’ where Berry Gordy introduced legendary artists such as Diana Ross, The Jackson Five, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder and many others. The city’s location along the Detroit River, its international access to Canada, its architecture and grand boulevards all helped make Detroit the fourth most populous in the United States and arguably one of America’s wealthiest and most influential.  

Then came the industrial decline and an ensuing downward spiral eventually leading to the devastating news in 2013, when the city, drowning in $18 billion in debt, became the largest municipality in the country to declare for Chapter 9 bankruptcy.  

Now, more than a decade later, there’s yet another chapter to be written in the story of Detroit, a renaissance in a city that has once again embraced innovation, transformation and modernism. Behind private and public investments, 6% job growth over the last 10 years, an 18% increase in adults 25-54 years old, and initiatives such as infrastructure improvements, revitalized neighborhoods and a thriving downtown filled with green spaces, diverse eateries, entertainment and professional sports, Detroit is on the move again, living up to the phrase seen around town, “Detroit hustles harder.” 

Why Detroit 

• Cars wouldn’t be cars, music wouldn’t be music and culture wouldn’t be culture without Detroit. The birthplace of five music genres, including Motown, funk and techno, Detroit has inspired creators and visitors for decades. Known as the "Motor City," Detroit’s spirit of innovation continues today with its leadership in sustainable mobility, including the completion of the country’s first EV charging road.  

• Detroit boasts a thriving culinary scene with over 1,000 restaurants, featuring nationally acclaimed chefs and local favorites, from innovative fine dining to classic Detroit coney dogs.  

• The city is home to more than 200 parks and open spaces, including the beautiful Belle Isle Park, an island gem larger than New York City’s Central Park.  

• Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW) offers more than 140 non-stop destinations and is one of the largest hubs in the U.S., making it easily accessible for domestic and international visitors.  

What’s New in Detroit  

• Nearly $20 billion have been invested in downtown Detroit’s resurgence, including new hotels, restaurants, entertainment venue and public spaces. 

• Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Centennial Park is a 22-acre green space on the riverfront that opened in Fall 2025.

• Detroit was named City of the Year 2026 in the Wallpaper* Design Awards in recognition of its revitalization. 

• The city’s restaurants are being vetted for possible inclusion in the MICHELIN Guide American Great Lakes edition making its debut in 2027. 

There are plenty of options when it comes to things to see and do in Detroit, as well as places to grab a bite to eat. Here are a few spots to pique your interest. 

See 

The Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation 

Located just outside of Detroit, The Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation is the largest indoor-outdoor museum complex in the U.S. Here, visitors step into the past while celebrating the future while they explore historic artifacts from American innovation, including the Rosa Parks bus and the Wright Brothers’ plane.  

The Detroit Institute of Arts 

One of the top art museums in the country, the Detroit Institute of Arts boasts an impressive collection of more than 65,000 pieces of art ranging from ancient artifacts to contemporary masterpieces. Art lovers will find Diego Rivera’s “Detroit Industry Murals,” considered one of the finest works of 20th century American art.  

Amazing Architecture 

Detroit is a city filled with amazing architecture, including Art Deco, Arts and Crafts, Neo-Gothic, Tudor-Revival, Neo-Renaissance and more. Myriad architecture tours are available, including several different tours with Preservation Detroit, Detroit Food & City Tours and Detroit History Tours. 

Motown Museum 

Reopening in spring 2027, step into music history at the legendary Motown Museum, where audiophiles can tour the original recording studio and home of Berry Gordy’s Motown Records. This museum celebrates the birthplace of hits from legends like Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye and Diana Ross. 

For more activities and ideas, ask your ALHI GSO. 

Do

Take a Detroit Food Tour 

Explore the city’s tantalizing culinary scene with a food tour with the likes of Detroit Food & City Tours through Detroit’s diverse neighborhoods. From the fresh produce and gourmet food stands in Eastern Market, one of the oldest and largest historic public markets in the U.S., to Corktown’s cutting-edge restaurants, foodies can sample Detroit-style pizza with its thick, square crust and caramelized cheese edges; Detroit Cony Dogs, a variation on the classic with a chili topping; pierogi; and other iconic local flavors. There’s also an Underground Donut Tour for those with a sweet tooth. 

The Riverwalk 

Detroit’s Riverwalk stretches along the aptly named Detroit River, affording picturesque views of the water and city skyline. Whether running, walking, biking, or simply enjoy the scenery, the Riverwalk is a great spot to relax and take in the beauty of the city. And for those who want to be a bit more active, there are sand volleyball courts, bicycle rentals and a “Fit Park” with exercise equipment to get the blood pumping.  

Catch a Game 

Photo: Visit Detroit / Ford Field

Detroit is passionate about its sports teams, and there’s no shortage of action for visitors. In fact, it’s the only city in the country where all four major sports teams play within a three-block radius downtown: the Detroit Lions (NFL), Detroit Tigers (MLB), Detroit Red Wings (NHL) and Detroit Pistons (NBA). Whichever sport they choose, sports enthusiasts can experience the energy of “The D” and its devoted sports fans nearly year-round. 

For more activities and ideas, ask your ALHI GSO. 

Eat 

The Apparatus Room 

Located inside the stunning Detroit Foundation Hotel, The Apparatus Room blends historic architecture with modern flair. The restaurant’s refined menu features American cuisine with a local twist, crafted by a James Beard Award-winning chef. Sit back, relax and linger over a breakfast, brunch, lunch or dinner that you are sure to remember.   

Selden Standard 

Photo: Visit Detroit/Selden Standard

Known for its fresh, farm-to-table approach, Selden Standard offers seasonal small plates in an open, industrial-chic, convivial space. From locally sourced vegetables to artisanal pizza, the menu is constantly evolving, making each visit unique.  

Ladder 4 Wine Bar 

Photo: ladder4winebar.com

Housed in a 1910 firehouse, the team at Ladder 4 Wine Bar serves the type of dinners you would if you could throw a party in your dream wine cellar. Led by James Beard Award-nominated chef John Yelinek, the menu changes with the seasons and is served alongside some of the best sips of wine you’ll find. 

For more activities and ideas, ask your ALHI GSO. 

Stay 

Detroit Foundation Hotel 

As the former home of the 1929 Fire Department Headquarters and the Pontchartrain Wine Cellars, the Detroit Foundation Hotel captures the essence of the city’s history, in the heart of the city. Restored in 2017, the boutique pet-friendly hotel features 100 exquisitely appointed guest rooms, two dining experiences and an events calendar that connects guests to the neighborhood and the city.   

For more activities and ideas, ask your ALHI GSO.