36 hours in Detroit gives you the perfect chance to see why this amazing city is rising from the ashes stronger than ever. As your hosts at Detroit Furnished Rentals, we’ve watched this city transform into one of America’s most exciting places to visit. From world-class museums to incredible food and historic landmarks, Detroit packs more fun into 36 hours than most cities offer in a week.
Our furnished studio lofts and one-bedroom units put you right in the heart of it all. With downtown Detroit, cultural spots, and sporting venues just steps away, you’ll have easy access to everything on this list.
Whether you’re here for work, play, or just exploring, we’ve got the inside scoop on making your 36 hours unforgettable.
Table of Contents
Must-Visit Places for Your 36-Hour Detroit Adventure
1. Detroit Institute of Arts
Start your Detroit journey at one of America’s finest art museums. The Detroit Institute of Arts houses an incredible collection that tells the story of human creativity across thousands of years. The star attraction is Diego Rivera’s massive “Detroit Industry” mural that celebrates the city’s working spirit and industrial heritage.
⭐ Rating: 4.8/5 with over 13,000 reviews
💵 Price Level: $12.50 admission
📍 Location: 5200 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48202
📞 Phone: +1313-833-7900
⏰ Opening Hours: Tuesday-Thursday 9 AM-4 PM, Friday 9 AM-9 PM, Saturday 10 AM-5 PM, Sunday 10 AM-5 PM (Closed Mondays)
Learn more about Detroit Institute of Arts
2. Motown Museum
No 36 hours in Detroit is complete without visiting the birthplace of the Motown sound. This small house on West Grand Boulevard is where Berry Gordy created the music that changed the world. Walk through Studio A where legends like Diana Ross, Stevie Wonder, and Marvin Gaye recorded their biggest hits.
⭐ Rating: 4.7/5 with over 6,400 reviews
💵 Price Level: $20 admission (book ahead!)
📍 Location: 2648 Berry Gordy Jr. Boulevard, Detroit, MI 48208
📞 Phone: +1313-875-2264
⏰ Opening Hours: Tuesday-Friday 10 AM-6 PM, Saturday 10 AM-8 PM, Sunday 10 AM-6 PM (Closed Mondays)
Learn more about Motown Museum
3. Detroit RiverWalk
The Detroit RiverWalk is one of the best places to see the city’s amazing comeback. This beautiful path stretches for miles along the water, offering stunning views of Canada across the Detroit River. You’ll find art, cafes, a wetland area, and even a Detroit River-themed carousel.
⭐ Rating: 4.8/5 with over 6,000 reviews
💵 Price Level: Free to walk
📍 Location: 1340 Atwater St, Detroit, MI 48207
📞 Phone: +1313-566-8200
⏰ Opening Hours: Daily 6 AM-10 PM
Learn more about Detroit RiverWalk
4. Belle Isle
This 982-acre island park feels like Detroit’s secret garden. Belle Isle has something for everyone – a beautiful conservatory, aquarium, lighthouse, beaches, and amazing city views. It’s the perfect place to relax during your 36 hours in Detroit.
⭐ Rating: 4.7/5 with over 2,100 reviews
💵 Price Level: Free (parking fee may apply)
📍 Location: Detroit, MI
The Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory is especially beautiful, and the sunset views from the island are unforgettable.
Learn more about Belle Isle
5. Guardian Building
This Art Deco masterpiece is one of Detroit’s most beautiful buildings. The Guardian Building’s lobby is covered in colorful Pewabic tiles and features amazing Native American and Aztec-inspired designs. The building is open 24/7, so you can visit anytime during your 36 hours in Detroit.
⭐ Rating: 4.7/5 with over 2,400 reviews
💵 Price Level: Free to enter lobby
📍 Location: 500 Griswold St, Detroit, MI 48226
📞 Phone: +1313-963-4567
⏰ Opening Hours: 24/7
Learn more about Guardian Building
6. The Belt
This colorful alley is where Detroit’s artsy side really shines. The Belt is covered in beautiful murals and fairy lights, with great bars like Standby, the Skip, and Deluxx Fluxx. It’s the perfect place for evening drinks during your 36 hours in Detroit.
⭐ Rating: 4.6/5 with nearly 600 reviews
💵 Price Level: Free to walk, drinks vary
📍 Location: The Belt, Detroit, MI 48226
⏰ Opening Hours: 24/7 (bars have their own hours)
Learn more about The Belt
7. Michigan Central Station
Michigan Central Station is now a symbol of Detroit’s comeback story.
⭐ Rating: 4.8/5 with over 2,300 reviews
💵 Price Level: Free tours
📍 Location: 2001 15th St, Detroit, MI 48216
⏰ Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday 8 AM-5 PM
The Grand Hall will take your breath away – it’s like stepping into history.
Learn more about Michigan Central Station
8. Spirit Plaza
Home to two of Detroit’s most famous public artworks, Spirit Plaza is a must-see stop. “The Spirit of Detroit” and the “Monument to Joe Louis” (also called “The Fist”) are iconic symbols of the city’s strength and spirit.
⭐ Rating: 4.7/5 with over 500 reviews
💵 Price Level: Free
📍 Location: 2 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48226
⏰ Opening Hours: Daily 6 AM-10 PM
Learn more about Spirit Plaza
9. The Henry Ford Museum
Just outside Detroit in Dearborn, The Henry Ford is one of America’s greatest history museums. See the car that started it all, along with incredible displays of American innovation and creativity.
⭐ Rating: 4.8/5 with over 30,000 reviews
💵 Price Level: Various ticket options available
📍 Location: 20900 Oakwood Blvd, Dearborn, MI 48124
📞 Phone: +1313-982-6001
⏰ Opening Hours: Daily 9:30 AM-5 PM
Learn more about The Henry Ford
10. Eastern Market
One of America’s oldest and largest farmers’ markets, Eastern Market is perfect for grabbing fresh food and seeing local art. The weekend markets are especially lively, and the surrounding streets are covered in beautiful murals.
💵 Price Level: Free to walk, vendors vary
📍 Location: 2934 Russell St, Detroit, MI 48207
⏰ Opening Hours: Saturday is the main market day (6 AM-4 PM)
Don’t miss the amazing street art on the surrounding buildings – it’s some of the best in the city.
Where to Eat During Your 36 Hours in Detroit
Dime Store – Best Brunch
This downtown favorite serves the most creative eggs Benedict you’ll ever try. Their Cuban rice bowl and chunky monkey pancakes are legendary among locals.
⭐ Rating: 4.6/5 with over 3,100 reviews
💵 Price Level: Moderate ($15-20 per person)
📍 Location: 719 Griswold St, Detroit, MI 48226
📞 Phone: +1313-962-9106
⏰ Opening Hours: Daily 8 AM-3 PM
Learn more about Dime Store
Baobab Fare – East African Excellence
This award-winning restaurant serves incredible East African food. Try their famous nyumbani (slow-cooked beef). The owners are James Beard Award semifinalists!
⭐ Rating: 4.8/5 with over 1,400 reviews
💵 Price Level: Moderate ($20-30 per person)
📍 Location: 6568 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48202
📞 Phone: +1313-265-3093
⏰ Opening Hours: Tuesday-Sunday 11 AM-9 PM (Closed Mondays)
Learn more about Baobab Fare
Leila Restaurant – Lebanese Flavors
For amazing Lebanese food in a beautiful setting, Leila is perfect. The building was designed by Louis Comfort Tiffany, and the food is just as spectacular as the stained glass.
⭐ Rating: 4.5/5 with over 1,000 reviews
💵 Price Level: Moderate ($25-35 per person)
📍 Location: 1245 Griswold St, Detroit, MI 48226
📞 Phone: +1313-816-8100
⏰ Opening Hours: Monday-Thursday 5-10 PM, Friday-Saturday 4-11 PM, Sunday 4-10 PM
Learn more about Leila Restaurant
Evening Entertainment Options
Cliff Bell’s Jazz Club
This legendary jazz club has been showcasing incredible music since 1935. The restored interior is stunning, with mahogany walls and gold leaf ceilings. It’s the perfect way to spend an evening during your 36 hours in Detroit.
⭐ Rating: 4.5/5 with over 2,300 reviews
💵 Price Level: Expensive ($20-30 cover charge)
📍 Location: 2030 Park Ave, Detroit, MI 48226
📞 Phone: +1313-961-2543
⏰ Opening Hours: Wednesday-Thursday 5-11 PM, Friday-Saturday 5 PM-midnight, Sunday 4-9 PM
Learn more about Cliff Bell’s Jazz Club
Shelby Speakeasy
This cozy speakeasy in a restored 1920s bank vault serves amazing cocktails, including the Detroit-invented Last Word. The atmosphere is perfect for a romantic evening.
⭐ Rating: 4.5/5 with over 400 reviews
💵 Price Level: Moderate ($12-18 per cocktail)
📍 Location: 607 Shelby St, Detroit, MI 48226
⏰ Opening Hours: Wednesday-Thursday 5 PM-midnight, Friday-Saturday 5 PM-1 AM
Learn more about Shelby Speakeasy
Candy Bar
This pink paradise at the Siren Hotel serves fancy cocktails in a bubblegum-colored setting. It’s Instagram-worthy and delicious!
⭐ Rating: 4.3/5 with over 570 reviews
💵 Price Level: Moderate to expensive
📍 Location: 1509 Broadway St, Detroit, MI 48226
⏰ Opening Hours: Monday-Thursday 4 PM-midnight, Friday-Saturday 4 PM-2 AM, Sunday 4 PM-midnight
Learn more about Candy Bar
Tips for Making the Most of Your 36 Hours in Detroit
From our experience hosting guests, here are the best tips for maximizing your 36 hours in Detroit:
Book Museum Tours Ahead: The Motown Museum fills up fast, especially on weekends. Buy tickets online before you arrive.
Try Detroit-Style Pizza: Don’t leave without trying authentic Detroit-style pizza. Buddy’s Pizza is the original, but there are great options throughout the city.
Use Free Transportation: The People Mover and QLINE are both free and perfect for getting around downtown without a car.
Pack Layers: Detroit weather can change quickly, so bring a light jacket even in summer.
Download MoGo App: If you want to bike around, the MoGo bike-share system has stations all over the city.
Check Event Calendars: Detroit always has something happening – from sports games at Little Caesars Arena to concerts at the Aretha Franklin Amphitheatre.
Final Thoughts on Your 36 Hours in Detroit
Your 36 hours in Detroit will show you why this city is one of America’s greatest comeback stories. From the incredible art at the Detroit Institute of Arts to the soulful sounds at the Motown Museum, from stunning architecture like the Guardian Building to the peaceful beauty of Belle Isle, Detroit offers experiences you can’t find anywhere else.
Staying with Detroit Furnished Rentals puts you right in the heart of all this excitement. Our centrally located properties mean you’re never far from the next great Detroit experience. Whether you’re here for work or play, our comfortable furnished units with dedicated workspaces and modern amenities make the perfect home base for exploring the Motor City.
Ready to experience the best of Detroit? Book your stay with us and discover why 36 hours in Detroit is just the beginning of falling in love with the Motor City.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best way to spend 36 hours in Detroit as a first-time visitor?
Start with the Detroit Institute of Arts and Motown Museum for culture, then explore downtown via the Detroit RiverWalk and Belle Isle. End with dinner in one of our amazing restaurants and drinks in The Belt.
Is Detroit safe for tourists during a 36-hour visit?
Yes! Downtown Detroit and the main tourist areas are very safe, especially during daytime. Like any major city, stay aware of your surroundings and stick to well-lit areas at night. Our properties are located in safe, well-maintained neighborhoods.
What’s the best food to try during 36 hours in Detroit?
You must try Detroit-style pizza, Lebanese food (we have one of the largest Arab-American populations in the US), and soul food. Don’t miss the creative brunch scene at places like Dime Store. Check out our Detroit takeout guide for more local favorites.
How do I get around Detroit without a car during my 36-hour visit?
Downtown Detroit is very walkable, plus you can use the free People Mover and QLINE. Bike rentals through MoGo are perfect for longer distances, and rideshare services work well.
What should I pack for 36 hours in Detroit?
Comfortable walking shoes are essential! Pack layers since Michigan weather changes quickly. Bring a camera for all the amazing architecture and street art. If you’re staying with us, we provide everything else you need in our fully furnished units.
Can I see both downtown Detroit and Belle Isle in 36 hours?
Absolutely! Belle Isle is easily accessible from downtown Detroit via car, bike, or rideshare. Plan 3-4 hours for Belle Isle to see the conservatory, aquarium, and enjoy the views.
