Detroit City Guide

Try Detroit-style pizza, Coney Island hot dogs, and paczki. The city has Middle Eastern, Mexican, Polish, Asian, and African foods. Vegetarian and vegan options are good. Some places serve late, especially downtown and Midtown.

Detroit nightlife includes techno clubs, live music, breweries, and cocktail bars. Key nightlife areas are Corktown, Midtown, and Downtown.

The city has a strong coffee scene mixing classic diner coffee and specialty shops. Local roasters and third-wave cafés are common.

Tipping is expected in restaurants (15-20%), taxis (15-20%), and personal services. For quick counter service, rounding up is common.

You can buy SIM cards at carrier stores like AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon or electronic retailers like Best Buy. All major carriers offer eSIMs without ID registration for prepaid plans.

Cleanliness varies; downtown and new areas are cleaner. Some neighborhoods have litter or illegal dumping issues.

Some pharmacies (CVS, Walgreens) and convenience stores run 24/7. Emergency rooms are always open, but urgent care clinics mostly work daytime hours.

Supermarkets like Meijer, Kroger, Whole Foods, and Plum Market serve Detroit. Eastern Market offers fresh produce and specialty goods. Stores open mostly 7 AM to 10 or 11 PM and stay open on Sundays and holidays.

Most places accept major cards, so you rarely need cash except for small vendors or tips.

ATMs are easy to find at banks, stores, and supermarkets. Out-of-network withdrawals usually cost $2.50-$5.00 plus your bank's fees.

Detroit Public Schools are the main option. Private schools include University Liggett and Cranbrook nearby. Instruction is mainly in English, with some private schools offering international programs.

The nomad community is small but growing with meetups and co-working spaces in downtown and Midtown. Local tech events offer good networking.

Excellent green spaces with parks like Belle Isle and the Detroit Riverwalk. Lots of shaded walking and running options.

Popular routes include the Detroit Riverwalk and Belle Isle. Running groups exist and races like the Detroit Marathon happen annually. Areas are mostly safe during the day.

Gyms and fitness centers are numerous, including chains and independent studios.

Public tennis courts are common in parks; private clubs offer reserved courts and coaching. Courts are mostly hard surface.

Padel is less common but growing, mostly found in private clubs.

Many yoga studios offer various classes and meditation. Drop-ins and memberships available, all with English-speaking instructors.

Various martial arts gyms offer classes in BJJ, Muay Thai, boxing, Taekwondo, karate, and judo. English-speaking instructors and drop-in classes are available.

Small ski resorts like Mt. Brighton and Pine Knob are about 45 minutes away, offering mostly beginner to intermediate runs with rental gear and artificial snow.

Kayaking, paddleboarding, and sailing are popular on the Detroit River and nearby lakes, with rentals and tours available during warmer months.

No regular surfing. Great Lakes offer occasional wind-driven waves but not typical surf conditions.

Limited diving opportunities with cold water and low visibility in nearby Great Lakes.

Detroit has quality hospitals with English-speaking staff like Henry Ford Hospital and Detroit Medical Center. Care is mostly private and costly without insurance. Pharmacies include CVS and Walgreens with common OTC meds available.

Tap water meets federal and state safety standards and is generally safe to drink.

Parks like Belle Isle and Palmer Park have playgrounds. Family spots include Detroit Zoo and Michigan Science Center. Kid-friendly cafes are common in Midtown and Corktown.

Detroit is generally accepting with a visible LGBTQ+ community, safe spaces, and annual Pride events. Legal protections exist statewide.

Detroit is pet-friendly with dog parks, many pet-welcoming accommodations, and pet supply stores. Veterinary care is widely available.