Lansing City Guide

Local food includes Coney Island hot dogs, pasties, and craft beer. The city has Mexican, Asian, Italian, and Middle Eastern options. Vegetarian and vegan choices are common. Late-night food is available near universities and downtown.

Nightlife is moderate with bars, breweries, and live music in downtown, Old Town, REO Town, and East Lansing.

A growing scene with both chains and specialty local coffee shops focusing on quality and community.

Tipping is expected in the U.S. Typically 15-20% in restaurants, and for taxis, deliveries, and personal services.

Buy SIMs at AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile stores, or Best Buy. These carriers offer good coverage and eSIM support. Bring ID or passport to buy a SIM.

Generally clean streets and good waste management in most areas.

Some pharmacies and convenience stores are 24/7. Emergency rooms operate 24/7 but urgent care usually does not. Some fast food and diners serve late or 24/7.

Supermarkets like Meijer, Kroger, and Whole Foods carry local and international products. Lansing City Market offers fresh local produce. Most stores open early and close late; some are 24/7. Bargaining isn’t practiced.

Most places accept cards, so cash isn’t usually needed. Cash can help with small vendors or rare outages.

ATMs are everywhere at banks and stores. Using out-of-network machines can cost $2.50 to $5.00 plus your bank’s fees.

Lansing has public and private schools with English instruction. Michigan State University and Lansing Community College are nearby. No notable international schools.

Remote work is growing but the digital nomad scene is small. Co-working spaces and cafes exist, with some networking through local groups.

Lots of green spaces and parks, including the river trails and nature centers, good for running and walking.

The Lansing River Trail offers safe, scenic running over 20 miles. Local running clubs and races are common.

Various gym options including chains and local spots.

Public and private tennis courts are available, mostly hard courts. Coaching and memberships are offered at private clubs.

Padel courts are rare but may be found at some private clubs.

Several yoga studios offer different styles, meditation classes, and wellness treatments with English instructors.

Various martial arts gyms offer Taekwondo, Karate, Judo, BJJ, Muay Thai, and Boxing with drop-in options.

Small ski resorts like Mt. Brighton and Pine Knob are about an hour away, mostly beginner to intermediate slopes.

You can kayak or paddleboard on the Grand and Red Cedar Rivers and at Lake Lansing. Rentals and guided tours are available in warmer months.

No surfing as Lansing is inland.

No diving or snorkeling opportunities here.

Hospitals like Sparrow and McLaren have English-speaking staff. Care quality is high but depends on insurance. Pharmacies are common, offering OTC meds and consultations. Emergency number is 911.

Tap water is safe and regularly tested to meet standards.

Many parks have playgrounds and family attractions like Potter Park Zoo and Impression 5 Science Center. Baby supplies are easy to find.

Moderate to high acceptance with inclusive venues, community groups, and annual Pride events. Legal protections exist.

Pet-friendly with parks, pet supply stores, and veterinary clinics. Some accommodations and restaurants allow pets.