If you heard about Detroit a year ago, it was because it was in the center of the biggest municipal bankruptcy in U.S. history. It was part of a story about insurmountable urban decay, financial ruin and unheard of violence. It gave Michigan a bad rep. So a year later, who on Earth would have guessed that Detroit would now be considered one of the most worthy places to travel to in the world?
That’s the verdict of Travel + Leisure, which ranked Detroit No. 27 on the planet as a top destination to visit for 2016. We bet most of you in the Mitten State are still skeptical about this tidbit, so we thought we’d point out some reasons why we think you should change your mind about the Motor City, stat.
Detroit Riverfront
Blue Skyz Studios/Flickr
Mike Boening Photography/Flickr The eastern portion of the Detroit Riverfront alone is three-and-a-half miles and connects you to the Dequindre Cut, a 1.5-mile walking and biking path that sits along the former Grand Trunk Railroad line and gets you to Detroit’s famous Eastern Market. In this fully-restored parkspace, you’ll encounter natural wetlands beauty, views of the Ambassador Bridge and glimpses of street art.
Prohibition-style nightlife
Cafe d’Mongo’s Speakeasy/Facebook
The Sugar House/Facebook Detroit was once infamous for its role in smuggling illegal booze from Canada into the United States, via the ice-covered Detroit River. These days, Detroit is increasingly becoming known for its crafty speakeasy-style bars, where one can procure a high-end cocktail in a sleek, fun environment. Pictured here, Cafe d’Mongo’s Speakeasy and a cocktail from Sugar House.
Architecture
ryanangs/Flickr
james/Flickr In Detroit’s heyday in the early portion of the 20th century, magnificent buildings with awe-striking architectural details were the norm. Pictured here, the Art Deco-style Guardian Building, which houses the Wayne County Commissioners office, and the David Whitney Building, now a boutique hotel and condos.
A world-class museum
Michigan Municipal League/Flickr The Detroit Institute of Art houses some of the most renowned artists or our time, including Diego Rivera’s Detroit Industry mural, which adorns the walls of the museum.
Shopping
John Varvatos/Facebook
John Varvatos/Facebook Not long ago, the very idea of shopping in downtown Detroit was absurd. These days, more high-end retailers like John Varvatos (and soon a massive Nike outlet) are opening up in the city’s center. A promising sign, for sure.
Fine dining
Kuzzo’s Chicken and Waffles/Facebook
Selden Standard/Facebook The past couple of years have really been a renaissance for restaurants in the city. Nearly 100 new eateries have opened in the last two years alone, suggesting that only more are on the way. Pictured here, Kuzzo’s Chicken and Waffles and Selden Standard.
Music
Rain0975/Flickr
Third Man Records/Facebook Detroit is the birthplace of Motown, arguably the most important American genre in history. But it’s also home to a rich history of garage rock, as evidenced by the explosion of acts like Jack White. Pictured here, the Motown Museum and White’s latest venture, Third Man Records.
The airport
DTW/Facebook You can tell there’s always been faith that Detroit was an economic powerhouse simply by looking at the Detroit Metropolitan Airport. It’s full of high-end spas, retailers and gourmet local and national eateries. Don’t be surprised if you decide to linger there before heading into town.
As you can see, there’s a nice mix of history and new that make travel to Detroit especially intriguing. So what’s holding you back? Ready to let go of your perceptions of the city and give it a shot? Tell us too, what are you favorite memories of visiting Motown?
Blue Skyz Studios/Flickr
Mike Boening Photography/Flickr
The eastern portion of the Detroit Riverfront alone is three-and-a-half miles and connects you to the Dequindre Cut, a 1.5-mile walking and biking path that sits along the former Grand Trunk Railroad line and gets you to Detroit’s famous Eastern Market. In this fully-restored parkspace, you’ll encounter natural wetlands beauty, views of the Ambassador Bridge and glimpses of street art.
Cafe d’Mongo’s Speakeasy/Facebook
The Sugar House/Facebook
Detroit was once infamous for its role in smuggling illegal booze from Canada into the United States, via the ice-covered Detroit River. These days, Detroit is increasingly becoming known for its crafty speakeasy-style bars, where one can procure a high-end cocktail in a sleek, fun environment. Pictured here, Cafe d’Mongo’s Speakeasy and a cocktail from Sugar House.
ryanangs/Flickr
james/Flickr
In Detroit’s heyday in the early portion of the 20th century, magnificent buildings with awe-striking architectural details were the norm. Pictured here, the Art Deco-style Guardian Building, which houses the Wayne County Commissioners office, and the David Whitney Building, now a boutique hotel and condos.
Michigan Municipal League/Flickr
The Detroit Institute of Art houses some of the most renowned artists or our time, including Diego Rivera’s Detroit Industry mural, which adorns the walls of the museum.
John Varvatos/Facebook
Not long ago, the very idea of shopping in downtown Detroit was absurd. These days, more high-end retailers like John Varvatos (and soon a massive Nike outlet) are opening up in the city’s center. A promising sign, for sure.
Kuzzo’s Chicken and Waffles/Facebook
Selden Standard/Facebook
The past couple of years have really been a renaissance for restaurants in the city. Nearly 100 new eateries have opened in the last two years alone, suggesting that only more are on the way. Pictured here, Kuzzo’s Chicken and Waffles and Selden Standard.
Rain0975/Flickr
Third Man Records/Facebook
Detroit is the birthplace of Motown, arguably the most important American genre in history. But it’s also home to a rich history of garage rock, as evidenced by the explosion of acts like Jack White. Pictured here, the Motown Museum and White’s latest venture, Third Man Records.
DTW/Facebook
You can tell there’s always been faith that Detroit was an economic powerhouse simply by looking at the Detroit Metropolitan Airport. It’s full of high-end spas, retailers and gourmet local and national eateries. Don’t be surprised if you decide to linger there before heading into town.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
