Where To Stay In Detroit: 5 Best Areas & Neighborhoods

Detroit is a city that rewards a little curiosity. The old Motor City reputation is still part of the story, but there’s plenty more going on now. Downtown has parks, sports stadiums and plenty of hotels, while Midtown is packed with museums, restaurants and creative spots.

Then there’s Corktown, Detroit’s oldest neighborhood. It dates back to Irish immigrants arriving in the 1840s and has become one of the city’s liveliest areas for food, drinks and nightlife. The beautifully restored Michigan Central Station is another big reason to head this way.

Eastern Market is another interesting pick. It’s known for its huge public market, colorful murals and food scene. New Center, meanwhile, feels a little different, with striking Art Deco buildings and the Motown Museum nearby.

Some neighborhoods are better for first-time visitors, others for museums, nightlife, food or a more local feel. Here’s our take on the best areas to stay in Detroit, including what each neighborhood is like and who it suits best.

In this travel guide:

Corktown

Best area for: history, hipster, nightlife

We’ll start with Detroit’s oldest existing neighborhood, Cocktown. Irish immigrants settled here back in the 1840s, naming it after County Cork. Today, it strikes a great balance between a lived-in residential community and a thriving destination for visitors.

Brightly painted Victorian worker row houses line the side streets. The main drag along Michigan Avenue is packed with historic charm, cobblestone sections, and creative local businesses.

The neighborhood’s massive centerpiece is the restored Michigan Central Station. It used to sit abandoned for decades, but now it serves as an impressive landmark celebrating the city’s comeback. You can easily spend an afternoon grabbing drinks at old-school pubs or checking out local shops.

The other main attractions revolve around professional sports. Comerica Park, Little Caesars Arena, and Ford Field are all a short commute from Corktown.

Some of the bars and restaurants in Corktown offer free shuttles to these games as long as you give them business beforehand. This is a great perk to getting out and being social while in Corktown.

Talking about food, we recommend Folk. It is a cozy, James Beard-nominated neighborhood spot that serves an incredible seasonal brunch. Their specialty coffee drinks and fresh, scratch-made breakfast bowls are unmatched. You get fantastic food right in the heart of a colorful, historic district.

Best place to stay in Corktown

Hotel Trumbull & Porter. Address: 1331 Trumbull Street, Detroit, MI 48216, United States of America.

West Village

Best area for: life like a local, food

West Village sits on Detroit’s east side, just west of the better-known Indian Village. It is one of those neighborhoods that feels surprisingly calm once you leave the bigger roads behind. We found tree-lined streets, handsome old houses and plenty of brick apartment buildings. It feels much more residential than touristy, which is exactly part of its appeal.

The neighborhood grew rapidly between 1905 and 1920, when Detroit was expanding at a serious pace. Many of the houses and apartment buildings date from that period. Queen Anne, Tudor, Colonial Revival and Mediterranean Revival styles all turn up here. The West Village Historic District was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1980.

There is plenty to keep us occupied without feeling like we are ticking off a sightseeing list. Agnes Street and Kercheval Avenue have small shops, cafés and restaurants. Sister Pie is one of the local standouts, especially if you have a weakness for homemade pies and baked treats. Detroit Vegan Soul is another neighborhood favorite.

For coffee, we would head to The Red Hook Detroit on Agnes Street. It is a cozy neighborhood café with an art-filled interior. For breakfast, Norm’s Diner is another good option.

This area works well for travelers who want to see a quieter, more local side of Detroit. Belle Isle is close by too, so it is easy to combine West Village with a trip to the island.

Best place to stay in West Village

Hotel Sonder The Randolph. Address: 139 Cadillac Square, Downtown Detroit, Detroit, 48226, United States of America.

Note: this hotel is not located in West Village but not too far from the area.

Midtown

Best area for: families, central stay

The energy in Midtown is unmatched. Decades ago, this stretch was known as University Cultural Center, serving as the city’s educational and artistic heart. Today, it balances a bustling residential community of students and locals with a steady stream of curious visitors.

The main draw is the sheer density of iconic spots packed into a few walkable blocks. We always hit the Detroit Institute of Arts to see the legendary Diego Rivera murals up close. The Michigan Science Center and Wayne State University campus are right next door, keeping the streets lively all day long. Historic brick apartment buildings sit alongside modern developments, showing off the city’s ongoing transformation.

For dinner, we grab a table at Selden Standard. They serve incredible seasonal small plates and local craft cocktails in a warm, wood-accented space. The roasted meats and house-made pasta never disappoint. It is easily one of our favorite spots for dinner after exploring the galleries. Midtown feels authentic, historic, and forward-looking all at once.

Best place to stay in Midtown

The Inn on Ferry Street. Address: 84 E Ferry St, Detroit, MI 48202, USA.

Eastern Market

Best area for: culture, food

Eastern Market is one of those Detroit neighborhoods where the city feels very close to the surface. The old market sheds, brick buildings and colourful murals give the area plenty of character. It is not really a residential neighborhood in the traditional sense. It is more of a lively market and food district, with locals making up a big part of the crowd.

The market itself has been here since 1891. It started with hay and wood before becoming the huge food market we know today. The district covers 43 acres and is listed on the National

Register of Historic Places. On a Saturday, things get especially busy. Farmers, food vendors and shoppers fill the sheds, and thousands of Detroiters come here to stock up for the week.

We also liked the fact that there is more to Eastern Market than shopping for vegetables. The streets around the market are packed with murals, independent shops, bars and restaurants. The Dequindre Cut Greenway starts nearby and runs towards the riverfront. It is a good way to escape the traffic for a while.

For coffee, we would stop at Germack. It is right in the market district and is known for coffee and roasted nuts. For something more substantial, Vivio’s Detroit is an old-school choice. It has been part of Eastern Market for decades and is particularly known for its Bloody Marys and mussels.

Best place to stay in Eastern Market

Atheneum Suite Hotel. Address: 1000 Brush Avenue, Downtown Detroit, Detroit, MI 48226, United States of America.

Note: this hotel is not located in East Market but not too far from the area.

Downtown

Best area for: shopping, food, nightlife

Finally, let’s talk about Downtown Detroit. This neighborhood went through massive shifts over the centuries. It started as a French fur trading post in 1701 before exploding into the global automotive capital. Today, it has pulled off an unbelievable comeback.

It leans heavily touristy and corporate, but plenty of locals call these high-rise lofts home now. We always start near Campus Martius Park. It has a great ice rink in the winter and a beach setup in the summer. You can easily walk to see games at Comerica Park or Ford Field. The architecture around here will blow you away. You get towering Art Deco skyscrapers standing right next to glassy modern headquarters.

Walking along the Detroit Riverwalk gives you incredible views across the water to Canada.

When we need a caffeine boost, we hit up Dessert Oasis Coffee Roasters on Woodward Avenue. They roast their own beans in-house and serve killer craft lattes. Sitting by their big front windows with a pour-over is our favorite spot to watch the QLine streetcar roll past.

Best place to stay in Downtown

Aloft Hotel at the David Whitney. Address: One Park Ave, Detroit, MI 48226, USA.

Where travel critics stay in Detroit

Want to know where travel critics from publishers like The New York Times, Frommer’s, Fodor’s and Lonely Planet stay in Detroit, Michigan? Check out our overview of all recommended hotels, hostels and B&Bs in Detroit.

Budget

Hotel Courtyard Downtown.

“One of Detroit’s more modern hotels, the Courtyard is connected by skyway to the Renaissance Center; the People Mover links the hotel to the rest of Downtown.” — Fodor’s.

Address: 333 East Jefferson Avenue, Detroit, MI 48226, United States of America.

Mid-range

Foundation Hotel.

“In 2017, this 1929 fire station in the heart of the city was transformed into a boutique hotel that blends modern convenience and style with original architectural features and a strong sense of history. Rooms are spacious and comfortable.” — Lonely Planet.

Address: 250 W Larned St, Detroit, MI 48226, USA.

Luxury

Shinola Hotel.

“New independent hotels have played a vital part in Detroit’s regeneration. Though none embraces the city’s past, present and future as holistically as Shinola. It uses contemporary elements to highlight the city’s history.” — CN Traveler.

Address: 1400 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48336, United States of America.

FAQ: Detroit hotel recommendations

If you’re looking for a budget, boutique, or luxury hotel in Detroit-or maybe your travel plans require an excellent hostel? Want to know which hotel serves the best breakfast? Here are all those answers and more about where to stay in Detroit.

Best time to visit Detroit

The best time to visit Detroit is undoubtedly between the months of June and September. During these warm, sunny months, you’ll find that Detroit truly comes alive with a plethora of outdoor festivals, concerts, and events that cater to every taste and interest.

One of the city’s most renowned events is the annual Detroit River Days Festival, which takes place in June and features live music, delicious food, and awe-inspiring tall ship tours.

In July, the city plays host to the exhilarating Detroit Grand Prix, where you can witness high-speed racing action along the picturesque Detroit River.

And if you’re a fan of all things automotive, you simply cannot miss the Woodward Dream Cruise in August, which showcases over 40,000 classic cars cruising down the iconic Woodward Avenue.

Not only are the summer months the best time to visit Detroit for the incredible lineup of events, but they also offer the perfect weather to explore the city’s many attractions. Take a leisurely stroll through the beautiful Detroit Riverwalk, or spend a day on the water with a kayak tour of the Detroit River.

Art enthusiasts will be captivated by the stunning murals in Eastern Market and the impressive collection at the Detroit Institute of Arts. Sports fans can catch a Detroit Tigers baseball game at Comerica Park, while music lovers can discover the birthplace of Motown at the Hitsville U.S.A. museum.

Best things to do in Detroit

There are numerous things to do in Detroit and surrounding areas, including day trips, attractions, museums, sightseeing tours and many other activities. Here’s our list of 3 things you should definitely do when you’re in and around Detroit:

Detroit’s Rise Fall and Renewal

See why this city that’s officially filed for bankruptcy is still one of America’s greatest underdog stories on a tour that showcases the rise, fall and renewal of Detroit. Price: $29. More info.

Downtown Detroit Walking Tour with a Local

See the real Detroit on this downtown adventure with a local guide. Ride on the elevated People Mover train, see landmarks like Comerica Park, Fox Theater, and the Guardian Building, and sample a Detroit-style Coney dog and baklava in lively Greektown. Price: $29. More info.

Explore the undiscovered beauty of Detroit

Whether you are a visitor or someone who lives in the Detroit Metropolitan area, you will be amazed at the wonderful things Detroit has to offer: history, great architecture, gorgeous places like the Guardian and Fisher building and etc. Price: $97. More info.

More things to do in Detroit

Deciding where to stay in Detroit

To summarize, this article has covered the best areas of Detroit, as well as some hotel tips and things you can do. It’s now up to you to decide which area you prefer.

Top 5 neighborhoods to stay in Detroit

• Corktown
• Downtown
• Midtown
• Eastern Market
• West Village

As you have seen in this travel guide, there are a lot of things to explore, and deciding where to stay in Detroit is important. Whether you stay in Corktown, Downtown, Midtown, Eastern Market or West Village, all those neighborhoods are in good locations.

The atmosphere of the area, whether you travel for leisure or business, whether you travel with your family or friends, and proximity to the attractions you prefer to visit should probably be the deciding factors. Whatever your preference is, you’ll have a great time in Detroit.

Detroit overview

More Detroit tips

Browse through our other guides about the best places to stay in Detroit:

Hotels in Detroit

Hostels in Detroit

Boutique hotels in Detroit

Luxury hotels in Detroit

Cheap hotels in Detroit