When you picture Detroit, it might seem like a distant city in the Midwest; a place known as the “Motor City,” steeped in a bygone era of Americana and the Industrial Revolution. However, once you set foot in this vibrant place, you’ll quickly realize that it holds a treasure trove of discoveries waiting to be explored.

 

 

Detroit proudly holds the distinction of being the first and only U.S. city designated as a UNESCO City of Design, and it might surprise you with its vivacious tapestry of culture and history. While the exterior embodies a rugged, industrial spirit, the inside unveils a heart and soul filled with life and energy. At the core of Detroit is a community of entrepreneurs, musicians, creatives, friends, and neighbors, all connected by a shared legacy and culture that honors the past. 

Now is the perfect time to visit, so plan ahead before the brutal winter sets in. Be prepared for techno raves and DJ sets, outdoor art installations, open-air farmers’ markets, vintage flea vendors, lush gardens, and a James Beard Award-nominated culinary scene. 

Dive into TEETH’s guide to Detroit, curating where to eat, shop, stay, and wander in a city making things on its own terms.

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TO STAY: THE SIREN HOTEL & SHINOLA HOTEL

 

Nestled in the historic Wurlitzer building, The Siren Hotel is a slice of glam heaven that is worth a special visit, even if you’re just passing through. As soon as you walk in, a moody, dimly lit lobby with jewel-toned interiors, sage-green-washed walls, and seating areas invites you to grab a drink and relax. The vintage blush-pink conversation sofa complements Candy Bar‘s pink-draped entrance, their charming drink spot just across the room.

Grab a coffee, flavored matcha, or pastry from the café, then explore the gift shop, stocked with delicious sweet treats and snacks, a stylish display of print magazines from local magazine shop Periodicals, and branded soaps, lotions, and potions to take home. Our favorite special touch is the designated drop-off area where you can leave your used film canisters for local pickup and scanning.

 

Ascend to the suites on the upper floors, where breathtaking views of the lively downtown Detroit await. From your vantage point, marvel at landmarks such as the iconic Comerica Park and the elegant Detroit Opera House, and catch a glimpse of the People Mover—a complimentary three-mile train journey that effortlessly weaves through the heart of the city in 15 minutes. 

Once inside your suite, you’ll be greeted by a bed draped in pristine white linens that invites relaxation, and a custom-embroidered blanket that adds a touch of warmth and individuality to the space. The bathroom features a striking interplay of green tiles that pop against the sleek black granite surfaces, creating a stunning contrast with the hotel’s warm pink and deep maroon decor. 

 

Just a quick stroll southwest will lead you to the fabulous Shinola Hotel. Celebrating its Detroit roots, this hotel combines two historic buildings on Woodward Avenue: a charming former department store and the iconic Singer sewing machine factory. Unlike the Siren, Shinola embraces a more robust design, blending mid-century and minimalist contemporary elements with dynamic pops of color. 

As you stroll through, the melodies of Motown fill the air, inviting you to immerse yourself in the rich history that echoes within these magnificent walls. The hotel dazzles with warm brown leathers, rich wood tones, and art from the renowned Library Street Collective. The hidden office tucked away up the staircase in the main seating area is a delightful and quiet spot to enjoy a cocktail or get some work done.

 

Upon entering your room, you’re welcomed by breathtaking views of the lively Woodward Avenue through expansive windows. To your left, a cozy king-size bed adorned in crisp white sheets beckons you to relax and recharge. To your right, a state-of-the-art sound system awaits, ready to fill your stay with soulful melodies. And let’s not overlook the luxurious soaking tub and steam shower—ideal for unwinding after a day of adventure. 

Additional contenders: ALEO (a cute four-room bed-and-breakfast in Little Village), Detroit Foundation Hotel (strikes a balance between modern and classic in a former firehouse).

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TO BITE: BAR CHENIN & ROSE’S

 

Bar Chenin, located at the back of the Siren Hotel and accessible through a brick-lined alleyway, is the perfect spot for happy hour. This intimate bar, which doesn’t accept reservations, recently received a James Beard nomination for Best New Bar thanks to its impressive selection of biodynamic and natural wines, cocktails, small bites, and house-made gelato. Among the small bites, you can enjoy snacks like anchovies, olives, and a mortadella plate (also available as a sandwich with pistachio pesto).

Established by Chef Molly Mitchell, Rose’s made a comeback this year with a new menu focused on nourishing, seasonal items sourced from local produce vendors. Her cuisine reimagines traditional Polish dishes with a modern twist, featuring standout items such as Polish nachos (house-made chips topped with trout roe, smoked whitefish, and crème fraîche), pierogies, and a dill pickle martini. 

Enjoy a lovely indoor atmosphere adorned with fresh flowers and plants, along with empty wine bottles covered in candle wax drippings. Alternatively, you can set up outside in the beautiful garden to enjoy a happy hour with friends when the weather is warm.

Also worth a nibble: Selden Standard (wood-fired, shareable small plates), Warda Pâtisserie (female-owned, Algerian-inspired pastries), Trinosophes Cafe (fresh, local vegetarian fare).

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TO DINE: SAN MORELLO & FLOWERS OF VIETNAM

 

Right on Woodward Avenue, tucked into the front of the Shinola Hotel, San Morello is the kind of restaurant that makes you forget you’re in a hotel at all. Chef Andrew Carmellini (the James Beard-winning force behind New York favorites like Locanda Verde and Lafayette) brought his take on Southern Italian cooking to Detroit, and it shows in every corner of the sun-drenched dining room. Think blistered, wood-fired pizzas, silky handmade pastas, and desserts worth saving room for, all served up in a space that’s equal parts elegant and easygoing. Grab a table by the windows for people-watching on Woodward, order a little bit of everything, and settle in for a tasty treat.

Flowers of Vietnam, housed in a former Coney Island diner in Southwest Detroit’s Mexicantown, delivers the kind of meal you’ll still be thinking about days later. Start with the caramel chicken wings—sticky, crisp, borderline addictive—and the green papaya salad for something bright and cooling, then work your way to the jasmine tea-smoked duck breast or the shaking beef, both practically non-negotiable at this point. Pair it all with a cocktail off their surprisingly deep list, or let the wine menu do the talking, and settle into the retro-cool dining room, neon sign glowing in the window.

 

For the foodies: Norms Diner (good old-fashioned diner vibes serving breakfast all day), Vecino (elevated modern Mexican), Takoi (modern Thai with seasonal offerings), Puma (great tunes and South American street food).

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TO SIP: PUMA & CANDY BAR

We’ve already mentioned this place as a dining option, but if you’re looking for a cool spot to enjoy a drink with great music, you definitely need to check out Puma. Here, Chef Javier Bardauil offers contemporary Latin cuisine that combines food, beverages, music, and art. Located in a revamped car wash, the venue features vibrant pops of red throughout its design. You can sip on a tropical-inspired cocktail while seated at the sleek all-black bar, enjoying live DJ sets played through a custom-designed sound system.

 

 

Adorned with a sparkling disco ball overhead and flickering candle-lit tables, Candy Bar sets the perfect stage for an unforgettable girls’ night out. The drinks are absolutely delicious, and the lively music and cozy ambiance make everything feel just right. Kick off your evening with an invigorating espresso martini while sinking into the plush red velvet seating. Staying true to its whimsical name, this fabulous bar offers a delicious array of cocktails and a retro atmosphere that transports you back in time. Visitors adore this lively spot, and its stunning chandelier makes it one of Detroit’s most Instagrammable locations. 

More bar hops: Vesper Books & Wine (cookbook shop and wine bar in one), Father Forgive Me (indoor/outdoor wine and cocktail bar), Ladder 4 Wine Bar (casual wine bar inside an old firehouse).

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TO SHOP: COUP D’ÉTAT & EUGENIE

 

Coup D’état doesn’t do boring. Housed inside Detroit’s iconic Lantern Building on the east side, this boutique is part fashion destination, part sensory experience—the kind of place to go for a browse and leave an hour later having bought a funky Collina Strada top, a psychedelic vase you didn’t know you needed, and a book on color combinations. The racks read like a well-edited mood board: Eckhaus Latta, MM6 Margiela, Sandy Liang, Ottolinger, Priscavera, alongside a fierce lineup of Detroit-grown designers who deserve the spotlight just as much. Coup D’état blurs the line between shopping and self-exploration, and that’s exactly why we love it.

EUGENIE is proof that conscious shopping doesn’t mean sacrificing style. This boutique is built on a simple but rare premise: fashion that actually cares about the people making it, the planet it’s made on, and the women-owned, independent labels doing the hard work. Among our favorites on the shelves: Tigra Tigra, the boldly feminine label from founder Bailey Hunter, whom we recently sat down with for an interview on TEETH. So if her pieces catch your eye in store, you already know the story behind them.

 

Atelier Detroit is a relatively new shop founded by Darren Barrowcliff, a Parsons graduate and menswear designer known for his love of high-end vintage fashion and rare artifacts. Although the store primarily focuses on menswear, it also features pieces and accessories that can enhance the sophistication and tailoring of anyone’s wardrobe.

Vetted side quests: LITO (Latina-owned designer and vintage finds), Boro (minimalist vintage with a feminine flair), and Catalogue (casual curated vintage next door to Boro).

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TO PERUSE: PERIODICALS & PEOPLES RECORDS

 

Step into Periodicals, a vibrant, stylish magazine and concept store owned by the inspiring Aleiya Olu. As you wander through the shop, you’ll encounter an array of hidden gems waiting to be discovered, from thought-provoking periodicals to beautifully crafted fashion publications, all in need of your support in her mission to revive print.

Aleiya, a dynamic and innovative Black female entrepreneur and a talented furniture designer, infuses her creative spirit into every corner of the store. Her workspace reflects her artistry, featuring stunning chair designs that are both functional and visually striking, alongside captivating art pieces that tell their own stories. Each item showcases her commitment to craftsmanship and design, inviting you to appreciate the beauty of art in everyday life.

Fun fact: Periodicals proudly collaborates with the Siren Hotel, offering a small selection of magazines available in its charming gift shop. 

 

Detroit truly shines as the birthplace of Motown, techno, and so much more. For nearly 15 years, Peoples Records has been a cherished gem in this vibrant music scene. Owner Brad Hales has created a welcoming space where music lovers from all over the world can explore an incredible collection of soul, electro, funk, and R&B. With walls lined with crates of vinyl and a cozy listening station next to the DJ booth, there’s an audible adventure waiting for everyone. The thoughtfully curated selection and unbeatable prices make this store a must-visit for anyone passionate about music. 

More nearby: Gallery Trinosophes (functions as a bookstore, performance venue, and art gallery).

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TO EXPERIENCE: THE DIA & THE SHEPHERD

 

Looking to escape the heat? Enjoy some refreshing air conditioning at the Detroit Institute of Arts, a venue fondly known as the “temple of art”. As one of the largest art collections in the United States, it proudly boasts more than 65,000 diverse artworks. A visit here promises a full day of captivating discovery, thanks to the remarkable caliber, diversity, and profound scope of its exhibits. Prominent masterpieces include Vincent van Gogh’s Self-Portrait—the artist’s first work to join an American museum’s permanent collection—and the Detroit Industry frescoes by Mexican muralist Diego Rivera, a work he valued as his premier achievement.

 

Serving as a cornerstone for the developing artistic community in Little Village, The Shepherd reimagines a once-neglected Romanesque church as a dynamic, multi-use arts destination. While its historic brick exterior and elegant arched windows have been carefully preserved, the rehabilitated sanctuary now serves as a vibrant hub for community gatherings, live performances, and art exhibitions. Surrounding residential properties have similarly been repurposed into charming local boutiques and cozy dining spots, establishing a highly pedestrian-friendly cultural district.

Got more time? The Motown Museum (currently under renovation; check opening hours), tour a few Frank Lloyd Wright homes (listed here), and visit The Henry Ford Museum (Fashion & Textile exhibit currently on display).

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TO VIBE: PARAMITA SOUND & MOTOR CITY WINES

Every visit to Michigan demands a stop at Paramita Sound, a Black-owned record shop and wine bar situated right beside the Siren. The space feels wonderfully intimate, offering fantastic drinks and excellent music alongside community-focused DJ events. By day, it is a mellow and unpretentious neighborhood secret, but by night, it shifts into a lively, community-focused musical center. It showcases vinyl DJ sessions—often spotlighting electronic, house, and homegrown talent—as well as open decks and live shows that deliver the vibe of a private gig.

If you’re searching for a laid-back wine bar atmosphere featuring live music, Motor City Wine is the perfect spot. This wine bar showcases a variety of musical genres, including live jazz, soul, house, and techno on different nights. The welcoming outdoor garden area has plenty of seating for larger groups as well as tables for a more intimate setting. You’ll find great vibes, friendly people, and an excellent selection of wine.

More music awaits: Tigris (vibey hi-fi listening lounge), Cliff Bells (a Detroit jazz institution–peep the zebra carpet), The Lager House (don’t go for the aesthetic, but for the good lineups), Marble Bar (great DJ sets and afterparties).