Solo traveler to Detroit

Question

Hi All,

I will be traveling to Detroit for the first time. I won’t have a car so I am looking for a good area to stay to do a little site seeing and go to Lions game. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Answer

Visiting Detroit as a solo traveler without a car is very doable, especially if you focus on staying in a central area with access to sightseeing, dining, and public transportation options. For your goals—seeing the city and attending a Lions game—here’s some guidance.

Best Areas to Stay:

Downtown Detroit: This is the most convenient area for first-time visitors. You’ll be within walking distance of major attractions such as the Detroit Riverwalk, GM Renaissance Center, and the Detroit Institute of Arts. Downtown also has numerous restaurants, bars, and entertainment options.
Midtown: Known for its cultural institutions, Midtown offers easy access to the Detroit Institute of Arts, Detroit Historical Museum, and Wayne State University. It’s a lively neighborhood with plenty of casual eateries and often quieter than downtown at night.
Greektown: A small, historic district downtown with lots of restaurants and nightlife. It’s a fun area for solo travelers who want to be in the action but still have easy access to attractions.

Getting to the Lions Game:

The Lions play at Ford Field, which is downtown and very walkable from most central hotels. If you stay in downtown, you can easily walk to the stadium.
If you stay in Midtown or nearby, there are rideshare options (Uber/Lyft) that are convenient for traveling to the stadium and back, especially on game day when traffic is heavier.

Public Transportation:

Detroit has the QLine streetcar running along Woodward Avenue, connecting Midtown to downtown attractions. It’s a good option if you want to avoid walking long distances.
Buses are available, but they are less reliable for tourists than rideshares. Downtown and Midtown are compact enough that walking is often easier.

Safety and Convenience Tips:

Stick to well-lit, busy areas when walking around, particularly at night.
Choose hotels with easy access to restaurants and public transportation so you won’t need a car.
Plan sightseeing in clusters—downtown and Midtown are walkable, while other attractions like Belle Isle or Corktown may require a short rideshare trip.

Overall, staying downtown or in Midtown will give you the best balance of convenience, access to attractions, and walkability for a solo traveler. You’ll be able to enjoy the city, attend the Lions game easily, and have plenty of options for dining and nightlife without needing a car.