If you are reading this, let me be among the first to say welcome to Detroit. My name is Morgan Cannon, Lead Analysis writer at PrideofDetroit.com, and local Detroiter here to give you a gameday guide that should help make your trip to the D a memorable one.
To begin, Detroit is an old city with a ton of history spanning across centuries. Originally founded as a French trading post back in 1701, Detroit has been a fixture during it all. From being the heart of the automotive industry boom, to being a hub
of music and culture, Detroit has a story unlike any other city around. And while many will point to the city’s recent renaissance over the last decade-plus, I would argue that Detroit never left.
From downtown to the surrounding neighborhoods that all have their own unique feel; whether you like art exhibits, museums, or want to see live music, Detroit has something for you.
Places to stay in Detroit
- Trumbull and Porter Hotel: Situated between Trumbull and Rosa Parks Boulevard, the Trumbull and Porter hotel is just steps away from the Detroit Riverfront and the newly renovated Ralph C. Wilson Centennial Park. If you have little ones, I would highly suggest making the walk down to the river. Beyond that, making the short trip over to Michigan Central Station is also something I would add to the old itenary. Especially if anyone in your group has an affinity for history and architecture.
- Detroit Foundation Hotel:Originally the city’s firehouse headquarters, the Detroit Foundation Hotel is one of many buildings that makes Detroit an arhitectural destination. Situated downtown, your walk to Ford Field would be a quick 15-minute trip. On the first floor of the building, you can have a drink or enjoy a meal in The Apparatus Room.
- Shinola Hotel: If you really want to be in the middle of everything, including for your Lions gameday experience, I would recommend a stay at the Shinola Hotel. Overlooking Woodward avenue, you are within walking distance to everything downtown has to offer, including San Morello on the ground floor. Shinola’s history with Detroit dates back to the early 1900’s, making their presence in the heart of downtown that much cooler.
Things to do in Detroit
- Detroit Institute of Arts: Affectionately referred to as, “The DIA,” by locals, the Detroit Institute of Arts is a must-see for anybody that is interested in art or history. Located in Detroit’s cultural corridor, the building itself is beautiful and the exhibitions are always world-class. Whether you are taking a guided tour through the floors of art, or you are taking in a performance in the theater—the DIA is one thing to check off of your Detroit bucket list.
- Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History: Not far from the DIA on the campus of Wayne State University is another world class museum that many refer to as, “The Wright.” Depending on the day, there can be programs designed for the youth, live performances, and much more.
- Eastern Market: The largest outdoor outdoor market district in the country, Eastern Market is one of my favorite areas in the entire city. If you are lucky enough to be visiting the city on a weekend, be sure to get to the market in the morning if you can. Grab a coffee from Mitsos (maybe a morning gyro if you get down like that), walk through the sheds and take in all of the fresh produce, grab a beer at Eastern Market Brewery or Lagerhaus. And if you are into vintage clothes, pop into Wabisabi. On top of the food, Eastern Market is home to a special collection of murals that adorn buildings throughout the district.
Best places to eat in Detroit
- Mitsos Greek Food and Coffee: If you are looking for the best gyro in town, you have to head to Mitsos. It is family-owned and ran, and the owners know all of their regulars by name. From their excellent Freddo coffees, to the fried feta, you simply can’t go wrong when eating at Mitsos. Located in the heart of Eastern Market, you may smell their food before you can even see their spot on Riopelle.
- La Jalisciense Supermercado Y Taquería: Located on Vernor in Southwest Detroit, La Jalisciense is another family-owned spot that has been serving their community for over a decade. They serve authentic mexican food, and also run a grocery store in the same building. Order some food, grab a few cold drinks, walk through the aisles of the store, and before you head out of the neighborhood, make the short trip down the road and pay a visit to the Mexicantown Bakery. You’re welcome in advance.
- Marrow in the Market:Also located in the historic Eastern Market District, Marrow in the Market should absolutely be a destination during your trip, especially if you have a foodie in the group. Winner of Hour Detroit’s Best Restaurant in 2026, the ambience is as elite as the food is. Great for a drink while taking in views of Detroit’s skyline, or for a dinner date with the family.
Ford Field parking, rideshare, and transit options
- There are parking structures directly next to Ford Field and Comerica Park, but they will come at a cost—both in terms of dollars and time. However, if it is indeed Winter in Detroit and you aren’t a big fan of the cold, this could be the option for you. Just be prepared for it to take a while to leave those parking garages once the game concludes.
- Unfortunately, we aren’t exactly known for our superb public transportation in Detroit, but there are a few options. If you are staying downtown somewhere, both the People Mover and the QLine are options you can use if you don’t feel like walking. The People Mover is an elevated train line that provides some good views of downtown on its loop, and the QLine is a trolley that can take you from Campus Martius all the way up to New Center. Both options are free, too.
- Just like any other large city’s downtown, street parking in Detroit can be hit-or-miss in the sense that you could drive around for half-an-hour and not find a spot, especially on gamedays. Applications like ParkWhiz can sometimes be a better option to secure a spot ahead of time rather than waiting until the day of.
Tailgating at Ford Field
- Eastern Market: I am double-dipping a bit here, but Eastern Market is easily one of the best tailgating scenes in the city. Restaurants like Mitsos, Farmer Franks, and Jose’s are all open, but instead of fruits and vegetables, you get a lot of Lions fans. If you are a little chilly on a crisp December morning and walk quickly, you can make it to Ford Field in about 15 minutes.
- Midtown: If you make your way over to Cass Avenue, you will find parking lots packed with Lions tailgaters. If you are a Lions fan, most people will welcome you with open arms. And if you are a fan of the visiting team, well then you better come bearing gifts. I’m kidding! Unless you are from Wisconsin because then I am serious. Like Eastern Market, let’s call it a 15 minute walk to the cozy confines of Ford Field.
- Pride Plaza: Located on Brush Street between Ford Field and Comerica Park, the city shuts the street down and turns the area into a great area for families. They have activities for kids like combine activities for young fans to test their skills, beers and cocktails, and food trucks.
The Ford Field Experience
While Ford Field was built in 2002, its history runs much deeper than that. Rather than demolishing the Historic Hudson’s Warehouse that was originally constructed in the 1920’s, the developers of Ford Field decided to incorporate the existing structure into their design. The result is a warm, cozy setting that aligns harmoniously with the city’s heritage. That is, until kickoff ensues. After that, 65,000 of the Honolulu blue faithful work themselves into a frenzy, creating one of the better homefield advantages in the entire NFL.
From a food and drink perspective, they have really stepped their game up over the years. The typical stadium classics are still there, but the local flavor is really where Ford Field shines. From Indian street food to polish classics, you can really get a taste of everything once inside the stadium.
I hope you enjoy your time in Detroit and at the game itself inside of Ford Field. If you are a first-time visitor as a Lions fan, welcome. If you are an opposing fan, you are also welcome, but I would suggest learning this song by Theo Gridiron Spight. You could be hearing it a lot.
