Detroit is a city that rewards curiosity. Unlike many urban centers, Detroit’s neighborhoods are layered with stories told through remarkable architecture, street art, and a resilient spirit that’s lived in every corner. We particularly like the Detroit Guided Pedicab Tour, which offers a relaxed, eco-friendly way to explore the city’s hidden murals and architectural marvels. For those who love to taste their way through a city, the Downtown Food Tour packs in more than six iconic bites, revealing Detroit’s culinary revival firsthand. And if you’re into spine-chilling stories and ghost tales, the Macabre, Murder, & Mayhem Ghost Tour provides a hauntingly good time.
If you prefer an interactive challenge, the City Scavenger Hunt makes exploring Detroit feel like a game, perfect for families or competitive friends. And for a different experience, the Art Walk Murals introduces you to Detroit’s vibrant street art scene. Whether you’re after a quick, intimate ride or a full afternoon of eating and exploring, Detroit’s variety of tours ensures there’s something for all.
1. Detroit Guided Pedicab Tour Explore the City in Comfort
At number 1, the Detroit Guided Pedicab Tour is a fantastic way to see the city in a relaxed, personalized way. For $125 per group (up to 2), you get about an hour with a knowledgeable driver who takes you past Detroit’s architectural highlights and into neighborhoods filled with murals. This tour stands out because of its intimate format and eco-friendly mode of transport, making it suitable for those who want a low-impact, personalized experience.
The tour includes stops at iconic sites like the Guardian Building lobby, a stunning example of Art Deco design, and the Spirit of Detroit statue, perfect for photos. Your guide will also take you through Capitol Park and the Belt Alley, revealing murals and street art that showcase Detroit’s creative spirit. Guests consistently praise the guide’s friendliness and depth of knowledge. One reviewer says, “Marshall was so nice and spent extra time with us, making the experience truly memorable.”
This tour is best suited for those who enjoy a leisurely pace, want to learn about the city’s architecture and murals, and prefer a private, eco-friendly experience. The main limitation is the small group size, but that ensures a tailored experience.
Bottom Line: An ideal choice for couples or small groups wanting a relaxed, personalized Detroit tour packed with local stories and sights.
2. Detroit Downtown Food Tour: 6+ Iconic Tastings in Motor City
Hands down, the Detroit Downtown Food Tour is a flavorful way to explore the city’s culinary revival. For about $95 per person, you’ll spend roughly three hours sampling over six classic Detroit bites, from greasy-spoon hot dogs to Detroit-style pizza. The tour begins in front of the Spirit of Detroit monument, setting the tone for a walk through downtown that highlights both history and food.
The tour includes tastings in Greektown, where you’ll enjoy savory pastries and authentic Greek dishes, and a stop at The Guardian Building, one of Detroit’s architectural treasures. Your guide will share stories of Detroit’s rise and fall, tying each bite to the city’s cultural history. Guests appreciate how generous the portions are, with one reviewer noting, “The food was plentiful, and the history lessons made it all even better.”
The tour is especially recommended for food lovers who want a taste of Detroit’s culinary evolution without sacrificing depth or context. The pace is steady, with enough time at each stop to relax and enjoy.
Bottom Line: Perfect for curious eaters looking to combine history, architecture, and robust flavors in a moderate-length walking tour.
3. Macabre, Murder, & Mayhem in Motor City: Detroit Ghost Tour
For a spine-tingling experience, the Macabre, Murder, & Mayhem Ghost Tour offers an hour of chilling stories from Detroit’s darker past. Priced at $24 per person, this tour explores haunted sites like the Detroit Masonic Temple and the hospital where Harry Houdini died. The stories are graphic and atmospheric, perfect for those who enjoy ghost stories or true crime.
Led by a seasoned guide, you’ll hear tales of arsenic poisoning, pirate legends, and haunted mansions, all woven into Detroit’s history. The highlight is walking through the shadows of historic locations while imagining ghosts lurking behind the walls. Several reviews mention the guide’s ability to bring the stories to life, and one attendee said, “It was genuinely spooky and a lot of fun.”
This tour is great for evening entertainment, especially if you appreciate a mix of history and horror. Be prepared for some dark themes, and note that the hour-long walk is quite atmospheric but not suitable for young children.
Bottom Line: Ideal for those fascinated by Detroit’s ghost stories, supernatural legends, or chilling history.
4. Motor City Ghosts: Haunts, Spirits, and Poltergeists Walking Tour
If you’re into exploring eerie stories that have left a mark on Detroit, the Motor City Ghosts tour offers a comprehensive hour of haunted tales. For $24 per person, you’ll visit sites like the Alhambra Building, notorious for ghostly whispers, and the Masonic Temple with its secret passages and legends of haunted architects.
Led by local experts, this tour combines spooky stories with a walk through Detroit’s historic districts. Reviewers note the engaging storytelling and the eerie atmosphere, with one saying, “The stories stuck with me long after the walk.” It suits those who want a quick but creepy peek into Detroit’s supernatural side.
While the reviews are mixed, the majority found it a fun, spooky experience that reveals lesser-known Detroit legends. The tour runs about an hour, making it a good evening activity.
Bottom Line: Perfect for ghost hunting fans wanting a compact, engaging ghost walk with local lore.
$24.00 per person
5. Detroit City Scavenger Hunt by Operation City Quest
For a lively, interactive way to explore Detroit, the City Scavenger Hunt is a hit. At just $10 per person for about two hours, this game turns sightseeing into a friendly competition. Using an app, you find objects, complete challenges, and earn points as you navigate city streets. The fun is in the flexibility—play in any order, with a remote guide available for tips.
Participants report that the hunt is a great way to see Detroit’s sights and get some exercise. One reviewer said, “It was perfect for our family; we saw parts of the city we never would have found otherwise.” It’s ideal for families, groups, or anyone looking for a relaxed, game-based experience.
The only drawback might be that it’s less about in-depth storytelling and more about activity. Still, the engaging format makes it a memorable way to see the city from a different angle.
Bottom Line: Best suited for active families or groups wanting a fun, self-paced exploration of Detroit.
6. Detroit Art Walk Murals in Motor City
The Detroit Art Walk Murals offers a quick but visually impressive 1.5-hour walk through Detroit’s streets filled with vibrant murals. Although it currently lacks reviews, it promises an immersive experience into Detroit’s street art scene, which has become a defining feature of the city.
This tour is perfect for art lovers or those interested in urban culture. It provides a window into Detroit’s creative spirit, with murals created by both local and international artists. Given the tour’s short duration and focus, it’s best for those who want a snapshot of Detroit’s colorful side.
The tour’s value lies in the opportunity to see large-scale murals and street art that tell stories of community, resilience, and artistic expression. It’s a self-guided or guide-led walk that’s easy to add onto other explorations.
Bottom Line: Great for art enthusiasts wanting a quick visual tour of Detroit’s street art scene.
$14.99 per person
7. Scavenger Hunt in Ann Arbor by Operation City Quest
For those who want to extend their Detroit experience into nearby Ann Arbor, this Scavenger Hunt offers a two-hour adventure. Similar to the Detroit hunt, it costs just $10 per person and uses an app to challenge you with tasks and trivia around the city. Great for families or small groups, it combines fun with light sightseeing.
Participants enjoy the flexibility of tackling challenges in any order, and the inclusion of a remote guide adds convenience. Although it currently has no reviews, it’s a popular option for those wanting an active way to explore a university town with a lively arts scene.
This tour fits well into a day trip, especially if you’re visiting Ann Arbor for its university, local shops, and cafes. It appeals to those who like interactive experiences without the need for a guided walking tour.
Bottom Line: Excellent choice for active explorers who want to combine sightseeing with a game.
$10.00 per person
8. Private Transfer from Detroit (DTW) Airport to Detroit City
Starting with practicality, the Private Transfer from DTW Airport ensures a smooth arrival. For $150.49, you can pre-book a cozy ride for up to three people, avoiding long taxi lines and waiting times. This service is perfect for travelers arriving late or with heavy luggage.
The transfer takes around 35 minutes and offers a comfortable, private ride. It’s a straightforward service, but it’s a smart choice if you value convenience and efficiency upon arrival. Many travelers appreciate the ability to choose their pickup time, ensuring a stress-free start to their Detroit stay.
This isn’t a sightseeing tour, but it’s an essential service for getting from the airport to your accommodation swiftly, especially if you’re new to Detroit or have tight schedules.
Bottom Line: A reliable, private transfer option that removes the hassle of airport chaos.
$150.49 per group (up to 3)
9. Detroit Airport (DTW) to Detroit City – Arrival Private Transfer
Similar to the previous, this Arrival Private Transfer offers a personalized ride from Detroit Metro Airport to your hotel. Starting at $89.07 per person, it accommodates up to seven passengers comfortably, making it perfect for families or groups.
The service promises a quick, direct route with ample space and flexibility. It’s a good option if you want to avoid shared shuttles or taxis, providing peace of mind and a comfortable start to your trip. Users often comment on the punctuality and professionalism of the drivers.
While not a tour in the traditional sense, this transfer is an essential part of planning your visit, especially if you’re arriving after a long flight or with a lot of luggage.
Bottom Line: An excellent choice for groups or families wanting a hassle-free, private ride to their hotel.
$89.07 per person
How to Choose the Best Detroit Tour for You
When deciding which tour suits your visit, consider your budget, interests, and time available. If you’re after a quick, relaxed overview, the Pedicab Tour offers intimacy and local insight. For full immersion into Detroit’s flavors, the Food Tour is hard to beat. Ghost enthusiasts will love the spooky stories at Macabre, Murder, & Mayhem, while active families or friends might enjoy the Scavenger Hunts.
If you’re arriving or departing, don’t forget to book private transfers, which provide comfort and convenience. Remember, booking early is especially wise during busy travel seasons.
Final Thoughts
Detroit offers a broad range of city tours that highlight its architecture, art, food, and even ghost stories. For those seeking a personalized, relaxed introduction, the pedicab tour is ideal. If you’re a foodie, the downtown tasting tour will satisfy your curiosity and palate. History buffs or ghost fans should not miss the spooky tales and haunted sites.
Whether you prefer exploring on foot, by bike, or even via scavenger hunt, Detroit’s diversity of experiences promises a memorable visit. Consider your interests and schedule, then pick a tour that fits your style — and don’t forget to book in advance, especially during peak times. Your Detroit adventure awaits.