36 Hours in Detroit

A weekend in Detroit will show you why the city is turning up as a top tourist destination in regional and national pubs. If you've never been—or haven't visited in a while—it's time to see what all the attention is about.

Friday

Historic check-in @ 3 p.m.

The El Moore Lodge, an 1898 structure in the Midtown neighborhood, has been lovingly restored and transformed into a paragon of sustainable urban living. The El Moore boasts a mix of historic and reclaimed features such as hardwood floors and subway tile as well as green technologies like geothermal heating and cooling and photovoltaic solar panels. With rooftop cabins, guest rooms and apartments, it's the perfect home base for your weekend. You can get the insiders' scoop from locals who call the El Moore home.

Early-bird dinner @ 5 p.m.

One of the stars of Detroit's vibrant restaurant scene is Selden Standard, with consistently imaginative locally-sourced, seasonal small plates and craft cocktails. Anything prepared in the glorious wood-fired oven is a must—such as grilled octopus, if it's on the menu. Reservations are pretty much essential.

Art stop @ 7 p.m.

Scope out modern art at MOCAD, which has later closing times on Fridays. Or check out if there's a later showing of an art film at the Detroit Film Theatre, the 1927 vintage auditorium of the Detroit Institute of Arts.

A taste of Old Miami @ 10 p.m.

This beloved Midtown dive bar and music venue, opened in 1980, hosts local, national and international artists. In the summer, The Old Miami's huge patio, complete with picnic tables, a bonfire area and a fish pond, is the place to be.

Late-night snack at 12 a.m.

You may be hungry again after eating at 5 p.m.; if so, head over to Honest John's for classic bar eats such as chili cheese fries and burgers.

Saturday

Casual breakfast @ 8 a.m.

Attached to a motel, the laid-back diner Clique just east of downtown dishes up hearty breakfast staples such as skillets, omelets and pancakes. Try a Clique original such as chicken wings with eggs or Bananas Foster Croissant.

Hit the market @ 9 a.m.

Perusing stalls spread out over several sheds and feasting your eyes on the season's bounty is a Detroit tradition at Eastern Market, one of the nation's largest and oldest public markets. It's a busy place; if you want a less hectic market experience, head to one of the smaller farmers markets around town, such as the Oakland Avenue Urban Farm. Originally started as a community garden to meet demand for food and jobs in the community, the urban farm has become a catalyst for change in the North End. (If you opt for a trip to the North End versus Eastern Market, grab lunch at Parks Old Style Bar-B-Q.)

Bike break @ 10 a.m.

Rent some wheels through the bike-sharing program MoGo and cruise along the Dequindre Cut, a two-mile urban recreational path that links the East Riverfront, Eastern Market and several east-side neighborhoods. Make sure to ride up to Belle Isle, the crown jewel of the city, where you can explore a world-class aquarium and conservatory.

Sweet lunch @ 1 p.m.

On Detroit's northwest side, family-run Sweet Potato Sensations dedicates its menu to all things sweet potatoes, from pies to cakes to cookies. On the weekends, you can indulge in a savory brunch with Belgian sweet potato waffles topped with crispy chicken wings.

Museum stars @ 2:30 p.m.

Arts or music? Detroit has you covered. At the Detroit Institute of Arts, the 66,000-piece collection, one of the nation's most significant, includes Diego Rivera's 1932-33 Detroit Industry murals. If you're all about the tunes instead, visit the Motown Museum, where Berry Gordy created a 24-hour hit-making factory that nurtured some of the industry's brightest stars.

Global dinner @ 7 p.m.

You could easily spend 36 hours in Southwest Detroit alone, eating your way through not just Mexican cuisine but also Salvadoran, Venezuelan and Italian, just to name a few. If you have to pick just one, El Asador Steakhouse is a good bet. Start with guacamole made tableside followed by a succulent steak such as Ribeye Steak Con Rajas (ribeye topped with a poblano sauce) or Ranchero New York Steak with housemade ranchero sauce.

Nightcap @ 10 p.m.

Locals and out-of-towners alike gather at the downtown watering hole Cafe D'Mongos. You might see owner Larry Mongo mingling and telling stories. Order a Detroit Brown, with whiskey and Vernors ginger ale.

Local legends @ 12 a.m.

A never-ending debate centers on whether downtown coney islands (that's Detroit lingo for diner) Lafayette or American makes the better coney dog. Do what local author Joe Grimm suggests: Pick a coney island (they're next door to each other), order a dog, eat it, and then repeat the process at the other. You'll find which you like better and can firmly pledge your allegiance. People-watching at this hour also goes great with those coney dogs.

Sunday

Live the brunch life @ 12 p.m.

Sleep in during the morning, then enjoy bottomless mimosas and Bloody Marys while listening to a live band on the patio of La Dolce Vita. If it's the second Sunday of the month, feel free to show up in your pajamas. Brunch typically runs until 2:30 p.m. (hours may vary; check website before you go).

Afterward, go for a leisurely drive through the picturesque Palmer Woods neighborhood and get ready for some house envy. Some of the city's most prominent residents live in this neighborhood, where you can glimpse Tudor Revival, Neo-Georgian, Mediterranean, Modern and Craftsman homes designed by architectural greats such as Frank Lloyd Wright, Minoru Yamasaki and Albert Kahn.

Photo ops @ 2 p.m.

Don't leave town without getting the iconic snaps for Instagram. Capture some photos of the Spirit of Detroit statue by City Hall, Joe Louis' fist, the towers of the Renaissance Center, and the distinctive architecture of downtown buildings such as the Guardian skyscraper, a National Historic Landmark.

Architecture buffs may want to delve a little deeper with Pure Detroit's downtown tours.