Solo in the City: My Detroit Diaries

Hey girlfriend! Last week I had the honor of watching my cousin marry his longtime girlfriend. The wedding gave me the perfect excuse to take a mini weekend trip to Detroit, Michigan—and as a solo traveler, I found plenty of ways to enjoy the city without ever feeling unsafe.

Nightlife

Kamper’s Rooftop Lounge

Located on top of Book Tower downtown, Kamper’s is a must. The views inside and out are stunning, and the décor (think hotel lobby grandeur, sweeping staircases, luxe interiors) is photo-shoot worthy at every corner.

The vibe? Elevated but relaxed. You’ll feel comfortable whether you’re in jeans or heels. The night I went, 90’s house music was playing and it was the perfect backdrop. The menu is short, but the homemade chips and seasonal cocktail were all I needed. If I return to Detroit, this will be my first stop.

The Brakeman

For a more lively night, The Brakeman downtown was lit. The playlist was on point—R&B classics like Michael Jackson mixed with mainstream hits—and there was even line dancing happening. Add in table games, and it’s the kind of place you can hang out without feeling pressured to keep ordering drinks. (I only had one the whole night and still had a blast.)

Bonus points: there was a hot dog cart outside with a line of 50+ people. If locals are lining up after hours, that’s a sure sign the spot is solid.

Foodie Finds

Coney Island

As for food, I believe in “when in Rome, do as the Romans”—so my first stop off the plane was a Coney Island. Go ahead and judge me for not getting the dog, I know, I know. Instead, I went for a pita stuffed with chicken bacon bites, fresh veggies, and drizzled in secret sauces. Honestly, it was the best thing I’d had in a while—and the prices were super reasonable.

Niki’s Pizza

I also couldn’t leave without trying Detroit-style deep dish pizza. I went to Niki’s Pizza, which has a cozy indoor vibe with an outdoor patio strung up with garden lights and flowers. I ordered a small pizza (four slices) split between pepperoni and BBQ chicken. I’ll admit, I was a little impatient with the service at first—but once that pizza hit the table, the wait was worth every second. Hands down the best deep dish I’ve ever had.

Daytime Exploring

Ambassador Bridge & Park

I spent some time around the Ambassador bridge area, where there was a huge park that’s perfect for picnics, family outings, or a dreamy date. I didn’t stay long, but the vibe was peaceful and worth checking out if you want a break from the city pace.

Detroit Garden

This one was a happy accident—I found it while parking near H&M (which sits dangerously convenient across from Savage X Fenty). The garden had flowers, greenery, and cute little tables where you can sit with a coffee and croissant to people-watch. Detroit has a few of these mini park spaces scattered around downtown, and they’re worth slowing down for.

Tips for Visiting

• Bring walking shoes. Detroit gives mini-New York energy, and walking is a must.

• Check event calendars. My first downtown day overlapped with a Lions game.

• Explore Greektown. Worth a peek if you’re already downtown.

• Don’t miss Standby. If you like intimate, aesthetic cocktail bars, add this to your list.

Detroit completely surprised me. I never really thought of it as a tourist destination, but between the nightlife, hidden gems, and vibrant downtown energy, my mind has definitely changed. Whether you’re traveling solo or with friends, this city has more to offer than you’d expect.