Overview
The West Side is in Detroit. While primarily a residential area, west Detroit is home to some great historic neighborhoods. It is bounded by 8 Mile to the north, the city of Redford to the west, Woodward Avenue, Highland Park and M-10 to the east, and Michigan Avenue and the city of Dearborn to the south.
6 sights · 1 things to do · 4 places to eat · 2 bars & cafés · 2 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about West Side
8 Mile
The historic dividing line between older inner-city neighborhoods and more affluent suburbs makes up the northern border of Detroit. The name comes from the Mile Road System, a method used to delineate east/west roads th…
Palmer Park
Most of this historic neighborhood/park was made before World War II. The 1960s brought a large influx of gay male residents to the Palmer Park neighborhood. By the 1970s Palmer Park was the center of gay life in Detroit…
Lee Plaza
Listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places, this vacant high-rise apartment building was built in 1928 and designed in the Art Deco architectural style. Located near downtown and midtown, the building rises …
Redford Theatre
Features classic movies and free supervised parking.
Palmer Woods
A private historic neighborhood in the city of Detroit west of Woodward Ave. and north of Palmer Park.
S.S. Kresge House
The mansion of the founder of Kmart, now owned by Sears.
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: May–Oct. Summer highs reach about 84°F; winter lows dip to about 19°F. Cold months (Jan, Feb, Dec) can bring snow and ice; check road conditions. Wettest: May and Jul. (climate data from nearby Detroit)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- DTW Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport, Detroit — 15 mi away (major hub). Directions
- FNT Bishop International Airport, Flint — 50 mi away. Directions
Budget & where to stay
- Places to stay listed here: about $25–$25 a night (typical $36), from 2 listed prices.
- Estimated daily budget per person (room, two meals, local transport and an activity): budget ~$70, mid-range ~$110, comfortable ~$190.
Options are grouped as Nearby in the Sleep guide ↓.
Sample 2-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Palmer Park, S.S. Kresge House
- Lunch U of D Coney Island
- Afternoon Lee Plaza, Palmer Woods
- Dinner Woodbridge Pub
- Evening Baker's Keyboard Lounge
Day 2
- Morning Redford Theatre, 8 Mile
- Lunch Scotty Simpson's Fish and Chips
- Afternoon Woodbridge
- Dinner Iridescence
- Evening GiGi's
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Photos
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
See
See 8 Mile
The historic dividing line between older inner-city neighborhoods and more affluent suburbs makes up the northern border of Detroit. The name comes from the Mile Road System, a method used to delineate east/west roads through the Detroit area. The road was the inspiration for the hit movie also called 8 Mile starring rapper Eminem, who grew up near the road. 8 Mile isn't exactly "touristy", but it is quite an experience for those wishing to experience one of the most famous ghettos in America. However, the area is experiencing much redevelopment.
See Palmer Park
Most of this historic neighborhood/park was made before World War II. The 1960s brought a large influx of gay male residents to the Palmer Park neighborhood. By the 1970s Palmer Park was the center of gay life in Detroit. The area along West McNichols Road consisted of many gay bars and nightclubs. The number is smaller today.
See Woodbridge
Woodbridge is home to many architecturally significant houses, most of which are Victorian-style. The neighborhood was one of the few that were not affected by Detroit's decay a few decades back. Woodbridge was founded in the late 19th century as a neighborhood for the wealthy, and it still is. When visiting the neighborhood, the Eighth Precinct Station is a must-see. The second oldest police building in Detroit, it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Do
Theatre
Buy
Shop Gateway Marketplace
Opened in 2013, it contains around 40 tenants on its 35 acres (140,000 m2).
Eat
Eat Iridescence
If you enjoy things like caviar and Dom Perignon, this place is for you. High-end service and views on top of Motor City Casino.
Eat Scotty Simpson's Fish and Chips
In the historic Brightmoor neighborhood (home to the Redford Theatre), is the diner time forgot. You will step back in time and get old-fashioned service at this quaint restaurant with fried fish and chips. There are other meals on the menu, but if you ask for a menu, they will know you are a tourist.
Eat Woodbridge Pub
Reliable menu and bar scene in cool residential Woodbridge.
Eat U of D Coney Island
Popular among students and professors from next-door's University of Detroit-Mercy, U of D is a solid example of a modern Coney Island.
Drink
Drink Baker's Keyboard Lounge
The world's oldest jazz club.
Sleep
Nearby
Nearby
Dearborn
City / town · 29 listings · 4 mi away
Redford
City / town · 1 listings · 6 mi away
Melvindale
City / town · 6 listings · 7 mi away
Southfield
City / town · 3 listings · 7 mi away
Royal Oak
City / town · 53 listings · 8 mi away
Garden City
City / town · 3 listings · 9 mi away
Allen Park
City / town · 5 listings · 9 mi away
Livonia
City / town · 14 listings · 9 mi away
My experience
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