Are you visiting Detroit for the North American International Auto Show and wondering where to eat, stay, or play? In this Detroit Auto Show guide, you’ll discover our favorite local places to dine and drink, cool Detroit hotels, and must-visit attractions in the Motor City.
In full disclosure, I attended the North American International Auto Show media preview days in 2017 and 2018 with A Girls Guide to Cars, a website dedicated to empowering women to be smarter, happier car owners.
Whether you are a Michigander attending the Detroit Auto Show for the first time like I was or are an out-of-towner visiting Detroit’s largest annual event, I hope you will enjoy your time in the Motor City.
Disclosure: This post was originally published as part of a sponsored campaign with A Girls Guide to Cars and has been updated in January 2025. It also contains affiliate links. I may earn a commission if you reserve your hotel via one of these partner links. As always, all opinions are my own.
Detroit Auto Show 2025
Detroit’s auto show has been a tradition since the early 1900s. Now called the North American International Auto Show, it attracts automotive brands from around the world to showcase their collections and unveil new models and concept cars.
Why attend the Detroit Auto Show?
First, if you are shopping for a new car, you’ll get a broad overview of the market.
Though I wasn’t in the market for a new vehicle, I found the show absolutely fascinating. You’ll see practical applications of advanced technology that would have blown your mind 20, 10, five, or even one or two years ago.
For example, Google’s Waymo autonomous self-driving Chrysler Pacifica hitting the streets without drivers soon after the 2017 auto show boggled my mind. Fast forward to 2025, and ride-sharing services now use self-driving vehicles in select cities.
Must Sees at the 2025 Detroit Auto Show
With concept cars, new reveals, and award-winning vehicles, there are so many automobiles to see!
More than 30 brands are displaying cars at this year’s Detroit Auto Show. Additionally, there are four test tracks, exotic and luxury vehicles in The Gallery, famous cars from movies and TV shows, Detroit-based DJs spinning tracks during the public show days, and hands-on STEM activities for kids.
Some of the coolest new cars at the Detroit Auto Show in 2025 are the sleek Chrysler Halycon, which has predictive navigation and other futuristic features; the bright yellow Chevrolet Corvette ZR1, the fastest Corvette ever, with a top speed of 233 mph; and the Ford Mustang RTR, developed in partnership with a two-time drift champion.
As I mentioned, several famous cars from films and TV shows are also displayed at the 2025 Detroit Auto Show. These include the Ferrari replica that Ferris Bueller took for a joyride around Chicago in Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, the Griswolds’ station wagon from National Lampoon’s Vacation, the “Swinger 2” VW Beetle from Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me, and more.
Racing Day Presented by the Detroit Grand Prix
Racing Day, presented by the Detroit Grand Prix, returns to the Detroit Auto Show on Jan. 17.
Attendees can expect appearances from top INDY race car drivers, unique race cars, and the Borg-Warner Trophy, which famously features the likeness of every Indianapolis 500 winner.
Some lucky racing fans may also get to ride in the pace cars from the 2024 Indy 500 and 2024 Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix on an indoor track inspired by the Detroit Grand Prix.
Inaugural Driven by Service Day Winter Clothing Drive
In 2025, the Detroit Auto Show has added a Driven by Service Day on Jan. 18.
Through Jan. 18, auto show attendees are encouraged to bring new coats, winter hats and scarves (matching sets preferred), and waterproof gloves/mittens to the collection bins in the Concourse area of Huntington Place.
The clothing drive will benefit K-12 students in the Detroit Public Schools Community District.
Detroit Auto Show FAQ
Where is the 2025 Detroit Auto Show?
Huntington Place, 1 Washington Blvd., Detroit, MI 48226
When is the 2025 Detroit Auto Show?
The 2025 Detroit Auto Show runs Jan. 11 – 20, 2025.
What are the 2025 Detroit Auto Show hours?
- Jan. 11 -14: 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
- Jan. 15 – 16: 1 p.m. – 8 p.m.
- Jan. 17 – 19: 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
- Jan. 20: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
How much are the 2025 Detroit Auto Show tickets?
- $20 Adults (13-64)
- $12 Seniors (65+)
- $10 Kids (3-12)
- Free for ages 2 and younger
- $50 Family Pass (2 adults + 3 kids)
Where can you purchase Detroit Auto Show tickets?
Tickets can be purchased online or by cash or credit card at ticket booths in the Huntington Place concourse on the day you attend the show.
Where can I park for the Detroit Auto Show?
You might consider parking near a QLINE or Detroit People Mover stop elsewhere in the city. In the past, I’ve parked at the Greektown Casino parking garage and then taken the People Mover to the Huntington Place stop. Otherwise, you can use SpotHero to find and reserve a parking space near Huntington Place.
Where to Eat and Drink in Detroit
Whether you are looking to brunch beforehand, break for lunch, dash to dinner while downtown, or grab drinks after a day at the Detroit Auto Show, you’ll find plenty of options.
The food scene has exploded in Detroit, and the following suggestions are only the places I’ve personally tried and highly recommend.
Favorite Breakfast and Brunch Spots in Detroit
Babo Detroit—This brunch spot near the Detroit Institute of Arts in Midtown offers a delicious wild mushroom and truffle omelet. Customers also love the Diego skillet, which includes two eggs, home fries, chorizo, onion, bell peppers, cheddar cheese, pico de gallo, and guacamole.
Dime Store — It’s all about the Bennys! I highly recommend the smoked salmon eggs benedict at this downtown Detroit brunch restaurant.
Honest John’s — Perfect for a good hearty breakfast spot in Midtown, the menu features a variety of sweet and savory breakfast dishes plus lunch options, such as sandwiches, burgers, Greek and Caesar salads, and more.
Casual Dining in Detroit
Grandma Bob’s Pizza—You must try Detroit-style pizza when you’re in Detroit. Try the spicy pepperoni, mushroom (white pizza), lobster roll, or other deep-dish pie at this Corktown pizzeria. For dessert, save room for a boozy milkshake or a cup of vegan custard!
Mercury Burger & Bar — Stop into this Corktown burger joint for delicious burgers paired with salty tots or fries, a creamy milkshake, and/or a Michigan craft beer.
Slows Bar BQ — Also in Corktown, come here for mouthwatering, slow-cooked barbecue and comforting mac & cheese.
Dinner in Detroit
Apparatus Room — Located in a former firehouse, the Apparatus Room is a chic New American restaurant with fantastic cocktails.
Grey Ghost Detroit — This Midtown chophouse is known for its burger and craft cocktails, but I also recommend the filet mignon.
Ottava Via — This Italian restaurant may transport you from Corktown to Italy with its wood-fired, thin-crust pizzas and sharable small plates of garlic shrimp, arancini, and bruschetta.
Drinking in Detroit
Detroit City Distillery — Located in Eastern Market, this local distillery serves handcrafted cocktails, like the ones pictured above, made with its own whiskey, gin, or vodka.
Mutiny Bar — Sip a piña colada or other tropical cocktails at this tiki-style bar in Southwest Detroit.
Sugar House — At Detroit’s original craft cocktail bar, sip classic cocktails or innovative drinks created by the bar’s talented mixologists.
Things to Do in Detroit
When you are in Detroit for the North American International Auto Show, be sure to carve out time to explore the city.
From Huntington Place, ride the Detroit People Mover elevated train to easily loop through downtown or walk over to Woodward Avenue to hop on the QLINE streetcar.
Beyond the convention center, you’ll find architectural landmarks, world-class museums, and attractions celebrating automotive history in Detroit.
Belle Isle
Belle Isle is a 982-acre island surrounded by the Detroit River. It had long hosted the annual Detroit Grand Prix before the race moved to downtown.
In addition to the skyline views of Detroit and Windsor, Ontario, must-see sights include the stunning James Scott Memorial Fountain and the Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory, the US’s oldest continually-operating conservatory.
If you are visiting Detroit with kids, the Belle Isle Aquarium is also worth a visit.
Tip: When renewing their license plate tabs, Michigan drivers can purchase a Michigan Recreation Passport. It costs $14 for vehicles and $7 for motorcycles and grants access to all 102 Michigan State Parks, including Belle Isle, until your next license plate renewal date. A day pass costs $11 for non-residents, but it can’t be purchased online.
Michigan Central Station
If you plan to eat at Slow’s or Mercury Burger & Bar or sip cocktails at Sugar House, you’ll only be a block away from this iconic Detroit landmark.
Once a bustling train station, this Beaux-Arts architectural landmark was abandoned for decades after Amtrak relocated its service in 1988.
Then, Ford Motor Company purchased it in 2018 and renovated it into a mixed-use space, which reopened to the public in 2024.
You can visit the lobby 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday – Saturday or take a guided tour with Detroit History Tours.
Detroit Institute of Arts
One of the finest art museums in the United States, the Detroit Institute of Arts has 100 galleries and a diverse collection that includes American, European, modern, contemporary, and graphic art.
Car enthusiasts attending the auto show in Detroit may be excited to learn that the DIA’s collection includes hundreds of artworks featuring motor vehicles.
Most famously, Diego Rivera’s Detroit Industry murals, commissioned by Edsel Ford, depict scenes of the automotive industry at Power House No. 1, the Ford Rouge power plant in Dearborn, Michigan.
Other must-see artworks include Vincent Van Gogh’s Portrait of Postman Roulin and his Self-Portrait.
Tip: General admission is free for residents of Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb counties with a valid driver’s license or state ID. However, special exhibits are not included.
Where to Stay in Detroit
Need a place to stay during the Detroit Auto Show? Below are our top picks for Detroit hotels!
Read More About Midwest Destinations
- Romantic Getaways in the Midwest
- Where to Eat in Chicago
- Bloomington, Indiana Weekend Getaway Guide
- Ann Arbor, Michigan Weekend Getaway Guide
Want to read this later? Save the image below to your Detroit or Michigan travel board on Pinterest!
I’ve never been to the Detroit auto show (or even Michigan), but this makes me want to venture north and see & taste Detroit!
Lot’s of good information on how to visit the NAIAS and also take in the Detroit cultural and food highlights. Love all the quality pics, especially the pic of Lightning McGueen. Great job! Well written and so informative.
Can you take me to Detroit right now? I have never been to an auto show (my husband has been, of course) but I think it would be interesting to attend. More when you have the opportunity to see the latest models and technology. In terms of the food and places to visit, Detroit seems interesting. Maybe too interesting. I would not pass the opportunity to visit. #WeekendWanderlust
Ahhh cool!! You got to see Lightning McQueen!! He’s my fave 🙂 And I love all that you included in this post, especially the spots to get a yummy drink! Our favorite thing to do in a new city is to find food and drink spots to enjoy while we explore 🙂
I currently have a travel link up going on and this post would be a great addition! Feel free to join in on the fun http://www.lifessweetwords.com/2017/01/traveltuesday-12-30-places-to-see-in-my.html
Have a great weekend!
Very cool post! I’m not very much into cars, but my in-laws are originally from Detroit and they often talk about the decline of the city. So I’m glad to see a guide that talks about the other side and makes Detroit seem like a place worth visiting! #WeekendWanderlust
This is wonderful information! I will be sure to pass it along!
Such amazing suggestions here! You definitely mentioned all of the “must eat” places.
It was so nice meeting you; can’t wait to follow all your epicurean adventures!
Aww, thanks! It was lovely meeting you, Amanda. Let’s meet up again sometime soon for more Detroit adventures!
Erin, OMG.. fantastic post. I am sad I missed the media event this year. I want to go to the auto sow now more than ever after reading your post. Looks like we missed a lot. The food looks awesome, and I totally want to check out some of those cars.
Thank you, Amber, that really means a lot to me. I knew I’d love any excuse to be in Detroit, which has some serious foodie cred these days, but I was surprised by how much I enjoyed seeing the cars. They’re all so shiny and sleek! It was a visual feast, for sure.
Your food pics here are drool-worthy 🙂 yum. I’m headed to Detroit tomorrow for Phantom of the Opera, originally was going to do Green Dot Stables but I think parking will be nuts near the Opera House, so I’m going to try Punch Bowl Social instead – we did a blogger event there that was great.
I’ve STILL never been to Sugar House too. It’s on my list, lol.
Have you seen Phantom of the Opera before? It has been years, but I saw the show twice in Toronto. It’s wonderful. I noticed it was at the Detroit Opera House while I was doing research for this post and was bummed that I probably won’t have time to see it before it leaves town. Also, Green Dot Stables has totally been on my Detroit to-do list for years. I should just dedicate a weekend to staying in Detroit and fully experiencing the city like a tourist.
Great post!! I wish I could have gone with you guys but I’m recovering. The food would be my favorite part. LOL
The food is ALWAYS my favorite part. 😉 I hope we’ll cross paths at a Michigan bloggers event soon, Rachel!