10 Things to Do in Detroit on a Small Budget

The Detroit People Mover is a modest automated transit system that can get you around the city for a low cost while still being easy and efficient. It has just a single line with 13 stations in total, and it includes nearly 3 miles worth of track taking you throughout the downtown area and its surroundings.

When you ride this transit system, you'll notice impressive public artworks on display at every station, with most of it dating back to the late '80s and early '90s around when the system was first opened. The fare for the train is less than a dollar. Its stations are located throughout downtown.

The Detroit Institute of Arts is a massive art museum with an incredibly expansive collection you can explore for a small price or even potentially free. The collection is immense with 65,000 works in total among 100 gallery areas throughout its 658,000 square feet of space.

When you visit this museum, you'll notice that it's one of the few in the country with what's known as an encyclopedic collection, meaning its works span the ages and the globe from ancient Egypt to modern America. It's just a couple of bucks to get in unless you're a resident of Macomb, Oakland, or Wayne County. In that case, it's free. You'll find it in the Cultural Center area.

Belle Isle Park is one of the most iconic parks in the city with a variety of attractions that the whole family can enjoy among scenic wide-open spaces. The park features 987 acres of space, giving you plenty of room to enjoy the vibrant greenery, woodland area, and waterfront.

When you visit this park, you'll find plenty to see and do including sports fields, picnic areas, a conservatory, an aquarium, and a museum. There's even a giant slide that's especially popular with families. The park is home to 3 lakes as well, with opportunities for water sports. Access to the park is free. It's located in the middle of the Detroit River east of downtown.

The Motown Museum, home to Hitsville U.S.A., is a fascinating museum and historic site dedicated to preserving the legacy of the record label and its artists. The museum is set up in the house of Berry Gordy, who was the founder of Motown, preserving the house's history as the recording studio for the label.

Visiting this museum lets you explore this fascinating history with several iconic bits of memorabilia on display like the Studio A control room and a Hammond B3 organ. Even the famous 1877 Motown piano can be found here. Entry is just a few dollars. It's located in the Henry Ford District north of downtown.

The Guardian Building is a towering historic skyscraper you can visit to take in the impressive architecture and scenic views. The architectural style is positively art deco, and it's one of the best examples of that style that you'll find anywhere in the world.

Upon entering the lower lobby of this building, you'll be met with a massive arched ceiling tiled in vibrant colors and geometric designs. This style extends to the lamps and lighting fixtures as well. You can stop by a gift shop if you like, and access to the building won't cost a thing. It's located on the south side of downtown.

William G. Milliken State Park and Harbor is a public recreation area where you'll find open spaces and opportunities for fishing, sailing, and simple walks. Being close to the water gives just about every inch of this park a scenic view, but the aesthetic is only the beginning.

When you visit this park, you'll find plenty of opportunities for activities. Boating is fairly popular, but if you're looking to limit your budget as much as possible, fishing is a more affordable way to enjoy the waterfront here. Try it out for yourself along the Detroit River just east of downtown.

Mexicantown is an iconic and treasured neighborhood in Detroit where you'll find a walkable and diverse environment packed full of shops, culture, restaurants, and more. As the name suggests, this neighborhood was originally built up by Mexican migrants to the city, and the rich culture developed here is still going strong today.

Just walking down the street in this neighborhood can be an adventure in its own right, with colorful decor in shop windows of papel picado (perforated paper) and the smell of fresh tortillas in the air. Holidays like the Day of the Dead include special celebrations here that you won't find in the rest of the city. You'll find this neighborhood a few miles west of downtown.

The Eastern Market is a popular urban farmers market where you'll find discounted produce and other items for sale. This historic market has been a staple of the community since the first time it was held in 1841, making it one of the oldest in the country.

When you visit this market, you'll mostly find produce, which is typically sold for less than what you'd pay at the grocery store despite it being of equal or greater quality in most cases. You'll also find artwork, flowers, and beer available. Visit it for yourself just north of downtown.

El Club offers live entertainment on a budget, letting you see performances by lesser-known acts in a welcoming, all-ages venue. The vast majority of shows here have ticket prices around $20, so it's not anywhere near as much as big-name stadium-filling concerts would be.

Most of the shows here are all-ages shows, meaning everyone can enjoy them. This is especially useful if you're traveling with the whole family. Each performance is considered to be friendly for all ages unless otherwise specifically stated. See it for yourself on the east side of Mexicantown.

The Redford Theatre is a historic and iconic theater with a single screen that has special movie screenings including cult classics and popular favorites. The theater is a nonprofit that dates back to the late 1920s. Inside, you'll find an Exotic Revival style with Japanese motifs throughout.

The lineup of movies shown here can be quite diverse, but there's almost always something for everyone. It offers showings of family-friendly favorites like Disney's "Aladdin," but you'll also find more Detroit-centered films like "RoboCop" being shown. You may even find screenings for nearly century-old films like "Woman in the Moon" from 1929. Tickets are just a few bucks. It's located in Old Redford northwest of downtown.