Whether you’re a seasoned influencer or simply dabble in social media, capturing dazzling photos and creating quality content is practically an essential modern skill. Fortunately for us, Detroit is one of the most unique and Instagrammable cities in “the Mitten,” showcasing stunning street art, art deco architecture, and a fascinating industrial history. Longtime Detroiters already know about these eye-catching go-to photo backdrops:
- Fox Theatre
- Spirit of Detroit statue
- Monument to Joe Louis
- Central Station
- The Heidelberg Project
- Fisher Building
- Guardian Building
- Taylor Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
But, if you are looking for under-the-radar spots to diversify your feed and help your profile stand out from the crowd, you’ll need to step beyond these favorite spots! To get you started, we’re highlighting spectacular lesser-known—yet highly photogenic—spots in the Motor City to snap a selfie, all of which are sure to make your posts pop and have your followers double-tapping for more.
Urban Appeal
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The Belt is one of the trendiest new photo spots in downtown Detroit. With a skybridge, cafe lights, graffiti, and murals, this public art project has transformed a dull alley into an Instagram hotspot. The bars and restaurants are bustling with crowds on weekends, so plan your photoshoot here on a weekday when it’s a bit more laid back.
Get Directions: 1234 The Belt, Detroit, MI 48226
Honorable Mention: Eastern Market offers an equally vibrant open-air space, complete with restaurants and cafes so you can snack while you snap your next pic. From street tacos and hot dogs, to organic produce, to live music and local artists, there is something for everyone here. Beyond the vendors, the district’s warehouses are being revitalized with colorful murals that will make a perfect background for your feed.
Natural Charm
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Vanhoutte Farms offers a serene and scenic escape just a short drive from the city. This family farm is known for its beautiful U-Pick flowers, but it’s also a great spot for photo shoots. Stand amidst the fields or pick your own custom bouquet as a prop for your poses. In the fall, they offer pumpkins and other fall decor, while winter is best for greenery and wreaths. What does that mean for you? Year-round opportunities for the ‘gram!
Get Directions: 69475 Romeo Plank Rd, Armada, MI 48005
Honorable Mention: Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory is one of the most-visited and historic structures in Belle Isle Park. Named in honor of the woman who donated her 600-plant orchid collection to the city of Detroit in 1955, the conservatory boasts 13 acres of exotic plants, seasonal floral beds, ponds and gardens. This a beautiful spot to escape the bustle of the city and the lighting is absolutely unreal for photos, no matter the time of day.
Pretty ‘N Pink
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Planthropie is Michigan’s first entirely vegan cheese & dessert bar. Built on the belief that food is medicine, they handcraft the purest artisanal plant-based cheese and organic dairy-free desserts that are naturally sweet without any refined sugars! Their bright and airy space is as fresh and feminine as it gets—perfect for staging a girly tea-party or solo shoot.
Get Directions: 135 Pierce St, Birmingham, MI 48009
Honorable Mention: Candy Bar in the Siren Hotel offers inventive cocktails in a posh intimate setting. Their pink velour seating and the massive chandelier above the bar create a luxury aesthetic with an Old Hollywood ambience. It’s no wonder it was named one of the most beautifully designed bars in the state by Architectural Digest!
Art for Arts Sake
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The Detroit Institute of Arts Museum is home to world-class fine art, but the most photographed part of the museum is right outside on their stunning white marble staircase. It’s not uncommon to see couples and influencers wrapping up a shoot as you approach the building. Other than the stairs, the DIA offers lots of angles under its arches, lamps, and, of course, in the beautiful art exhibits. The best part? Admission is free for locals!
Get Directions: 5200 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48202
Honorable Mention: The ‘Reflector’ is the city’s first underpass art installation. Hundreds of reflective pieces make up the project, offering unique lighting effects any time of day. The teal green archways supporting the bridge are beautiful on their own, so this is a place to really get creative with your poses and angles. Warning: This is one of those true hidden gems, so expect that others will definitely be asking you to share your secret!
Wingin’ It
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The Wings of Woodward mural by Kelsey Montague is a set of brightly-colored butterfly swings that offer you the opportunity to feel lifted and light as you stand between them. As part of the #whatliftsyou project, it’s one of many similar “interactive” pieces across the country. The artist even created a set of wall-wings for Taylor Swift in New York!
Get Directions: 1550 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI, USA
Honorable Mention: Our other favorite set of wings is located at Pinky’s Rooftop, a vintage-inspired oasis serving craft cocktails and great food amidst lounge seating, a lush outdoor garden, and an all-season patio. We recommend their weekend brunch, where you can sip bubbly infused with a fruity booze-filled popsicle!
Ready for your close-up? Get photo-ready with us!
With all of these photo-worthy locations, you’re going to want to get glowing for your most stunning selfie yet. Board-certified cosmetic surgeon Dr. George T. Goffas serves the Detroit metro area from his practice in St Clair Shores. He and his expert medical aesthetics team can help you roll back the hands of time with a professional rejuvenating skin care treatment such as BOTOX or dermal filler injections, a chemical peel, or a laser skin resurfacing treatment that will leave you looking more radiant and feeling more confident. Contact us online or by calling (586) 773-6900 to schedule your consultation today!
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