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The most Instagrammable spots in Detroit, mapped

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Those who love Detroit can always see the beauty in our city, whether it’s the stunning Art Deco architecture, any of the hundreds of public murals, or its expressive people. And even some of the more harsh realities of Detroit—like the abandoned Packard Automotive Plant or a neighborhood street turned urban prairie—have their own quiet beauty.

In other words, Detroit is pretty Instagrammable.

Here’s a list of our 20 favorite spots to ‘gram. Where do you go to take the best photos of the city? Share your favorites in the comments below.

Note: Locations are ordered from west to east.

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Eliza Howell Park

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The trails of Eliza Howell Park offer some of the few places where you can, for brief moments, feel like you’ve totally left the city. Until you take out your phone to ‘gram the woods.

Artist Village Detroit

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The brightly painted venue and public art space in Old Redford is a sight to behold. Every year, one of the city’s most Instagrammable events, the Sidewalk Festival, takes place here.

Southwest Murals

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This psychedelic mural, painted by Southwest Detroit–based Freddy Diaz, is one of hundreds of works of public art in the area on buildings, signs, and viaduct walls. Drive around Vernor Highway and Livernois Avenue and you’re sure to spot dozens.

Palmer Woods

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Many of the city’s most unique residences are in Palmer Woods, which has an eclectic mix of Colonials, Tudors, and mid-century modern homes. Other neighborhoods that are just as Instagrammable include Indian Village, Boston-Edison and Arden Park, the Joseph Berry Subdivision, Canfield Historical District, and Grandmont-Rosedale.

African Bead Museum

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Everything about this sprawling work of public art is beautiful, awe-inspiring, and therefore Instagrammable. Go check it out as soon as you can.

Hygrade Deli

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Diners, drive-ins, and dives make for some of the best ‘grams thanks to their vintage charm and eccentric decor. In addition to the Hygrade, you might also want to try Duly’s Coney Island, the Raven Lounge, the Painted Lady, Ford-Wyoming Drive-in, and countless others.

Lincoln Street Art Park

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What’s more Instagrammable than a cobblestone alley covered in murals? Not only that, but the nearby Recycle Here! is just as wild and photo-worthy.

Restaurant Bathrooms

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In case you didn’t know, taking ‘grams in restaurant bathrooms is a popular pastime. We put Takoi on here, because in the the lady’s bathroom you can sit on Ryan Gosling’s face. For a comprehensive guide, Eater Detroit published a whole article on the subject.

Tony Hawk Skate Park

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Riverside Park is our newest addition to the list. Not only do you have the iconic Ambassador Bridge to photograph, but now there’s a new Tony Hawk–sponsored skate park.

I-75 and Ferry Street

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The most unique example of building alignment in the city. Driving south down I-75, the spires of St. Josaphat Catholic Church somehow fit right into the towers of the Ren Cen in the distance. To attempt that perfect shot, line up the buildings at the Ferry Street overpass.

Fox Theatre

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From the iconic marquee on the outside to the incredible ornate decorations on the inside, there’s few places as Instagrammable as the Fox Theatre.

Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue

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The only free-standing synagogue in Detroit has gotten a bit of a makeover in recent years. It’s unique triangular exterior was power-washed and there’s an awesome mural painted by Bunnie Reiss. The synagogue is also right across the street from a building-high Charles McGee mural that’s equally impressive (and Instagram-worthy).

#WhatLiftsYou

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On Woodward Avenue near Broderick Tower, brightly-colored butterfly wings by Kelsey Montague offer passersby an opportunity to share #whatliftsyou.

Keyworth Stadium

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Detroit City FC matches make for perfect grams. The revamped Keyworth Stadium, a sunset, and of course colorful smoke bombs shot off by rabid fans of Detroit’s now-professional soccer club—no wonder the atmosphere is so photogenic.

The Belt

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Between Gratiot and Grand River, underneath the Z Lot, the Belt Alley is bursting with color. New murals and old standbys (and The Standby) line the activated alley downtown. Take your time while visiting, and head to the top of the Z Lot for some serious downtown views.

The Guardian Building

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Among Detroit’s many architectural landmarks, the Guardian Building downtown may be the most impressive. ‘Gram the incredible vaulted ceiling, two-sided Tiffany clock, and the huge mural of the state of Michigan.

The Spirit of Detroit

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Is it a little cliched? Yes. Do we care? No. The iconic bronze statue built in 1958 not only symbolically represents Detroit, but is a perfect spot to snap a ‘gram. It’s also right across the street from another classic photo-op location: the Joe Louis Fist.

Eastern Market

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The sheds, the crowds, the murals—it all makes for endless potential Instagram moments.

The Heidelberg Project

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Want to impress your out-of-town friends? Then ‘gram basically anything at the Heidelberg Project. And do it soon—the wild open-air installation may be partially or completely dismantled in the coming years.

Belle Isle

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There’s so much to Instagram on Belle Isle: Sunset Point, the Conservatory, the James Scott Memorial Fountain, the William Livingstone Memorial Lighthouse, the aquarium, the beach, the annual Detroit Kite Festival. Need we go on?

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Eliza Howell Park

The trails of Eliza Howell Park offer some of the few places where you can, for brief moments, feel like you’ve totally left the city. Until you take out your phone to ‘gram the woods.

Artist Village Detroit

The brightly painted venue and public art space in Old Redford is a sight to behold. Every year, one of the city’s most Instagrammable events, the Sidewalk Festival, takes place here.

Southwest Murals

This psychedelic mural, painted by Southwest Detroit–based Freddy Diaz, is one of hundreds of works of public art in the area on buildings, signs, and viaduct walls. Drive around Vernor Highway and Livernois Avenue and you’re sure to spot dozens.

Palmer Woods

Many of the city’s most unique residences are in Palmer Woods, which has an eclectic mix of Colonials, Tudors, and mid-century modern homes. Other neighborhoods that are just as Instagrammable include Indian Village, Boston-Edison and Arden Park, the Joseph Berry Subdivision, Canfield Historical District, and Grandmont-Rosedale.

African Bead Museum

Everything about this sprawling work of public art is beautiful, awe-inspiring, and therefore Instagrammable. Go check it out as soon as you can.

Hygrade Deli

Diners, drive-ins, and dives make for some of the best ‘grams thanks to their vintage charm and eccentric decor. In addition to the Hygrade, you might also want to try Duly’s Coney Island, the Raven Lounge, the Painted Lady, Ford-Wyoming Drive-in, and countless others.

Lincoln Street Art Park

What’s more Instagrammable than a cobblestone alley covered in murals? Not only that, but the nearby Recycle Here! is just as wild and photo-worthy.

Restaurant Bathrooms

In case you didn’t know, taking ‘grams in restaurant bathrooms is a popular pastime. We put Takoi on here, because in the the lady’s bathroom you can sit on Ryan Gosling’s face. For a comprehensive guide, Eater Detroit published a whole article on the subject.

Tony Hawk Skate Park

Riverside Park is our newest addition to the list. Not only do you have the iconic Ambassador Bridge to photograph, but now there’s a new Tony Hawk–sponsored skate park.

I-75 and Ferry Street

The most unique example of building alignment in the city. Driving south down I-75, the spires of St. Josaphat Catholic Church somehow fit right into the towers of the Ren Cen in the distance. To attempt that perfect shot, line up the buildings at the Ferry Street overpass.

Fox Theatre

From the iconic marquee on the outside to the incredible ornate decorations on the inside, there’s few places as Instagrammable as the Fox Theatre.

Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue

The only free-standing synagogue in Detroit has gotten a bit of a makeover in recent years. It’s unique triangular exterior was power-washed and there’s an awesome mural painted by Bunnie Reiss. The synagogue is also right across the street from a building-high Charles McGee mural that’s equally impressive (and Instagram-worthy).

#WhatLiftsYou

On Woodward Avenue near Broderick Tower, brightly-colored butterfly wings by Kelsey Montague offer passersby an opportunity to share #whatliftsyou.

Keyworth Stadium

Detroit City FC matches make for perfect grams. The revamped Keyworth Stadium, a sunset, and of course colorful smoke bombs shot off by rabid fans of Detroit’s now-professional soccer club—no wonder the atmosphere is so photogenic.

The Belt

Between Gratiot and Grand River, underneath the Z Lot, the Belt Alley is bursting with color. New murals and old standbys (and The Standby) line the activated alley downtown. Take your time while visiting, and head to the top of the Z Lot for some serious downtown views.

The Guardian Building

Among Detroit’s many architectural landmarks, the Guardian Building downtown may be the most impressive. ‘Gram the incredible vaulted ceiling, two-sided Tiffany clock, and the huge mural of the state of Michigan.

The Spirit of Detroit

Is it a little cliched? Yes. Do we care? No. The iconic bronze statue built in 1958 not only symbolically represents Detroit, but is a perfect spot to snap a ‘gram. It’s also right across the street from another classic photo-op location: the Joe Louis Fist.

Eastern Market

The sheds, the crowds, the murals—it all makes for endless potential Instagram moments.

The Heidelberg Project

Want to impress your out-of-town friends? Then ‘gram basically anything at the Heidelberg Project. And do it soon—the wild open-air installation may be partially or completely dismantled in the coming years.

Belle Isle

There’s so much to Instagram on Belle Isle: Sunset Point, the Conservatory, the James Scott Memorial Fountain, the William Livingstone Memorial Lighthouse, the aquarium, the beach, the annual Detroit Kite Festival. Need we go on?