Best car photo spots in Detroit

Hand-picked spots in Detroit

Belle Isle skyline

Skyline & city lights · Best: Sunset

The Detroit skyline from the island's riverside drive.

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Eastern Market murals

Murals & street art · Best: Morning

Hundreds of murals on the market sheds and warehouses. Avoid Saturday market crowds.

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Michigan Central Station

Historic · Best: Golden hour

The restored train station, now Ford's tech campus.

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Ambassador Bridge

Bridges · Best: Sunset

The US–Canada suspension bridge, from the riverfront park lots.

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Fisher Building

Historic · Best: Night

Art deco 'golden tower' in New Center.

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Heidelberg Project

Murals & street art · Best: Morning

An outdoor art environment along Heidelberg St; respect the neighbors.

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Murals and street art in Detroit

Murals are the most popular car photo backdrop. Pull up alongside the wall, keep the car parallel to it and shoot from a low angle so the art fills the frame behind the car.

More spots in Detroit

• Concrete Pyramid Skyline & city lights
• Giant Screen Experience Neon & retro
• Post Theatre Neon & retro
• Southgate Community Players Corner Playhouse Neon & retro
• Coleman A. Young Municipal Center Courts Tower Historic
• Michigan Historic
• Huntington Place Historic
• Gordie Howe International Bridge Viewpoint Scenic & lakeside
• West Jefferson Bascule Bridge Bridges
• Chestnut Street Bridge Bridges
• WWII Warehouse Industrial

Tips for car photos in Detroit

• Shoot at golden hour or blue hour. The hour after sunrise and around sunset gives soft light without harsh reflections; blue hour is best for skylines and neon.
• Go early on weekends. Popular mural walls and downtown streets are quiet before 9 AM, so you can park right in front.
• Respect the spot. Stay off private lots when asked, don't block traffic and keep the engine noise down in neighborhoods.
• Hide your plate if you want. Check your shot before you post it.