Detroit Safety Guide
Health, security, and travel safety information
Emergency Numbers
Save these numbers before your trip.
Healthcare
What to know about medical care in Detroit.
Healthcare System
Detroit operates under the U.S. healthcare system, which is private and fee-based. Healthcare is extremely expensive without insurance, and visitors are responsible for all medical costs. Emergency rooms must treat patients regardless of ability to pay, but will bill afterward. The quality of care is high, but costs can be substantial even for minor treatments.
Hospitals
Major hospitals serving visitors include Detroit Receiving Hospital (downtown, Level I trauma center), Henry Ford Hospital, Harper University Hospital, and Beaumont Hospital Royal Oak (nearby suburb). Downtown and Midtown have good access to emergency care. Most hospitals have 24/7 emergency departments.
Pharmacies
CVS, Walgreens, and Rite Aid pharmacies are widely available throughout the city, with some locations open 24 hours. Many common medications available over-the-counter in other countries require prescriptions in the U.S. Pharmacists can provide advice on over-the-counter alternatives.
Insurance
Travel health insurance is not legally required but is STRONGLY RECOMMENDED. Medical care in the U.S. is among the most expensive in the world. A simple emergency room visit can cost thousands of dollars, and serious medical issues can result in bills exceeding $100,000.
Healthcare Tips
- Purchase comprehensive travel health insurance before arriving; verify it covers emergency medical evacuation
- Carry a copy of your insurance information and any important medical records
- If you take prescription medications, bring sufficient supply in original containers with prescriptions
- Urgent care clinics are cheaper alternatives to emergency rooms for non-life-threatening issues
- Keep emergency numbers and your hotel address written down in case you need medical assistance
- Be prepared for high out-of-pocket costs; even with insurance, you may need to pay upfront and seek reimbursement
Common Risks
Be aware of these potential issues.
Car break-ins and theft from vehicles are among the most common crimes affecting visitors to Detroit. Thieves target vehicles with visible valuables, rental cars, and cars parked in less-monitored areas.
While less common than in some major cities, petty theft can occur in crowded areas, at events, and on public transportation. Distraction techniques and theft of unattended items are the most common methods.
Visitors may encounter individuals asking for money, particularly in downtown areas, near freeway exits, and at gas stations. Most interactions are harmless, though some may be persistent.
Some residential neighborhoods outside tourist areas experience higher rates of property crime, including burglary and theft. These areas typically have limited commercial activity and fewer visitors.
Detroit is a car-dependent city with aggressive driving culture, potholes, and confusing intersections. Accidents are relatively common, and road conditions can be poor, especially in winter.
Detroit experiences harsh winters with heavy snow, ice, and extremely cold temperatures. Visitors unfamiliar with winter conditions may face risks from slips, falls, frostbite, and driving hazards.
Scams to Avoid
Watch out for these common tourist scams.
Individuals pose as parking lot attendants, collecting payment for parking in lots they don't actually manage. They may approach you as you park, wearing reflective vests or appearing official, and demand payment.
At gas stations or intersections, individuals start cleaning your windshield without permission, then aggressively demand payment for the unwanted service.
Scammers sell fake or invalid tickets to sporting events, concerts, or shows outside venues. Tickets may be photocopies, already used, or completely fabricated.
Predatory towing companies may tow vehicles from private lots with unclear signage, then charge excessive fees for retrieval. Some may claim your legally parked car was illegally parked.
Some street vendors at events or tourist areas may quote one price, then demand significantly more after providing goods or services, or use unclear pricing to overcharge tourists.
Safety Tips
Practical advice to stay safe.
Transportation Safety
- Detroit is car-dependent; renting a car is recommended for exploring beyond downtown
- Use ride-sharing services (Uber/Lyft) for evening transportation, especially if unfamiliar with areas
- The QLine streetcar is safe but limited in coverage; stay aware of surroundings at stops
- If driving, keep doors locked and windows up when stopped at lights in unfamiliar areas
- Park in well-lit, attended lots or garages; valet parking is often worth the cost
- Avoid leaving rental car agreements or tourist maps visible in vehicle
- Be cautious driving at night in unfamiliar areas; use GPS navigation
Neighborhood Awareness
- Stick to tourist-friendly areas: Downtown, Midtown, Corktown, Eastern Market, Riverfront, and New Center
- Research neighborhoods before visiting; ask hotel staff for current advice
- If you accidentally enter an area that feels uncomfortable, remain calm and navigate to a busier area
- Avoid walking alone late at night, even in downtown areas; use ride-sharing instead
- Trust your instincts; if something feels off, leave the area
- Popular entertainment districts (Greektown, Corktown) are generally safe but stay aware
Personal Security
- Keep valuables concealed; don't display expensive jewelry, cameras, or electronics unnecessarily
- Use hotel safes for passports, extra cash, and valuable electronics
- Carry only necessary cash and one credit card when exploring
- Keep phone charged and carry portable charger for emergencies
- Share your itinerary with someone back home
- Be aware of your surroundings; avoid being distracted by phone while walking
- Walk with confidence and purpose; avoid appearing lost or vulnerable
Evening and Nightlife Safety
- Go out in groups when possible; there's safety in numbers
- Arrange transportation before going out; know how you'll get back to hotel
- Watch your drinks; never leave beverages unattended in bars
- Stick to established bars and restaurants; avoid unlicensed venues
- Be cautious when leaving venues late at night; use valet or have ride-share pick you up at entrance
- Keep phone accessible and charged for calling rides or emergency services
- Let hotel staff know if you need recommendations for safe nightlife venues
Event and Attraction Safety
- Sporting events and concerts are generally safe; follow venue security procedures
- Arrive early to events to avoid parking in remote lots
- Keep tickets secure; watch for pickpockets in crowded venues
- Plan exit strategy before events; know multiple routes to parking or transportation
- Stay with your group in crowded areas
- Be extra vigilant at large festivals where crowds provide cover for theft
Accommodation Safety
- Stay in established hotels in downtown or midtown areas for best safety and access
- Popular safe hotel areas include Downtown, Midtown, Dearborn, and suburbs like Royal Oak
- Use hotel safes and keep room doors locked at all times
- Don't open door to unexpected visitors; verify hotel staff identity
- Keep emergency numbers and hotel address card with you
- If using Airbnb, read reviews carefully and verify neighborhood safety
Information for Specific Travelers
Safety considerations for different traveler groups.
Women Travelers
Women travelers can safely visit Detroit by taking standard urban precautions. The city is generally welcoming, and solo female travelers are common in tourist areas. Downtown and Midtown areas are increasingly popular with young professionals, including many women. That said, as in any major city, women should exercise additional awareness, particularly when traveling alone and especially after dark. The main tourist districts have good lighting and foot traffic during the day, but it's advisable to use ride-sharing for evening transportation.
- Use ride-sharing services (Uber/Lyft) rather than walking alone after dark, even in downtown areas
- Stay in reputable hotels in well-traveled areas like downtown or Midtown
- Keep phone charged and easily accessible; consider carrying a portable charger
- Trust your instincts; if a situation feels uncomfortable, remove yourself
- Avoid displaying expensive jewelry or designer items that attract attention
- When at bars or restaurants, watch your drinks and never leave them unattended
- Join group tours for exploring neighborhoods you're unfamiliar with
- Share your itinerary with friends or family back home
- Dress practically for walking; comfortable shoes are important for Detroit's sidewalks
- Consider staying in hotels with 24-hour front desk and good security
- If someone makes you uncomfortable, seek help from business staff or security personnel
- Carry a small amount of emergency cash separately from your main wallet
LGBTQ+ Travelers
LGBTQ+ rights are protected in Michigan. Same-sex marriage is legal throughout the United States. Detroit and Michigan have anti-discrimination laws protecting LGBTQ+ individuals in employment, housing, and public accommodations. The legal environment is supportive and welcoming.
- Detroit has several LGBTQ+-friendly bars and venues, particularly in downtown and Midtown areas
- Motor City Pride festival in June is a major LGBTQ+ event attracting thousands
- Ferndale (nearby suburb) has a concentration of LGBTQ+-friendly businesses and nightlife
- The Ruth Ellis Center provides resources and support for LGBTQ+ youth and visitors
- Major hotels and tourist areas are welcoming and accustomed to LGBTQ+ guests
- Dating apps are widely used and generally safe when following standard online safety precautions
- As in any city, exercise standard awareness when meeting people from apps; meet in public places first
- Healthcare providers in Detroit are professional and accustomed to LGBTQ+ patients
- While urban areas are accepting, use discretion in unfamiliar neighborhoods
- Wedding and commitment ceremonies are fully legal and recognized; many venues welcome same-sex couples
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED for visiting Detroit, primarily due to the extremely high cost of healthcare in the United States. Even a minor medical emergency can result in bills of thousands of dollars, and serious incidents can cost hundreds of thousands. Unlike many countries, the U.S. has no universal healthcare system, and visitors are fully responsible for all medical costs. Emergency rooms cannot refuse treatment, but will bill you afterward. Additionally, travel insurance can cover trip cancellations, lost luggage, and other travel disruptions.
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