Detroit's food scene is not all Coney dogs and square pizza. Downtown has filled up with independent bakeries, donut makers and serious coffee roasters, and this tour, sold on Viator with a 5.0 rating from more than 120 reviews, strings them together into a relaxed walk of an hour and a half to two hours. A local guide leads a small group from shop to shop for tastings of donuts, pastries and other sweet things, with coffee along the way, and fills the walks between with the stories of the neighborhoods and the people behind the businesses. Because the stops change with the seasons and the shops' schedules, the exact line-up is confirmed on the booking page rather than fixed, but the formula of several sweet tastings and good coffee, in a compact downtown loop, is the point. At a moderate price from per person, it is one of the better-value guided experiences in the city, and it fits neatly into a morning before a museum.
Who it suits: anyone with a sweet tooth, families with children who would rather eat donuts than listen to architecture, and travelers who want a guided walk that does not take half a day. It is also a good choice for a second food experience after the savory downtown food tour, since the two hardly overlap. Come hungry, but not starving: the tastings are generous, but they are sweet, so a light breakfast first is wise.
Practical details: the tour runs at a walking pace on downtown sidewalks, so wear comfortable shoes and dress for the weather, as November mornings can be cold and the stretches between shops are outdoors. Check the booking page for the meeting point, start times and the cancellation terms, and mention any allergies to the operator in advance, as bakeries may not be able to substitute items. Groups are small, which keeps the stops quick and friendly.
How it fits your trip: take it on a morning when you plan to spend the afternoon at the Detroit Institute of Arts or the Motown Museum, both a short ride up Woodward. Or pair it with the Museum of Illusions and a walk to Campus Martius for an easy family day downtown. If you discover a favorite shop, you will be passing it again within a day or two.
What to expect
The experience
A guided small-group walking tour of downtown bakeries, donut shops and coffee bars, with sweet tastings at each stop.
Best time
Mid-morning, before a museum afternoon; the stops depend on the shops being open, so check the start times when booking.
How long
About an hour and a half to two hours.
Tips
Eat a light breakfast, dress warmly between stops, and tell the operator about allergies before you go.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Sweet-toothed travelers who want a short, fun guided walk.
- Families
- One of the most child-friendly tours in the city: short, sweet and on the move.
- Couples
- A relaxed morning date with coffee, before museums in Midtown.
- Pair with
- The Museum of Illusions downtown or the Detroit Institute of Arts up Woodward.
- Time needed
- About two hours.
Good questions
What do you eat on the Detroit sweet treats tour?+
Tastings of donuts, pastries and other sweets, with coffee, at several independent downtown shops. The exact stops vary with the season.
How long is the tour?+
About an hour and a half to two hours. It is a compact walking loop downtown.
Is it suitable for children?+
Yes, it is one of the most family-friendly tours in Detroit. Children usually love the donut stops.
Can allergies be accommodated?+
Contact the operator before booking. Bakeries may not be able to swap items, especially for nut or gluten allergies.
How is it different from the downtown food tour?+
This one focuses on sweets and coffee and is shorter. The downtown food tour covers savory Detroit classics like Coney dogs and Detroit-style pizza.
