Hi! As many of you may know, I am a student at the University of Michigan, located in Ann Arbor. In today’s post I will be sharing recommendations of how to spend a long weekend in the small city, complete with all of the best things to do in Ann Arbor!
This city is full of amazing restaurants, fun experiences, and sights to see. Keep reading for the best things to do, see, and eat in Ann Arbor!
Fun Things to Do in Ann Arbor
Michigan Sports
If you visit Ann Arbor during football or basketball season, definitely go to a game! The feeling of watching Michigan play in the Big House or Crisler Center is absolutely unmatched. Whether you are a Michigan fan or not, it is an incredible experience. GO BLUE!!!
Visit Campus
While in Ann Arbor you have to walk through our beautiful University of Michigan campus! More specifically, definitely walk through the law quad, one of the prettiest places on campus. Also be sure to see the Diag, where people hang out, hammock, study, and play spike ball.
The Docks at Bandemer Park
If you visit Ann Arbor during the summer months, visit the rowing docks at Bandemer Park to cool off.
Activities include sunbathing on the docks, swimming in the Huron River, or just walking along the trails. However, be aware that the docks get very crowded with locals and Michigan students, especially during the weekend and the week leading up to school starting.
Another option is to go tubing down the Huron River. You can either rent a tube for two hours for $10 or bring your own tube and go for free. Start at Argo Park and pick your tube route!
Other Places to Visit
- Matthaei Botanical Gardens & Nichols Arboretum – the peony gardens bloom in June!
- University of Michigan Museum of Art (UMMA)
- University of Michigan Museum of Natural History
- Kerrytown Market + Shops (& the Ann Arbor Farmers’ Market)
- Shopping on State Street
Restaurant Recommendations
Breakfast and Brunch
Ann Arbor has many delicious brunch spots, with my favorites being Angelo’s and The Jagged Fork.
Angelo’s
Angelo’s has been a local favorite for decades, and it is clear why! This family-run restaurant features diner-style breakfast and lunch staples and the best homemade bread.
They do not take reservations and there is almost always a wait. However, the line moves quickly and the food is definitely worth it.
My go-tos are the classic eggs benedict, served with their homemade bread, and the seasonal raspberry white chocolate chip pancakes. If you only have one morning in Ann Arbor, definitely check out Angelo’s.
The Jagged Fork
The Jagged Fork is a more recent find of mine. Located on Main Street, about 15 minutes from campus, The Jagged Fork is an awesome option if you are looking for less traditional flavors.
The menu is huge and ranges from Oreo pancakes and strawberry shortcake french toast to Greek skillets and breakfast burritos. My personal favorites are the farmers omelet and the cloud nine crepes.
Unlike Angelo’s, they also serve alcoholic drinks. While the bloody mary is delicious, they only serve mimosas with a mini bottle of Prosecco and they charge you for two – even if you order one. I would stay away from any champagne drinks in order to avoid extra charges.
Lunch and Dinner
Zingerman’s
While there are many incredible options for lunch, Zingerman’s is a must-try. The famous delicatessen is consistently rated among the world’s best sandwich shops and certainly lives up the hype.
Although expensive, the generous portions more than make up for it. I recommend the #2 Zingerman’s rueben (their most popular sandwich) and the #74 Dave’s Open Road. For a vegetarian friendly option, Kate loved the #75 Leo’s Friendly Lion.
Aventura
For dinner, check out Aventura, a tapas restaurant and bar. Aventura is easily my favorite dinner restaurant in Ann Arbor and every time I visit it is somehow even more delicious than the last.
While you can’t go wrong ordering anything on the menu, be sure to try the patatas bravas, pan con tomate, and one of the charcuterie options. Their specialty cocktails and sangrias are also very tasty!
Dessert
If you have a sweet tooth, stop by Le Bon Macaron for yummy macarons. They have many flavors and you can always find something new!
And if you want ice cream, Blank Slate Creamery is the place for you! Their creative flavors make you come back again and again to try more.
Other Restaurants to Try:
- Avalon Cafe and Kitchen, eclectic American favorites – Breakfast/Brunch
- First Bite, lots of healthy vegan options – Breakfast/Brunch
- Frita Batidos, Cuban inspired street food – Lunch and Dinner
- Chela’s, Mexican cuisine and street-food – Lunch
- No Thai!, fast & casual Thai food – Lunch
- Sava’s, eclectic food made with locally-sourced ingredients – Breakfast/Brunch, Lunch, Dinner
- Mani Osteria, Italian and wood-fired pizza – Dinner
Accommodations in Ann Arbor
The Graduate Hotel
Surprisingly, there are very few hotels in the heart of Ann Arbor. However, I have had great experiences at the Graduate Ann Arbor.
Graduate Hotels owns over 30 hotels in college towns across the United States styled with collegiate-inspired decor. The Graduate Ann Arbor is pet friendly and features a coffee bar, cocktail lounge, and fitness center. Click here for rates and to book!
Bell Tower Hotel
Another great accommodation is the Bell Tower Hotel. The Bell Tower Hotel is a family-owned local business. Located in the heart of the University’s campus and within walking distance to restaurants, stores, theaters, and more, this hotel is an excellent option. Additionally, the hotel offers a delicious complimentary breakfast, meeting rooms, and exceptional customer service.
AirBnbs
Although I have never stayed in an AirBnb in Ann Arbor, a quick search showed many options. As always, I recommend thoroughly reading reviews and talking with the host before booking.
Well, there you have it! I hope you found my recommendations for the best things to do in Ann Arbor, Michigan to be helpful. Ann Arbor is such a great little city, and one that makes the perfect weekend destination.
If you have any questions, let me know in the comments below! And don’t forget to follow us on Instagram, @twosistersabroad.
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♡Maggie
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Hi Maggie,
Loved reading your blog and made me want to visit! Maybe next year for graduation? Thanks for the restaurant tips, I hope I will get to use the advice. Have a great Senior Year!
I am very hungry for patatas bravas and white sangria now! thank you for this itinerary. Definitely saving it for the next time I visit Michigan!
The University of Michigan at Ann Arbor looks grand! Those images of white sangria and Queso y Charcuteria are so inviting. I love your itinerary for Ann Arbor. Bookmarking it for future visits. 🙂
loving the colour palette of your blog – your edits are GORGEOUS!😍
The patatas braves! Yum! I had no idea what these were, but now I need to try some.
I love AA! I’ve eaten at A LOT of the restaurants you mentioned – Sava, Fritas Batidas, Aventura, Avalon – there are so many delicious spots. Also, I’ve been dying to go to the botanical gardens there! They’ve been closed a lot with covid. Great guide!
You had me at sports and patatas bravas! I hadn’t considered visiting Ann Arbor before, but it looks nice to visit for a day or two so I may have to add it to my list now!
On my way to Ann Arbor now after seeing that ice cream! Looks like such a fun place to visit with delicious restaurant choices!
Ann Arbor looks like such a magical little place. The restaurant options sound amazing. Thanks for sharing!
I love visiting college campuses as they are so pretty – nature and architecture. Great guide on the best things to do in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
My girls would love the macarons. The area looks lovely, especially if you were coming in for a weekend of football. You have provided lots of options for food, lodging, and things to do.
Ann Arbor looks like a lovely place to visit! The law campus looks so pretty and those patatas bravas look delicious!
Julia x
Ann Arbor sounds fun! Brunch and tubing sounds like an ideal day for me, and I agree with the other’s comments that those patatas bravas looks absolutely delectable!
I had no idea there was so much to do here. Love the food recommendations! Saved this for when I visit in the future!
Ann Arbor looks like a fun collage town with great food. I’m in!
Looks like so much fun!!! Those macarons look amazing 😍 😍
Places for food look very inspiring! The architecture of campus is so remarkable! thanks for sharing this!
Never really thought of traveling here, but I think you have me convinced. The food looks great!
wow those macarons look so precious! i would probably leave them in my fridge for ages before i could ever bear to eat them! 😂😂
All those amazing sounding restaurants are making me fancy lunch! 😉
Ann Arbor looks like a fab area to visit especially to swim and relax at those docks. I really like the idea of going to a game too as it’s part of North American culture that i’ve never experienced…but after a year of covid, seeing that many people together makes me feel nervous! It’s funny to think that was normal just a year and a half ago!
Ahh I miss A2. I grew up in MI and spent quite a bit of time here in my early 20s! Reading this makes me want to plan a trip back!
Is there nothing to do in Ann Arbor? All that keeps coming up is restaurants and the gardens… not much here?
Hi Verbena! Ann Arbor is a college town, home to the University of Michigan. While there are great things to do in Ann Arbor, like checking out the cool shops, visiting the gardens, going tubing, etc. the town is very university focused. Ann Arbor is quite small, but it does have some incredible restaurants to check out. We definitely love Ann Arbor, but we also understand that it’s not necessarily a “vacation destination” itself, unless you’re visiting to tour UMich, go to a football game, etc.
I’ve been to Ann Arbor. I was not impressed with the downtown at all. It’s spread out and not charming if that’s what you are interested in. In general, not a vacation destination, in my opinion. But if you go, check out Plymouths downtown, Edsel Ford estate, and Greenfield Village.
Hi Dee, thanks for your comment! Ann Arbor is definitely a college town and as a UMich student, this post is primarily geared towards people who are visiting with some connection to the University. Totally understand how it doesn’t necessarily make a great vacation destination on its own, but if you ever find yourself with a reason to be in Ann Arbor, there are definitely some great restaurants and fun things to do.