City centre Grand Rapids balances business energy with cultural charm. The Van Andel Arena and DeVos Performance Hall anchor a vibrant entertainment scene while the Grand Rapids Art Museum and Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum offer rich cultural experiences. Wide pavements lead to breweries, restaurants, and riverfront paths. ArtPrize transforms ordinary corners into outdoor galleries each fall. Travellers can easily walk between major attractions or hop on the DASH bus. The Grand River provides scenic views along paved walking paths. Business travellers appreciate the corporate amenities while culture seekers enjoy the museums and performance venues.
East Hills combines historic charm with an artsy vibe in Grand Rapids. Tree-lined streets showcase well-preserved Victorian and Craftsman homes from the early 1900s. Cherry Street buzzes with independent boutiques, craft coffee shops, and farm-to-table restaurants that locals love. Explore the Heritage Hill Historic District to admire architectural treasures and original stone pathways. The area offers a peaceful retreat from city centre yet remains highly walkable. Visit the Fulton Street Farmers Market for local flavours or browse artisanal shops for Michigan-made souvenirs.
Heritage Hill showcases Michigan's largest collection of 19th-century architecture with over 60 styles on display. Stroll tree-lined streets past stunning Victorian mansions, Queen Anne homes, and Frank Lloyd Wright's Meyer May House. This nationally recognised district lets you step back in time while staying close to city centre Grand Rapids. The area maintains its quiet residential character despite its historic significance. Visitors can explore the Voigt House Victorian Museum or take guided tours of the district. While dining options are limited within Heritage Hill itself, city centre restaurants are just a short walk away.
Heartside in Grand Rapids buzzes with artistic energy and creative spaces. This city centre area showcases converted brick warehouses housing contemporary galleries, studios, and craft breweries. The iconic Van Andel Arena anchors the district while colourful murals transform historic facades. The Avenue for the Arts forms the cultural backbone of this formerly industrial area. Visit the Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts or catch performances at the Grand Rapids Civic Theatre. After exploring galleries, sample local craft beers and farm-to-table cuisine in this walkable district.
John Ball Park offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and family attractions in Grand Rapids' charming west side. The 160-acre green space features scenic hiking trails, a disc golf course, and panoramic city views. The neighborhood's crown jewel is John Ball Zoo, home to over 200 animal species and a historic carousel. Surrounding the park are quiet, tree-lined streets with early 20th-century homes that showcase local Grand Rapids life. Families appreciate the playgrounds and picnic areas throughout this peaceful district. The nearby Public Museum and Gerald R. Ford Museum provide enriching cultural experiences within minutes of this verdant escape.
Discover the most popular places to visit in Grand Rapids
Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park
9.4/10 (815 reviews)
This 158-acre sanctuary blends art and nature with over 200 sculptures among diverse gardens. Explore Michigan's largest tropical conservatory or find tranquility in the Japanese Garden.
Van Andel Arena
8.8/10 (1,283 reviews)
This city centre Grand Rapids arena hosts everything from AHL hockey to chart-topping concerts with seating for 12,000. Arrive early to enjoy nearby restaurants before experiencing the electric atmosphere inside.
John Ball Zoo
8.6/10 (355 reviews)
Established in 1891, John Ball Zoo showcases diverse wildlife in naturalistic habitats while championing conservation. Observe tigers and chimps up close or enjoy a thrilling zipline adventure above the grounds.
DeVos Performance Hall
8.6/10 (729 reviews)
Grand Rapids' premier arts venue hosts symphony, ballet, opera, and Broadway shows in an acoustically rich theatre. Enjoy the elegant lobby with terrazzo flooring and coloured accent lighting before performances.
Downtown Market
8.8/10 (1,094 reviews)
This culinary hub houses 20+ local vendors offering artisanal foods in a LEED Gold Certified space. Browse international cuisines, attend events, or relax in the seating areas while supporting local entrepreneurs.
Woodland Mall
8.6/10 (860 reviews)
Woodland Mall offers a premium shopping experience with over 100 retailers including Apple and Pottery Barn. Recharge at the food court or enjoy a film at Phoenix Theatres after browsing high-end stores.
DeVos Place Convention Center
10.0/10 (3 reviews)
This riverside convention centre hosts Grand Rapids' premier events, from trade shows to Broadway performances. Enjoy its modern architecture and state-of-the-art facilities while taking in picturesque Grand River views.
LMCU Ballpark
8.6/10 (56 reviews)
Home of the West Michigan Whitecaps, LMCU Ballpark charms with its working lighthouse that illuminates after home runs. Enjoy evening games under the lights while sampling the famous 5-pound Fifth Third Burger.
What to do in Grand Rapids
Fun Sushi Making Class With a Local Chef in Grand Rapids
"Great hotel. Clean rooms. Comfy beds. Parking included. Highly recommend if you’re going to a concert at the new amphitheater. Super easy under ten minute walk so you don’t have to worry about parking/traffic."
"Our room was at the end of the 2nd floor. We checked in around 7pm and were surprised to find piles of dirty linen outside 2 doors near our room. Our room was very clean so we wondered if something happened to the person who was responsible to clean the rooms. The night clerk said that he found the maid's cleaning cart left in the middle of the hall of the first floor and he also wondered what happened. Since we arrived at 7pm and had taken a shuttle from the airport we were hoping the hotel...
"Staff is very accommodating. Wanted a room with a separation between beds and basically it was a 1 bedroom the an open area for the other bed. Very nice."
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
How much does a Grand Rapids holiday package cost?
You'll find cheap prices on Expedia for your Grand Rapids escape. However, a range of factors like the hotel choice, length of stay and season will influence how much your holiday to Grand Rapids costs.
What are the cheapest months to go to Grand Rapids?
If you'd like to book a cheap Grand Rapids holiday package, consider travelling in November, December and January. You'll usually find better prices on flights and accommodation during these months — ideal for a budget-friendly break.
How many days is enough for Grand Rapids?
To get the most out of a Grand Rapids holiday, we recommend staying for 2 days. Split your time between discovering Grand Rapids Children's Museum, Van Andel Museum Centre and other major sights, on top of exploring neighbourhoods like Downtown Grand Rapids and Alpine Centre. If you've got some spare time, add a day trip or tour to your Grand Rapids holiday itinerary.
Is it worth booking a holiday package to Grand Rapids?
During your Grand Rapids holiday, you can look forward to experiencing some excellent history and culture. Leave enough room in your schedule to visit leading attractions like Van Andel Arena and DeVos Performance Hall.
How to find the best Grand Rapids package deals?
Begin your search for a Grand Rapids package deal by entering your destination and preferred trip dates under our "Packages" tab. Then select a few filters, like "Popular locations" and "Amenities," to tailor the results to your exact needs. You can also sort by "Package discount" and browse offers that come with irresistible savings. If you don't find the ideal Grand Rapids package deal straight away, just tweak your dates and search again. Bear in mind that deals are only available for a limited time, so book early and get your Grand Rapids getaway off to a flying start.
Is it cheaper to book a Grand Rapids holiday as a package?
An Expedia holiday package could save you hundreds of dollars when compared to booking hotels and flights separately. Better still, you can personalise your Grand Rapids trip to match your exact needs. Pick your preferred flight time, select the hotel type and add a rental car. Browse our bundle deals and find out how much you can save.
When to book a holiday package to Grand Rapids?
If you've got your Grand Rapids travel dates locked in, book as soon as you can to bag some fantastic deals. With Expedia, you can typically reserve some flights up to one year in advance. Prefer spontaneous adventures? Our last-minute deals are ideal for travelling on a whim.
How to plan a trip to Grand Rapids?
Pick your dates: What you'd like to do in Grand Rapids and your favourite season will help you decide when to travel.
Work out your budget: Ensure you have enough money to pay for everything from transportation and meals to experiences and flights. Your accommodation will likely be the largest expense during your trip to Grand Rapids.
Decide your trip length: Consider how much time you'd like to spend exploring Grand Rapids. Plan your days so you can get to all the experiences and attractions you're interested in at a leisurely pace.
Bundle your flights and hotel: Awesome destination, check. Length of stay, check. All that's left now is to find a Grand Rapids holiday package that brings all your bookings together.
Grand Rapids is an ideal destination for outdoor and family-friendly vacations, offering a variety of activities such as arena entertainment, educational experiences, and recreational areas. Visitors can enjoy romantic holidays, partake in active events, attend music performances, and engage in seasonal celebrations, making it a vibrant spot for diverse experiences.
Shopping
RiverTown Crossings Mall offers a vibrant shopping experience with a variety of stores and entertainment options. For unique gifts, visit Vander Veen's Dutch Store. Additionally, the Downtown Market features local produce and artisan goods, perfect for souvenirs that capture the essence of Grand Rapids.
Recreation
At Celebration. Cinema and IMAX Theater, indulge in cinematic experiences that blend family fun with romance. DeVos Performance Hall offers captivating performances in a cultural setting, perfect for an entertaining night out. Meanwhile, MSA Fieldhouse provides an exhilarating atmosphere for sports enthusiasts, ensuring active leisure time.
Adventure
Craig's Cruisers offers an exhilarating arcadeAdventureZone experience with family-friendly activities, perfect for thrill-seekers. A short drive away, Jester's Court provides a similar atmosphere, filled with fun and excitement. For winter sports enthusiasts, Cannonsburg Ski Area presents fantastic skiing opportunities amidst stunning natural scenery.
Nightlife
The nightlife in Grand Rapids buzzes with energy, particularly at the Orbit Room, a vibrant nightclub that offers an alluring mix of romance and entertainment. With its lively city vibes, it’s an ideal spot for those seeking an exciting evening out in this charming locale.
Find the best attractions in and around Grand Rapids
Grand Rapids offers a delightful blend of outdoor adventures and family-friendly attractions. Visitors can explore modern universities, scenic urban parks, and picturesque lakes. This vibrant city caters to those seeking both nature and urban experiences, making it an ideal destination for travellers. Don't miss out on the best attractions that showcase the charm of Grand Rapids, ensuring a memorable holiday for all.
Grand Valley State University: This modern university, located 17.7km from Grand Rapids, offers a vibrant campus atmosphere with a blend of academic excellence and city vibes. Explore its stunning architecture and green spaces, perfect for a leisurely stroll.
Van Andel Arena: Situated in the heart of Grand Rapids, this entertainment facility is a hub of excitement, hosting concerts and sporting events. The arena has a lively family-friendly atmosphere, making it an ideal spot for unforgettable experiences.
Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park: Nestled within Grand Rapids, this enchanting sculpture garden boasts beautiful landscapes and captivating art installations. The outdoor setting is perfect for family outings, offering both leisure and inspiration.
Best time to go to Grand Rapids
The best time to visit Grand Rapids can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature in Grand Rapids falls in July, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature in Grand Rapids falls in January, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.
Tips to save on your trip to Grand Rapids
Take advantage of package deals on Expedia and combine flights, hotels, or car rentals for a convenient and cost-effective trip to Grand Rapids.
Consider traveling to Grand Rapids during the low season (March and December to January) for more affordable options.
Use the Price per traveler filter on Expedia to find a package deal that suits your budget.
Check the VIP Access properties filter to discover outstanding hotels with added member perks at select properties.
* Savings based on package bookings compared to the price of the same components booked separately. Savings not available on all packages.