Start at the Detroit RiverWalk, ideally around 4:00 p.m. Walk east from the downtown section toward Milliken State Park, taking in the public art, river traffic, and Windsor skyline across the water. Allow about an hour; the paved path is easy, but there is little shade, so bring water. Parking is available in nearby downtown garages and lots, generally around $10–20 for the evening, though walking or the QLINE connection from Midtown can be easier than moving a car.
Continue to Eastern Market for an hour of murals, small shops, and food stalls. On a Monday, the full farmers market is typically closed, so treat this as a neighborhood stroll rather than expecting the Saturday market experience; confirm individual vendor hours before going. It is about a 10-minute drive from the RiverWalk, or roughly 25 minutes on foot. From there, head east to Belle Isle Park for early evening, allowing 90 minutes to walk the shoreline and enjoy the skyline views. The island is open daily, but some attractions and facilities close earlier; the park itself has no general admission fee, while the Michigan Recreation Passport is required for Michigan-plated vehicles, and out-of-state visitors should check current entry rules. Sunset is especially good from the western side of the island, but leave before dark if you are unfamiliar with the park.
Drive back to Rivertown for dinner at Atwater Brewery, where Detroit-style beer and casual pub food make an easy, unhurried stop; budget about $20–35 per person before drinks and tip. Reserve or arrive early if a Detroit Princess Riverboat cruise is operating that night—the evening sightseeing sail is usually about two hours and schedules vary by date. The boat departs from the riverfront near downtown, so check-in time, parking, and boarding instructions directly with the operator rather than relying on the restaurant’s timing. If cruising, eat early and allow at least 20–30 minutes to reach the dock and board; if no sailing is scheduled, linger over the beer and take one last short walk along the illuminated riverfront.