An alley in America is a narrow passageway between or behind buildings.
It is used mainly as a shortcut from one street to another.
Alleys usually remain neglected and often serve as a den for anti-social elements.
The Parker’s Alley in downtown Detroit, though, is an exception.
It is a gem of a place situated between buildings with a clean and festive walkway. From the back of the Shinola Hotel to the Brakeman Bar, many businesses are located in Parker’s Alley.
I found the alley to be a great place to hang out at any time of the day.
I spent an entire afternoon walking to and fro between its ends.
Here’s the entrance from John Street.
I found the Parker Alley to be a very nice place, clean and decorated beautifully.
I came across this wall of knitted wires with several locks attached.
They are also known as love locks or padlocks of love.
These locks represent a type of American superstition and a symbolic gesture of love and commitment.
Here’ a view of the Parker’s Alley on the Grand River Avenue side.
People are seen enjoying the rolling pubs that are popular in Detroit.
These are pedal-operated vehicles with seating for 8-12 people who adhere to the principle of BYOB.
Here’s some more insight from the Parker Alley if you made it this far.
I can only imagine how amazing it would feel to enjoy some nice food here.
In my June 2025 trip, I was a budget traveler.
Maybe the next time 
I did not fail to notice the fascinating geometric patterns in the manhole covers in Parker’s Alley.
Finally, here’s an amazing storefront and decoration in Parker’s Alley.
The entire stretch is a photographer’s paradise.
How to Reach
Read how to reach downtown Detroit from the airport.
Where to Eat
Try the coney hot dog at the American Coney Island.
Detroit Attractions and Things to Do
- Visit the Corner Public Clock above Fresh Mex.
- Visit places that appear in Hollywood movies.
- Visit the Kern’s Clock - a landmark iconic clock tower in Detroit.
- Explore the Street Art in Detroit
- Visit the Minimalistic Art - Clock Tower on Michigan Avenue.
Here are my officially recorded previous Clock Tower Visits:
- Merta City Clock Tower
- Surat Clock Tower
- Pune Police Station Clock Tower
- The Fascinating Clock Tower of Spicer University in Pune
- The Elegant Clock Tower of Suburban Tokyo
- The Clock Tower Replica of Las Vegas
- Houston’s Magnificent Clock Tower
- A Replica Clock Tower in The Universal Studios of Orlando
- Clock tower outside the National Park in Mumbai
- A Unique 45° Corner Public Clock in Seattle, USA
- Clock Tower of Aurangabad - Nostalgic Feelings of Childhood
- The Clock Tower of Nashik - Simple Yet Elegant
- An Ordinary Public Clock and the Extraordinary Streets of Tokyo
- A Clock Tower at the Foothills of Mt. Fuji in Japan
- Public Clock of the Gurudwara in Gurugram
- The New Public Clock in the City Market of Pune
- The Vanaz Clock Tower on Paud Road in Pune
- Karve Road Clock Tower in Pune
- Thane Clock Tower - Discovered in Serendipity.
- Discovering and Adding a Clock Tower in Pune.
- Discovered a new Clock Tower in Gurugram
- A Majestic Public Clock at a Temple Entrance in Kolhapur
- The Clock Tower in Wanawadi - Simple and Unwavering
- Clock Tower in a Constitution Park - Double Bonanza
- Enchanting Clock Tower by the Seaside in Sunny San Diego
- Philadelphia Clock Tower - World Records and American Superstitions
- Independence Hall Clock Tower in Philadelphia
- World’s only Bonsai Clock Tower in Japan
- A Public Corner Clock greeted me on arrival in Detroit
- A Minimalistic Public Clock Adorning a Federal Building.
- The Giant Clock Tower of the University of Detroit Mercy.
- A Public Clock in Detroit left to Rot.
- The Big Brother of Tabletop Alarm Clock
- An Obscure Clock Tower with Amazing Landscaping
