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Visit Uptown

Plan Your Visit

Whatever the reason or the season, there’s always something up in Uptown. Visit alone, or with friends and family. Explore our curated blog posts for ideas on what to do in Uptown.

Directory

Our four vibrant business districts offer shopping, dining, cafes and entertainment. Click to plan your visit, and use the heart emoji to bookmark your “must-see” shops and restaurants.

Visiting Uptown

Getting to Uptown

If you’re in town for a convention, wedding or other event, it’s a quick 1.3 mile jaunt from downtown to any one of the four districts for one-of-a-kind shopping, eclectic eating or entertainment.

Getting Around

We welcome all people to Uptown and want to make sure it’s easy to get around the entire area. Our people-first approach prioritizes walking, biking and public transportation. A variety of parking options are available. 

Walk

Uptown has abundant sidewalks with clearly-marked pedestrian crossings so you can enjoy both sides of the street.

Bike

Bike lanes are clearly marked throughout Uptown. Each business district has ample bike parking and a bike repair station.

Take the Bus

Hop on The Rapid (routes 4, 5, 6 or 14) to get here. Find your route to Uptown. If you’re new to public transportation, the Rapid can help.

Drive

If you’re coming in from the suburbs, it’s easy to get to Uptown from 1-96, US-131, Fulton Street or Lake Drive.

Explore our Interactive Map

Click the upper-left box to add or subtract layers like bike racks, public art spaces and more. Missing the layers? Click off the neighborhood (colored) outlines and try again!

Park

Uptown has metered parking for City lots and on-street spaces. The City of Grand Rapids checks meters from 8 a.m. until 5 or 6 p.m., Monday through Friday. Take a look around you for the pay-by-plate (orange) signs. 

Some on-street parking does not have white lines to mark individual vehicle spaces. That’s OK. It’s actually more space-efficient to have no lines. Head to the nearest meter to pay on the Motu app. You can pay by phone, too. Learn more about using Motu at the Grand Rapids Parking Guide.

Uptown Events

Uptown business districts hold social events, sales, community gatherings and more. Check out the Uptown Facebook for most current information and promotions!

Our signature event: The Uptown Shop Hop, held on first Thursday in December
THIS YEAR’S SHOP HOP is on Thursday, December 1, 2022 from 3-9 p.m.

See what’s happening in Uptown.