Detroit Tourist Attractions and Sightseeing

(Detroit, Michigan - MI, USA)

The oldest city in the Midwest and the site of the original Ford factory, Detroit is best known for its connections to motor vehicles. Dubbed the Motor City, Detroit has numerous tourist attractions related to this facet of its heritage, most notably the Henry Ford Museum, but this is far from all it has to offer in terms of sightseeing possibilities.

Detroit is filled with cultural, historical and entertainment attractions and is well-known for its sports stadiums, casinos and ethnic districts.

Guided Tours

Detroit is an expansive city and therefore not very well suited to pedestrian exploration, but a few companies (such as Preservation Wayne and Action Tours) do offer guided walking tours of the downtown areas and attractions, including Eastern Market, Cultural Center District and Midtown. Another option is to take part in one of the many guided bus tours that are available, and that enable visitors to see a greater section of the central city in a shorter time, as well as some of the surrounding suburbs. Diamond Jack's River Tours presents another alternative, a two-hour narrated cruise of the Detroit River incorporating attractions such as Bell Isle, Hart Plaza and the Renaissance Center.

Renaissance Center

Address: Jefferson Avenue, Beaubien, Detroit, Michigan (MI), USA
Detroit's most notable and noticeable landmark is a multi-cylindrical architectural feat crafted of gleaming black glass. Constructed as part of the effort to stimulate new interest in the aging downtown city region, this distinctive structure has a striking, multiple-cylindrical design that houses the General Motors world headquarters, as well as a profusion of shops, movie theaters, banks and restaurants. This is one of the city's most popular tourist attractions and is a must for all keen shoppers and fans of architecture. The Renaissance Center is worth visiting for the panoramic views it offers over Denver city, the Great Lakes and Michigan's prairies.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Detroit Public Library

Address: 5201 Woodward Avenue, Detroit, Michigan (MI), USA
Tel: +1 313 833 1000
Located in Detroit's history-rich Cultural Center, within easy walk of several of the city's most impressive museums and galleries, the Detroit Public Library is well worth visiting for its fabulous Burton Historical Collection.
Open hours: Tuesday, Thursday to Sunday - 09:30 to 17:30, Wednesday - 09:00 to 13:00
Admission: free

Detroit Science Center

Address: 5020 John R. Street, Detroit, Michigan (MI), USA
Tel: +1 313 577 8400
This state-of-the-art center blends excitement with education in just the right proportions. Boasting a plethora of high-tech gadgets, gimmicks and displays, the Detroit Science Center is filled with hands-on entertainment and promotes learning the interactive way. In addition to the countless interactive exhibits, the center encompasses a gargantuan IMAX theater featuring a range of enthralling shows for more fascinating fun.
Open hours: Monday to Friday - 90:30 to 14:00, Saturday and Sunday - 12:30 to 17:00
Admission: charge

Eastern Market

Address: 2934 Russell, Detroit, Michigan (MI), USA
Tel: +1 313 833 1560
Located on the northeastern fringe of downtown Detroit, the Eastern Market is a colossal, covered farmers' market. Taking place every Saturday, the Eastern Market sells a seemingly endless selection of goods and attractions, that run the gamut from piping hot pork dishes to live pigs. This is an incomparable place for feasting on the freshest Detroit fare, listening to live music and getting a general idea of the local folk.
Open hours: Monday to Saturday - 07:00 to 17:00
Admission: free

Detroit Zoo

Address: 8450 West 10-Mile Road, Royal Oak, Michigan (MI), USA
Tel: +1 248 398 0900
Detroit Zoo is one of America's best zoos and was established in 1928 as the first of its kind to introduce the concept of uncaged animal exhibits, using natural barriers as a means of enclosure. The sizeable zoo area encompasses a vast selection of animals including a large number of endangered species and even a couple that are actually extinct in the wild. Attractions at the zoo include the Arctic Ring of Life, the globe's most extensive display of polar bears in captivity; Penguin House; Elephant House; a great apes exhibit; and an enchanting butterfly and hummingbird garden that will keep your kids amused for hours.
Open hours: daily - 10:00 to 17:00
Admission: charge, discount for seniors and children under 12, children under two free