Visitors to the city of Detroit, as with most large cities, will find that there are numerous places of interest and trying to figure out what to see involves mostly the amount of time you have and what your general interests are. Detroit, Michigan is often called either “Motown” or the “Motor City”, so invariably you should plan Detroit itineraries that highlight attractions related to those defining labels. As the length of your time permits, you’ll want to breach out from there and begin exploring other attractions that make the city special. Suggested itineraries Detroit are outlined below with recommendations according to how much time you might have.
1-3 Days
The temptation to visit the Henry
Ford Museum could be your first inclination, and it
is just outside the city in nearby Dearborn. It is a museum
campus with great American history exhibits and a must
for all Detroit itineraries. Allow about 7 hours for all
there is to see there. Heading back downtown, the Motown
museum is a stop that music lovers will appreciate. Here’s
where Berry Gordy Jr. started it all, and you’ll
see actual recording studios used for making Motown classics.
Once you return to the downtown loop, park your car and
use the People Mover. Most downtown parking garages are
close to a People Mover stop. The People Mover runs one-way
around downtown Detroit and only costs $.50 a ride, so
it is very economical, saves time, and maximizes the downtown
experience. Each stop has different attractions, restaurants
and shopping within walking distance. For Detroit suggested
itineraries exit the Financial District stop. Here you
can head to Hart Plaza, a central free spot, where you’ll
find a large fountain, and you can relax by the Detroit
River with views across to Windsor, Canada
and the Ambassador Bridge. Summer weekends often find
cultural celebrations here among the surrounding Detroit
art-deco buildings. You will find numerous shopping options
here, as well as the new Riverwalk. Detroit suggested
itineraries should also include the Greektown stop, Detroit’s
liveliest area, great for morning cafes, lunch or dinner.
Hit the shops, and adults try the Greektown Casino, a
top Michigan Casino, offering gambling, dining and entertainment.
4-7 Days
Suggested itineraries Detroit for those with more time
focus on the remaining attractions
in the city. Adults can hit the other two Detroit
casinos, The MGM, and the MotorCity, which can be
accessed from the People Mover. Flanking Woodward Ave.
just 3 blocks south of I-94, you’ll find the Cultural
Center. Science, music and the arts are highlighted at
the Detroit Institute of Arts, the Detroit Historical
Museum, the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American
History, and the Detroit Science Center. The Detroit Public
Library and Wayne State University are also in the area.
Make room on your suggested itineraries Detroit for the
Detroit Zoo, located in
Royal Oak, north of the city. It offers great exhibits
that kids will love and has very accessible parking. Back
downtown on your Detroit suggested itineraries, sports
and entertainment enthusiasts alike exit the People Mover
stop at the Grand Circus Park Station. Here you’ll
find the beautiful Fox Theatre, the State Theatre, the
City Theatre and the new Comerica
Park, the Detroit Tigers baseball stadium. There are also
great restaurants in this district.
7+ Days
With this much time in the city, you can really take advantage of all the things to see and do in Detroit. After exploring the different niches of the People Mover route, head to Belle Isle, the nation’s largest city park at almost 1,000 acres. It is located in the middle of the Detroit River and has the city’s only beach. Among other attractions, you’ll find a nature center, and the Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory, featuring a greenhouse and botanical garden. Next for Detroit itineraries, cross the Ambassador bridge to Windsor, Ontario. There is a casino there as well, and shopping discounts come in the form of the currency exchange rate and the duty free shops. Also, you get a view back across the river to Detroit, at the city’s park and riverwalk. Time-permitting, make a trip out to nearby Ann Arbor to visit the museums, art galleries, and unique shops and dining opportunities. The University of Michigan is located there as well.
