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Area of Detroit, Michigan, United States
Photo: w_lemay, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Downtown Detroit is the central business district of Detroit, bordered by the Lodge Freeway to the west, the Fisher Freeway to the north, Interstate 375 to the east, and the Detroit River to the south. The area contains most of the prominent skyscrapers in Detroit, the nation's second largest theatre district, several parks, many of which are linked by the Detroit International Riverfront, three casinos, and much more that is sure to make your visit a unique and memorable one.
From the travel guide. Select a place for details, a map and what is nearby.
This historic neighborhood is dominated by Greek restaurants. Some buildings on Monroe Street resemble the Parthenon, Pegasus, and other forms of Ancient Greek architecture. Greek music is also played on Monroe Street throughout the day. One of Detroit's three casinos, Greektown Casino, is in the neighborhood and has a station on the People Mover on level 3.
Bricktown is an historic district that is home to St. Peter and Paul’s Catholic Church, the oldest standing church in Detroit, and the Italian Renaissance style Wayne County Building. The neighborhood also has its own station on the People Mover on Beaubien Street, north of Congress Street.
This neighborhood is a single block of Broadway Avenue and consists of eleven commercial buildings built between 1896 and 1926. The architectural terra cotta used on the buildings gives the neighborhood a distinct look. The Broadway People Mover Station, which is the nearest station, is at the corner of Broadway and John R. Road.
This park and 17 surrounding buildings are included in the Capitol Park Historic District. Some of the more famous ones are the Art Deco-style David Stott Building, and the Modern Movement-style Griswold Building. The nearest People Mover station to this historic place is the Times Square Station, on Grand River, between Cass and Washington Boulevard.
This neighborhood is a multi-block area on which some of Detroit's most architecturally significant buildings can be found. It includes the Book-Cadillac Hotel, the Book Tower, the Industrial-Stevens Apartments, and Washington Square among other buildings. The Times Square Station on the People Mover is right in this historic district, at Grand River Avenue, between Cass and Washington Boulevards.
Campus Martius is the main park of Detroit. Hart Plaza, on the Riverfront, was made to replace Campus Martius, but Hart Plaza is hard-surfaced, so Campus Martius was re-established. The new Campus Martius Park includes two stages, sculptures, public spaces and a seasonal ice skating rink. Cadillac Square Park, immediately to the east of Campus Martius, provides park space. Several skyscrapers surround Campus Martius Park. The more popular of these include: Compuware World Headquarters, which is home to a beautiful lobby and several shops and stores; Cadillac Tower, which will be connected to the Cadillac Centre, which will be built in a similar architectural style as the Guggenheim Museums; and 1001 Woodward, which is the only building in Detroit in the Chicago-style architecture. The park is also home to a few historic monuments, such as Michigan Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument, which is a Civil War monument first unveiled in 1872, and Bagley Memorial Fountain, which is a monument to 16th governor of Michigan, John J. Bagley, whose will contained $5,000 for the construction of a drinking fountain for the people of Detroit, to have "water cold and pure as the coldest mountain stream." The nearest People Mover station to Campus Martius Park is the Cadillac Center station, at Gratiot Avenue and Library Street.
This five-acre park connects Detroit's theater district to its financial center. The park is home to several statues and monuments, such as the Thomas Edison Memorial Fountain, a statue of former Detroit mayor, William C. Maybury, a statue of Hazen S. Pingree, former mayor of Detroit and former governor of Michigan, and the Russel Alger Memorial Fountain. Across the street from the park is the Victorian Gothic-styled Central United Methodist Church. The new headquarters for Quicken Loans is planned near this park. However, due to the park's proximity to the theater district, Comerica Park, and Ford Field, the fortunes of these skyscrapers are brighter, as many undergoing or are planned for renovation. Grand Circus Park has its own station on the people mover, at Park Street, near Woodward Avenue.
Detroit's riverfront is a 5½-mile (8.8 km) promenade along the Detroit River running from the Ambassador Bridge to Belle Isle, encompassing a multitude of parks, restaurants, retail shops, skyscrapers, and high rise residential areas. The path is directly on the river and is 62 feet (18¾ m) wide in most places, with separate lanes for pedestrian and bicycle traffic. Pavilions, fishing piers, and there are benches at intervals along the path. The east RiverWalk connects various riverfront developments, including Hart Plaza, the Renaissance Center, GM Plaza and Promenade, Tri-Centennial State Park, Stroh River Place, Chene Park, and Gabriel Richard Park. The nearest People Mover station to the riverfront is the Joe Louis Arena Station, which is inside Joe Louis Arena.
This park is an open, mostly hard-surfaced park along the Detroit River. It is more or less on the site where Antoine de la Mothe Cadillac landed in 1701 when he founded Fort Pontchartrain du Détroit, the settlement that became Detroit. The 14 acres (5.7 ha) plaza, which is named after the late U.S. Senator Philip Hart, opened in 1975 and has a capacity of 40,000 people. The park conatians several sculptures and monuments, including: Dodge Fountain, which is at the center of the park; Transcending, which is a Michigan Labor Legacy Landmark, at the entrance of the park; Monolith, a sculpture by Isamu Noguchi; a statue of George Washington; and the Joe Louis Memorial, which is a gigantic sculpture of Joe Louis' fist. The nearest People Mover station to Hart Plaza is the Financial District Station, on Larned, between Shelby and Griswold Street.
The Spirit of Detroit is a city monument with a large bronze statue situated in front of the Coleman A. Young Municipal Center, home to Detroit's city hall. It was commissioned in 1955 for a cost of $58,000, and dedicated in 1958. In its left hand, the statue holds a bronze sphere with rays to symbolize God. In its right hand, is a family group symbolizing human relationships. The 26-foot (7.9-m) sculpture is frequently dressed in sports jerseys when local professional teams are in the playoffs. The nearest People Mover station to the monument is the Millender Center Station, which is inside the Millender Center on the 5th floor.
Comerica Tower
Comerica Tower is the second tallest building in Detroit, after the Renaissance Center, rising 619 ft (189 m). The building was constructed from 1991 to 1993. The building is famous for its postmodern architectural design topped with neo-gothic spires, which makes it blend in with the older buildings in Detroit. Built in 1993, visitors are often surprised to learn of the building's young age.
This group of seven interconnected skyscrapers contains the tallest building in Michigan and is considered a symbol of Detroit. The entire complex is owned by General Motors as its headquarters. The central tower, a Marriott hotel, was built as the tallest hotel in the world, rising 73 stories at 727 feet. Free tours of the complex are offered Monday through Saturday at 10AM, noon, 2PM, and 4PM. The tour covers the main highlights of the complex as well as a glass elevator ride of the 72 floor which offers great views that extend 30 miles (48 km) in all directions. The GM Wintergarden, a tropical atrium, overlooks the Detroit River and Windsor, Ontario. The GMnext Showroom is a display of classic and concept cars at the centre of the complex. The "Borealis" Glass Sculpture, at the Jefferson Avenue entrance, is the tallest vertical glass sculpture in the world. The complex also features a plaza on the riverfront with fountains, stages, and seating. The Renaissance Center has its own station on the People Mover in Tower 200 on level 2.
The building was the tallest in Michigan from its completion in 1928 until the construction of the Renaissance Center's central tower in 1977. It is now the third tallest. Like many of the city's other Roaring Twenties buildings, it has Art Deco influences, including its "H" shape, which allows maximum sunlight into the building, and the sculptural setbacks that cause the upper floors to seem to "erode".
Built in 1929, the building is a bold example of Art Deco architecture, including art moderne designs. At the top of the Guardian Building's spire, is a large American flag, complementing the four smaller flags atop nearby 150 West Jefferson. The Guardian Building's interior is lavishly decorated with mosaic and Pewabic and Rookwood tile. The semi-circular exterior domes are filled with Pewabic Pottery. The building was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1989. It was used as headquarters for production during World War II.
Built in 1928, the Book Cadillac Hotel is an architectural gem that, after 20 years of vacancy, was remodeled into an upscale hotel in 2008. It was designed with neo-classical elements and building sculptures, incorporating brick and limestone. Among its notable features are the statues of General Anthony Wayne, Antoine Laumet de La Mothe, sieur de Cadillac, Chief Pontiac and Robert Navarre along the ornate Michigan Avenue facade and the three copper terraces at top the building.
This Beaux Arts skyscraper was the first building outside of New York City and Chicago to have more than 40 floors. Cadillac Tower was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2005.
This historic upscale hotel was designed in the Beaux Arts style. Built in 1916, it was renovated in 2008 and is the first full-service Hilton brand hotel to operate in the city in 33 years. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1983.
This building, constructed in 1897, may be the country's finest surviving example of Roman Baroque architecture. The Wayne County Building also has a blend of Beaux-Arts and some elements of the neo-classical architectural style. The courthouse tower was originally 227' - 8 1/2" tall. The building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1975.
This church was constructed in 1855, and completely rebuilt in 1876. It is an ornately detailed Gothic Revival structure built of limestone ashlar. The facade features a 265-foot (81 m) tall square tower with a spire on one side and a shorter octagonal turret on the other. A central stained glass window illuminates the sanctuary. There are seven bays along the side of the church with flying buttresses, crocketed finials, lacy stonework and tall windows, which was designed to give the impression of light.
The Old Mariners' Church is an independent, Anglican-style church completed in 1849. Established to serve mariners (hence the name), the church holds a Blessing of the Fleet every March for those going out to sea and a Great Lakes Memorial Service for those who have lost their lives at sea every November. It's perhaps most notable in American and Canadian popular culture as the "Maritime Sailors' Cathedral" mentioned in the lyrics of Gordon Lightfoot's 1976 hit "The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald". An Underground Railroad tunnel under the building was discovered in 1955 when the church was moved to make way for a civic centre. The nearest People Mover Station to the church is Millender Center.
Built in 1860, this church was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1982. It was designed in the Gothic Revival architectural-style.
This parade has been going on for quite some time. It runs down Woodward Avenue every Thanksgiving Day (the fourth Thursday in November).
Meridian Winter Blast
Held every winter in Campus Martius Park, it includes ice skating, concerts, and a street party in Greektown. This event over four weekends in January and February has drawn crowds of over one million people.
Held at Hart Plaza every Memorial Day weekend (the weekend including the last Monday of May) since 2000 under various names, this festival is about electronic dance music.
Held every Labor Day weekend (first weekend in September) at Hart Plaza, it is one of the largest free jazz festivals in the country, with plenty of performances by local and world-renowned jazz artists.
One of the largest anime conventions in the U.S. End of October.
Annual hot rod car show held at TCF Center held in spring.
The MGM Grand Detroit is the first luxury casino resort in a major metropolis outside of Las Vegas or Atlantic City, and the first in downtown Detroit. The permanent casino opened its doors to the public on October 3, 2007.
The MotorCity Casino is a $300 million casino hotel. It incorporates the historic Wagner Baking Company building circa 1915. As part of the renovation, the cornerstone of this former Wonder Bread bakery has been fully restored to its original condition, preserving the signature features of the 93-year old Detroit landmark.
Greektown casino includes several Greek restaurants. The casino has its own People Mover Station, on level 3.
The Fox is the second largest theater in the country after Radio City Music Hall in New York City. The theater was designated as a National Historic Landmark in 1989 and was one of the first theaters to feature live sound. The exterior of the attached 10-story building features an Art Deco facade, which lights up at night and can be seen for several blocks. The Fox is Detroit’s top venue for Broadway shows.
This theater is the second largest in Detroit. The 4,404-seat theater is a prominent venue for concerts, Broadway shows, and other events. Detroit Masonic Temple was designed in the neo-gothic architectural style, using a great deal of limestone.
Known as the State Theater throughout most of its history, The Fillmore Detroit is next to the larger Fox Theater. The theater was designed as a movie house in the Renaissance Revival style of architecture.
The Detroit Opera House is the venue for all Michigan Opera Theater productions and other events. This theater, which seats 2,700 people, first opened in 1922.
This orchestra hall is the home of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. The hall is renowned for its marvelous acoustic properties.
Originally known as the Wilson Theatre.
A beautiful theatre designed in Art Deco, now boasting the largest enameled metal panel Art Deco facade in the Detroit metropolitan area. The theater hosts live musical acts.
The Bonstelle Theatre is the undergraduate theater used by Wayne State University. It was built in 1902 as the Temple Beth-El. The theater was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1982.
This two-level theater used to be in Foxtown, however due to the construction of Comerica Park, it was moved on wheels five blocks to its present location. It is the furthest known relocation of a sizable building.
This theater, inside the Hockeytown Cafe building, seats 430 people.
Detroit Tigers baseball
Take in a ballgame at the Tigers' marvelous ballpark, with its magnificent views of the downtown skyline, a fountain beyond the center field wall, and tiger statues that growl every time the Tigers hit a home run. The concourse beyond left-center field has statues of famous Tigers players, including Willie Horton, Hank Greenberg, and Ty Cobb, and there's also a small Ferris wheel and a carousel for the kids.
Detroit Lions football
Just across Brush Street from Comerica Park is Ford Field, home to Detroit's NFL football team, the Lions.
Detroit Red Wings hockey, Detroit Pistons basketball
Actually in Midtown instead of downtown, this arena opened in 2017 as the new home for the Detroit Red Wings of the NHL and the Detroit Pistons of the NBA. The Red Wings moved in after 38 years at Joe Louis Arena several blocks down, while the Pistons moved in with them from their previous suburban home at The Palace of Auburn Hills.
This European bakery has excellent desserts.
Excellent Cajun cuisine. Also serves great steak, seafood, and sushi.
Possibly the most popular restaurant in Greektown.
Cheap, quick, and delicious true Greek food.
Chicago and Detroit-style deep dish pizzas. Dine-in.
Rival of the Lafayette Coney Island right next door. American's dogs feature a blander chili and less pungent onions, and the atmosphere is more American and less true to its Greek heritage.
Rival of the American Coney Island right next door. Lafayette's dogs feature a spicier chili, more flavourful onions, a smaller, more intimate dining area and emphasis on its Greek heritage.
A chain that can be found all over metropolitan Detroit.
Basic authentic American diner, with good service. They make a good breakfast.
Speakeasy with bare-bones menu, but those bones got soul. Great live music. Only open Friday nights and some Saturdays.
Across from Comerica Park. This restaurant doubles as a museum with Detroit Red Wings history and memorabilia as well as Tigers memorabilia and motorcycles.
Italian. Eleven locations including downtown inside the Renaissance Center. Great atmosphere, fine dining experience.
Riverfront dining experience.
High tech nightclub, gay friendly, live music, large dance floor, VIP lounge.
Near Greektown, Jacoby's is Detroit's oldest saloon and restaurant since 1904.
Gothic night-club
Nightclub with Techno and Alternative Rock.
Live entertainment and dancing in a world class venue.
Premier historic nightclub, three levels with live music, Techno, Alternative, Hip-Hop.
Metro Detroit chain. Upscale, a local favorite.
Steps away from Comerica Park, Ford Field, the Fox Theatre and the Fillmore Theatre. this upscale watering hole is a good place to start out at before a game or concert. They offer an extensive beer list with 18 beers on tap, and a full kitchen serving until 11PM every evening. They have live music after home Lions and Tigers games, and DJs on the weekends.
1840 building now a bar with lots of atmosphere, particularly before a sporting event such as the Red Wings.
A underground bricktown barcade.
Barcade offering over 30 arcade machines, New York style pizza, a full bar and live entertainment. Located upstairs from the Checker Bar.
Marriott
Across from the Renaissance Center. Indoor pool, fitness center, and meeting rooms. In the building is an IHOP and an Applebee's
Historic hotel, opened after renovation in 2008.
Luxury hotel in Greco-Roman style in Greektown.
Luxury hotel overlooking the riverfront. The tallest hotel in the Western Hemisphere, it's connected to the elevated rail system known as the People Mover. Guests have included Ronald Reagan.
Luxury resort hotel with of meeting space and a 1,200-seat theater.
Victorian mansion in downtown two blocks from Comerica Park.
Luxury resort hotel with of meeting space and a 1,200-seat theater.
The city's historic flagship luxury hotel, European elegance, downtown location, world-class facility with attached parking garage. Guests have included Presidents Herbert Hoover, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Harry S. Truman, Dwight D. Eisenhower, John F. Kennedy, and many celebrities.
One of the best used bookstores in America with over 750,000 books in stock.
Detroit Souvenirs. Stores inside the Renaissance Center, the Fisher Building, and the Guardian Building.
In the Ren Cen's magnificent Wintergarden, there are many different kinds of stores and shops here that sell a wide variety of products.
Authentic Detroit merchandise.
For Detroit clothing and souvenirs, and clothing associated with the Detroit Pistons, Detroit Lions, Detroit Red Wings, Detroit Tigers.
By bus
Detroit has two bus systems and a Downtown People Mover. The Rosa Parks Transit Center is the central hub of the Detroit Department of Transportation (DDOT).
By electric scooter
With the right app loaded you can pick up a scooter that are scattered around downtown, run by a number of companies including Spin, Bird and Lime.
Choose an airport to see hotels, stations, taxi ranks and car rental desks around it.
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