Detroit

Detroit stretches across a vast flat grid along the Detroit River, directly across from Windsor, Ontario. You move through distinct hubs separated by wide avenues, relying on cars or targeted transit lines like the QLINE streetcar. Expect dramatic Art Deco architecture, world-class art collections, and an industrial urban landscape actively repurposing its historic core.

• Order Detroit pizza correctly

  Buddy's Pizza on Conant Street invented the style in 1946. Ask for an 8-square pie with pepperoni under the cheese.

• The Coney Island rivalry

  Lafayette Coney Island and American Coney Island sit next to each other on West Lafayette Boulevard downtown. Lafayette takes cash only.

• Dearborn Middle Eastern food

  Drive 15 minutes west to Dearborn for the largest Arab-American community in the country. Try Shatila Bakery for baklava and roasted nuts.

Founded as a French fur-trading outpost in 1701, Detroit evolved into an industrial powerhouse in the early 20th century. Henry Ford revolutionized mass assembly lines here, attracting waves of Southern Black and European immigrants. This industrial momentum fueled mid-century musical breakthroughs under Berry Gordy's Motown label before decades of auto manufacturing decline and population loss reshaped the city's modern footprint.

1. 1701

   French outpost founded

   Antoine de la Mothe Cadillac establishes Fort Pontchartrain du Détroit along the river.

2. 1959

   Motown Records established

   Berry Gordy Jr. purchases a house on West Grand Boulevard, founding the Motown record label.

3. 2013

   Municipal restructuring

   Detroit files the largest municipal bankruptcy in US history, emerging 16 months later with debt relief.

Choose your hotel by transit convenience. Downtown puts you within walking distance of sports stadiums, the Riverwalk, and the People Mover loop. Midtown keeps you steps from the Detroit Institute of Arts and offers a quieter neighborhood feel along the QLINE tram corridor.

• First-time visitorsDowntown — Walkable access to sports venues, riverfront trails, and architectural landmarks.
• Art & museum loversMidtown — Steps away from the DIA, Wayne State, and direct QLINE streetcar transit.
• Food enthusiastsCorktown — Surrounded by craft breweries, classic diners, and restored historic homes.
• Weekend market goersEastern Market — Immediate access to Saturday food vendors and surrounding mural walks.

• The streetcar runs 3.3 miles along Woodward Avenue between Downtown and New Center with no ticket required.

• An elevated 2.9-mile single-track loop circling downtown. Rides are free and offer elevated river views.

• Download the Dart app to pay $2.00 mobile fares valid across both DDOT city buses and SMART regional routes.

• Rent bicycles from 75 stations across Detroit and Dearborn. A single 30-minute pass costs $1.00 plus usage fees.

Detroit offers lower costs than coastal US metropolitan areas, though downtown hotel prices jump during major sporting events or concerts at Ford Field and Comerica Park.

• Square pizza (4-8 slices): $14.00–$24.00

  A four-square pie easily feeds two adults at historic spots like Buddy's or Cloverleaf.

• DIA museum admission: $20.00

  Covers entry to permanent galleries and Diego Rivera murals for non-tri-county residents.

• Standard Coney Dog: $3.50–$4.50

  Grilled beef frank with chili and mustard at downtown Coney Island diners.

• Local craft beer pint: $6.00–$8.00

  Standard price for Michigan craft drafts at neighborhood taps in Corktown or Midtown.

• Michigan Left Turns

  Driving requires making a U-turn past the intersection at a median crossover rather than turning left directly.

• Cashless Venues

  Major sports stadiums like Comerica Park and Little Caesars Arena do not accept physical cash.

• Cross-Border Travel

  Windsor, Canada is across the river via the Detroit-Windsor Tunnel. Valid passport required for entry.

• Sunday Hours

  Independent retail shops in Corktown and Midtown often close early on Sundays or remain closed Mondays.

• Dequindre Cut Trail

  A converted below-grade rail line offering a paved path directly between Eastern Market and the Riverwalk.