Detroit

Most people know more about Detroit than they immediately think. Also known as ‘Motor City’, the ‘City of Champions’ or ‘Motown’, Detroit is an unassuming hotspot of multiple attractions. These nicknames outline Detroit’s strengths and claims to fame; cars, music and sport. Known as the capital of car production, Detroit was also home to the first paved road and the first set of traffic lights. Yet, despite so much focus on the road, Detroit is also a major port city.

In the 1950s the city was famous for its jazz music, yet in the 1960s Motown Records achieved considerable success with artists such as Aretha Franklin. As well as encouraging the development of punk rock, Detroit is also classed as the hometown of Techno. Recently the city has boasted musical acts such as Eminem and The White Stripes. Currently undergoing considerable renovation with many new attractions such as casinos, stadiums and a revived Renaissance Center, Detroit has much to offer any visitor. The largest city in the state of Michigan and the oldest city in the Midwest, Detroit is rich in both history and culture.

Attractions

Motown Historical Museum chronicles the growth of the music production company and aims to preserve the legacy of the artists who made the label famous. Visitors can view authentic costumes, unseen photographs as well as the original studio where artists such as Stevie Wonder, the Jackson Five and the Temptations recorded their hit records.

The Detroit Institute of Arts is home to one of the most substantial and important art collections in the United States, featuring both ancient and modern classic works. Pieces by artists such as Andy Warhol, Rembrandt and Rodin are all here, as are influential collections dedicated to the Performing Arts, the Graphic Arts and African American artists. The Institute believes that art is for everyone and that all visitors should find something of interest within this enormous collection.

Aiming to inspire interest in science in both adults and children, the Detroit Science Center encourages hands on interaction and aims to make all aspects of the discipline fun and accessible. Including five different laboratories and an IMAX Dome Theatre, the Center is housed in one of the most architecturally striking buildings in the city.

Detroit Zoo was one of the first in the world to free their animals from cages and depict them in more realistic and respectful environments. Unique exhibits include The Arctic Ring of Life, the biggest polar bear display in the world, and the Australian Outback Adventure where kangaroos are allowed to roam free.

For those wishing to discover more about the city itself, Detroit Historical Museum provides all the answers. Exhibitions unique to Detroit illustrate why the area is so special, both historically and within contemporary society. The exhibit ‘New to the Collection’ honours the ever changing nature of history and attempts to keep the past as fresh and interesting as possible.

Sports fans will enjoy a trip to one of the many stadiums within the city. Detroit boasts Ford Field, home to the football team the Detroit Lions, Comerica Park, where the baseball team the Detroit Tigers are situated and the Joe Louis Arena, where the ice hockey team the Detroit Red Wings are based.

Shopping

The Eastern Market has been selling fresh produce for over two hundred years and was recently declared an historic area. Each year Flower Day is held, which is recognised as the most substantial bedding flower market in the world. The array of restaurants and activities persuade many visitors to spend a entire day here, enjoying all the sights, smells and tastes that this market has to offer.

Dominating the skyline of Detroit the GM Renaissance Center consists of seven connected skyscrapers. Within these are many shops, as well as the General Motors Headquarters, many restaurants and a food court. Stores within the complex include Pure Detroit, a treasure chest of Detroit related merchandise.

Nightlife and Eating Out

Music is one of Detroit’s principal claims to fame, and thus dominates the entertainment scene. Two impressive live music arenas provide top quality acts; The Palace of Auburn Hills and DTE Energy Music Theatre.

Greektown is home to many restaurants, as well as Greektown Casino. Authentic Greek cuisine is served in restaurants such as the New Parthenon, which is open daily from 11am to 3am. Other firm favourites in the area include Pizza Papalis and the Blue Nile. Fishbones serves both classic American dishes and seafood. Consisting of two dining rooms and two bars, Fishbones boasts the world’s largest indoor waterfall. Offering live entertainment, a sushi and oyster bar and an extensive selection of drinks, this restaurant provides everything required for an enjoyable evening in Detroit. For an award winning meal try The Rattlesnake Club, where innovative dishes are served in view of Detroit’s breathtaking skyline.

Detroit Opera House is one of the most impressive in the city; visitors can enjoy a tour through the building, as well as a fantastic live performance. Any fan of classical music will enjoy a visit to the Orchestra Hall, home to the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. Those in the mood for a laugh should visit Coco’s House of Comedy.

Favourite nightclubs include Altered State, held in the State Theatre, Sevin the Nightclub and the Blue Room Experience.

Tourist Information

Metropolitan Detroit Convention and Visitors Bureau, Suite 1000, 211 West Fort StreetTelephone: +1 800 DETROIT or +1 800 338 7648Website: www.visitdetroit.com

Airport

Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) is situated twenty miles southwest of Detroit. Handling flights internationally and across North America, the airport has recently been transformed in order to make flying even more effortless and enjoyable. For more information see www.metroairport.comor the websites of major airlines such as British Airways and American Airlines.