Detroit walking tour & city guide

Downtown architecture

Downtown Detroit has one of the best collections of early skyscrapers in the country. The Guardian Building, nicknamed the Cathedral of Finance, has a lobby covered in colorful tiles and is free to enter. Campus Martius Park, at the center of downtown, has a seasonal beach and ice rink.

Michigan Central Station, the grand train station that became a symbol of the city's decline, has been restored by Ford and reopened to the public in 2024.

Motown, art and cars

The Motown Museum is the small house where Berry Gordy founded Motown Records and where stars like Stevie Wonder and The Supremes recorded their hits. The Detroit Institute of Arts holds Diego Rivera's huge Detroit Industry murals, and The Henry Ford museum in nearby Dearborn is a must for anyone interested in cars and American innovation.

A classic walk along the Riverwalk

Start at the Renaissance Center, the glass towers of General Motors' headquarters on the river, and follow the Detroit Riverwalk east. The path runs along the water with views across to Windsor, Canada, past parks, fountains and the Dequindre Cut, an old rail line turned into a greenway with street art.

Continue to Milliken State Park and on to the lighthouse at Gabriel Richard Park, then walk up the Dequindre Cut to Eastern Market. The route is about 5 kilometers.

Visiting tips

Summer and early autumn are the best times, with riverfront festivals and baseball at Comerica Park. The QLine streetcar runs up Woodward Avenue from downtown to Midtown, home of the museums and Wayne State University.