The US Motor City
Detroit is a vital and vibrant city reinventing itself as one of America’s cultural landmarks. Detroit can offer world class gaming in luxurious casinos, all manner of music from hip-hop, rock and country to opera and classical with gritty street art and edgy theatre. A wealth of museums and amazing architecture make Detroit a great city to explore to discover its unique charms. As with all American cities, fine hotels, eating out, nightlife, shopping and numerous festivals all provide a magnetic draw to this once great industrial car capital of the world.
One of America’s finest art collections is housed at the Detroit Institute for the Arts. Detroit is famously the home of Motown and is constantly hosting the very best that the world has to offer musically as well as being home to professional teams for basketball, football, baseball and hockey.
Why Go?
Prices are reasonable in Detroit with hotels, shops and attractions remaining open all year round with only some seasonal adjustment in opening hours. A wealth of festivals, fairs, events and happenings make Detroit a great destination and the edgy and roots based flair of local art and artists provides something for travellers wanting to ‘keep it real’.
How to get there?
Strong coach, bus rail and air links with the rest of North America, Canada and the world. Ports, major highways, rail connections and the Detroit Metropolitan Wayne Country Airport make Detroit a hub for travel.
When to Go?
It’s worth finding out which of many festivals you would like experience before planning a trip to Detroit. Blues music rubs shoulders with arts, jazz and great food with ‘must sees’ like the North American International Auto Show in January are a huge draw with Detroit getting busy at these times. May to September are warmest with late autumn and winter bringing moderate snow and cold.
Must see
The Detroit Institute for the Arts is home to one of the most exciting art collections in the United States and showcases mummies top modern art and African masks to Monets with over 56,000 works to keep your senses stimulated. The Charles H. Wright Museum of African-American History celebrates the collective expression of a once huge labour force that brought a vibrant and divers culture to the heartland of America. Documenting, preserving and celebrating the lives and culture of African Americans this destination is a must. With a Science Centre, Motor City Exhibition and large parks, especially Belle Island on the great Detroit River with its zoo, festivals and Shows Detroit can really bustle in the face of adversity. Cultural offerings can vary form ouzo and souvlaki in the Greek quarter to the delights of the opulent MGM Grand Detroit Casino providing a mini Vegas experience for visitors.