Detroit sprawls across the plains of southeastern Michigan, dwarfing all the other cities in the state. The city faces Windsor, Ontario across the Detroit River and is the 11th most populous city in America, largely made up of urban wasteland. Although it is famous mainly for its car industry, Detroit is increasingly becoming known as city of interesting architecture and groundbreaking music, shedding its reputation for crime.
Detroit is a city of contrasts. Many of the downtown areas seem decrepit and in disarray, relics of a more prosperous era when the city pumped out cars and things moved quickly. But there are pockets of the city that still brim with life, lights and music, particularly several ethnic areas, including Greektown.
When the sun goes down, the clubs and casinos open their doors and the party begins; clear signs of the city’s recent revival. Detroit has a thriving theater scene focused on the Theatre district as well as some of the best live music in the country, found mostly in the Hamtrack area. The founder of Motown sound has moved on and is now producing world-class techno.
Detroit attractions
Henry Ford Museum: tribute to Detroit’s most famous son and the inventor of the assembly line is paid at this extensive museum.
Detroit Cultural Center: museums cluster to form this culture packed center which is full of distinctive architecture and class, from the Detroit Institute of Arts to the Public Library building,
Motown Museum: it is no surprise the birthplace of the Motown sound has erected this shrine to the successful record label of the same name.
Eastern Market: located on the fringe of the city, the market is a great place to grab fresh produce, sample gastronomic delights or experience some of the history of the city.
Greektown: Detroit may seem like the most unlikely place to find a Greek bakery, but Greektown is full on and packed with excellent food, a casino and a variety of late night entertainment, Mediterranean style.
Hamtrack: by day Hamtrack lures with its Polish bakeries and by night it entices with live music and nightlife.
Theater district: the buildings here are something to look at, but what goes on inside them is even more entertaining. Detroit’s theater community is large and active; perhaps Broadway’s only real rival outside of New York.