Detroit Overview

The renaissance of Detroit means the time is right to visit one of the most iconic cities of the USA. Once world famous as the "Motor City", it now mixes an amazing industrial heritage with a feeling of energy and change in everything from cuisine to music. It gave the world hip-hop, techno and Motown, and it still has a thriving culture today, from stadium rock to an authentic urban scene. Sports-mad Detroiters have four Major League teams to follow -- in football, baseball, basketball and ice hockey -- plus the grassroots success of Detroit City FC. And after the big game, Michigan's biggest and most diverse city has fine dining, authentic big eats and everything from rooftop cocktails to the coolest dive bars.

To get a true feel of the place, visit for the Woodward Dream Cruise: a festival of all things automotive that turns the streets into a classic car showroom. Or make time for a River Day stroll on the waterfront. It's a great summer event that puts a fresh perspective on Detroiters.

They now call it the "Comeback City" -- and you could soon be planning your visit!

Things to Do

Downtown Detroit has gone from a no-go to a must-see. Comerica Park and Ford Field -- home to the Tigers and Lions -- draw big crowds, while a host of trendy, rediscovered neighbourhoods still have an authentic atmosphere. But there's plenty to explore in the wider metro area too.

History for petrol-heads

The Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn is the biggest US indoor-outdoor museum. Take a journey through history and culture told through design and engineering. JFK's limo? They've got that. Edison's laboratory? That too. The Wright Brothers' workshop? Moved here, brick by brick. Extraordinary.

Art with soul -- and power

You could spend a day in trendy Midtown before reaching the Institute of Arts. Inside are Diego Riveira's breath-taking "Detroit Industry" murals: it's propaganda... but who for? Drive to Hart Plaza to see "The Fist" -- a controversial, battering-ram-like sculpture honouring boxer and civil rights figure Joe Louis. Lastly, pay your respects to The Spirit of Detroit sculpture, an emblem of the city's revival.

Chilling out

Eastern Market offers flowers, produce and arts and crafts, plus on-trend eateries and bars. Head further south and get back on the tourist trail to Greektown for fun and theatrical dining before relaxing with a craft beer at the Atwater Brewery.

Calendar of Events

Among hundreds of annual events, we've chosen three on themes that have made (and still make) Detroit famous: cars, music and its location on the Great Lakes.

• Woodward Dream Cruise. With over one million people watching or taking part, this August meet-up can claim to be one of the world's biggest car festivals. A procession of muscle cars, hotrods and locally built classics, centred around Woodward Avenue, celebrates America's love affair with the automobile.

• June's River Days. A recent tradition sees Detroiters head to the waterfront for river cruises, food and drink and a range of free events. It's a chance to visit historic Belle Isle Park or even take a day trip to Canada: Windsor, Ontario, is across the river.

• Movement Music Festival: A massive, multi-venue programme of electronic music that's grown from small beginnings to attract global acts and DJs.