Detroit Layover Guide (DTW)

Undiscovered Beauty & Architecture Gems in Detroit

You will be amazed at the marvellous things Detroit has to offer. The city is full of history, great architecture, beautiful sites like the Guardian and Fisher Building, etc. With so much money streaming into Detroit at one point, it’s understandable that a large portion of it ended up in the city’s architecture, art, and design. Through some of Detroit’s most valuable and underappreciated architectural marvels, this walking tour shows tourists exactly how magnificent and multicultural the city is. » book this tour

Detroit’s Spirit and History Self-Guided Tour

On a self-guided walking tour of Detroit, learn about the city’s turbulent history. Visit the city’s top attractions and hidden secrets. Walkthrough historic buildings, down artistic alleyways, through world-class parks, and into exciting eating establishments, learning about each area from your knowledge. It is a self-guided tour using the WalknTours app on your smartphone. The trip begins at Buddies on Broadway, where Detroit Style Pizza was born. So take a piece and begin your tour. » book this tour

Detroit City Scavenger Hunt Excursion

In Detroit, Operation City Quest is a treasure hunt that includes an app and a remote guide. Go out and find objects from your app in any sequence you want, then take a photo using the app to earn points. You’ll earn points for completing fun challenges as well. Also, your virtual host will be following along and is only a conversation away if you have any questions. You may use the app’s rankings feature to see how you stack up against other Operation City Quest players from across the country. This scavenger hunt is a terrific opportunity to get a different perspective on Detroit. » book this tour

Visit the Cities Famous Sights

During this van ride across the downtown area and beyond, you may see several Detroit’s most prominent sights. The district where the city’s baseball and arenas are located and Midtown, Eastern Market, and Belle Isle are among the landmarks visited. Visitors frequently praise drivers for their knowledge of the city’s architecture, history, and culture. The tickets start at reasonable prices and you can also book private outings in Detroit.

Time required: 2 hours.

Airport to here: 28 minutes via private transport.

Classic Ann Arbor by The Sidewalk

Ann Arbor is an excellent day trip and an amazing thing to do because of its proximity to Detroit, especially when cuisine is involved. This three-hour stroll visits Ann Arbor’s Kerrytown district and downtown area, sampling food from numerous restaurants and boutiques, including Cuban, Italian, Korean, and Mexican cuisine. Along the trip, guides provide information on not just the cuisine, but also the history and architecture of the area. The eclectic culinary variety is appreciated by tour participants, who believe the meal is superb. Friday through Sunday, tours begin at 11 a.m.

Time required: 2 to 3 hours.

Airport to here: 17 minutes via private transport.

Detroit Outdoor Adventure Centre

This two-hour walking tour takes you through the architectural wonders of downtown Detroit. The Penobscot Building and the Guardian Building (both designed by Wirt Rowland), the Detroit Athletic Club (designed by Albert Kahn), and the Renaissance Center are among the significant structures along the way(headquarters of General Motors Co.). Tour participants describe the guides as enthusiastic and knowledgeable about the city. The tour starts at 4 p.m. every day except Wednesday. The People Mover (an elevated railway that circles the region) and a beer (or other beverage) at the Detroit Beer Company are included in the ticket price.

Time required: 2 hours.

Airport to here: 24 minutes via private transport.

Backseat Detroit

You drive your car on this one-of-a-kind tour; the guide, Joe Krause, takes the backseat and guides you around the city based on your interests. Krause shares anecdotes and observations about Detroit’s past, current situation, and potential future along the journey. Customized walking excursions are offered for groups too large to fit in a single vehicle or for individuals who prefer to explore on foot. Tour participants rave about Krause’s insightful and entertaining commentary. The patrons’ wishes determine the length of these private trips.

Time required: half day.

Airport to here: 21 minutes via private transport.

Visit The Motor Cities Heritage

While riding in an ancient Model A Ford, learn about Detroit’s automotive history. This tour visits factories, business offices, and the residences of officials who led the transportation revolution to learn about vehicle manufacturing in the early twentieth century. You’ll also go to the Ford facility where the famed automatic assembly line was created. It is a great method for automotive fans to learn about Detroit’s famed car history. Tours are usually available every day from Wednesday to Sunday. The Antique Touring Company also provides Belle Isle tours in antique Fords.

Time required: 2 hours 30 minutes.

Airport to here: 20 minutes via private transport.

Belle Isle Blue Heron Lagoon Tour

On this kayak adventure, paddle around Blue Heron Lagoon to see its magnificent animals. You’ll see some of Belle Isle’s historic structures, including the Detroit Yacht Club and the William Livingstone Memorial Lighthouse, and the natural surroundings. Kayakers believe the guides are educated about the area’s history and that the trip is well-organized. Tours are about two hours, with an extra 30 minutes of pre-tour preparation and teaching. On select Saturdays and Sundays throughout the summer, outings begin at 9:30 a.m.

Time required: 2 to 3 hours.

Airport to here: 32 minutes via private transport.

Detroit Segway – The Whole Shebang

This Segway tour covers approximately 5 miles of downtown Detroit and is ideal for those short on time. It starts in Detroit’s primary farmers market, Eastern Market, and continues down the Dequindre Cut Greenway. The route takes you along the river, past the Campus Martius and Grand Circus Park, and back to the starting point via the renovated Brush Park area. The tour is popular among riders, who see it as a great way to see the city. Other excursions around the city are available from Detroit Segway, including one that glides around Belle Isle.

Time required: 3 hours.

Airport to here: 21 minutes via private transport.

The Detroit Bus Company

This four-hour excursion aboard repurposed school buses takes you to four of Detroit’s oldest pubs. You’ll visit a pub that’s been open since 1874 and learn about the city’s drinking history and culture from professional guides as you sip your way around. For the bus ride, you are also invited to bring your own beverages. Participants frequently compliment the bars they visit, as well as the guides and drivers. Tours start around 7 p.m. on most Fridays and Saturdays, however, area pickups start a little earlier. The company also offers a prohibition-themed trip and a city sightseeing tour.

Time required: 2 to 3 hours.

Airport to here: 18 minutes via private transport.