Detroit's Best: A Self-Guided Driving Tour of Iconic Motor City Landmarks
Places: 23 POIsDistance: 15.61 miDuration: 1h:56m
Tour #2541
About this English self-guided 1h:56m driving tour in Detroit, MI
Welcome to Detroit!
Welcome to Detroit, the Motor City! I’m excited to take you on a drive through one of America’s most storied cities — a place where innovation, music, sports, and culture have all made their mark.
On this tour, we’ll explore the very heart of downtown, starting with the lively Campus Martius Park, the stunning Art Deco masterpiece of the Guardian Building, and the inspiring Spirit of Detroit statue. We’ll roll by the Philip A. Hart Plaza and the towering General Motors Renaissance Center, a modern landmark on the riverfront.
Sports fans, get ready — you’ll see Comerica Park, home of the Tigers, and the legendary Fox Theatre, a crown jewel of live entertainment. We’ll also stop at the iconic Michigan Central Station, a powerful symbol of Detroit’s comeback story.
Of course, no visit would be complete without paying tribute to Detroit’s musical soul. We’ll visit Hitsville U.S.A., the birthplace of Motown, before moving on to the majestic Fisher Building, the historic Detroit Public Library, and the world-class Detroit Institute of Arts. We’ll also celebrate the city’s cultural legacy at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History.
To round things out, we’ll explore the flavors and energy of Eastern Market, and finally, relax with some natural beauty at Belle Isle Park, Detroit’s island gem in the river.
So buckle up — this tour will give you a taste of Detroit’s past, present, and future. By the time we’re done, you’ll see why this city is not just about cars — it’s about resilience, creativity, and spirit.
Distance: 0.15mi
, Attraction : Park (Recommended selfie spot).
1098 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48226, USA
Campus Martius Park - Heart of Downtown Detroit
We’re starting our Detroit adventure right in the heart of it all — Campus Martius Park. Known as Detroit’s “gathering place,” this lively spot has been bringing people together since 2004, when it was reimagined as the centerpiece of downtown revitalization.
The name “Campus Martius” actually means “Field of Mars” in Latin, and it harks back to 1788, when Detroit’s original city survey placed this exact spot as the official center point of the city. In fact, all the major streets once radiated from here like spokes on a wheel.
Today, the park is anything but historic trivia. It’s alive with year-round activities — summer brings outdoor concerts, food trucks, and even a sandy urban beach, while winter transforms the park into a festive wonderland with ice skating under twinkling lights.
Surrounding the park are some of Detroit’s most important buildings and businesses, making this not only a great place to relax but also a symbol of the city’s renewal. Whether you’re here to people-watch, grab a bite, or just soak in the vibe, Campus Martius is the perfect place to begin exploring Detroit.
Distance: 0.08mi
, Attraction : Historic Building (Recommended selfie spot).
Esplanade on Woodward Avenue, 600 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48226, USA
Guardian Building - Art Deco Skyscraper
Coming up on your right is one of Detroit’s most dazzling landmarks — the Guardian Building. Completed in 1929, this 40-story skyscraper is often called the “Cathedral of Finance,” and once you see it, you’ll understand why.
Designed by architect Wirt Rowland, the Guardian is a textbook example of Art Deco architecture, with its bold geometric shapes, colorful tilework, and dramatic interior spaces. The exterior glows with orange brick, while inside, you’ll find a breathtaking lobby filled with Pewabic and Rookwood tile, mosaics, and soaring vaulted ceilings. It feels more like stepping into a grand cathedral than a bank building.
When it opened, the Guardian Building symbolized Detroit’s booming economy, fueled by the auto industry. Today, it still stands as a proud reminder of that golden era, while serving as a hub for offices and visitors alike.
Tour itinerary stops | Additional places you'll see on this self-guided tour
Place 1Campus Martius Park - Heart of Downtown Detroit
Place 2Guardian Building - Art Deco Skyscraper
Place 3The Spirit of Detroit - Iconic City Statue
Place 4Hart Plaza – Detroit’s Riverfront Gathering Place
Place 5Detroit Riverwalk
Place 6General Motors Renaissance Center – Detroit’s Skyline Icon
Place 7Ford Field – Home of the Detroit Lions
Place 8Comerica Park - Home of the Tigers
Place 9Fox Theatre – Detroit’s Showplace
Place 10Grand Circus Park – Detroit’s Historic Circle
Place 11Michigan Central Station – Detroit’s Grand Train Depot
Place 12Rosa Parks Boulevard – History in Motion
Place 13Motown Museum - Hitsville U.S.A.
Place 14Fisher Building - Detroit's Largest Art Object
Place 15Detroit Public Library - Architectural Gem Library
Place 16Detroit Institute of Arts – The Cultural Heart of the City
Place 17Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History – A Legacy Preserved
Place 18Historic Public Market
Place 19Mt. Elliott Cemetery
Place 20Belle Isle Park – Detroit’s Island Escape
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Walk at your own pace.
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Take the tour in your preferred language.
Start, stop and continue the tour whenever you want.
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What's included?
A self-guided audio tour taken via the UCPlaces app [Android / iOS (iPhone) / Apple CarPlay].
Tour route map and in-app GPS navigation (via the UCPlaces app).
Audio stories for places visited during the tour.
Apple CarPlay connection (for iOS users); for a seamless driving tour experience.
What's NOT included?
Earphones (highly recommended).
Smartphone.
Any kind of transportation (including tickets and passes).