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Places (POIs) visited during this tour

Place #1
Distance: 0.00mi , Attraction : Park (Recommended selfie spot).
Map Pin
1098 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48226, USA
POI 1 Tour Image
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.

  https://www.campusmartiuspark.org/
Place #2
Distance: 0.15mi , Attraction : Historic Building (Recommended selfie spot).
Map Pin
Esplanade on Woodward Avenue, 600 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48226, USA
POI 2 Tour Image
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.

  https://www.guardianbuilding.com/
Tour itinerary stops | Additional places you'll see on this self-guided tour

Map Pin Place 1 Campus Martius Park - Heart of Downtown Detroit
Map Pin Place 2 Guardian Building - Art Deco Skyscraper
Map Pin Place 3 The Spirit of Detroit - Iconic City Statue
Map Pin Place 4 Hart Plaza – Detroit’s Riverfront Gathering Place
Map Pin Place 5 Detroit Riverwalk
Map Pin Place 6 General Motors Renaissance Center – Detroit’s Skyline Icon
Map Pin Place 7 Ford Field – Home of the Detroit Lions
Map Pin Place 8 Comerica Park - Home of the Tigers
Map Pin Place 9 Fox Theatre – Detroit’s Showplace
Map Pin Place 10 Grand Circus Park – Detroit’s Historic Circle
Map Pin Place 11 Michigan Central Station – Detroit’s Grand Train Depot
Map Pin Place 12 Rosa Parks Boulevard – History in Motion
Map Pin Place 13 Motown Museum - Hitsville U.S.A.
Map Pin Place 14 Fisher Building - Detroit's Largest Art Object
Map Pin Place 15 Detroit Public Library - Architectural Gem Library
Map Pin Place 16 Detroit Institute of Arts – The Cultural Heart of the City
Map Pin Place 17 Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History – A Legacy Preserved
Map Pin Place 18 Historic Public Market
Map Pin Place 19 Mt. Elliott Cemetery
Map Pin Place 20 Belle Isle Park – Detroit’s Island Escape



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How to take a UCPlaces tour
Taking a UCPlaces tour is fun and easy.
Download the app (Android or iOS), purchase the tour (either here on the website, or from within the app).
That's it, you're ready to go!
When you want to start the tour, find the tour in the app (via a quick in-app search or by clicking the tour link received in your confirmation email) and click "Start Tour" (headphones recommended for best experience.)
* After purchasing a tour you will receive a purchase confirmation email including the tour link and instructions on how to take the tour, so you don't have to remember anything now.
How does the tour work?
UCPlaces acts as your personal tour guide, providing self-guided audio tours fully navigated within our app using GPS-based navigation. You won't need to switch between external navigation apps.
Whenever you approach a point of interest (POI) on the tour, our app will automatically play the relevant audio story at the right time and place.
If you start the tour before reaching the first POI, the app will navigate you to the starting point and then begin the tour.
How is this more convenient than a traditional tour?
UCPlaces offers an innovative and flexible way to explore exciting destinations on your terms.
Here are some key advantages over traditional tours:
  • No need to commit upfront or purchase in advance; buy a tour only when you're ready to go.
  • Walk at your own pace.
  • No waiting for groups; go on your schedule.
  • Take the tour in your preferred language.
  • Start, stop and continue the tour whenever you want.
  • Returning to the same destination? Take the tour again, and again, and again... And bring a friend!
  • Enjoy preferred prices.

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).
  • Tickets to the attractions on your tour.
  • Food and drinks
  • Physical tour guide.

Have any questions about this tour? Or a general travel / self-guided tours question? That's completely natural

+ How long does this tour take?
Most travelers complete this tour in approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on pace, time spent at each stop, and optional detours. Having said that, please remember that self-guided tours are extremly flexible (you can start, pause, continue anytime) and everyone has their own pace.
+ What does this tour include?
This self-guided driving tour includes 23 stops, covering top attractions such as Campus Martius Park - Heart of Downtown Detroit, Guardian Building - Art Deco Skyscraper, The Spirit of Detroit - Iconic City Statue, Hart Plaza – Detroit’s Riverfront Gathering Place, Detroit Riverwalk.
+ Where does the tour start?
The tour starts at Campus Martius Park - Heart of Downtown Detroit (Address: 1098 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48226, USA). You can begin the tour there or join from any stop along the route.
+ What type of tour is this?
This is a self-guided driving tour designed to be completed by car, covering scenic routes, city highlights and optional key stops.
+ Can I do this tour at my own pace?
Yes, this is a self-guided driving tour, so you can start anytime and explore at your own pace. You can pause, skip stops, or spend more time at places that interest you. You can even split it into multiple days. Explore however feels right for you. The only vaiables that might affect your pace are speed limits and traffic congestion.
+ Do I need a car for this tour?
Yes, this is a driving tour, designed to be completed by car, with stops spread across different locations connected by a driving route.
+ Do I need anything in order to take the tour?
There are two things that you need - <b>1.</b> A mobile phone (with the UCPlaces app installed and active location services, and a cellular data plan with a decent signal for downloading the tour). <b>2.</b> A car. Here are some recommendations for a great experience: 1. Make sure your phone is fully charged and bring a charging cable for your car. 2. Connect your phone to the car speaker system via bluetooth or use our CarPlay/Android Auto option for the best experience.
+ How will I navigate from point to point during the tour?
The tour uses GPS-based navigation through the UCPlaces app, with automatic audio playback and step-by-step directions between stops. This works great either directly from your phone, or while connected to your car's multimedia system and using our CarPlay or Android Auto options. Just follow the route and listen to the audio guide. Use the resume feature to continue from where you recently stopped (or closed the app). Easily skip or go back to stops.
+ Is this tour suitable for families or groups?
Yes, self-guided tours are ideal for families and small groups, allowing everyone to explore comfortably without being tied to a fixed schedule.
+ What makes a self-guided tour better than a guided tour?
Self-guided tours are more flexible, affordable, and personalized. You can avoid crowds, choose your pace, and focus on the stops that interest you most.
+ I installed the app and it's now asking for GPS and media access permissions, why?
The app is your tour-guide, it needs to know where you are located on the map to be able to trigger the points of interest. It also needs access to audio and media files to provide you with this experience.
+ What happens if there are unexpected roadblocks or navigation issues?
We have been working hard to deliver a great experience. Though you may run into unexpected obstacles (the world is constantly changing), our app has multiple features and mechanisms in place to help you overcome them, including: AI assistance, force play an audio if you can't reach the stop, skip or return to stops, automatic rerouting and more.
+ Can I take the tour in my language?
Though all of our tours are primarily in English, many tours are muyltilingual (including: Spanish, German, Portuguese, French, Japanese, Hebrew, French, Arabic and more...). The tour language options depend on the specific tour - You can easily check which languages are available in the tour screen!