Detroit, a city of over 700,000 situated on the banks of famous river which shares its name, is considered by most to be a place which is down on its luck these days. The city famously filed for bankruptcy back in in 2013 and has since become a somewhat of a byword for industrial decline and urban decay.
However, the city has come a long way since then, with cheap rents attracting talented young creatives and nurturing a burgeoning start-up culture, employment is on the up and Detroit’s regeneration has taken pundits by surprise. Vast sums of money have been ploughed into the tourism industry here, and Detroit is fast becoming a choice destination for travellers from across the globe. Here’s some of the must-do things to check off your list when you head to Motor City.
Soak Up the Architectural Heritage
The unique architecture of Detroit is renowned the world over, with the city hosting some of the world’s largest and best-preserved examples of Art Deco and Neo-Gothic skyscrapers, making this place a magnet for enthusiasts. The Roaring Twenties was a boom-time for Motor City, and this is reflected today in the ornate and extravagant buildings which line the boulevards of downtown. Some of the best examples include the neoclassical Chrysler House, the jagged gothic spire at One Detroit Centre, and the Fisher Building. Book a walking tour with Preservation Detroit to soak up all the highlights.
Catch a Red Wings Game
The Red Wings are Detroit’s legendary ice hockey team, first founded back in 1926 as one of the Original Six teams in the National Hockey League (NHL). A fierce source of local pride, the Red Wings have won the most Stanley Cup championships of any NHL franchise in the United States, so your odds of catching them on a winning streak are quite high. You can find out the latest NHL odds on bet365 should you want to try your luck. When they’re in town you can catch them at the Little Caesars Arena in Midtown, where you can bask in the electric atmosphere of a favourite Detroiter pastime.
Stuff yourself on Coney Dogs and Square Pizza
Although not exactly known for cuisine, Detroit’s eponymous dishes are undoubtedly the Coney Dog and the Sicilian-style square pizza. Not to be confused with a Coney Island hotdog, this version consists of a hot dog topped with beef heart chilli sauce, mustard and raw onions, packing an intense flavor punch which cements it as one of the Midwest’s most comforting dishes. These best one can be found at Lafayette Coney Island on Lafayette Blvd. Another must-try local speciality is the Detroit-style square pizza, a deep-dish, extra-cheesy pie which stands out due to the typically thick crust and light, crispy base. For toppings, your best bets are classic pepperoni, chilli beef or pastrami, and the tastiest ones can be found at the 70-year old Buddy’s Pizza on Conant St.
This is a beginner’s guide on how to experience Motor City like a local, so don’t stop there. Detroit’s star is on the rise and the city is full of underrated treasure’s just aching to be explored, so get there now before everyone else!
