Welcome to Detroit, a city that’s re-imagining itself while proudly embracing its gritty past. Known as the Motor City,Detroit’s history of innovation and resilience reverberates in its architecture, culture, and people. From the hum of assembly lines to the beats of Motown, Detroit has long been a powerhouse of American industry, art, and music. Yet, beyond its history, Detroit is a city of reinvention, where new ideas and fresh perspectives are transforming its urban landscape, and a road trip through this dynamic city reveals its personality—raw, authentic, and boldly creative. Begin your Detroit adventure with a seamless pick-up from Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW), located just 15 miles from downtown. This airport is a major hub for both domestic and international flights, welcoming travelers from cities like the buzzing east coast city of New York, the lakeside Illinois city of Chicago, the handsome city of Toronto in Canada, and Germany’s bustling business city of Frankfurt. The best way to explore the city is by hire car, giving you the freedom to soak in the diverse neighbourhoods, cultural landmarks, and scenic drives. With car hire options available directly at the airport, you’ll be cruising through Motor City in no time, ready to see what makes this iconic city tick.

Hitting the road in Detroit is to delve into the essence of the city, once you’ve picked up your hire car from airport. The heart of downtown Detroit mixes gleaming high-rise buildings with historic theatres, modern art galleries and hip eateries and a journey into the soul of an American icon is a fascinating trip into the past. Start along Woodward Avenue, the cradle of the creation of the automobile, where historic architecture tell stories of industrial triumph. Glide toward the Detroit Institute of Arts, home to Diego Rivera’s murals celebrating the city’s factory workers. On Grand Boulevard, the heartbeat of Motown pulses from Hitsville U.S.A., the unassuming house where legends like Stevie Wonder, Diana Ross and The Supremes, Marvin Gaye, and Smokey Robinson crafted timeless melodies. Drive along the Detroit Riverfront, where the Ambassador Bridge spans shimmering waters, offering panoramic views of Canada. Cruise through Corktown’s historic streets, alive with quirky boutiques and cozy eateries. At the Eastern Market, colorful murals and bustling stalls embody Detroit’s creative spirit. Every mile reveals a city fuelled by the rhythm of Motown and the innovation of the auto industry, a dynamic blend of legacy and rebirth. You’ll pass leafy public space that host festivals, and concerts and boast spectacular views of the Detroit River. The skyline of the city is iconic, and there’s no better way to appreciate it than from the comfort of your hire car as you cruise along the riverfront. Discover the magic of this peaceful natural beauty spot whilst soaking in the soulful rhythm of Detroit’s melodic spirit. 

Another key site is the Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA), which boasts one of the most impressive collections in the country. The museum is located in the Cultural Center, where a concentration of theatres, libraries, and galleries showcase the city’s artistic spirit. As you drive through the neighbourhood, you’ll be immersed in Detroit’s Renaissance—a city that is building on its artistic heritage while looking toward the future. For a taste of Detroit’s industrial past, drive to the Detroit Historical Museum, where exhibits take you through the history of the city’s rise as the motor capital of the world. A few miles away, you can also visit the Henry Ford Museum in nearby Dearborn, which showcases America’s industrial innovation, with famous exhibits like the Rosa Parks bus and the presidential limousine used by John F. Kennedy. Head west to the Detroit neighbourhoods of Corktown and Mexicantown, where you’ll find a rich mix of cultural influences. Corktown, one of Detroit’s oldest districts, is home to some of the city’s most well-loved restaurants, coffee shops, and cosy microbreweries. In Mexicantown, the colorful storefronts and authentic Mexican eateries add a splash of vibrancy to your Detroit road trip. A short drive from the city, Belle Isle Park, the home of the Belle Isle Aquarium, the Belle Isle Nature Center, and plenty of space to bike, picnic, or relax by the water.