About Detroit

Rock City. Motown. The D. Whatever you choose to call it, Detroit can offer a trip filled with American rock and soul music, history (especially of the U.S. automobile industry), and the arts. A visit to Detroit will show you progress in action, as development of new casinos and businesses, plus revitalized attractions, is well underway.

These top Detroit websites can provide a good background to the city, as well as make trip planning easy.

VisitDetroit.com, the Detroit Metro Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) website, provides a good launching point for trip research. Check out the bottom navigation bar for trip planning by regional interests, with topics such as cars, gaming, music, and sports. The CVB has put together itineraries for many of these specialty areas, touching upon highlights or more in-depth tours.

Guide2Detroit.com is a clearinghouse of information on the city. Browse its listings for upcoming events and festivals, concerts, and sporting events. There are also extensive resources for the necessities: hotels, attractions, and restaurants.

The National Register of Historic Places has an excellent Detroit itinerary that touches upon the registry's 39 historic sites throughout the greater metropolitan area. The lineup includes the General Motors Building, Fair Lane (The Henry Ford Estate), and the Mies van der Rohe Residential District. For easy planning, the site also includes links to more detailed pages and an itinerary map.

The Detroit News has put together a Things to Do page showing the latest in arts and entertainment events around the area. Listings include fairs and festivals, music, performing arts, and sports.

If you're a fan of self-guided tours, check the recommendations on ExperienceDetroit.com. Possibilities are geared toward driving tours and include maps and directions. Choose from African-American Heritage, Ethnic Neighborhoods, Grosse Pointe & Nautical Mile, and Downtown itineraries, among many others.

A few more sites for information

• Coleman A. Young International Airport: The airport's website includes directions, plus information on terminals and parking.
• iExplore Detroit City Guide: Follow the top navigation bar for extensive resources on where to go, eat, shop, and play. There are also practical tips for getting there and getting around.
• City of Detroit visitor's site: Get practical travel information here, as well as links to "fun stuff" to do around town.

The information and websites listed here were valid at the time of publication, but some details may have changed since that time. Please check directly with the provider for the latest information.