Self Guided Detroit's Spirit and History Solo Walking Tour

Detroit , United States of America

Self Guided Detroit's Spirit and History Solo Walking Tour

Active

(41 reviews)

45m - 1h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

You will discover Detroit’s hidden gems, artistic Alleys, funky food spots, golden era buildings and world class parks. Go at your own pace, your own schedule and stop and go as you please. This is a Self Guided Tour navigated by your smart phone on the WalknTours app. The technology is so good visitors say "It's like walking with Rick Steve's".

Detroit is a city on the rise. Not long ago this was a different city, today it’s thriving and the people of Detroit are carving out a culture that is authentically D Town. Discover how Detroit is changing, and see how it's past changed world history.

The tour starts at Buddy’s on Broadway, the shop that invented Detroit Style Pizza. So, grab a slice and let’s get this party started.

Available options

Self Guided Detroit's Spirit and History Solo Walking Tour

What's included

Virtual walk you can take after taking the in person tour

Smartphone Guided Walking tour on the WalknTours app

Detailed itinerary

This brick-lined street is known as Parker's Alley and it is named after Thomas Parker, a free black man who was one of the city's first black landowners in Detroit.

The Belt is named after the alleyway's location in the former garment district which was shaped like a belt.
It is part of a larger project by the Library Street Collective to reimagine underutilized spaces throughout the city.

Stop 3

This park was created in 2004 and is a main hang out in Detroit. It was even named a “Top 10 Public Square” in the USA by USA Today. Not bad for an area that few people felt safe enough walking into 20 years ago.

When it was built in 1928, it was the 4th highest building in the United States and 8th highest in the world. It soars above you like the edge off a cliff with a series of setbacks at the top.

The Guardian building is one of the finest art deco skyscrapers in the United States. It was completed in 1929 and was originally called the Union Trust Building. It also had the rather cute nickname of the Cathedral of Finance.

Stop 6

The sun-like thing on the right is meant to symbolize the rays emanating from God, and the people in his other hand are supposed to represent all human relationships. The Spirit is widely recognized and well-loved and you can find the image all over the city.

Stop 7

oe Louis didn’t just throw his weight around in the boxing ring. He fought against segregation and Jim Crow laws and encouraged young African American men to join the US Army during World War II despite the fact that it was still racially segregated. When he was asked why he did it, he famously replied "Lots of things wrong with America, but Hitler ain't going to fix them."

What's not included

No in person guide, this is a smart phone navigated tour on the WalknTours app

Available languages

Audio guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.5

21 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 4.7

20 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

Buddy’s Pizza shop, the inventors of Detroit Style Pizza. It all began at Buddy’s Pizzeria on the famous Six Mile in 1946 when Gus and Connie made their first square-shaped pizza.
Boom! From then on, the pizza world would never be the same.

Important notes

This is a tiny company, just me (Hi I’m Greg!), and I’m here to help :). If you have questions text 617-991-3269. A copy of your ticket is below.

HOW TO TAKE YOUR TOUR
1. For the best experience, follow the instructions below before taking your tour.
2. Use experience code 'thebelt'
3. We suggest using earbuds / headphones, it allows you to hear and experience the tour better.

How to unlock and take the tour:

Step 1: Download the WalknTours app on iPhone or Android.
App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/walkntours/id1457662600
Google Play Store: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.app.walkntours

Step 2: Register an Account or Login

Step 3: Unlock Your Tour
Chose Detroit
Click on the "Detroit's Spirit and History Tour"
Enter the Experience Code 'thebelt'
Click apply

Step 4: Take the Tour
Go to Buddy's Pizza shop on Broadway at 1565 Broadway St, Detroit, MI 48226
Open the tour and click start experience.

Have questions? Email us info@walkntours.com or text 617-991-3269.

About Detroit

Detroit, Michigan, is a vibrant city known for its rich automotive history, influential music scene, and cultural landmarks. As the heart of the U.S. automotive industry, Detroit offers a unique blend of industrial heritage, artistic innovation, and urban revitalization.

Top Attractions

The Henry Ford

A world-renowned museum complex showcasing American innovation and history, including the famous Rosa Parks Bus and the Wright Brothers' bicycle shop.

Museum 4-6 hours Moderate ($25-$50 per person)

Detroit Institute of Arts

One of the top art museums in the U.S., featuring an impressive collection of artworks, including Diego Rivera's Detroit Industry Murals.

Museum 2-3 hours Free for residents of Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb counties; $14 for non-residents

Belle Isle Park

A beautiful island park in the Detroit River, featuring a conservatory, aquarium, and scenic views of the city skyline.

Nature 1-2 hours Free (some attractions may have fees)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Coney Dog

A hot dog topped with a beef chili sauce, onions, and mustard, a Detroit classic.

Snack Contains meat

Detroit-Style Pizza

A thick, square-shaped pizza with a crispy crust and cheese all the way to the edges, topped with tomato sauce.

Dinner Contains dairy and gluten

Pasty

A savory pastry filled with meat and vegetables, originating from the city's Cornish immigrant population.

Lunch/Dinner Contains meat and gluten

Popular Activities

Hiking in Metroparks Biking trails Kayaking on the Detroit River Spa treatments Picnicking in Belle Isle Park Strolling along the RiverWalk Visiting museums Attending concerts and performances

Best Time to Visit

Summer (June to August)

Summer is the peak tourist season with warm weather, numerous festivals, and outdoor activities. The city comes alive with events and concerts.

18-30°C 64-86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: Spanish, Arabic, Detroit has a diverse population, and many languages are spoken.
English: Widely spoken

Currency

US Dollar (USD)

Time Zone

GMT-5 (Eastern Time Zone)

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Exercise caution

Detroit has made significant improvements in safety in recent years, but some areas still have higher crime rates. Visitors should be aware of their surroundings and take precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

Important Precautions:

• Be aware of your surroundings, especially at night.
• Use reputable taxi services or ride-sharing apps.
• Avoid displaying valuables in public.

Getting there

By air

Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport • 32 km (20 miles) from city center

By train

Detroit Amtrak Station

By bus

Greyhound Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

The Detroit Department of Transportation (DDOT) operates a network of buses covering the city. The system is affordable and covers most major attractions.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Downtown Midtown Greektown

Day trips

Henry Ford Museum

32 km (20 miles) • Full day

A world-renowned museum complex showcasing American innovation and history, including the famous Rosa Parks Bus and the Wright Brothers' bicycle shop.

Huron-Clinton Metroparks

32 km (20 miles) • Half day to Full day

A collection of 13 parks along the Huron and Clinton rivers, offering a variety of outdoor activities and scenic views.

Ann Arbor

64 km (40 miles) • Full day

A charming college town known for its vibrant arts scene, historic architecture, and excellent dining options.

Festivals

Detroit Jazz Festival • Late August to early September Woodward Dream Cruise • Mid-August Noel Night • First Saturday in December

Pro tips

Visit the Detroit Institute of Arts on a weekday to avoid crowds.
Explore the city's street art scene in Midtown and Corktown.
Try a Coney Dog at Lafayette Coney Island, a Detroit institution.
Take a tour of the Motown Museum for a behind-the-scenes look at the birthplace of Motown Records.
Attend a Detroit Tigers or Lions game for a taste of the city's sports culture.