Detroit Neighborhood Tours Explore Beyond Downtown
Active
3h - 4h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Manual confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Discover the heart and soul of Detroit with personalized small-group tours that take you beyond the downtown core. Led by educators and retired police officers, these tours provide unique insights into the city’s vibrant neighborhoods, historic schools, and cultural landmarks. Delve into the community's pride and resilience while sampling local favorites at neighborhood eateries. Each themed experience, whether exploring Detroit diverse communities or engaging with local residents, fosters meaningful conversations and authentic interactions. These tours offer a deeper understanding of Detroit’s rich heritage and everyday life through the eyes of those who truly know it.
Available options
Detroit Neighborhood Tours Explore Beyond Downtown
Pickup included
What's included
Private transportation
Snacks
Lunch
Detailed itinerary
1
Jefferson-Chalmers – Riverfront and Jazz Roots
Belle Isle State Park
Talk about the neighborhood’s jazz/blues heritage and cultural revival.
2
Lunch at a local Coney Island sampling food items unique to those from Detroit. Lunch is included in tour.
3
. Historic Black Bottom / Paradise Valley
Visit the area where Hastings Street once thrived.
Storytelling: African American businesses, jazz clubs, displacement, and legacy.
Contrast old Black Bottom with modern development.
4
Southwest Detroit (Mexicantown) – Food and Murals
Guided walk along Bagley Street, explore Mexicantown murals. There is time to stop and shop.
Stop at local bakery for a sweet treat.
Storytelling: immigration, culture, and today’s thriving Latino community.
5
University District, Palmer Woods, and Boston Edison District (Affluent Neighborhoods)
Palmer Woods: Historic mansions, tree-lined boulevards, legacy of Detroit’s upper/middle-class Black families.
University & Boston Edison District: Architectural gems, strong neighborhood associations, beautiful homes.
Storytelling: Black professionals, artists, and entrepreneurs who made these areas thrive.
Photo stop: In front of various iconic homes.
6
Livernois Avenue of Fashion (Black Business District)
Once the hub of Black-owned businesses during segregation — today, a revived corridor of fashion, food, and culture.
This is time you can get to shop on your own.
Stops could include but are not limited to:
Detroit Pizza Bar (Black-owned restaurant, community anchor).
Good Cakes and Bakes (popular bakery featured on national TV).
Art galleries & boutiques run by Detroit entrepreneurs.
Storytelling: Civil Rights era, Detroit’s Black economic power, and today’s entrepreneurial spirit.
What's not included
Gratuities
Personal purchases (shopping at boutiques, bakeries, or galleries)
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
ES
Reviews breakdown
Tripadvisor
5.0
1 reviews
5★
1
4★
0
3★
0
2★
0
1★
0
Important information
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Specialized infant seats are available
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
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.
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
