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Detroit - a brief overview
Despite the ravages of the latest economic recession, Detroit is still the ‘Motor City’, centre of the nation’s automobile industry, and Michigan’s commercial capital. ‘The D’, as it’s known, was also the birthplace of Motown, Berry Gordy Jr’s groundbreaking music label, which spawned the careers of Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross and many others.
Motor manufacturing remains crucial to this hard-working city, but for many visitors, its music and cultural energy are the main draws. Detroit has had a much-needed makeover in recent years, and its glitzy new riverfront development has restored some of the city’s feel-good factor.
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Top 10 sights in Detroit

Charles H Wright Museum of African American History
MI 48201 Detroit
USA
Tel: 313 494 5800
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Opening times:
Tue-Sat 0900-1700
Sun 1300-1700
From charting the nation’s African heritage to the American Civil Rights Movement, this museum highlights the achievements of Detroit’s many African Americans; the largest collection of its kind in the world.
Motown Historical Museum
MI 48208 Detroit
USA
Tel: 313 875 2264
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Opening times:
Tue-Sat 1000-1800
This treasure trove of Motown memorabilia, photographs and recordings, is housed in the ‘Hitsville USA’ building, where Berry Gordy Jr produced mega hits, including Tears of a Clown and I’ll Be There.
Detroit Institute of the Arts
MI 48202 Detroit
USA
Tel: 313 833 7900
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Opening times:
Tue-Thurs 0900-1600
Fri 0900-2200
Sat-Sun 1000-1700
This superb art gallery houses more than 60,000 works, from early indigenous art up to modern times, with 19th-century American painting and a huge Diego Rivera mural as key highlights.
Historic Fort Wayne
Visit the remains of the star-shaped fortifications on the Detroit River, on the historic site where defences have guarded the city since 1701.
Henry Ford Museum
MI 48124-4088 Dearborn
USA
Tel: 313 982 6001
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Opening times:
Daily 0900-1700
This inspirational museum complex is devoted to the pioneer of assembly-line automobiles, plus many more attractions, including a factory tour, IMAX theatre and rides in a genuine Model-T Ford.
Detroit Historical Museum
MI 48202 Detroit
USA
Tel: 313 833 1805
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Opening times:
Tue-Fri 0930-1600
Sat-Sun 1000-1700
Stroll through 19th-century Detroit streets and learn all about the early days of the nation’s motor industry capital, in this excellent, and free, museum.
Automotive Hall of Fame
MI 48124 Dearborn
USA
Tel: 313 240 4000
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Opening times:
Wed-Sun 0900-1700
Focusing on the achievements of the motor industry’s leading players, the highlight of this visitor attraction is its multi-storey collection of automobiles from around the world.
GM Renaissance Center
MI 48243 Detroit
USA
Tel: 313 567 3126
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Opening times:
Various
With restaurants, bars, clubs and theatres, this inter-connected cluster of high-rise towers on the riverfront is the social hub of the city. It also hosts the annual free Rockin’ on the Riverfront festival.
Michigan Science Center
MI 48202 Detroit
USA
Tel: 313 577 8400
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Opening times:
Wed-Fri 0900-1500
Sat 1000-1800
Sun 1200-1800
Bring the family to this fun, hands-on museum, which is bursting with high-tech gadgets, plus IMAX theatre, Planetarium and educational activities such as Ask the Expert.
Belle Isle
MI 48207 Detroit
USA
Tel: 313 396 0217
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Cross the Detroit River to this tranquil wooded island and explore its many trails or visit its many attractions, including museum, aquarium, conservatory and many sports facilities.
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Country Information
Country overview
From its vast plains, snow-covered mountains, deep forests and strange rock formations, to soaring skyscrapers and a thunderous cultural scene, the USA is a collage of extremes. Nothing can prepare you for your first glimpse of Manhattan’s unforgettable skyline, your first ride in a yellow cab, the ubiquitous hamburger joints, yawning expanses of prairie, the sweet strains of New Orleans jazz, or the neon-lit excesses of Las Vegas.
Marvel at the thunderous spectacle of Niagara Falls in northern New York, or seek an antidote to urban chaos amidst the flat farmland of the Midwest. Then there are the black hills of South Dakota, the dramatic mountain and ocean landscape of California’s Pacific Coast Highway and the world-famous Grand Canyon.
Geography
Covering a large part of the North American continent, the USA shares borders with Canada to the north and Mexico to the south. The country has coasts on the Atlantic, Pacific and Arctic oceans, the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico. The State of Alaska, in the northwest corner of the US, is not part of the continental US; it is separated from the rest of the USA by Canada. Similarly, Hawaii is not part of the “lower 48” states; it lies in the central Pacific Ocean.
The country’s dependent territories are offshore and have distinct geographies of their own; the majority are islands.
The third-largest country in the world (after the Russian Federation and Canada), the USA has an enormous diversity of geographical features, including mountains, plains, and coastal zones. Though there are many cities that are densely populated with more manmade features than natural ones, there are also vast rural areas that are far more sparsely populated. The climate ranges from subtropical to arctic, with a corresponding breadth of flora and fauna.
General knowledge
Key facts
Population: 319 millions (estimate 2018)
Capital: Washington, DC.
Language
English, with significant Spanish-speaking minorties.
Currency
US Dollar (USD; symbol $) = 100 cents. Notes are in denominations of $100, 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1, though the $2 bill is rare and is not in high circulation. Coins are in denominations of $1, and 50, 25, 10, 5 and 1 cents.
Electricity
120 volts AC, 60Hz. Plugs have two flat pins with or without a third round grounding pin.
Public holidays
Below are listed Public Holidays for the January 2019 – December 2020 period.
Note: States can recognize other days as state holidays that are not federal holidays.
2019
New Year’s Day: 1 January 2019
Martin Luther King Day: 21 January 2019
President’s Day: 18 February 2019
Memorial Day: 27 May 2019
Independence Day: 4 July 2019
Labor Day: 2 September 2019
Columbus Day: 14 October 2019
Veterans Day: 11 November 2019
Thanksgiving Day: 28 November 2019
Christmas: 25 December 2019
2020
New Year’s Day: 1 January 2020
Martin Luther King Day: 20 January 2020
President’s Day: 17 February 2020
Memorial Day: 25 May 2020
Independence Day: 3 and 4 July 2020
Labor Day: 7 September 2020
Columbus Day: 12 October 2020
Veterans Day: 11 November 2020
Thanksgiving Day: 26 November 2020
Christmas: 25 December 2020
All information subject to change.
Flight and accommodation
Nightlife in Detroit
Reflecting its post-recession revival, Detroit’s bars and clubs have dusted themselves off and are giving locals
and visitors lots of fun nights out, from no-frills dives to plush casinos.
Jacoby's German Biergarten
MI 48226 Detroit
USA
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This great old-style tavern gets loud and lively on football match days.
St Andrew’s Hall
MI 48226 Detroit
USA
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This small but highly rated live music theatre has been packing in loyal locals since the 1980s.
Ye Olde Tap Room
MI 482145 Detroit
USA
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More than 250 beers on tap, single malt whiskeys and good live music attract a young, fun-loving crowd to this bar on the outskirts of town.
Fox Theatre
MI 48226 Detroit
USA
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This classic 1920s theatre is the venue for hearing major international artists.
Bleu Detroit
MI 48226 Detroit
USA
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One of Detroit’s hipper nightclubs, with hot DJs spinning techno and house music.
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Restaurants in Detroit
From ‘Coney Dog’ hot-dogs to authentic baklava, Detroit’s impressive range of eating options surprises many visitors; with
more than 130 restaurants in Downtown alone, particularly concentrated in the Riverfront and Greektown areas.
Cuisine
MI 48202 Detroit
USA
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Price: Expensive
American and French cuisine are the specialities at this smart and frequently awarded restaurant
Coach Insignia
MI 48243 Detroit
USA
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Price: Expensive
For high-end modern American cuisine and top-floor views in the Renaissance Center, this restaurant is hard to beat.
New Parthenon
MI 48226 Detroit
USA
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Price: Moderate
Delicious and authentic Greek cuisine in the heart of Greektown; a Detroit favourite.
The Hudson Café
MI 48226 Detroit
USA
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Price: Moderate
This is the place for sumptuous breakfasts and brunches, serving everything from grits to Mexican-style omelettes, club sandwiches and pancakes.
Astoria Pastry Shop
MI 48226 Detroit
USA
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Price: Cheap
Tooth-tingling sweet treats at one of Detroit’s best bakeries, try the choco pretzels and honey rolls.
Flight and accommodation
Calendar of events
North American International Auto Show
14 – 27 January 2019
Website
Venue: COBO Center
Naturally the motor city has one of the largest automotive shows in the country. It has been held since 1907, and its home – the COBO Center – now offers public exhibitions, charity auctions and numerous events for petrol heads.
Motor City Pride
June 2019
Website
Venue: Various venues
This citywide celebration of Detroit’s gay, lesbian and bisexual community is growing every year, and there are multiple events. The programme includes a family picnic, golfing tournament, commitment ceremonies and of course, parades.
Detroit International Jazz Festival
August – September 2019
Website
Venue: Various venues
Formerly known as the Detroit-Montreux Jazz Festival until it changed its name in 2000, Detroit International Jazz Festival is one of the biggest free music events in North America that each year attracts thousands of music fans. Held over the Labour Day weekend, visitors to the festival can take their pick from a line-up that includes over 100 bands each year ranging from household names through to new and emerging talents. One of the city’s best-loved musical events, each year approximately 750,000 throng the Hart Plaza for this popular festival.
Detroit Freepress/Talmar Bank Marathon
19 – 20 October 2019
Website
Venue: Streets of Detroit
Around 20,000 participants take part in the city’s biggest marathon. The course passes through downtown Detroit and downtown Windsor, and you can watch from almost all the most interesting historic neighbourhoods.
America's Thanksgiving Parade
28 November 2019
Website
Venue: Streets of Detroit
First held back in 1924 to great acclaim, the parade has become one of Detroit’s biggest and best-loved events of the year. Televised across America, the parade lives up to its name as America’s Thanksgiving Parade as each year it is watched on television by an audience of several million and is attended by huge crowds from across the state. In addition to the parade, visitors can also take part in the annual Turkey Trot – Michigan’s largest 10km (6.2 miles) run, the Giant Annual Balloon Wash, and the rather grand affair of the Hob Nobble Gobble black-tie fundraiser.
All information subject to change. Please check the dates on the relevant event organizer’s website.
Flight and accommodation
Hotels in Detroit
Big chain hotels dominate Downtown and the riverfront, but hunt around Detroit’s suburbs and you can also find boutique hotels and bed and
breakfasts; budget motels line the highways into the city, particularly around the airport.
Hilton Garden Inn
MI 48226 Detroit
USA
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Category: Expensive
Hilton’s trademark plush comfort and amenities are on offer here, in bustling downtown Greektown.
Courtyard Detroit Downtown
MI 48226 Detroit
USA
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Category: Expensive
Riverfront location and indoor pool are the standout features of this cosily furnished hotel.
Detroit Marriott
400 Renaissance Drive
Detroit, MI 48243
United States
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Category: Expensive
Right in the Renaissance Center, and with spacious, well-furnished rooms, this is one of Detroit’s top choices.
Doubletree by Hilton Detroit-Dearborn
MI 48228 Detroit
USA
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Category: Moderate
This suburban hotel is close to Dearborn’s museums and has many amenities, including indoor pool and gym.
Shorecrest Motor Inn
MI 48207 Detroit
USA
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Category: Cheap
Close to the riverfront and with many amenities, this is a good budget choice.
Flight and accommodation
Best time to visit
Today: Sunday, 17.02.2019 12:00 UTC

sunny
temperature
-5°C
wind direction
northwind speed
12.5 mph7 days forecast
Monday
18.02.2019
-3°C / -7°C
Tuesday
19.02.2019
-3°C / -8°C
Wednesday
20.02.2019
1°C / -4°C
Thursday
21.02.2019
1°C / -1°C
Friday
22.02.2019
3°C / -1°C
Saturday
23.02.2019
4°C / -1°C
Sunday
24.02.2019
4°C / 1°C
Climate & best time to visit the United States of America
The United States has varied weather conditions, and the best time to visit depends both upon the location and the season. Spring (March, April, May) and autumn (September and October) are generally cooler, more comfortable times to visit. Summer months – June, July, and August – are generally hot regardless of the region, but winter temperatures (November-February) can vary substantially depending upon the part of the US you are visiting. The southern part of the country tends to be warmer in the winter than the north. The general climate of the continental US is temperate, but keep in mind that Hawaii is tropical and Alaska is arctic. Many of the country’s dependent territories, such as Guam, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands, are also tropical.
Summer is considered the peak tourist season throughout the country; other popular travel times are major American holidays, especially Thanksgiving and Christmas, as well as Easter Week and the school holiday known as Spring Break. Certain destinations, such as New York, are perennial favourites and are busy year-round; even when the weather may not be pleasant, these destinations have particular attractions or experiences that always draw travellers. In some parts of the country, travel services may be limited during the low or off-season, largely due to weather conditions.
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
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Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
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absolute max | absolute min | Ø absolute min | Ø absolute min | relative humidity | Ø precipitation | days with deposit > 1mm | sunshine duration | |
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Jan | 16 °C | -29 °C | 0 °C | -8 °C | 75 % | 47 mm | 8 | 3.9 h |
Feb | 18 °C | -26 °C | 0 °C | -7 °C | 73 % | 43 mm | 7 | 4.9 h |
Mar | 25 °C | -20 °C | 6 °C | 3 °C | 70 % | 65 mm | 9 | 6.0 h |
Apr | 31 °C | -12 °C | 14 °C | 2 °C | 67 % | 80 mm | 10 | 7.2 h |
May | 33 °C | -3 °C | 20 °C | 8 °C | 66 % | 70 mm | 8 | 8.9 h |
Jun | 37 °C | 2 °C | 26 °C | 13 °C | 68 % | 87 mm | 9 | 10.1 h |
Jul | 38 °C | 5 °C | 28 °C | 15 °C | 69 % | 79 mm | 8 | 10.2 h |
Aug | 36 °C | 3 °C | 27 °C | 15 °C | 72 % | 82 mm | 7 | 9.1 h |
Sep | 36 °C | -1 °C | 23 °C | 11 °C | 73 % | 57 mm | 8 | 7.6 h |
Oct | 32 °C | -8 °C | 16 °C | 5 °C | 72 % | 54 mm | 7 | 5.7 h |
Nov | 25 °C | -12 °C | 8 °C | 0 °C | 75 % | 59 mm | 9 | 3.5 h |
Dec | 20 °C | -23 °C | 1 °C | -5 °C | 77 % | 64 mm | 10 | 2.8 h |
year | 38 °C | -29 °C | 14 °C | 4 °C | 71 % | 787 mm | 100 | 6.7 h |
Flight and accommodation
Phone calls & Internet
Telephone/Mobile Telephone
Dialing Code: +1
Telephone
Public telephones have become a rarity, but can still be found here and there. They take coins, telephone cards and credit cards. If you care planning to make regular use of public phones, it’s best to purchase a prepaid calling card from one of the many U.S. providers.
Mobile Telephone
Not all European cell phones work on the American network, since it requires a tri-band or quad-band device. Full network coverage is not always assured outside densely population areas. Roaming charges are high here, so it is often cheaper to buy a SIM card from a U.S. provider. Low-cost prepaid SIM cards for making calls inside the country can be ordered online before you travel.
Internet
Free Internet access via Wi-Fi is possible in many busy tourist spots. When using unencrypted public Wi-Fi networks, it is not advisable to enter passwords, credit card details or banking credentials. We recommend using VPN app or security software to check Wi-Fi hotspots.
Flight and accommodation
Shopping in Detroit
Key Areas
The main places to shop Downtown are the Renaissance Center, which has many upscale shops and boutiques, while nearby Greektown is good for one-off crafts and specialist stores. Otherwise, go to the suburbs for big, modern malls.
Markets
Detroit is perhaps surprisingly short of markets, by US standards. There are a couple worth checking out, however. Detroit Eastern Market sells fruit, vegetables and homemade produce, with some 200-plus stalls sprawled across six blocks north of Downtown, off Fisher Highway; open all day Saturday. For antiques, try Detroit Antiques Mall, north of Downtown off Fisher Freeway, with 12 dealers in one building, specialising in art deco and 20th-century curios; open Tuesday to Sunday.
Shopping Centres
The pick of the (big) bunch are Somerset Collection, Hills of Rochester Village and Great Lakes Crossing, just to the north of the city.
Flight and accommodation
Traveller etiquette
Social Conventions
Americans are renowned for their openness and friendliness to visitors. The wide variety of national origins and the USA’s relatively short history has resulted in numerous cultural and traditional customs living alongside each other. In large cities, people of the same ethnic background often live within defined communities.
Shaking hands is the usual form of greeting in formal situations and in business meetings. As long as the fundamental rules of courtesy are observed, there need be no fear of offending anyone of any background.
Gifts are appreciated if one is invited to a private home.
As a rule, dress is casual. High-end restaurants, hotels and clubs may require more formal attire.
Smoking is increasingly unpopular in the US; it is essential to ask permission before lighting up. Smoking is not allowed on city transport and restricted or forbidden in public buildings in most states. There will be a posted notice where no smoking is requested. An increasing number of states (including California and New York) have banned smoking altogether in bars, restaurants and many public places.
Flight and accommodation
Health
Main emergency number: 911
Food & Drink
Food in the US is safe to eat, and the conditions under which food is prepared and served are regulated by city, state, and federal health and hygiene agencies. In many jurisdictions, it is mandatory for restaurants to have a certificate of health or hygiene, as well as the current grade they have been assigned, posted visibly.
Although America is famous for its fast food and obesity rates, the local and fresh food movement is very popular in many areas, especially cities, making it easy to eat healthy. A variety of options also makes it easy for people with special dietary needs to find food that suits them, whether their needs are due to health reasons or to religious requirements.
Tap water is considered safe to drink in the US and is often offered in restaurants before bottled water. Bottled water is available throughout the country, however, both in restaurants and shops, for those who prefer not to drink tap water.
Other Risks
The US is generally considered a safe destination for world visitors. Occasional outbreaks of disease, such as West Nile Virus (a mosquito-borne illness) and H1N1 have occurred in recent years, however. Frequent hand-washing and general practices of good hygiene are encouraged to protect oneself against all types of illness.
Another concern with regard to safety is the possibility of terrorist attacks such as the one that occurred on September 11, 2001. City, state, and federal agencies have stringent anti-terrorism practices in place, however, and direct threats are infrequent.
Contractual physician of Lufthansa
Dr. Donat, Mehmet Emin4600 Investment Drive
Suite 380
Troy
Michigan 48098
USA
Tel. +1-248-844-9710
Please note that Lufthansa accepts no responsibility for the treatment nor will it bear the cost of any treatment.
Flight and accommodation
Visa & Immigration
IATA Travel Centre
The IATA Travel Centre delivers accurate passport, visa and health requirement information at a glance. It is a trusted, centralized source for the latest international travel requirements. The IATA Travel Centre is the most accurate source available because it is based on a comprehensive database used by virtually every airline, and information is gathered from official sources worldwide, such as immigration and police authorities.