Explore the social and economic upheavals of Detroit through its architectural landmarks. Learn about the boom years at the Guardian Building and Penobscot Building, and the bust years that have left many abandoned skyscrapers.
About this activity
- Free cancellation
- Cancel up to 24 hours in advance to receive a full refund
- COVID-19 precautions
- Special health and safety measures apply. Learn more
- Mobile ticketing
- Use your phone or print your voucher
- Duration 2 hours
- Starting time 4:00 PM
- Instant confirmation
Experience
Highlights
- Visit the beautiful 1929 Guardian Building
- Admire the Westin Book-Cadillac Hotel, a prime example of Detroit's rise, fall, and rise again
- See the stately 36-story Book Tower from 1926, one of the world's tallest vacant buildings
- Discover why the Book Tower and other buildings are still vacant
- Marvel at the 15-story atrium and colorful fountains of the contemporary Compuware Building
- Go past the mega-million dollar MGM Grand Casino and Hotel
- Learn how Comerica Park and Ford Field brought Detroit back to life
- Explore the Grand Circus Park area
- Go to the fabulous restored Fox Theater and learn how it anchored the theater district in the late 1920s
Full description
Discover the history of Detroit through its architectural landmarks on a 2-hour walking tour that starts with the old Detroit Athletic Club, renovated Opera House, vacant Wurlitzer Building, and new downtown YMCA.
Continue to see where one of the biggest US department stores once stood, leaving a hole in the 1980s that has yet to be filled. Enjoy a panorama of landmarks, such as the Penobscot Building, the art deco Guardian Building, and the Renaissance Center, home to the headquarters of General Motors and the tallest hotel in the western hemisphere.
See America’s most transformative urban space at Campus Martius Park, the new mega-million dollar MGM Grand Casino and Hotel, and the Westin Book-Cadillac Hotel, once the tallest – and one of the fanciest – hotels in the world.
Explore Grand Circus Park to discover the vacant Broderick Tower and reborn Kales Building. Admire the fabulous Fox Theater, which anchored the theater district in the late 1920s. And end at The Detroit Beer Company for a complimentary beer or soft drink, and a selection of appetizing food to buy.
Includes
- Ride on the People Mover
- 1 beer, coffee, tea or soft drink at Detroit Beer Company
- Tips and gratuities for your guide
COVID-19 precautions
Safety measures in place
- All areas that customers touch are frequently cleaned
- Customers must keep distance in vehicles
- The number of visitors is limited to reduce crowds
Traveler requirements
- Customers are required to bring and wear masks
Select participants and date
Participants
Date
Prepare for the activity
Meeting point
Meet your guide in front of 1555 Broadway Detroit, MI 48226
Open in Google Maps ⟶Important information
Know before you go
- Children under 6 years of age are not allowed on this tour. Children ages 6 through 11 are free of charge, including a free ride on the People Mover and free soft drink at Detroit Beer Co. Children age 12 and over are charged at adult rate
- Cancellations within 48 hours of tour departure are non-refundable
