Cheap Flights To Detroit

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Cheap Flights To Detroit

Overview
When to Go
Airport Information
Weather
Things to Do
Local Attractions
Must See Sights
Insider Tips
Getting Around

Overview
Detroit may not be high on many travelers’ “must-visit” lists, but it should be. While the city has had its share of problems (starting with its decline during the 1960s through current auto industry troubles) and a reputation for being dangerous, most visitors are surprised to find that Detroit is a vibrant city full of friendly, welcoming people eager to show you the best of their hometown.

With a rich history, world-class museums, diverse culinary offerings, plentiful nightlife options and a local music scene known for rearing superstars (you’ve heard of Aretha Franklin, Eminem and The White Stripes, right?), Detroit has more to offer than just cars and casinos.

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When to Go
High Season
Detroit is never overrun with tourists, but hotel rooms are more expensive and harder to come by during special events, such as sports playoffs. Late spring, early summer and early fall are popular times to visit; weather is mild, you can comfortably spend time outdoors, and the city hosts many special events like Cityfest.

Low Season
Detroit sees fewest tourists during the bitter cold of winter (with the exception of the two weeks of the North American Auto Show). From January to March, snowdrifts and grey skies make abandoned buildings along the city’s outskirts look even more depressing. If you’re a hockey fan or love cars, though, this is the perfect time to come.

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Airport Information
Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW)
Distance: Approximately 22 miles
Drive time: 25-45 minutes

Unfortunately, Detroit does not offer reliable public transportation from the airport to the city. There is a SMART bus stop at the airport, but the ride may be long and frustrating. If you don’t plan to rent a car from an on-site company like Alamo or Thrifty, your best option is to arrange for Metro Car transportation. It costs about $50 each way to-and-from the city, and rates range from $40-$80 for surrounding areas.

Alternative Airports
Windsor International Airport (YQG) - 10 miles from Metro Detroit
Bishop International Airport (FNT) - 66 miles from Metro Detroit
Toledo Express Airport (TOL) - 77 miles from Metro Detroit

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Weather
Detroit experiences all four seasons. Winter temperatures reach lows of 16-27 degrees from December to March, not including wind chill. Ice storms are also common.

July reaches an average high of 86 degrees, though it has been known to get as cold as 62. June is the wettest month, and through November the city experiences frequent thunderstorms and at least a few tornado warnings each year.

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Things to Do
Feet on the Street Tours
Get a unique view of Detroit with a “Good, Bad and Hopeful” tour from Feet on the Street Tours. For a self-guided tour, drive past the beautiful but abandoned Michigan Central Station and the remnants of the city’s old Tiger Stadium, head up Woodward past newly built luxury lofts, and then cruise along Lakeshore drive until you pass from Detroit to the posh suburb of Grosse Pointe, home to the city’s elite.

Live Music
The city of Detroit fosters a diverse array of musical talent. From Motown to hip hop, clubs around the city feature performances by both established acts and up-and-comers. The Magic Stick, the Lager House and Cadieux Café consistently have some of the best live music acts.

Detroit Microbreweries
Detroit’s microbrewery scene is growing. In the past 10 years or so, microbreweries have opened up all over the city. Atwater Block was the first, and it still serves its award-winning beers at its brewery location along the Detroit River. Motor City Brewing, home of the Ghettoblaster, and the Detroit Beer Company (which serves an excellent beer cheese soup) are nearby one another in Midtown. A few miles out of the city, Warren’s Dragonmead Brewery offers a rotating selection of English and Belgian style beers. 

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Local Attractions
Cultural Enclaves
You can find little pockets of foreign culture all over Detroit. Dine on authentic Mexican fare at Mexican Village and savor traditional Greek specialties at one of Greektown’s many restaurants. A short drive away, visit the largest Middle Eastern population in the US (and enjoy tasty Middle Eastern food) in Dearborn.

Detroit Art City
In Detroit, art is everywhere you look, thanks to a low cost of living that has made the city a haven for creative types. Check out the rotating exhibits at the Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit (MOCAD), a gallery located in a renovated warehouse, or try the Detroit Artists Market. Take a ride to the Heidelberg Project, a quirky open-air art instillation created out of junk and abandoned buildings that transformed a neighborhood.

Casinos
Detroit is home to three opulent casino hotels, the MGM Grand, the Greektown Casino and the Motor City Casino, all of which feature Vegas-style games, nightclubs and shows. Just a short drive over the Ambassador Bridge or through the Windsor Tunnel will drop you near Windsor’s casinos as well.

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Must See Sights
Detroit Institute of Arts
Known as one of the best art museums in the country, the Detroit Institute of Arts just underwent a multi-million dollar renovation that made it bigger and even better than before. With provocative rotating exhibits, exciting special events, and a 60,000 piece collection that includes works by Degas, Cézanne, Matisse and other luminaries, it is a must for any art lover.

Detroit Historical Museum
The Detroit Historical Museum may sound boring to kids, but it may actually turn out to be one of their favorite attractions thanks to interactive exhibits. Adults will be just as enthralled as they walk recreated late 19th and early 20th century “Streets of Old Detroit.” A replica Chevy assembly line allows visitors to see the inner workers of an auto assembly plant.

The Henry Ford Estate, Fair Lane
See how America’s most famous businessman lived at this sprawling estate in Dearborn. A National Landmark, Fair Lane was the Fords’ home for over 30 years. Set on 1,300 acres, the property contains a summer house, man-made lake and working farm for the Ford grandchildren built to their scale.

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Insider Tips

• Detroiters are some of the friendliest people around. Don’t be afraid to strike up a conversation with people in a bar or restaurant and ask for recommendations on what to see and do.
• To find out what’s going on while you are in town, pick up a MetroTimes or Real Detroit Weekly. Both papers are free and list musical performances, art shows, special events and dining deals for the week. You can find one at most bars and restaurants in the city.
• Be sure to try a Detroit Coney dog. If there were an official food of Detroit, this would be it. A hot dog topped with a special chili mix, onions and cheese, it's greasy, cheap and delicious. Locals argue over who does it better—Lafayette Coney Island or American Coney Island—but as they are located right next door to one another, it’s easy to taste and compare for yourself.

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Getting Around
Detroit does have a public bus system, but it’s not very reliable or efficient, especially for exploring further out of the city. If you plan on spending all your time downtown, you can easily get around with a combination of walking, riding the People Mover (which runs in a loop from the River through Greektown to Woodward), and taking taxis. Taxis can be hard to find, so it’s best to call ahead for one.

If you want to explore outside of the downtown core, you will need a car. They don’t call this the “Motor City” for nothing! Most major rental agencies operate in the city, and all downtown hotels offer parking.

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