Helping out a tourist

Hello, I’m sorry if this sort of thing has been asked a million times before, but I did search! I’m hoping some people here can help with some queries I have about Detroit, it’s a city I have always wanted to visit.

My girlfriend and myself are visiting Detroit next month for a few days [[we are both from Northern Ireland) and we’re both very excited about it. We are arriving via train from Chicago and staying in Greektown.

So I have a few questions that I hope you can help the first time visitor out with.

1) How easy it is to get a taxi from The Amtrak station on Baltimore Avenue? Do taxis line up outside or would I need to book one in advance? If I do need to book one in advance any recommendations on which company I should use?

2) We plan on seeing the sights downtown, GM centre, people mover, river front, a group tour and some museums [[science centre, historical museum). I guess these areas would be safe enough for out of towners to walk around? Should we avoid any of these areas?

3) After Detroit we’re heading to Windsor, Canada, what do people think of the Tunnel bus? Is it a good service?

We’re trying to avoid hiring a car because the next stage of our trip takes us into Canada and hire firms don’t seem to like us hiring in the US and returning the car in Canada.

If anybody has any recommendations or hints then please let me know.

Thanks for helping!

Welcome, Baronation!

I'll take a shot at answering your questions. I'm sure others will chime in too.

#1. I don't recall ever seeing taxis at the Baltimore St. train station. Have you checked to see if your hotel has a shuttle service that could pick you up?

#2. Yes, downtown Detroit is very walkable. Note that the Detroit Science Center is currently not open. But the Detroit Institute of Arts and the Detroit Historical Museum are both highly recommended sites to see.

#3. While I've never had occasion to take the Tunnel bus, I've heard that it provides very good service!

A great resource for visitors to our city is The Detroit Welcome Center run by Inside Detroit. You mentioned a group tour, so maybe you've already discovered them. http://www.insidedetroit.org/

Hope you and your girlfriend have a enjoyable visit to the D!!

In addition to what Kathleen said I have taken Amtrak many times and whenever I've arrived there were a couple of taxis waiting. I think it depends on what time you arrive. If you are staying at the Antheneum [[sp) they have a shuttle that would pick you up as long as they know when you need a ride...I'm not sure about the casino hotel...I have taken the Tunnel Bus many times...just make sure you have your passport with you. The people mover will take you to all the places you mentioned and it's safe. Like Kathleen said The Detroit Welcome Center will let you know about museum tours. Hopefully the weather will be as nice as it has been this winter so you can walk around. Have a Great Time!!!!

Welcome to Detroit-Windsor Baronation.

If the above suggestions don't pan out and if you don't have a ton of baggage, say a couple of rolling suitcases, you can always catch a bus and save some money too. The train station is at the corner of Woodward Avenue which, in our generally underserved mass transit city, is the busiest for buses. One comes along every few minutes during daytime. Your hotel is only about a mile and half away. Get off at Grand Circus Park, catch the People Mover and ride it to the Greektown station.

You will pass by many cultural sites Detroit Institute of Arts, Library, Historical Museum, Wayne State University, Orchestra Hall, Bonstelle Theater, Detroit Artist Market, Museum of Contemporary Art, Fox Theater and more on that short trip.

We have some Irish Pubs near downtown on Michigan Avenue, but the Gaelic League is probably the only really hardcore Irish pub of the lot. Be advised that it is green, not orange, and was alleged be a place where money was raised for the IRA during the troubles.

Happy travels and enjoy.

Thanks very much for the help! I hear Michigan has great breweries too, it will be good to taste the local brews.

One of the very best is Motor City Brewing on Alexandrine and well within your range. It is just a couples of blocks west of Woodward at the southern edge of the cultural center. They are makers of the locally renowned 'Ghettoblaster' lager although I prefer their nut brown. The layout and ambiance is very warm and inviting.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Lowell

...Motor City Brewing on Alexandrine

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It's located at 470 W. Canfield.

Amtrack usually has a few cabs around for arrivals. Make sure you see old Detroit in the basement of the historical museum. If you can swing the time go to the Henry Ford Museum and village in Dearborn. You can always hire Django as a driver. He does city tours. Send him a PM.

Enjoy your stay.

If you're a Motown fan, the Motown Museum is a great place to check out. It's on West Grand Blvd, not too far from downtown, lots of great history there. It's the building where Motown was started and where they did their recording til they moved out west.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Lowell

One of the very best is Motor City Brewing on Alexandrine and well within your range. It is just a couples of blocks west of Woodward at the southern edge of the cultural center. They are makers of the locally renowned 'Ghettoblaster' lager although I prefer their nut brown. The layout and ambiance is very warm and inviting.

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WORD, best beer around and a great comfortable setting with local artists always being shown on the walls. Summertime on the balcony is the shit. Halfway between The Bronx, Cass Cafe Jumbos, and the Old Miami.