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Activity Detroit, USA

Self Guided Detroit's Spirit and History Solo Walking Tour

4.6 (49 reviews) 45 min – one hour Free cancellation Private tour
Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Self Guided Detroit's Spirit and History Solo Walking Tour

About this activity

You will discover Detroit’s hidden gems, artistic Alleys, funky food spots, golden era buildings and world class parks. Go at your own pace, your own schedule and stop and go as you please. This is a Self Guided Tour navigated by your smart phone on the WalknTours app. The technology is so good visitors say "It's like walking with Rick Steve's".

Detroit is a city on the rise. Not long ago this was a different city, today it’s thriving and the people of Detroit are carving out a culture that is authentically D Town. Discover how Detroit is changing, and see how it's past changed world history.

The tour starts at Buddy’s on Broadway, the shop that invented Detroit Style Pizza. So, grab a slice and let’s get this party started.

Private and Luxury Private Sightseeing Tours Audio Guides Cultural Tours Historical Tours Walking Tours Excellent Quality Best Conversion

At a glance

Duration
45 min – one hour
Confirmation
Instant confirmation
Ticket
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group
Your group only
People per booking
1–15
Audio guide
English
Operated by
WalknTours

Ages: Adults (18–120 years)

What is included

Included

  • Included: Virtual walk you can take after taking the in person tour
  • Included: Smartphone Guided Walking tour on the WalknTours app

Not included

  • Not included: No in person guide, this is a smart phone navigated tour on the WalknTours app

Itinerary

  1. Stop 1

    3 min

    This brick-lined street is known as Parker's Alley and it is named after Thomas Parker, a free black man who was one of the city's first black landowners in Detroit.

  2. The Belt

    3 min

    The Belt is named after the alleyway's location in the former garment district which was shaped like a belt.

    It is part of a larger project by the Library Street Collective to reimagine underutilized spaces throughout the city.

  3. Campus Martius Park

    5 min

    This park was created in 2004 and is a main hang out in Detroit. It was even named a “Top 10 Public Square” in the USA by USA Today. Not bad for an area that few people felt safe enough walking into 20 years ago.

  4. Penobscot Building

    3 min

    When it was built in 1928, it was the 4th highest building in the United States and 8th highest in the world. It soars above you like the edge off a cliff with a series of setbacks at the top.

  5. The Guardian Building

    5 min

    The Guardian building is one of the finest art deco skyscrapers in the United States. It was completed in 1929 and was originally called the Union Trust Building. It also had the rather cute nickname of the Cathedral of Finance.

  6. The Spirit of Detroit

    5 min

    The sun-like thing on the right is meant to symbolize the rays emanating from God, and the people in his other hand are supposed to represent all human relationships. The Spirit is widely recognized and well-loved and you can find the image all over the city.

  7. Joe Louis Monument

    3 min

    oe Louis didn’t just throw his weight around in the boxing ring. He fought against segregation and Jim Crow laws and encouraged young African American men to join the US Army during World War II despite the fact that it was still racially segregated. When he was asked why he did it, he famously replied "Lots of things wrong with America, but Hitler ain't going to fix them."

Meeting point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

Meeting point

  • Buddy’s Pizza shop, the inventors of Detroit Style Pizza. It all began at Buddy’s Pizzeria on the famous Six Mile in 1946 when Gus and Connie made their first square-shaped pizza.

    Boom! From then on, the pizza world would never be the same.

End point

  • The plaza opened in 1975 and since then has been the location for many festivals and special events. The big ring is Transcending which honors the “Working Men and Women Who Built Our City”.

Using your ticket

This is a tiny company, just me (Hi I’m Greg!), and I’m here to help :). If you have questions text 617-991-3269. A copy of your ticket is below.

HOW TO TAKE YOUR TOUR

1. For the best experience, follow the instructions below before taking your tour.

2. Use experience code 'thebelt'

3. We suggest using earbuds / headphones, it allows you to hear and experience the tour better.

How to unlock and take the tour:

Step 1: Download the WalknTours app on iPhone or Android.

App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/walkntours/id1457662600

Google Play Store: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.app.walkntours

Step 2: Register an Account or Login

Step 3: Unlock Your Tour

Chose Detroit

Click on the "Detroit's Spirit and History Tour"

Enter the Experience Code 'thebelt'

Click apply

Step 4: Take the Tour

Go to Buddy's Pizza shop on Broadway at 1565 Broadway St, Detroit, MI 48226

Open the tour and click start experience.

Have questions? Email us [email protected] or text 617-991-3269.

Cancellation

Free cancellation

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

If you cancel You get back
At least one day before 100%
Less than a day before 0%

Good to know

  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

  • Service animals allowed

  • Public transportation options are available nearby

  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Traveller ratings

4.6 out of 5 · 49 reviews
5
73%
4
18%
3
4%
2
2%
1
2%

Activities, prices and reviews are from Viator. Booking and payment happen on Viator; Vacantier may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Self Guided Detroit's Spirit and History Solo Walking Tour

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