A Local's Guide To Detroit is designed by Downtown Detroit residents and is intended for "Travelers" - those who want a real, unique experience and feel for a city. This site is not intended for the "Tourist"; this site is not designed for those who visit a city and seek out Starbucks.

My wife and I have traveled the country and world; our Visit-Downtown-Detroit recommendations are those must-see spots that are as good, or better than, any in the cities we have visited. We guarantee you won’t find overly commercial, "touristy", or nationwide-chain venues recommended. But - you will see progressive culinary, excellent craft cocktails and beer, sites that are one-of-a kind, beautifully renovated historical buildings, gritty venues - “This is Detroit”.

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Please note that my wife and I pick the recommendations on this website - no business pays us to include them on this website.

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TripAdvisor, Yelp, Expedia, Foursquare, Thrillist, Lonely Planet, Restaurant Guru, Trip Hobo, The Crazy Tourist, Viator, Get You Guide, The Homebody Tourist, Busy Tourist, Time Out, etc., etc., etc., etc. - endless sources of random, all-inclusive, and superficial collections of ho-hum, and typically paid-for, reviews and recommendations. What could possibly be missing? How about knowledgeable opinions from someone who actually lives in Downtown Detroit! We recently reviewed these trip advice sites for Downtown Detroit - fully 20% of the recommended venues no longer exist in Detroit! We have kissed all the frogs, and our recommendations are the princes.

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Great food, drink, and things to do in inspired, cool, imaginative spaces, locations, and historic buildings - Detroit Character.