Tours

When it comes to sightseeing, Detroit is largely a do-it-yourself city. The city's attractions are spread so far apart that it's hard for tour bus operators to fashion an itinerary. Walking tours haven't caught on because the city has not taken much care to preserve its historical sites, the interesting stops are too far apart, and because this is the Motor City. It's designed to be seen from the windows of an automobile. Downtown

Downtown Detroit used to have an extensive trolley system, but the only option today is the Detroit Trolley, which runs from Mariners' Church along Jefferson Avenue and up Washington Boulevard. It is a cheap, quick way to get a glimpse of Detroit's best architecture. A 15 minute ride offers views of some of the most popular attractions: the Detroit River, Comerica Park and the Detroit-Windsor Tunnel. Then have dinner at the nearby Agave.

Greektown

The best area to take your own walking tour is in and around Greektown, where there are historical attractions such as the Second Baptist Church and plenty of pedestrians and street life. You can also reach a riverside walkway via Hart Plaza. Fishbone's Rhythm Kitchen Cafe is a lively place to grab a bite to eat. In the summer, various dinner cruises operate along the Detroit River. It's a great way to see the city and enjoy the freshwater breeze. Detroit Institute of Arts

You can park your car and spend an entire day on foot visiting the Detroit Institute of Arts, the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, the Detroit Science Center and the Detroit Historical Museum. Just be sure to fit in lunch at the nearby Majestic Cafe in between.

Detroit Zoo

At the edge of the city is the Michigan State Fairgrounds. This is the site of the Woodward Dream Cruise every August. During the rest of the year, you can still see the legacy of the automobile cruising culture, with bars and restaurants and stores abound. Stop in for a meal at the Lark. Close to the Fairgrounds is the Detroit Zoo and the Hazel Park Raceway.

Belle Isle

Belle Isle is one of the greatest free attractions in any city. The Isle also has the Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory, which contains many exotic species of flowers. Drive around the island, enjoy the views, and then park your car near the Children's Zoo. The Harlequin Cafe used to be an apothecary shop, but today it serves up French fare. Close by is Edsel & Eleanor Ford House, which is open for tours.

Most visitors opt to rent a car and plan their own tour schedule, however others do take advantage of the few tour companies that Detroit has to offer.

Bus Tours Detroit Department of Transportation ( +1 313 870 5012 )

Boat Tours Diamond Jack's River Tours ( +1 313 843 9376/ http://www.diamondjack.com/ ) Detroit Princess Riverboat ( +1 517 622 8989/ http://www.detroitprincess.com/ )

Train Tours Crossroads Village & Huckleberry Railroad ( +1 810 736 7100/ http://geneseecountyparks.org/crossroadsvillage.htm )

Sports Tours Big League Tours ( +1 866 619 1748/ +1 317 534 2475/ http://www.bigleaguetours.com )

Historical Tours Historic Houses of Worship ( +1 313 833 4727 ) Fisher Mansion ( +1 313 331 6740 ) Henry Ford Estate - Fair Lane ( +1 313 593 5590/ http://www.umd.umich.edu/fairlane/ ) Ford Rouge Factory Tour ( +1 313 982 6001/ http://www.thehenryford.org/rouge/default.asp )