Abandoned buildings, graffiti, techno and Motown – just four of the gazillions of reasons why you should visit Motor City. Sir Dicky B agrees: he's just launched a direct Virgin Atlantic flight to D-Town, meaning this city of #RuinP*rn and possibility is more accessible than ever. If you're a fan of the underdog (and hotdogs), Detroit should be on your radar.
SEE: You don't need to know much about graffiti to realise Detroit is home to some of the most skilled artists in the world. Walls near abandoned factories are artfully sprayed, while murals dedicated to the city's icons line the streets . For accessible downtown graffiti, visit the Z Deck carpark where the pillars are coated in neon colours. It's the second coolest car park in Detroit (the first is the crumbling shell of the Michigan theatre).
DRINK: Astro Coffee, Corktown
For a 'new Detroit' experience you have to visit Corktown, named after the Irish county due to the influx of Irish immigrants who once lived in the neighbourhood's backstreets. Here you'll find Astro Coffee, a cafe run by a husband and wife team who learned their barista skills at London's own Monmouth Coffee Co (try their poached egg sandwich, it's a life changer). Down the road you'll find one of the first distilleries to open in Detroit since the prohibition era, while the rest of the street is beginning to home trendy bars for beers and brunch. astrodetroit.com
STAY: Airbnb, Corktown
Detroit lacks decent hotels (they'll come, trust us) but for now, that's no bad thing. Get that authentic D-Town experience in a local home, instead. This apartment (in a converted factory, how apt) is beeeeeautiful and squeaky clean. Your host, Heath, has lived in the city for years, and knows the local hangouts (he'll take you there, too, if you fancy). The Bronx Bar – our favourite – is walkable, and comes with Michigan beers and burgers the size of the plates. airbnb.com
