Ann Arbor Travel Guide
Facts and practical information
Nestled in the heart of the beautiful state of Michigan, Ann Arbor is a vibrant and diverse city that offers a unique blend of cultural attractions, natural beauty, and a thriving arts scene. With its charming tree-lined streets, eclectic mix of shops and restaurants, and a lively atmosphere, Ann Arbor is a must-visit destination for travelers seeking a taste of Midwestern charm.
One of the city's most iconic landmarks is the University of Michigan, renowned for its prestigious academic programs and stunning architecture. Visitors can explore the sprawling campus, admire the impressive Gothic-style buildings, and take in the vibrant energy of a college town. The university also offers a range of cultural events, including concerts, theater performances, and art exhibitions, making it a hub of creativity and intellectual stimulation.
For nature enthusiasts, Ann Arbor boasts an abundance of parks and nature reserves that showcase the region's natural beauty. The Nichols Arboretum, also known as the "Arb," is a tranquil oasis filled with lush gardens, winding trails, and scenic views of the Huron River. Visitors can enjoy picnicking, bird-watching, or simply strolling through this serene sanctuary.
Art lovers will find plenty to enjoy in Ann Arbor's thriving arts scene. The city is home to numerous galleries and museums, including the University of Michigan Museum of Art, which houses an impressive collection of artwork spanning various genres and time periods. The Ann Arbor Art Fair, held annually in July, is a major highlight for both locals and tourists, showcasing the works of talented artists from around the country.
Foodies will be delighted by Ann Arbor's diverse culinary scene, which offers a wide range of dining options to suit every taste and budget. From trendy farm-to-table eateries to cozy cafes and international cuisines, the city's culinary landscape is as diverse as its population. Don't miss the opportunity to try some of the local favorites, such as the iconic Zingerman's Delicatessen, which has been serving up delicious sandwiches and artisanal products for decades.
Ann Arbor Attractions - What to See and Explore
Ann Arbor offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Yost Ice Arena, Stearns Collection of Musical Instruments, Matthaei Botanical Gardens, University of Michigan Museum of Art. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.
Things to See and Do in Ann Arbor by Category
Sights, interesting and unusual places and attractions valued by most tourists. See the list of places to visit in Ann Arbor.
Culture
Michigan Theater
Central Ann ArborTheater Concerts and shows Cinema Old Fourth Ward 
The Ark
Central Ann ArborMusic and shows Nightlife Music venue Downtown Ann Arbor 
State Theater
Central Ann ArborCinema Theater Old Fourth Ward 
Decode Detroit
Ann ArborConcerts and shows Room escape games Theater
Shopping
Briarwood Mall
South Ann ArborShopping Shopping centre 
Nickels Arcade
Central Ann ArborShopping Shopping centre Historic walking areas Old Fourth Ward 
Arborland Center
Northeast Ann ArborShopping Shopping centre Allen 
Dixboro General Store
Ann ArborDepartment store Church Shopping
Active
Michigan Stadium
Central Ann ArborSport venue Sport South Main 
Yost Ice Arena
Central Ann ArborSport venue Sport Arenas and stadiums South Main 
Crisler Center
Central Ann ArborSport venue Sport Outdoor activities South Main 
Ann Arbor Veterans Memorial Arena
West Ann ArborSport venue Sport Park Vet's Park Triangle Decode Detroit
Ann ArborConcerts and shows Room escape games Theater
Museum
Matthaei Botanical Gardens
Northeast Ann ArborBotanical garden Museum Angell 
University of Michigan Museum of Art
Central Ann ArborMuseum Art museum Universities and schools Downtown Ann Arbor 
Kempf House
Central Ann ArborMuseum Historical place History museum Old Fourth Ward 
Nichols Arboretum
Northeast Ann ArborMuseum Angell 
Parker Mill
Ann ArborMuseum Park
Park
The Diag
Central Ann ArborPark Downtown Ann Arbor Parker Mill
Ann ArborMuseum Park Ann Arbor Veterans Memorial Arena
West Ann ArborSport venue Sport Park Vet's Park Triangle 
Burton Memorial Tower
Central Ann ArborEducation Park Tower 
Buhr Park
South Ann ArborPark Ann Arbor Woods
History museum
Kempf House
Central Ann ArborMuseum Historical place History museum Old Fourth Ward 
Kelsey Museum of Archaeology
Central Ann ArborMuseum History museum Romanesque revival architecture Germantown 
Kellogg-Warden House
Central Ann ArborMuseum History museum Greek Revival architecture North Central 
Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library
Northeast Ann ArborLibrary History museum Museum 
Sindecuse Museum of Dentistry
Central Ann ArborMuseum Specialty museum History museum
Church
St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church
Central Ann ArborChurch Old Fourth Ward Dixboro General Store
Ann ArborDepartment store Church Shopping 
St. Francis of Assisi Parish
South Ann ArborChurch 
Unitarian Universalist Church
Central Ann ArborChurch Romanesque architecture Queen Anne architecture North Ingalls 
St. Patrick's Parish Complex
Ann ArborChurch
Science museum
Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum
Central Ann ArborMuseum Children's museum Neo-renaissance architecture Downtown Ann Arbor Sindecuse Museum of Dentistry
Central Ann ArborMuseum Specialty museum History museum 
Leslie Science Center
Northeast Ann ArborPark Science museum Museum Plansmart 
University of Michigan Museum of Natural History
Central Ann ArborMuseum Natural history museum Science museum
Library
Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library
Northeast Ann ArborLibrary History museum Museum 
Ann Arbor District Library
Central Ann ArborLibrary Bookshop Old Fourth Ward 
William L. Clements Library
Central Ann ArborLibrary Neo-renaissance architecture Downtown Ann Arbor 
University of Michigan Library
Central Ann ArborLibrary Downtown Ann Arbor 
Ann Arbor District Library Malletts Creek Branch
South Ann ArborLibrary
Universities and schools
University of Michigan Museum of Art
Central Ann ArborMuseum Art museum Universities and schools Downtown Ann Arbor 
Taubman College of Architecture and Urban Planning
Central Ann ArborUniversities and schools 
University of Michigan
Northeast Ann ArborUniversities and schools 
University of Michigan Law School
Central Ann ArborUniversities and schools Downtown Ann Arbor 
Concordia University Ann Arbor
Northeast Ann ArborUniversities and schools
Ann Arbor – popular in the area (distance from the center)
In the vicinity of Ann Arbor, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Detroit Institute of Arts (Detroit), The Henry Ford (Dearborn), Renaissance Center (Detroit).
Best Time To Visit Ann Arbor
Learn when is the best time to travel to Ann Arbor weather-wise and what to expect in each season.
Best Ways to Experience the City
Food & drink
CuisineA guide to some of the best local dishes and drinks that you will meet in the region.
Cornbread
Cornbread is a cherished quick bread made from cornmeal, typically leavened with baking powder. It has deep roots in Native American cuisine, where corn has been a staple for millennia. When European settlers arrived in the New World, they learned to prepare corn-based...
Poutine
Poutine, a cherished Canadian dish, is a delightful amalgamation of crispy french fries, squeaky cheese curds, and rich brown gravy. It emerged in Quebec in the late 1950s and, despite initial ridicule, has grown into a celebrated emblem of Quebecois cultural pride.
Dish
Cupcake
A cupcake is a delightful, single-serving cake typically baked in a small, thin paper or aluminum cup. These tasty treats have a rich history dating back to the late 18th century, with the term "cupcake" first appearing in the early 19th century.
Slider
A slider is a small, steam-grilled American sandwich, typically about 2 inches in diameter and served on a bun. The term "slider" originated from White Castle restaurants, where these miniature burgers were steamed with onions.
Cracker
Crackers are beloved for their flat, crispy texture. Primarily made from flour, they are often enhanced with a touch of salt, herbs, seeds, or cheese for added flavor. You can enjoy them straight from the package or pair them with cheese, dips, or spreads.
Cracker
Michigan