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 
The First Congregational Church of Ann Arbor
Central Ann ArborChurch Germantown 
St. Francis of Assisi Parish
South Ann ArborChurch 
Unitarian Universalist Church
Central Ann ArborChurch Romanesque architecture Queen Anne architecture North Ingalls
Concerts and shows
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 
Theatre Nova
Central Ann ArborTheater Concerts and shows Downtown Ann Arbor Decode Detroit
Ann ArborConcerts and shows Room escape games Theater 
University of Michigan School of Music
Northeast Ann ArborTheater Concerts and shows Universities and schools
Theater
Michigan Theater
Central Ann ArborTheater Concerts and shows Cinema Old Fourth Ward State Theater
Central Ann ArborCinema Theater Old Fourth Ward Theatre Nova
Central Ann ArborTheater Concerts and shows Downtown Ann Arbor Decode Detroit
Ann ArborConcerts and shows Room escape games Theater University of Michigan School of Music
Northeast Ann ArborTheater Concerts and shows Universities and schools
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 
Exhibit Museum of Natural History
Central Ann ArborHistory museum Science museum Observatories and planetariums Downtown Ann Arbor
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 School of Music
Northeast Ann ArborTheater Concerts and shows Universities and schools 
University of Michigan
Northeast Ann ArborUniversities and schools 
University of Michigan Law School
Central Ann ArborUniversities and schools Downtown Ann Arbor
Observatories and planetariums
Detroit Observatory
Central Ann ArborGreek Revival architecture Neo-renaissance architecture Observatories and planetariums University of Michigan Museum of Natural History
Central Ann ArborMuseum Natural history museum Science museum Exhibit Museum of Natural History
Central Ann ArborHistory museum Science museum Observatories and planetariums Downtown Ann Arbor 
Angell Hall Observatory
Central Ann ArborObservatories and planetariums Downtown Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor – popular in the area (distance from the center)
In the vicinity of Ann Arbor, it's worth seeing attractions such as: The Henry Ford (Dearborn), Michigan Firehouse Museum (Ypsilanti), Fair Lane (Dearborn).
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 any quick bread containing cornmeal, and a Native American cuisine. They are usually leavened by baking powder.
Poutine
Poutine is a dish that includes french fries and cheese curds topped with a brown gravy. It originated in the Canadian province of Quebec and emerged in the late 1950s in the...
Dish
Cupcake
A cupcake is a small cake designed to serve one person, which may be baked in a small thin paper or aluminum cup. As with larger cakes, icing and other cake decorations such as fruit and...
Slider
A slider is an American term for a steam-grilled sandwich, typically around 2 inches across, made with a bun. "Slider" is believed to have been first used to describe the onion-steamed...
Cracker
A cracker is a flat, dry baked food typically made with flour. Flavorings or seasonings, such as salt, herbs, seeds, or cheese, may be added to the dough or sprinkled on top before baking.
Cracker
Michigan