Greektown

History
Must-Sees
Where To Stay

Why Visit?

Greektown is a small but bustling entertainment and commercial district on the edge of
downtown Detroit. With two grand hotels and a sprawling casino, it’s a popular place for visitors to base themselves during their stay.

Most visitors to Detroit will find themselves in Greektown at one point or another, especially to take part in its legendary nightlife scene. Whether you’re cashing out at Hollywood Casino, buying rounds at Firebird Tavern, or dancing the night away at Exodos Rooftop Lounge, there’s always something happening. The neighborhood even has a complimentary shuttle to take you to and from Little Caesars Arena, for home Red Wings hockey games and select concerts and events.

Greektown also remains true to its roots as a historically-vibrant neighborhood: take a stroll and you’ll stumble upon beloved Greek restaurants and bakeries, and architectural nods to the area’s Greek and German past.

History of the neighborhood

As the name suggests, Greektown was historically populated by Greek immigrants. But before that, it was actually Germans who started Greektown's story.

Back in the 1830s, German immigrants developed the area we now know as Greektown into a busy retail district filled with Victorian-style storefronts. Over the years Greektown was home to warehouses for seed distribution and fur trading, among other purposes.

In the early 1900s, a shift happened: Greek immigrants moved in and Germans moved out. The area quickly filled with Greek-inspired restaurants, shops, and coffee shops, some of which remain today.

Greektown also played an important role in the Underground Railroad. African Americans lived in the area since the 1800s, in a neighborhood called Black Bottom. This community was systematically destroyed in the 1950s and 60s to make way for the Chrysler Freeway and Lafayette Park, which you’ll find today just beyond the eastern border of Greektown.

Together, all of these cultures intertwine to form the Greektown that Detroiters know and love today.

Neighborhood Must-sees

You don’t need to leave Greektown if your priorities are nightlife, culture, and authentic
Greek food. These are some of the best things to do in Greektown:

  1. Hit the slots at Hollywood Casino. As one of Detroit’s three casinos, this 100,000 + square-foot casino in the heart of Greektown is sure to keep you entertained for a night. Test your luck at one of the 2,200+ slots and video poker machines, or roll the dice at table games, the Baccarat room, or sportsbook.
  2. Try Greek cuisine at both historic and contemporary restaurants, like the Golden Fleece, Pegasus Taverna, Ham Shop Café, and The Greek. Don’t leave Greektown without trying a healthy serving of gyros, moussaka, and baklava.
  3. Pay your respects at Second Baptist Church, which is the oldest African American church in Michigan (and the entire Midwest). This church was an important point along the underground railroad, marking the final stop for over 5,000 people before crossing to freedom in Canada. Tours are offered on appointment by the Detroit Underground Railroad Historical Society.
  4. Start your day with a Greek pastry at Astoria Pastry Shop. This family-owned bakery has been a favorite among Detroiters since it opened in 1971. Expect over 100 different types of pastry served up on the daily, including Greek staples like baklava, paxemadi (Greek biscotti), kourabiethes, and more.
  5. Bonus: Visit the Hellenic Museum of Michigan. This museum, located just outside the boundaries of Greektown in Midtown, is dedicated to Greek culture, art, and history. It’s a must-visit for anyone coming to Detroit who’s interested in Greek heritage.

Where to Stay

Staying in Greektown positions you just outside downtown, but in easy reach of the action.
There are two large hotels in Greektown. The Hollywood Casino-Hotel is a great choice, located next to one of Detroit’s three casinos, and featuring 400 luxurious rooms and plenty of on-site dining options. The historic Atheneum Suites Greektown is your other option, where every room is an elegant and spacious suite.

How Can I Get to Greektown?

You can get to Greektown via the People Mover’s Greektown stop, the QLINE’s Grand Circus Park stop, DDOT and SMART buses, and of course by driving and rideshare.

What is the best way to explore Greektown?

Greektown is a compact neighborhood that is best explored on foot.

Where can I park?

There is metered street parking in Greektown; the Park Detroit app can help you find available lots and metered parking. You can also park in structures like the Greektown Garage or Hollywood Casino Parking Structure (parking here is free 10am 10pm on non-event days). Some hotels also offer valet parking.

Distance from DTW

Greektown is about a 20 to 30 minute drive from Detroit Metro Airport (DTW), depending on traffic.

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