GM Renaissance Center

The gleaming glass and steel expanse of Detroit's GM Renaissance Center towers above the rest of the city. The imposing 1970s architecture of its seven skyscrapers reflects the project's ambitious objective: to regenerate the city centre area and boost the city's economy. The centre was completed in 1981, and since then has helped to transform the city.

The views from the towers are simply stunning. Head to the main tower and catch the high-speed lift to the uppermost floors. Here you'll be treated to a vista that, on a good day, can extend 77 kilometres into the surrounding countryside.

A great option for visitors is to stay in the main tower itself home to the 73-floor, 1,298-room Marriott Hotel, it is the tallest all-hotel building in the Western Hemisphere. Or why not treat yourself to a first-rate meal with views to match at Coach Insignia, the hotel's fine-dining restaurant and wine bar.

The GM Renaissance Center is so large that there's a guided tour. Head to the Pure Detroit store on level one of Tower 400 to meet your guide. Once you've got your bearings, you can head off on your own to explore the incredible range of retail outlets. Refuel at the gigantic food court or one of the centre's upmarket restaurants, or take in a film at the cinema.

The free guided tours run twice a day on weekdays. Shops generally observe standard opening times while hours for other attractions vary. The Coach Insignia restaurant is closed on Sundays dress code is business casual as a minimum, and prices reflect the upmarket surroundings.

The People Mover, Detroit's light rail network, encircles the downtown area and stops at the GM Renaissance Center, among other attractions. Parking is available, but without validation from restaurants or the cinema, it can be pricey it's best to check the website for details.