Overview
Ann Arbor — often abbreviated as AA or A2 — is a picturesque city surrounding the University of Michigan. It has a strong bent toward the arts, and an attractive and pedestrian-friendly downtown. Visitors enjoy the city's wonderful sidewalk cafe dining, unique shops, lots of bookstores, and abundant cultural opportunities. Ann Arbor is in Michigan 35 mi north of the Ohio border and 45 mi west of Detroit, near where the furthest exurban fringes give way to country and small towns. In 2019, the city had a population of about 120,000 people, and thousands of visitors come to town for football games and various festivals.
40 sights · 23 things to do · 57 places to eat · 32 bars & cafés · 23 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Ann Arbor
Michigan Theater
A restored 1928 cinema, complete with two organs, one of them a vintage 1927 pipe organ. The theater shows mainly independent and foreign films, with special classic-film showings throughout the year. The organ is often …
State Theater
An art-deco cinema from 1942, the State Theater works in conjunction with the Michigan Theater, and often plays films that have stopped showing at the Michigan.
The Ark
A nonprofit, intimate music club with 400 seats, which usually hosts folk/rock performers. Private club liquor license (membership required for liquor purchase).
Michigan Stadium
Nicknamed the "Big House", the U-M stadium is the largest football stadium in America, with a seating capacity of 109,901. Home games are played in autumn on the well-known "Football Saturdays", when thousands of visitor…
University of Michigan Diag
The heart of the University of Michigan's Central Campus, the Diag is the main quadrangle around which most of the key buildings on campus are arranged. Its name comes from the primary walkway that runs from the northwes…
The Ann and Robert H. Lurie Tower
A 165-foot (50 m) tall structure which houses an operational carillon. The tower is open to visitors when the bells are being played, with two floors accessible by elevator. The top floor allows the visitors to see the c…
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: May–Oct. Summer highs reach about 84°F; winter lows dip to about 16°F. Cold months (Jan, Feb, Dec) can bring snow and ice; check road conditions. Wettest: Jun and May.
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- DTW Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport, Detroit — 21 mi away (major hub). Directions
- FNT Bishop International Airport, Flint — 47 mi away. Directions
Ann Arbor is bounded by I-94 (between Detroit and Jackson) on the south and west, US-23 (between Flint and Toledo, Ohio) on the east, and M-14 (which leads to Detroit's western suburbs and I-96) on the north. From Toledo and other points south of Ann Arbor, take US-23 north; from Detroit, the airport, and points east, take I-94 west (or I-96 west to M-14 west); from Chicago and points west, take I-94 east; from the north, take US-23 south. There is ample paid parking downtown, but very little is on the curb (most is in parking garages). An option is to use the Ann Arbor Transportation Authority (AATA) park and ride lots, which lie on the outskirts of Ann Arbor. There are five such lots with free parking around the city, and bus service to each.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
- Places to stay listed here: about $50–$179 a night (typical $98), from 27 listed prices.
- Typical meal: about $8 per person at listed restaurants.
- Estimated daily budget per person (room, two meals, local transport and an activity): budget ~$80, mid-range ~$150, comfortable ~$290.
Options are grouped as Budget, Bed and breakfast, Mid-range, Bed and breakfast in the Sleep guide ↓.
Sample 3-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Downtown Ann Arbor, The Ark, Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum
- Lunch Blue Nile
- Afternoon Alley mural, Michigan Theater
- Dinner Jerusalem Garden
- Evening Arbor Brewing Company
Day 2
- Morning The Ann and Robert H. Lurie Tower, The Wave Field, Nichols Arboretum
- Lunch No Thai! Plymouth
- Afternoon Nichols Arboretum, Gallup Park
- Dinner Saica Restaurant
- Evening Brown Jug
Day 3
- Morning Ave Maria Fine Art Gallery, Domino's Petting Farm, Matthaei Botanical Gardens
- Lunch Zamaan Cafe
- Afternoon Matthei Botanical Gardens, Painted fixtures
- Dinner Bewon Korean Cuisine
- Evening Plymouth Green
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
For a relatively small Great Lakes town, Ann Arbor has a large variety of cheap (and sometimes quirky) eateries (thanks in part to the large student population) such as pizza restaurants, quick Chinese food and lots of sandwich and wrap shops downtown. You'll also notice hot dog and tamale carts on many street corners, particularly in the summer, selling basic fare starting at $1 with complimentary toppings. As alternative to restaurants the regional supermarket Busch's have good salads and sushi.
One thing you won't see much of, however, at least on campus and in the downtown area, are popular nationwide fast-food chains. The impression is that Ann Arbor is proud enough of its small independent restaurants that it has no need for mass-produced french fries (although with rental costs rising in the downtown area, many local restaurants — and shops — are being ousted in favor of wealthier small chains, like Bruegger's and Great Wraps).
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Photos
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Understand
Ann Arbor is centered on the University of Michigan. The U of M campus intermingles with downtown, and the whole area is walkable, though day buses run between the campuses and the central business district. Toyota, General Motors, Ford, Thomson, Google, and Domino's have a major presence in the area. The university is well known for its medical school complex.
Farther out, the city fades into urban sprawl (a mall and business parks in the south), then countryside dotted with towns, and to the east, Detroit suburbs. Bus routes beyond the city limits, except in the direction of Ypsilanti, are lacking; you'll want a car or bike unless you have several hours to spare. On some autumn Saturdays, transport is difficult as 100,000-odd people pour in for university football games.
Ann Arbor, or Tree town, is, as one might expect, full of trees; they line the streets, and in summer from the air, or year-round in Google Earth, all that can be seen is a green swath with a few buildings sticking out. (In the early 20th century, after having leveled the forest that once occupied the area, the city instituted an aggressive tree-planting program that's since borne fruit.)
The city was founded in 1824 as "Annarbour", named after the two founders' wives (Ann Allen and Mary Ann Rumsey) and an arbor of burr oak trees on the village site (although some have theorized that the name arose from an arbor of roses or grapes).
Downtown is a solid block of restaurants and art galleries. The university hosts cultural events, and venues such as the Michigan Theater host first-run independent films and high-profile music groups. Several good independent bookshops are located here, and the Ann Arbor Art Fair draws over half a million visitors each summer.
Tourist information
- Visit Ann Arbor website
Climate
Like most of Michigan, summers can be hot and humid. In July and early-August it can hit high into the 90s with high humidity. Typical average heat indices in the summer are around 85°F during the day and 64°F at night, but heat indices occasionally hit 99°F with 73°F overnight lows. Winters are fairly normal for the lower Great Lakes region, which enjoys 4 seasons. It starts to be chilly in late October and it begins to warm up again in mid-March (but the occasional early April snowfall is not unheard of!) Average winter temperatures are generally in the range of 30°F and in January temps can dip below 20°F, or even lower if it's windy.
Get in
By car
Ann Arbor is bounded by I-94 (between Detroit and Jackson) on the south and west, US-23 (between Flint and Toledo, Ohio) on the east, and M-14 (which leads to Detroit's western suburbs and I-96) on the north. From Toledo and other points south of Ann Arbor, take US-23 north; from Detroit, the airport, and points east, take I-94 west (or I-96 west to M-14 west); from Chicago and points west, take I-94 east; from the north, take US-23 south. There is ample paid parking downtown, but very little is on the curb (most is in parking garages). An option is to use the Ann Arbor Transportation Authority (AATA) park and ride lots, which lie on the outskirts of Ann Arbor. There are five such lots with free parking around the city, and bus service to each.
By plane
The nearest major airport is Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW), about 25 minutes away. The best way to get to downtown Ann Arbor is the Michigan Flyer (see below), but there are also several shuttle services (also below) that offer pre-booked trips for $30-35 one-way and $55-60 round-trip, with the cost per person decreasing as the size of the group increases, that will take you to any location in Ann Arbor and the surrounding areas. Uber will also pick up and drop off between Ann Arbor and Detroit airport, and can be much cheaper than a cab, $25-30 each way. There are quite a lot of airport shuttle services, but the following will give you a place to start:
By train
- Route serving Ann Arbor:
- Wolverine Service operates daily several times between Pontiac and Chicago including stops along the way in Troy, Royal Oak, Detroit, Dearborn, Ann Arbor, Jackson, Battle Creek, Kalamazoo, Niles, and New Buffalo. There are three westbound and three eastbound departures daily. Detroit is about 1 hour away by train, and costs $10 – 15 one-way. The train is about 4 hr 45 min from Chicago, and usually costs between $25 and $50 one-way. The train from Chicago generally arrives 15 minutes to half an hour behind schedule. There are many train connections in Chicago.
- Amtrak also runs thruway bus connections to the Toledo station for connections further east on the Lake Shore Limited (Boston & New York) and the Capitol Limited (Washington DC).
By bus
Go Indian Trails
Bus service from the Blake Transit Center to St. Ignace via Jackson, Lansing, Mt. Pleasant, Gaylord, Petoskey, and Mackinaw City.
Get around
Downtown Ann Arbor is not large, so it's easy to get around just by walking. In fact, free parking is almost nonexistent, especially when the town is full of students, so you'll probably prefer to walk anyway. Occasionally you'll find an unused parking meter; you'll have to feed it money between 8AM-6PM on weekdays and Saturdays, otherwise they're free. There are parking lots and buildings scattered around downtown; they're free on Sundays, otherwise you can generally expect to pay 80 cents to $1 per hour.
By bus
Go University of Michigan Buses
Most commonly used by students traveling between the different campuses to and from classes, run on weekday (full) and weekend (reduced) schedules year-round, except for Thanksgiving day Thursday and Friday, Christmas day, and New Year's day. The routes connect the North, Central, and South campuses.
By taxi
Ann Arbor has several reliable 24-hour taxicab companies. You can't hail a cab from the sidewalk, although there are certain spots in town where they often hang out waiting for passengers, notably in front of the Michigan Union on State Street, and the Federal Building on Liberty Street. Uber and Lyft both have a large presence in Ann Arbor and are often far cheaper than a traditional taxi, especially off-peak
See
See Downtown Ann Arbor
Most of the shops and restaurants line State, Liberty, and Main streets, with the quality becoming more upscale as you approach Main. The other popular student hangouts are along South University street. A few blocks north of downtown is the historic Kerrytown district, full of remodeled old homes and pleasant shopping.
See Michigan Theater
A restored 1928 cinema, complete with two organs, one of them a vintage 1927 pipe organ. The theater shows mainly independent and foreign films, with special classic-film showings throughout the year. The organ is often played before performances, and during the Michigan Theater's special silent-film showings. The main auditorium also hosts other events throughout the year, particular musical groups and comedy shows, many fairly well-known.
See Michigan Stadium (The Big House)
Nicknamed the "Big House", the U-M stadium is the largest football stadium in America, with a seating capacity of 109,901. Home games are played in autumn on the well-known "Football Saturdays", when thousands of visitors clog the Ann Arbor streets to watch the Wolverines (or their opponents) play.
See The University of Michigan Law School Quadrangle
The Law School's "Quad", nationally renowned for its serene environment and beautiful Gothic-style architecture, is just south of the center of campus. Built in the early 20th century, the Quad consists of Hutchins Hall — the main law school building — the reading room and the U-shaped Lawyer's Club. The reading room (open to visitors) is an enormous cathedral-like building with stained glass windows featuring the colors of major universities in the US and around the world. The underground law library is naturally lit by enormous windowed shafts just beyond the Quad. The Quad is a grassy open space ringed by trees and seasonal flower beds. During the warmer seasons, students relax and toss the ball around, or sit and study in the Quad, making it an integral part of the Law School. Many locals consider the Law Quad to be the most beautiful part of Ann Arbor.
See University of Michigan Diag
The heart of the University of Michigan's Central Campus, the Diag is the main quadrangle around which most of the key buildings on campus are arranged. Its name comes from the primary walkway that runs from the northwest to southeast corners of the Diag. In the middle of the Diag, just in front of the graduate library, is a brick courtyard with a brass M in the center; according to student legend, if you step on the M during your first semester at the university, you are doomed to fail your first exam. The Diag is often used for demonstrations, booths or student fairs, and is a popular hangout in warm weather.
See The Ann and Robert H. Lurie Tower (Lurie Tower)
A 165-foot (50 m) tall structure which houses an operational carillon. The tower is open to visitors when the bells are being played, with two floors accessible by elevator. The top floor allows the visitors to see the carillonneur playing, while the lower floor provides a view of the carillon bells, and a skyline view of the Ann Arbor area. The current operational hours are posted at the base of the tower.
See Nichols Arboretum
It's in a secluded plot just east of the University of Michigan Hospital. "The Arb" is a favorite place to enjoy peace and quiet in a setting removed from the bustle and traffic of everyday Ann Arbor. The Arb has no signage, no parking lot of its own, nor any restroom facilities. What it has is an impressive peony garden, many different species of native trees, shrubs, and grasses, and the Huron River runs through it. A gem that's worth seeking out.
See Domino's Petting Farm
15 acres (6 hectares) of land with farm animals from around the world, including rare and near-extinct species, like the French Poitou donkey (only 200 reportedly in existence), African watusi cow, Horned Dorset ram, and Tibetan yak. The barn was once part of a working 1925-era farm, but was opened as a petting zoo in 1984. Tours, hay rides and educational presentations available.
See Matthei Botanical Gardens
Just east of Domino's Farms, on Dixboro Road, Matthei Botanical Gardens is operated by the University of Michigan and open to the public. There are trails to stroll, a greenhouse to visit, and plantings to enjoy. Every spring, Matthei hosts a plant sale that is very popular with gardeners.
Public art
Ann Arbor has a number of public sculptures and murals that can be viewed both on campus and downtown. Of these, several are particularly well-known:
See The Cube
A 15-foot-tall (5 m), 2400-lb glossy black cube created by Tony Rosenthal; there's a similar one in the East Village of New York City. The Cube spins on its axis when pushed. Although Tony Rosenthal cubes often appear identical, the late artist always varied design elements on each of his cubes. Alamo has a distinctive curve element whereas Ann Arbor is more geometric.
See Alley mural
The alley mural began as a one-man project in the 1980s and became a popular spot for graffiti artists. The city took the spot over in 1999 by hiring artist Katherine Tombeau Cost to paint over the original mural and graffiti with a new 5,000-square-foot (460 m2) mural. The graffiti artists haven't entirely relinquished their claim to it, meaning that Cost's mural has been partially defaced with large bubble lettering, but it's still an interesting (and out-of-the-way) sight. Be sure to seek out the "trippers'" bubble gum wall toward the back. During warmer weather, you'll often find musicians or dancers putting on solo performances in the alley entrance, hoping to glean donations.
See Bookstore mural
Painted in 1984, when the corner location was still occupied by David's Books, this mural depicts the five authorial visages of Woody Allen, Edgar Allan Poe, Herman Hesse, Franz Kafka, and Anaïs Nin.
See Painted fixtures
Fire hydrants and transformers, painted in bright colors by local artists and schoolchildren.
See Fairy Doors
Keep your eyes near the ground for fairy doors-- miniature colorful doors through which fairies can enter local businesses. According to Jonathan B. Wright of urban-fairies.com, the doors began appearing around town in the early 1990s.
Parks and gardens
Ann Arbor has 147 city parks, ranging from less than a block wide to over 100 acres (40 hectares). Some of the more prominent ones include:
See Nichols Arboretum
"The Arb" comprises 123 acres (50 hectares) of hilly woodland along the Huron River, with collections of North American plants interspersed throughout. Peony garden, prairie, constructed wetland and Appalachian plant collection. At night you can see all of Ann Arbor from the top of the hill.
See Gallup Park
A 69-acre (28 hectares) park along the Huron River and Geddes Pond, and Ann Arbor's most popular recreation area. Walkways with pedestrian bridges over the water, two playgrounds, picnic areas, open fields, over 3 mi of asphalt trails. Canoe, kayak and paddleboat rental (canoes can also be taken from the Argo Park livery, 1055 Longshore Drive, +1 734-668-7411, to the Gallup livery).
See Buhr Park
A 39-acre (16 hectares) park with picnic areas, children's play area, softball diamond, soccer fields, outdoor tennis courts, 25-yard (23 m) swimming pool, children's wading pool, outdoor ice arena for public skating and ice hockey, cross-country ski center, and snowmobile trails. Skate rentals available.
Museums
See Leslie Science Center
50 acres (20 hectares) of fields, woods and prairie, featuring outdoor, hands-on and discovery-based educational programs. Features an environmentally-friendly Nature House; a Critter House with frogs, turtles, snakes, and rabbits; live birds of prey, including owls, falcons, kestrels, hawks, vultures, and a bald eagle; and a mile-long trail through the Black Pond Woods.
See Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library
The Gerald Ford Library collects and preserves the papers from Gerald Ford's presidency, including over 20 million pages of memos, letters, and personal papers. The collection also includes photographs, videotapes, audiotapes, and film. While these materials are by appointment only, there are free exhibits in the lobby on the life of President and Mrs. Ford, as well as a 20-minute film, narrated by President Ford. The Library hosts free evening events - author talks and programs by notable individuals.
See Argus Museum
University of Michigan Museums
=Open to the public=
See Detroit Observatory
The oldest astronomical observatory in Michigan and 2nd oldest building remaining on campus. Take a free tour of the observatory and learn how it set the stage for The University of Michigan to become a center of science and research. The telescopes at this observatory served to set time for the entire city and keep the trains running on schedule until the development of more reliable timepieces and telecommunications.
=Closed to the public=
Several of the university's collections are hosted by institutions that are primarily research-oriented, and so generally don't have exhibits on permanent display. However, it may be possible to arrange to view the collections through contacting the curators.
See Museum of Anthropology
Archaeological collections of pottery, flaked and groundstone tools, animal bones, ethnobotanical and sediment samples, and accompanying field notes, site and survey maps, photographs, and other relevant documents and records; ethnographic collections of pottery, basketry, textiles, wood, and many other materials; and extensive photographic collections.
Do
Do Michigan Wolverines
Ann Arbor is a college town, and this fact is perhaps no more prevalent than on game day (particularly football where the stadium fills to the largest capacity in the entire nation). UM has one of the most accomplished and competitive athletic programs in the nation. No visit is complete without taking in at least one Michigan sporting event. The football program has won more games in its history than any other Division I FBS program, and sells out every game at "The Big House", capacity 109,901. The men's ice hockey program is a national powerhouse, winning an NCAA record 9 national championships, and packing a boisterous 6,377 sellout crowd into historic Yost Ice Arena. Michigan also has a strong tradition in men's basketball, swimming, baseball, softball, field hockey, gymnastics, cross country and track. Other teams include women's basketball, golf, men's and women's lacrosse, rowing, soccer, diving, tennis, volleyball, water polo, and wrestling.
Do Play the Bells in the Tower at Kerrytown
Play the charming melodies of the Kerrytown Chime — a seven ton, world class musical instrument made up of 17 bells in a tower. Choose from over 100 songs. Play by number. Kerrytown Market and Shops is one of the only places in the world where such an instrument is accessible to the public. It is easy and tons of fun for all ages.
Do Ann Arbor Bicycle Club
Ann Arbor Bicycle Club is a weekly bike cruise that happens from the early spring until the late fall. It is made up of many 'Townies' and U of M students. Enjoy the fresh night air and see the town from a different angle. On this pleasantly paced ride you will visit local parks and other public hangouts that most overlook. Bring your bike, bring your beer, and bring your friends. But don't bring yo' kids!
Events
Do Ann Arbor Film Festival
Held during six days in late March at the Michigan Theater (603 E Liberty Street). The oldest festival of its kind in North America, showcasing over 100 independent and experimental films and videos annually, since 1963. Over 20 prizes are awarded to the best films. Passes are available for single screenings, single days, weekends or the entire week.
Do Hash Bash
Held the first Saturday in April. The Hash Bash began when poet John Sinclair was jailed for marijuana possession, leading John Lennon and Yoko Ono to headline a protest rally in Ann Arbor in 1971. Beginning in 1972, it became an annual event to commemorate the occasion and support the reform of marijuana laws. The Hash Bash is a gathering point for thousands of cannabis aficionados from all around, with guest speakers in the Diag attracting large crowds. Given the nature of the event, you probably will see people smoking marijuana; those who do light up tend to take advantage of the difference in fines between the town ($25) and the university ($100 and possible jail time), which basically means that your punishment depends on which side of State Street you stand on. Vendors sell everything from hemp bracelets to "glass art" (actually pipes and bongs, but who's quibbling?), bongo drums are played, and people-watching can be an event in itself.
Do Naked Mile
Once held in mid-April at midnight on the last day of classes. A tradition at the University of Michigan which began in 1986, in which hundreds of students — traditionally graduating seniors, although in practice there's a broader spread — ran across campus naked, while spectators cheered them on, to celebrate the end of the school year. Although it is illegal, it was tolerated by local police until 1998, when they began attempting to strongly discourage continuation of the Naked Mile, fueled in part by concerns over outsiders videotaping the event and selling the recordings online. To avoid being arrested, students often run the Mile in body paint, underwear, or a day earlier than usual.
Do Ann Arbor Book Festival
Held in mid-May. First organized in 2004 to promote reading, heighten awareness of literacy challenges, and showcase the rich culture of the written word in Michigan and beyond. The festival features a bookstore crawl, antiquarian book fair, author readings, symposiums and panels on literacy and writing, tours of the U-M library conservation and preservation lab, and a street festival.
Do African American Downtown Festival
Held the first Saturday in June since 1995. Crafts, merchandise, food, live music.
Do Taste of Ann Arbor
Kiosks along Main Street offer people the chance to sample menu items from over 35 local restaurants. Also includes three stages of live music, dancing and more.
Do Shakespeare in the Arb
Annual outdoor Shakespearean production since 2001, held on weekends in June. Roving performance requires the actors and audience to shift locations throughout the Arb from scene to scene. Previous productions have included A Midsummer Night's Dream, Much Ado About Nothing, As You Like It and Love's Labour's Lost.
Do TEDxUofM
Held annually since 2008, the student run satellite TED conference is an awesome showcase of what people associated with the University of Michigan have accomplished. Ticket prices vary and location changes every year. At TEDxUofM you'll be inspired, meet interesting people, and have great discussions. The event is generally held sometime in Spring.
Do Top of the Park
Held from mid-June to early July. Nightly local and regional live bands, outdoor film screenings at 10PM, and concession booths from eight local eateries. Traditionally this event was held on the upper level of the Fletcher parking structure, next to the Power Center — hence the name — but it has been temporarily moved outside the Rackham School of Graduate Studies. In inclement weather, performances and films may be cancelled.
Do Ann Arbor Art Fairs
Held throughout downtown, four juried art fairs that display and sell art: the original Ann Arbor Street Art Fair along N University; the Ann Arbor Summer Art Fair along Main, Liberty, William and State; the State Street Area Art Fair; and the South University Art Fair. In practical terms, it's all one great big fair that takes about a full day to explore if you move quickly and don't look at every booth. Prices are generally rather high, as befitting an art show of this calibre, but there are definitely bargains to be found, as well as some less expensive non-juried booths that tag along for the ride. Loads of concessions, live entertainment, and booths with great sales from local businesses are scattered throughout. During the Art Fair, hotels are generally booked up and parking can be difficult to find, so book a room early (by February or March) and find a spot at one of the park-and-ride stops to catch a bus into downtown.
Learn
Place University of Michigan
A highly-ranked research university with a strong athletics tradition, the University of Michigan has been located in Ann Arbor since 1837 and is deeply intertwined with the town, being one of the major employers in the area. It offers both undergraduate and graduate programs in social sciences, sciences, humanities and arts, engineering, law, business and medicine. The average student population is around 40,000, with about 5,000 faculty members. There are three campuses — North, Central, and South — with downtown Ann Arbor being adjacent to, and somewhat intermingled with, Central Campus.
Buy
Bookstores
It's been said that Ann Arbor has more bookstores per capita than any other town in the US – certainly a walking tour of downtown will take you past quite a few, although the number is beginning to slowly dwindle. The flagship Borders bookstore was here from 1971 until it closed in 2011.
Shop Crazy Wisdom Bookstore & Tea Room
Specializing in spirituality, psychology and integrative medicine. Also carries gifts, cards, jewelry, crafts, art, music, incense, ritual items, candles, aromatherapy, body tools, and yoga supplies. The tea room, on the second floor, is quite good, though not cheap.
Music
Art and gifts
Shop Four Directions
A great gift store offering jewelry, crystals, minerals, fossils, and gifts from around the world. Their jewelry is very pretty and generally at quite reasonable prices. If you want something local to the area, you can find samples of Michigan greenstone aka chlorastrolite (the state gem, from Isle Royale, which is fairly pricey), Petoskey stone (the state stone, usually found loose rather than in jewelry) and native Michigan copper (as bookends or free-flowing verdigris-encrusted sculptures).
Other
Shop York
Known as the Big Ten Party Store until 2005, the name change better reflects the quality of the merchandise. Long popular with locals of discriminating taste, York is one of the best spots in town to find a broad selection of wines, spirits, and beers, as well as cheeses, imported candies, and other quality foods.
Shopping centers
Shop Ann Arbor Farmer's Market and Artisan Market
Local farmers bring fresh produce, baked goods, and plants to the Farmer's Market for sale at excellent prices, while the Artisan Market features the work of local craftspeople.
Shop Nickels Arcade
Shops and galleries housed in a historic indoor walkway with a glass atrium-style ceiling, built in 1915 and modelled after a European arcade.
Eat
For a relatively small Great Lakes town, Ann Arbor has a large variety of cheap (and sometimes quirky) eateries (thanks in part to the large student population) such as pizza restaurants, quick Chinese food and lots of sandwich and wrap shops downtown. You'll also notice hot dog and tamale carts on many street corners, particularly in the summer, selling basic fare starting at $1 with complimentary toppings. As alternative to restaurants the regional supermarket Busch's have good salads and sushi.
One thing you won't see much of, however, at least on campus and in the downtown area, are popular nationwide fast-food chains. The impression is that Ann Arbor is proud enough of its small independent restaurants that it has no need for mass-produced french fries (although with rental costs rising in the downtown area, many local restaurants — and shops — are being ousted in favor of wealthier small chains, like Bruegger's and Great Wraps).
For the more refined palate, there's no shortage of fine dining. Between Ann Arbor's vibrant cultural life and its sizeable international population, there seems to be considerable demand for the fancy and the exotic. There are certainly a few restaurants in town that can empty your wallet singlehandedly, but don't let their reputations scare you away: at even the priciest restaurants, there are dishes that you can order for a more modest fee, if you just want to sample the atmosphere. During warmer weather, be sure to check out the eateries on Main Street that offer outdoor sidewalk dining. It's a popular alternative, especially for the locals who have just suffered through six months of winter, and even though you're sitting right by the street, it's more relaxing than you might expect.
If you're looking for an Ann Arbor specialty, the fragel — a raisin bagel that has been deep-fried and rolled in cinnamon sugar — seems to have originated here. Once available all over town, now you can only find them at the Bagel Fragel on Washtenaw Ave.
Budget
Eat Asian Legend
Taiwanese and Szechuan cuisine, with a separate menu of over 50 traditional Taiwanese dishes. The salt-and-pepper crispy chicken wings are one of their most popular dishes.
Eat Ayse's Courtyard Cafe
Ann Arbor's only Turkish restaurant, offering soups, salads, pilavs, boreks, lamb, beef, chicken, and many vegetarian stews.
Eat Bagel Fragel
The only place left in town where you can buy fragels, a delicacy that was created at the (now defunct) Bagel Factory here in Ann Arbor. It's best to go early and get them piping hot.
Eat BTB Burrito
Salads, nachos, burritos, chimichangas, quesadillas and tacos, made with fresh ingredients and fresh salsa.
Eat Bubble Island
Hot and cold milk tea (black or green), calpico, Thai iced tea, coffee and frozen smoothies, with black or rainbow pearls, mango stars and lychee jellies. Drinks come in a variety of cream-based and fruit-based flavors, with the cream-based taro being especially popular. They also offer snacks like chicken wings, fried foods and mochi ice cream. Students often hang out in the lounge to play board games.
Eat Earthen Jar
This tiny restaurant is full of flavor and the only all-vegetarian Indian restaurant in town. Family recipes may surprise. Catering.
Eat The Fleetwood Diner
Because it's Ann Arbor, there are many vegetarian options. You can't miss the shiny metal exterior, and will most likely leave with a story. Try the Hippie Hash, a mixture of potatoes, vegetables and cheese. Can be an interesting adventure at night.
Eat Jamaican Jerk Pit
Jamaican food including soups, salads, patties, seafood, sandwiches, and jerk chicken and pork.
Eat Jerusalem Garden
Palestinian-American-owned restaurant very popular for its cheap but tasty falafel.
Eat Kang's
A popular restaurant among Korean students, serving traditional favorites along with some Japanese food.
Eat Krazy Jim's Blimpy Burger
Despite the official slogan ("Cheaper than food since 1953"), the food's great. Infinitely customizable within the burger-and-fries milieu (plus sandwiches, deep fried vegetables, etc.) Make sure to bring cash, as they may or may not be taking credit cards. They are also known for giving change in interesting denominations (i.e. two-dollar bills and fifty-cent pieces).
Eat Le Dog = La Soup
As the name suggests, they sell hot dogs, but the true star of the show is the rotating selection of 84 homemade soups, of which around 6 are available on any given day. Try the Tuscan squash with blue cheese, the curried winter melon, the pozole or the famous lobster bisque, which is only available on Thursdays and Fridays. Their fresh-squeezed lemon and orangeades are also delicious.
Eat Madras Masala Restaurant
South Indian, Indo-Chinese and Moghlai dishes, with a daily lunch buffet. The Manchurian cauliflower is delicious, and they have a wide variety of dosas and uttappams. Try the rose milk.
Eat No Thai! South U
It has quickly become one of the most popular restaurants on campus. Pad Thai is excellent, so expect crowds during lunchtime and dinnertime on the weekends.
Eat No Thai! Plymouth
Fast and simple but good food.
Eat New York Pizza Depot
Considered by some to be the best pizza in town. Pizzas (including stuffed and Chicago-style), calzones, salads, subs, chapatis and main courses. Gets crowded 1:30AM-3AM on Th-Sa nights. The South U location is now closed.
Eat Pita Kabob Grill
Middle Eastern salads, sandwiches and traditional dishes at very reasonable prices (most sandwiches are under $6), and the owner is extremely friendly. Their vegetarian pitas are unusually diverse; try the makalee pita (cauliflower, potato, hummus, lettuce, pickles and garlic sauce) and the riz b-harr pita (spicy eggplant, potato, cilantro, garlic, rice, lettuce, tomato and pickles).
Eat Namaste Flavours Arbor (Raja Rani)
Indian cuisine?
Eat Rich JC
Korean food in a casual diner-style setting, and the only place in town where you can get pot bing su (a dessert of ice cream, shaved ice, tropical fruits, sweet beans, rice cake and flavored syrup) in warm weather.
Eat Shalimar
Typically cited by locals as the city's all-around best Indian food. Authentic Indian and Tandoori dishes, Indian and domestic beer served. Full bar. Carryout and catering available.
Eat Michigan Creamery
ice cream
Eat Mama Satto Sushi restaurant
Very popular among university students. Good sushi at good prices; consequently there can be a wait at lunch. Nice selection of specialty rolls, always fresh.
Eat Sweetwaters Coffee and Tea
A fantastic collection of exotic teas and intricate coffees. Soothing atmosphere, free Wi-fi and great locations.
Eat Tio's
Appetizers, salads, breakfast dishes, nachos, burritos, fajitas, dinners, desserts, milkshakes, and other Mexican-American favorites. Popular with students for their low prices and late-night delivery. The store also stocks 300 varieties of hot sauce.
Eat Totoro
Excellent downtown sushi restaurant, also serving tempura, a wide variety of udon, and bento.
Eat Washtenaw Dairy
A popular local hangout, the shop carries fresh homemade doughnuts, hand-dipped shakes, malts and ice cream sodas, and over 30 flavors of Stroh's ice cream. It's been around since 1934.
Eat Zamaan Cafe
Very good Middle Eastern food and surprisingly great fries too.
Mid-range
Eat Amadeus
An Eastern European cafe with an emphasis on Polish and Hungarian food, and a Viennese patisserie. The pierogies and goulash are delicious, as are their homemade soups. It's best to go for lunch, when the food is practically identical but the prices are much lower.
Eat Bewon Korean Cuisine
Simple restaurant in strip mall with good Korean food.
Eat Blue Nile
Ethiopian cuisine, with both meat and vegetable dishes served in their all-you-can-eat feast options. All meals are served with traditional bread called injera, and Ethiopian coffee and tea are also available. Try the honey wine. If you're on budget, ask for refills, do not order extra things. This place, though reasonable, gets expensive fast.
Eat Heidelberg Restaurant
American and German specialties, including sauerbraten, rouladen, sausages, spaetzle, salads, pasta, sandwiches, beef, poultry and seafood. An upstairs club features nightly entertainment.
Eat Marnee Thai
A downtown branch of Lotus Thai, featuring a nearly-identical menu. Try the grilled seafood with herbs.
Eat Mediterrano
Specializing in the cuisines of the Mediterranean, with appetizers, soups, salads, pasta, seafood, steaks, and regional Mediterranean main courses. Try their tortilla de camarones and Moroccan seabass fufarran. The complimentary taramosalata is excellent, and they're justifiably proud of their bright green extra-virgin olive oil, which you can also buy at the restaurant.
Eat Metzger's
Traditional German cuisine since 1928. Appetizers, soups, salads, seafood, chicken, American main courses, wursts and platters, sandwiches, German side dishes, desserts, beers and spirits. Traditional German main courses include sauerbraten, rouladen, schnitzel, cabbage rolls and chicken livers.
Eat One Bowl Asian Cuisine
Offers Chinese cuisine as well, but Vietnamese is definitely the reason to come here. Excellent dishes include the pho, grilled meat vermicelli, hot pots and the cilantro chicken. Be sure to try the Vietnamese-style coffee.
Eat Pacific Rim by Kana
It began as an upscale Korean restaurant called Kana, then the owners branched out into pan-Asian cuisine (largely Korean and Thai) and tweaked the name. Excellent food in a relaxing setting. Be sure to try the homemade, naturally-sweet hot ginger tea.
Eat Paesano's
Family-owned Italian restaurant featuring appetizers, salads, pasta, Italian main courses, desserts, and an award-winning selection of Italian wines. Try their rigatoni with country greens, sausage and hot peppers.
Eat Palio
Appetizers, salads, pasta, fish, meat and desserts.
Eat Saica Restaurant
Good Japanese food.
Eat Seoul Garden
The only Korean place in Ann Arbor where you can have Korean-style galbi grilled at your table. Ban-chan (side dishes) are authentic Korean style, and group tables (4-60) available. Wider selection of food such as galbi, galbi-jjim, boiled mixed seafood, bulgogi, and tofu-kimchi.
Eat Seva
With entirely vegetarian cuisine (and many vegan options, too), this is one of the best restaurants in Ann Arbor. Their creative dishes are inspired by Mexican, Italian, North African, Indian, Asian and American cuisine. Tons of options, some delicious offerings and generous portions, though the prices can be surprisingly high (such as $14 for grilled eggplant, steamed broccoli and brown rice with cilantro-peanut sauce). The butternut squash enchiladas are one of their best-sellers.
Eat Tuptim
Housed in an old Long John Silver's, Tuptim quickly became a local favorite for its high quality Thai cuisine.
Eat Yotsuba
Broad menu including an array of authentic appetizers, teriyaki and tempura main courses, donburi, udon, curry rice, noodles, sushi, ochazuke, nabemono and bento.
Eat Zingerman's Delicatessen
Vanity Fair called it "the best deli in America." The prices are higher than at a typical deli, but so is the quality of the ingredients, although some people find the serving sizes to be small. Sandwiches, hot dogs, soups, salads, traditional Jewish favorites, breakfast foods and desserts. Baked goods, ice cream and chocolates are also available on the premises, and you'll enjoy browsing their world-renowned selection of gourmet groceries with the help of their very knowledgeable staff. Sandwich # 55, Gemini Rocks the House, comes highly recommended by locals, and is vegetarian so nobody should miss out.
Splurge
Eat The Chop House
Appetizers, soups, salads, steaks, chops, poultry and seafood. One of Ann Arbor's priciest restaurants, so many people only visit on their birthday, when their main course is free! If you just want a little something sweet, gourmet pastries and desserts are available in the adjacent La Dolce Vita for around $7 each (try the crème brûlée with fresh fruits). There's also a cigar lounge downstairs for sipping and smoking.
Eat The Earle
Provincial Italian and French country cuisine. The escargots in puff pastry are delicious.
Eat The Gandy Dancer
Great seafood (check the buffet) in a former train station. Eat here and watch the tracks or, if you're broke (and you will be after the meal), walk along the tracks and watch the diners.
Eat Knight's Steak House
The place where locals go for excellent steaks, prime rib and veal, along with salads, side dishes, seafood and desserts.
Eat Knight's Steak House Downtown
The place where locals go for excellent steaks, prime rib and veal, along with salads, side dishes, seafood and desserts.
Eat Weber's Inn
Featuring prime rib, steaks, seafood and an award-winning wine cellar since 1937. Appetizers, soups, salads, main courses, pasta and desserts. Sunday breakfast brunch served from 9:30AM-1PM for $9.25.
Eat Zingerman's Roadhouse
Serving "really good American food", including regional specialties from around the country with an emphasis on down-home Southern food, spicy Southwestern and fresh Californian cuisine. Soups, salads, $16 burgers, sandwiches, macaroni and cheese, desserts and $8 cocktails.
Eat Sava's
Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and drinks (particularly wine and cocktails); selections are primarily from European and American cuisine. Try the sweet potato fries for good value.
Drink
Pubs
Drink Arbor Brewing Company
Known to the pub faithful as ABC, this establishment has outdoor seating in the warmer months and a fabulous block party Oktoberfest celebration in the fall. ABC has good food (especially the nachos) and a good variety of unique brews. They also offer a selection of Belgian-style ales brewed onsite. ABC offers monthly beer tastings ($40), with a schedule posted on their website.
Drink Ashley's Restaurant & Pub
A busy establishment with good food and an excellent assortment of beers (over 60 on tap). Ashley's is always a good time and worth the wait on the weekends. Sandwiches, wraps, pub pizzas and main courses.
Drink Babs' Underground Lounge
A popular, low-key, secluded underground drinking establishment known for its cocktails.
Drink Brown Jug
A popular hangout since 1938, the Brown Jug offers appetizers, salads, soups, sandwiches, burgers, chicken and fish dinners, and pizza. Beware however that a lot of the food has been frozen.
Drink Casa Dominick's
A popular hangout south of campus next to the Business School and Law School, with lots of outdoor seating on the two porches or in the rear garden. Mostly Italian food, with pizza, pasta, subs and salads. The sangria, served in Mason jars, is very popular. Service can be hit-or-miss.
Drink Casey's Tavern
Tavern near the Amtrak station. Soups, salads, snacks, burgers, hot dogs, sandwiches, and main courses, with beers for $3.25-4.95. Very helpful wait staff who will gladly steer you away from items they don't recommend.
Drink Conor O'Neill's
Serving wine, beer, Irish coffee and other hot drinks. The menu is a mixture of pub food (burgers, sandwiches, soups and salads) and traditional Irish favorites (mussels, shepherd's pie, boxty, fish and chips, and more). The strawberry and rhubarb crumble is delicious.
Drink Good Time Charley's
A popular undergraduate hangout with a menu featuring breadsticks, pub food, salads, pizza, sandwiches and burgers. Popular for their bombs, Long Island iced teas and specialty drinks.
Drink Grizzly Peak Brewing Company
Features a number of their own brews. In addition to its brews, Grizzly Peak has excellent food and friendly wait staff. In the fall, Grizzly Peak and other area breweries host an Oktoberfest block party, and celebrate the season with drink specials and an Oktoberfest beer glass. American cuisine featuring pizza, burgers, ribs, fresh fish, pasta, sandwiches, soups, salads and desserts. The cheddar ale soup is not to be missed!
Drink Jolly Pumpkin
Belgian-style ales brewed in nearby Dexter, Michigan, are served here along with a seasonal menu. Vegan-friendly.
Drink Melange Bistro
Asian-French fusion cuisine in a subterranean bistro and wine bar, with a separate sushi menu and an extensive wine and martini selection. Live music or DJs in the lounge W-Sa 10PM-2AM. On Mondays they host a movie night featuring salad, a main course and dessert, followed by a screening of a classic or contemporary film. Try the Pasta Va-Va.
Drink Old Town Tavern
Appetizers, soups, salads, burgers, sandwiches, southwestern main courses, rotating weekend main courses, and a broad selection of mixed drinks. Popular but non-rowdy watering hole for townies.
Drink Scorekeepers
Sports bar serving burgers, chicken and sandwiches.
Drink Vinology Wine Bar and Restaurant
Seasonally-rotating menu with inventive small plates, specialty artisan cheeses, traditional main courses with a twist, and housemade desserts. Extensive wine list and full bar.
Bars and nightclubs
Drink Blind Pig
A popular local nightclub and concert venue since 1971, featuring local talent and occasionally larger acts. The 8 Ball Saloon, beneath the club, is open daily from 3PM, with pool tournaments Su-Tu and a darts tournament on Monday.
Drink Necto
Ann Arbor's hottest nightclub with DJs and live music, and nightly drink specials. Pride Friday at Necto is Ann Arbor's best LGBT party, every Friday night since 1984.
Drink Rick's American Cafe
Rick's holds a legendary reputation on campus, and it has been the most popular bar among University of Michigan upperclassmen for many years. While it doesn't get busy until around 11PM, expect the line to wrap around the side of the building to the end of the alley next door in the fall and spring. Though "cafe" is in the name, Rick's does not serve food, and instead is known for strong drinks such as the "mind probe" and the "shark bowl", as well as the best dance floor on South University.
Coffee, tea and chocolate
Drink Comet Coffee
Highest-quality coffees from around the world, from a variety of specialty coffee roasters, prepared by expertly-trained baristas. Not one to miss for coffee lovers.
Drink Crazy Wisdom Tea Room
Local tearoom offering organic fair-trade locally-roasted coffee, chai, a wide variety of teas (black, green, white, red and herbal), and main courses from Seva. Offers periodic reading series and special events.
Drink Mighty Good Coffee Roasting Co.
Specialty coffee roasting business. Four locations.
Drink RoosRoast Coffee Works
RoosRoast is an awesome local coffee roastery filled with art and love and home of the triple shot long pull! Specializing in Fair Trade and Organic coffees! Come try a cup of coffee or pick up some beans today!
Drink Socotra Coffee House
Yemeni coffee shop with a wide variety of sweets available.
Drink Sweetwaters Coffee and Tea
Coffees, teas, frozen drinks, hot chocolate, Italian sodas and juices, as well as soups, sandwiches, parfaits, quiche, pastries, sweets and desserts. Their ginger lemon tea is a popular choice.
Drink TeaHaus
Over 160 classic black and green, oolong, white, rooibush, herbal, ayurveda, fruit, aroma and seasonal teas sold loose, as well as tea accessories. Tea tastings offered periodically.
Drink York
Coffee shop, deli, and bar with indoor and outdoor seating and rotating food trucks
Drink Zingerman's Next Door
Coffees, teas, ice cream, chocolates and pastries from Zingerman's Bakehouse.
Sleep
There are four main hotel districts in Ann Arbor: near campus; in the southern part of town, where State Street meets I-94 (including Boardwalk St, Briarwood Cir and Victors Way); in the southeastern part of town, near the intersection of Washtenaw Rd and US-23 (including Carpenter Rd); and in the northeastern part of town, by the intersection of Plymouth Rd and US-23 (including Green Rd). There are also a few in the northwestern part of town, near the intersection of Jackson Ave and I-94. Accommodations tend to be the most expensive in the campus area, so unless you're here for a conference or business trip that's being paid for, you'll probably want to look further out.
Hotels in the campus area are within easy walking distance of downtown Ann Arbor and most of the attractions. The southeastern area is served by two AATA bus lines, route 4 (along Washtenaw) and route 22 (along Carpenter), and the northwestern area is along route 9. The other two areas aren't quite as well linked, although route 2 does go along part of Plymouth Rd, and the commuter 36 stops at Wolverine Tower, which is a short walk from the hotels along State and Boardwalk. However, you'll most likely want to use your car to get around if you're staying outside of downtown.
Budget
Bed and breakfast
Mid-range
Bed and breakfast
Splurge
Stay Sheraton Ann Arbor Hotel (Sheraton)
197 newly renovated rooms all featuring refrigerator, microwave, and personal safe. Fitness center, indoor/outdoor heated pool, whirlpool, and Share Wine Lounge & Small Plate Bistro on-site. Features Ann Arbor's largest ballroom for weddings, conferences, expos, and more.
Bed and breakfast
Stay Ann Arbor Bed and Breakfast (Ann Arbor Bed & Breakfast)
9 unique rooms with private bathrooms on the University of Michigan Central Campus by Power, Hill, League, and Rackham. Wireless & wired internet, public internet with printer, DVD/TV, on-site parking and a full, hearty breakfast. Coffee, tea, pop, water, and snacks anytime. Hot tub, kitchenettes, and extra beds and tables available. Innkeeper: Pat Materka.
Stay safe
Ann Arbor is generally a very safe town, though the usual rules about common sense (being aware of your surroundings after dark and knowing where you are going) apply here as they would anywhere. The only really common crimes in town are those that you find in any other university town. Theft is the biggie, as many university students who leave their bags unattended in the library or those who fail to lock their bikes can tell you. There's also the occasional mugging or sexual assault, but these tend to occur after dark, so if you're not wandering the streets at 2AM, you probably don't have anything to worry about. Having said that, wandering the streets at 2AM in downtown Ann Arbor is generally quite safe and not at all frightening; there are usually enough students out partying or hanging out with friends until the wee hours that you won't feel like a lone target, or like you're in a dangerous crowd. U of M Police, Ann Arbor Police, and the Washtenaw County Sheriff patrol regularly and are not difficult to find — indeed, alcohol violations such as drinking on the street from an open container are vigorously policed. There are emergency phones located all over campus.
If you are not used to extreme cold, Ann Arbor in the winter can be brutal. If sufficiently cold, it's easy to give yourself an ice burn by touching metal without gloves on.
Go next
The rest of Washtenaw County has quite a few charming little towns and villages that you might enjoy visiting.
- Ypsilanti is about 15 minutes east on I-94, but practically contiguous with Ann Arbor if you're driving down Washtenaw Avenue; four AATA bus routes travel from downtown Ann Arbor to downtown Ypsilanti.
- Dexter is about 15 minutes west on I-94.
- Saline is about 15 minutes south on US-23.
- Chelsea is about 20 minutes west on I-94.
- Manchester is about 30 minutes southwest on I-94 and MI-52.
- Milan is about 30 minutes south on US-23.
If you'd rather get out of the county, there are some larger cities and towns a short drive away.
- Dundee is about 30 minutes south on I-23. Most people go for the nearest branch of Cabela's, an enormous outdoor outfitter and hunting/fishing/camping store, but it also has a nice little downtown. A 20-minute drive from Dundee along MI-50 will bring you to Tecumseh, a charming village with a great downtown and some very nice restaurants, including a British imports shop with a quaint tea café.
- Detroit is about 45 minutes east on either I-94 or I-96. If you're not visiting downtown Detroit, you might want to stop in some of the suburbs. There's a nice movie theatre and good restaurants (as well as the only IKEA in Michigan) in nearby Canton; Novi and Troy (home of the impressive Somerset Collection mall) are good for shopping; Hamtramck has a sizeable Polish population, and Dearborn is home to the largest Middle Eastern community in the United States, as well as the fantastic Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village.
- Lansing is about 1 hour west on I-96. It's the state capital, and home to rival college Michigan State University.
- Frankenmuth, which bills itself as "Michigan's #1 tourist attraction", is about 1 hour north on US-23. It's a great little tourist town with a Bavarian-style downtown, delicious all-you-can-eat fried chicken dinners, and a year-round Christmas store.
- Toledo, Ohio is about 1 hour south on US-23. You'll pass several nice little villages on the way. In town, there's a great art museum, the world-class Toledo Zoo, and a neighborhood of old Victorian homes.
Nearby
Ypsilanti
City / town · 62 listings · 7 mi away
Saline
City / town · 13 listings · 8 mi away
Dexter
City / town · 24 listings · 8 mi away
Canton
City / town · 20 listings · 14 mi away
Milan
City / town · 4 listings · 14 mi away
Chelsea
City / town · 16 listings · 14 mi away
Belleville
City / town · 3 listings · 15 mi away
Plymouth
City / town · 9 listings · 15 mi away
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