Is the Detroit Auto Show the best around? How is the atmosphere there?

I heard Detroit is a rough city, but the downtown has become beautiful with new stadiums and revitalization.

Yes, Detroit has it's rough parts, but if you're going to the Auto Show, those areas will not effect you.

Parking near Cobo can be slow and expensive, so here is a better alternative:

I suggest you park at the Greektown Casino parking garage and grab a bite to eat at any of the little places in Greektown. Avoid eating at the Casino not because they're bad, they just aren't as interesting as the street level places. I prefer Hellas, but you can't go wrong with any of them.

Then hop on the People Mover - which is an elevated monorail - and it takes you right inside Cobo. The PM runs in one direction through downtown - in a big circle - so you can't get lost. It costs 50 cents.

Prepare to be amazed by what you see at the Auto Show, it gets better every year. Devote a couple of hours - at least three - so that is why you should eat before you go.

On the way back, hop back on the People Mover and get off at the Ren Cen ... walk around and check out the Winter Garden for a great view of the Detroit River, or even better, take the elevator ( it runs on the outside of the building which is very cool) to the roof.

At the top of the Ren Cen is a fancy restuarant but they also have a free tiered observation deck. It is inside, so don't worry about the weather, and the 360 degree view is very impressive.

Back on the People Mover and back to the Motor City Casino ... drop a dollar into the slots and then walk right to your car.

The nice part about using the above plan is that you can leave your heavy coat in the car. True, you'll be a tad chilly walking through Greektown but it's only a 100 yards or so, but a light jacket will be just fine once you hit the Auto Show floor.

Don't forget your camera and comfortable shoes. You'll need both.

Great plan for a first time Detroit visitor, although I would recommend Pegasus in Greektown. :)Otherwise, good suggestions. Report It

No rougher than any other big city. And great auto show.

The best auto show in the U.S. It is very clean and welcoming. A must see.

Its awesome- with a lot of beautiful new cars
I love to see the concept cars
If you cannot find parking on top of Cobo Center
there are usually a lot of parking spots at the Renaissance Center parking structure

If you are that afraid of being in a situation that you are uncomfortable with?
go to the Auto show in the daytime

There are rough parts just like any other city like Chicago, LA, NYC, etc... but whenever big events like this come along, the city cleans up nicely- the stadiums like Ford Field and Comerica Park are in the nicest area of downtown, Campus Martius Park and Wayne State University are very safe and have lots of people walking around- the Auto Show is awesome- has great exhibits, quite a few interactive displays, awesome cars, and is a great way to spend a day. Finish up your day in Detroit at our new casinos (I prefer MGM) and you have yourself a great reason to call in sick on a weekday next week.

yes the Auto show in Detroit is the best around. Thousands of out of towners attend this event. The atmosphere? Downtown? Not bad lately. It has seen worse times.

Yes and the BIGEST. I live in DE and it was in oct. 5 and Ford had the 2008 auto show car out. And look at the size of COBO.

for me living i detroit for 14 years the auto show is the best. any one who has not been to detroit should be ashamed on them selves. it is pretty rough but not as people talk about it. detroit is really beoming a better place.

It's great. My dad is in it every year! He wins lots of prizes for his work!

Well, it is called the North American International Auto Show. The name alone means business. Downtown Detroit is fine. Stay within the confines of downtown, don't try to be stupid and venture where you shouldn't be. There are many new restaurants and bars/clubs downtown now. MGM Grand and Motor City casinos just built new hotels and remodeled the casinos. Detroit's a fun place.