The Best Places to Go See in Hamtramck

he city of Hamtramck's diverse immigrant population has created a converging community culture that gives the two square miles of urban landscape a lot to offer. Often mistaken as part of Detroit, this tiny but vibrant city within a city makes it easy to become a tourist-right in your own backyard.

What to see in Hamtramck

Hamtramck Disneyland

12087 Klinger St.

Looking for a photo op? Tucked away in an alley is the truly hidden gem that is Hamtramck Disneyland. Designed by artist Dmytro Szylak, this eclectic art installation stretches across two properties, displaying colorful mechanisms and characters reminiscent of the happiest place on earth.

Popps Packing

• 12138 Saint Aubin St.
• Phone: 313-733-6793

Operating as an experimental arts venue, Popps Packing works to create positive activity and cultural exchange through the fine and performing arts. The sculpting and ceramic works of local artist Tom Phardel will be exhibited through May 17 (see Access, starting on page 36, for more).

Planet Ant Theatre

• 2357 Caniff Ave.
• Phone: 313-365-4948

Need some laughs? The nonprofit Planet Ant Theatre is improv comedy at its finest, offering introductory to advanced-level improvisation acting classes. If you prefer to stay in your seat, check out the one-man comedy show, Fish Dinner 3: Enough Already, playing May 15-30 (learn more in Access, starting on page 36).

Where to shop in Hamtramck

The Polish Art Center

• 9539 Joseph Campau Ave.
• Phone: 313-874-2242

This is Hamtramck's Polish hub, selling folklore arts and crafts, clothing, music, literature and even food, so don't be afraid to immerse yourself in the culture.

Detroit Threads

• 10238 Joseph Campau Ave.
• Phone: 313-872-1777

Don't let the name fool you; Detroit Threads is all Hamtramck. This record shop has meticulously curated sections of house, techno, and dubstep music with rock and funk.

Tekla Vintage

• 9600 Joseph Campau Ave.
• Phone: 313-638-2768

Only in Hamtramck would the city's mayor also be the owner of a trendy vintage shop. Mayor Karen Majewski opened Tekla Vintage in 2014 as a one-of-a-kind boutique that stocks inspiring old-world fashion with new-style flair.

Where to eat in Hamtramck

New Palace Bakery

• 9833 Joseph Campau Ave.
• Phone: 313-875-1334

A visit to Hamtramck is never complete without a traditional Polish bakery. Besides Fat Tuesday-famous paczki, New Palace sells freshly baked breads, pastries
and pies.

Rock City Eatery

• 11411 Joseph Campau St.
• Phone: 248-633-3072

Rock City has expanded from exclusively pies to an ever-evolving dinner menu with an impressive selection of craft cocktails, wine and beer. Their motto says it all: Food. Booze. Pie.

Bon Bon Bon

• 2756 Evaline St.
• Phone: 313-316-1430

Mixing classic French techniques and ingenuity with local ingredients, this Hamtramck sweet spot creates classic and fun chocolates and candies, which are constantly changing.

(revolver)

• 9737 Joseph Campau Ave.
• Phone: 313-757-3093

For a unique way to dine, grab a bottle of wine and head to (revolver). This communal-style restaurant hosts a rotating roster of chefs who bring carefully curated meals. Select weekends. Call to reserve for the next meal by chef Norman Fenton of Bistro 82 on May 14, 24 and 31.