Detroit is best known for its cars and its music. And those visiting the city will find its tourism industry is based around these two main legacies.

Located on the Detroit River, the city is the largest in the US state of Michigan and one of the most populated in the country.

Its nickname, Motown, denotes in one word the two main attractions that Detroit has to offer. Motown is short for "Motor Town" and was thus named because of its main industry, which is the manufacture of motor vehicles. The nickname was also used as the name of the city's other most famous export – Motown Records.

Henry Ford started in the city and it is Detroit which lies at the epicentre of the American automobile industry.

It is also the home of the 'Big Three' motor companies – General Motors, Ford Motor Company and DaimlerChrysler.

In America, it is said that "when the auto industry hiccups, Detroit coughs, and when the auto industry catches a cold, Detroit gets pneumonia".

Because of its place in the motor industry, it's no surprise that visitors in the city will find that the only way to get around and view the sights is by hiring a car because the suburbs of Detroit, where the real "Detroiters" live, are spread out.

However, ironically, the roads in the city are not in very good condition, with tourists often getting lost because of a lack of adequate directional signs and this is especially true of downtown Detroit.

Besides cars and automobiles, the city's musical heritage is second to none, as it is the home of one of the most successful music factories in the world – Motown Records, which was started by Berry Gordy Jr. in the 1950s.

Some of the most recognised names in music started off here, with Motown stars including Stevie Wonder, The Jackson Five, Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross & the Supremes and Aretha Franklin.

Soul singer Smokey Robinson once said of the music machine: "All over the world, all through the races, all through everything, Motown bridged a gap."

Although Motown Records is seen as a Mecca for anyone interested in music of black origin, it also represents a must-see destination for any music lovers.

This is why the Motown Historical Museum is one of the most popular destinations for anyone visiting the city, with thousands flocking to hear the famous story and learn of the impact it has had on 20th century music.

But it's not just Motown that music lovers will relish, but visitors should also make sure they take advantage of the fact that Detroit has the second largest theatre district in the United States – second only to New York City's Broadway.

The city is home to the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, the Fox Theatre, the Masonic Temple Theatre and Music Hall.

A plethora of other musical festivals and events take place throughout the year, including the Ford Detroit International Jazz Festival in September and the Concert of Colours, which offers music lovers tasters of Afro Pop, soul, blue grass, indie rock and even celtic music.

All in all, Detroit is a great place to visit for music lovers and anyone interested in a city that has helped shaped modern America.