'The World In Two Square Miles' Is A Vibrant, Walkable City Hidden Just Outside Downtown Detroit

Big cities are often thought of as centers for cultural diversity; just look to Philadelphia and its melting pot of culture and art. However, smaller cities are becoming more and more diverse as well. Nowhere is this more true than Hamtramck, Michigan, which is located just 15 minutes outside of downtown Detroit. Even though Hamtramck is only 2.1 square miles in size, it's considered the most diverse city in Michigan. The city of Hamtramck fully embraces their vibrant diversity through their slogan, "The World in Two Square Miles," which you'll find on welcome signs there.

Hamtramck's early roots included German immigrants in the 1800s, followed by Polish immigrants settling in the area throughout the 20th century. Currently, the city's cultural makeup is mostly immigrants from Bangladesh, Yemen, and Southeastern Europe. The city even hosts a Diversity Festival celebrating their large Bangladeshi community. Fans of highly walkable cities in America will also appreciate Hamtramck and its walkable downtown, with access to thrift stores and other notable landmarks.

For those who love thrift shopping, you can find a number of thrift shops on Joseph Campau, Hamtramck's main street. Some of the most popular ones include Joy Thrift, Tekla Vintage, and Rat Queen Vintage. Also, if you're into music, be sure to check out Detroit Threads, which sells both clothing and vintage records.

Even though Hamtramck's Polish population has decreased in recent years, residents still celebrate their heritage at the Polish Art Center. This center, which has been open since 1958, sells all sorts of Polish-inspired clothing, art, food, home and garden items, and pottery. They also host in-studio Polish arts and crafts workshops that cost anywhere from $35 to $65 (at the time of writing). 

Of course, one of the best qualities of culturally diverse cities is the food, and Hamtramck is no exception. Yemen Cafe is a popular restaurant in town, serving up traditional Yemeni and Middle Eastern dishes. There's also Aladdin Sweets & Restaurant, where you can get traditional Bangladeshi foods. Plus, you have easy access to Detroit, one of the most underrated foodie destinations in America.

Since Hamtramck is so close to downtown Detroit, the nearest major airport will be Detroit's Metro Wayne Airport, which is about a 27-minute drive southwest of Hamtramck. For those planning to stay in a hotel here, Veterans Park Hotel has an impressive 8.0 out 10 customer rating on Hotels.com. In his Hotels.com review, one former guest (named Tom) shared that this hotel was "very cozy" and reminded him of hotels he used to stay at when he was younger.

If you plan to take advantage of downtown Hamtramck's walkability, the best time to visit will be late summer through early fall. This way, you'll avoid the extreme cold and snow that can come with a Michigan winter. However, if you do happen to find yourself in Hamtramck on a Fat Tuesday in early spring, be sure to get a paczki at New Palace Bakery there, which is considered one of the best places for this Polish-style doughnut in the Detroit area.