Downtown Des Moines Travel Guide
Des Moines
Visit Downtown Des Moines
Popular places to visit
Iowa Events Center
Learn about the events happening in Iowa Events Center during your trip to Des Moines. Experience the area's great live music and acclaimed theatre scene.
Iowa State Capitol Building
After visiting Iowa State Capitol Building, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Des Moines. Experience the area's lively festivals and acclaimed theatre scene.
Principal Park
Catch an event at Principal Park during your trip to Des Moines. Experience the area's acclaimed theatre scene and great live music.
Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
Explore the great outdoors at Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden, a lovely green space in Des Moines. Experience the area's lively festivals or attend a sporting event.
John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park
Explore the great outdoors at John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park, a lovely green space in Des Moines. Experience the area's acclaimed theatre scene or attend a sporting event.
State Historical Museum of Iowa
You can spend an afternoon browsing the exhibits at State Historical Museum of Iowa during your travels in Des Moines. Experience the area's lively festivals and great live music.
Top hotels in Downtown Des Moines
Hotel Fort Des Moines, Curio Collection by Hilton
In my opinion the bathroom was the nicest of any hotel we have ever stayed in! The staff were welcoming and helpful. There is a parking garage behind the hotel that charged us $10.00 for our overnight stay. There is a skywalk that connects it the hotel. It was a little confusing, but that was probably ...
Reviewed on 22 Mar 2026
Des Lux Hotel
A
Reviewed on 23 Mar 2026
Holiday Inn Downtown - Mercy Area by IHG
Clean room, bar was stocked well, air conditioning wouldn't work quite right it was hot in our room.
Reviewed on 12 Mar 2026
Embassy Suites Hotel Des Moines Downtown
Happy hour could have had the staff refill supplies quicker. To be fair the crowd was hungry.
Reviewed on 21 Mar 2026
Staybridge Suites Des Moines Downtown by IHG
Hotel was nice, would stay there again.
Reviewed on 24 Mar 2026
Hyatt Place Des Moines/Downtown
The room and staff were awesome, the breakfast was very good in the morning. I chose the hotel for location and it was perfect. I was surprised that it cost extra to park my vehicle, but the extra cost did out weigh the convenience.
Reviewed on 19 Mar 2026
Check Downtown Des Moines hotel availability
Other neighbourhoods around Downtown Des Moines
Court District
Travellers come to Court District for its abundant dining options, and you can see top attractions like Science Center of Iowa and Principal Park while you're in town.
Western Gateway
While visiting Western Gateway, you might make a stop by sights like John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park and Pappajohn Sculpture Park.
Historic East Village
Historic East Village is known for its abundant dining options, and you can plan a trip to Wooly's and Iowa State Capitol Building while you're in town.
Sherman Hill
When in Sherman Hill, you can plan a visit to Hoyt Sherman Place and 801 Grand, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.
Columbus Park
While Columbus Park may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Principal Park and Science Center of Iowa.
Woodland Heights
While Woodland Heights isn't home to many top sights, Hoyt Sherman Place and Better Homes and Gardens Test Garden are some notable places to visit nearby.
