Downtown Des Moines Travel Guide
Des Moines
Visit Downtown Des Moines
Popular places to visit
Principal Park
Catch an event at Principal Park during your trip to Des Moines. Experience the area's lively festivals 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 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 great live music 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 acclaimed theatre scene and great live music.
Iowa Women of Achievement Bridge
Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Iowa Women of Achievement Bridge during your travels in Des Moines. Experience the area's lively festivals or attend a sporting event.
Top hotels in Downtown Des Moines
Hotel Fort Des Moines, Curio Collection by Hilton
Reviewed on 29 Jul 2025
Holiday Inn Downtown - Mercy Area by IHG
Reviewed on 31 Jul 2025
Comfort Inn & Suites Event Center
Reviewed on 28 Jul 2025
Embassy Suites Hotel Des Moines Downtown
Reviewed on 27 Jul 2025
Hyatt Place Des Moines/Downtown
Reviewed on 30 Jul 2025
Des Lux Hotel
Reviewed on 1 Aug 2025
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 Polk County Courthouse 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 State Historical Museum of Iowa and Wooly's while you're in town.
Sherman Hill
When in Sherman Hill, you can plan a visit to Hoyt Sherman Place and John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park, 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 John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park are some notable places to visit nearby.
- Places of interest
- Choose Your Downtown Des Moines Hotel Style
- Hotels in top Des Moines neighborhoods
- Search Downtown Des Moines Hotel Brands
- Iowa Events Center
- Principal Park
- Iowa State Capitol Building
- EMC Expo Center
- Des Moines Civic Center
- Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
- Wooly's
- 801 Grand
- Community Choice Credit Union Convention Center
- John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park
- Polk County Courthouse
- State Historical Museum of Iowa
- Des Moines' Downtown Farmers' Market
- World Food Prize Hall of Laureates
- Iowa Women of Achievement Bridge
- Pappajohn Sculpture Park
- Des Moines Public Library
- Western Gateway Park
- Better Homes and Gardens Test Garden
- Robert D. Ray Asian Gardens
- Ruan Center
- Simon Estes Riverfront Amphitheater
- Water Works Park
Choose Your Downtown Des Moines Hotel Style
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