Downtown Des Moines Travel Guide
Des Moines
Visit Downtown Des Moines
Popular places to visit
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 great live music and lively festivals.
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 lively festivals.
Adventureland
Bring the family to Adventureland and enjoy this exciting theme park in Altoona. Experience the area's lively festivals and great live music.
Top hotels in Downtown Des Moines
Hotel Fort Des Moines, Curio Collection by Hilton
Clean room, beautiful property. Front desk staff preferred to text me than talk to me. Odd. The Hob Nob coffee shop was wonderful and makes great coffee!! Thank you Eve!
Reviewed on 19 Dec 2025
Des Lux Hotel
This hotel was so nice! The room was clean, and the breakfast was soooo good. I love the vibes of the hotel and the decor.
Reviewed on 19 Dec 2025
Holiday Inn Downtown - Mercy Area by IHG
Hotel was good option for walking to Casey Center for Paul McCartney concert. Lobby was filled with concert goers end of evening, and it took hotel over 30 minutes to open stairwell. People were piled up in lobby, security was nowhere to be found, and front desk didn't have keys to open stairwell. ...
Reviewed on 16 Nov 2025
Residence Inn Des Moines Downtown
Nice front desk staff. Large room. King-size bed was comfortable. Water pressure in the shower was good, although I had to run the water quite a while before it became hot. Having a kitchen was very helpful. I appreciated the full-size refrigerator and the dishes in the cupboards. The TV in the living ...
Reviewed on 8 Dec 2025
Hyatt Place Des Moines/Downtown
Good food, comfortable room, and solid customer service.
Reviewed on 8 Dec 2025
Embassy Suites Hotel Des Moines Downtown
The hot breakfast options was amazing, it was made fresh and with a good variety every day
Reviewed on 18 Dec 2025
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 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.
