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 great live music.
Principal Park
Catch an event at Principal Park during your trip to Des Moines. Experience the area's lively festivals and acclaimed theatre scene.
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.
Jordan Creek Town Center
You can do some window-shopping at Jordan Creek Town Center during your visit to West Des Moines. Experience the area's acclaimed theatre scene or attend a sporting event.
Top hotels in Downtown Des Moines
Hotel Fort Des Moines, Curio Collection by Hilton
"Great! Loved the history"
Reviewed on 22 Jun 2026
Des Lux Hotel
"The property location is good. The property is very well decorated. Breakfast was very good with many choices. The bar was closed so no comment on that."
Reviewed on 20 Jun 2026
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Des Moines Downtown
"Great place"
Reviewed on 19 Jun 2026
Holiday Inn Downtown - Mercy Area by IHG
"Clean rooms, mini fridge and microwave, parking lot was under repair so had to walk to a temporary lot but other then that this was a nice hotel. Very close to downtown which was very convenient."
Reviewed on 22 Jun 2026
Embassy Suites Hotel Des Moines Downtown
"Excellent staff including receptionist staff and breakfast staff and housekeeping team. The hotel was full and everyone worked together to make my stay a pleasure. Being able to walk from hotel to Arboretum event was pleasant. Also being able to walk to downtown farmers market was fantastic. The ..."
Reviewed on 22 Jun 2026
Comfort Inn & Suites Event Center
"The property was clean, the area was safe. You could see the river outside your window. Close drive to eating establishments."
Reviewed on 22 Jun 2026
Check Downtown Des Moines hotel availability
Where to stay in Downtown Des Moines
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.
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.
Drake
While visiting Drake, you might make a stop by sights like Knapp Center and Des Moines Community Playhouse.
Southwestern Hills
Though Southwestern Hills may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Gray’s Lake Park and Lauridsen Amphitheater.
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.
