Des Moines Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Des Moines which includes a city, a high-rise building and a bridge
Des Moines which includes a city, a high-rise building and a bridge
Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden featuring interior views and a garden
Des Moines Art Center which includes interior views and art
Des Moines Art Center showing outdoor art and outdoor eating as well as a small group of people

Where to stay in Des Moines

State Historical Society of Iowa Museum which includes a high-rise building, landscape views and a city

Downtown Des Moines

4/5(1 area review)

The abundant dining options and live music are top of the list for many visitors to Downtown Des Moines. A stop by 801 Grand or Des Moines Civic Center might round out your trip.

Downtown Des Moines
View into downtown from the Capitol Building. #capitol #desmoines #city #downtown

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.

Court District
Historic East Village

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.

Historic East Village
Checked out the Mars Cafe in Des Moines, IA. Great spot with good seating, wifi, and a pretty good latte. Nice flavor to the espresso. A good spot for a light lunch wit good sandwiches. If I have to be in Iowa it's nice to find a good coffee joint.

Drake

While visiting Drake, you might make a stop by sights like Knapp Center and Des Moines Community Playhouse.

Drake
😘😘

Greater South Side

While there might not be top attractions in Greater South Side, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Air Lanes Bowling Center and Gray’s Lake Park.

Greater South Side
Western Gateway sunrise aerial looking downtown over Pappajohn Sculpture Park and Krause Gateway Center.

Western Gateway

While visiting Western Gateway, you might make a stop by sights like John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park and Pappajohn Sculpture Park.

Western Gateway
Hotel Fort Des Moines, Curio Collection by Hilton

Hotel Fort Des Moines, Curio Collection by Hilton

4.5 out of 5
1000 Walnut St Des Moines IA
The price is 3.739.323 ₫ per night from 15 Mar to 16 Mar
3.739.323 ₫
4.188.043 ₫ total
15 Mar - 16 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury hotel in Des Moines. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (1,079 reviews)
Great room, restaurants, and staff.

Reviewed on 23 Feb 2026

Hotel Fort Des Moines, Curio Collection by Hilton
Sonesta Simply Suites Des Moines

Sonesta Simply Suites Des Moines

2 out of 5
7625 Office Plaza Dr N West Des Moines IA
The price is 2.082.034 ₫ per night from 1 Mar to 2 Mar
2.082.034 ₫
2.331.930 ₫ total
1 Mar - 2 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in West Des Moines. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a 24-hour fitness centre and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (995 reviews)
Clean room . Very spacious and accommodating

Reviewed on 26 Feb 2026

Sonesta Simply Suites Des Moines
Home2 Suites by Hilton Des Moines at Drake University

Home2 Suites by Hilton Des Moines at Drake University

3 out of 5
2650 University Ave. Des Moines IA
The price is 2.542.740 ₫ per night from 15 Mar to 16 Mar
2.542.740 ₫
2.847.868 ₫ total
15 Mar - 16 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Des Moines. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,000 reviews)
Clean room. Friendly, professional, caring and accommodating staff! Free breakfast was amazing!

Reviewed on 24 Feb 2026

Home2 Suites by Hilton Des Moines at Drake University
See all 731 properties in Des Moines
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Kasa Downtown Des Moines

Kasa Downtown Des Moines

4 out of 5
550 Watson Powell Junior Way Des Moines IA
Stay at this business-friendly aparthotel in Des Moines. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a business centre and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Casey's Center and Ruan ...
9/10 Wonderful! (114 reviews)
reserved a two room suite and was unknowingly changed to single room. believe to obtain higher cost. unresolved. reserved six months in advance. unknown charge as well. unmanned hotel so nobody to speak to and customer service is almost impossible to get ahold of. the room we had to take was fine ...

Reviewed on 17 Feb 2026

Kasa Downtown Des Moines
See all properties in Des Moines
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

#foodiefinds The best Avocado salad!

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.

Jordan Creek Town Center
Aerial View of the Iowa State Fair in the Des Moines Metro Area

Iowa State Fairgrounds

Enjoy an outing to Iowa State Fairgrounds during your stay in Des Moines. Experience the area's acclaimed theatre scene or attend a sporting event.

Iowa State Fairgrounds
The City Of Des Moines

Iowa Events Center

Learn about the events happening in Iowa Events Center during your trip to Des Moines. Experience the area's lively festivals and acclaimed theatre scene.

Iowa Events Center
Iowa State Capitol Building featuring a statue or sculpture

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 acclaimed theatre scene and great live music.

Iowa State Capitol Building
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Principal Park

Catch an event at Principal Park during your trip to Des Moines. Experience the area's great live music and acclaimed theatre scene.

Principal Park
Des Moines Botanical Center showing interior views and a park

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 great live music or attend a sporting event.

Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden

Reviews of Des Moines

5
Top destination
5 - Excellent
1
5 - Excellent 100%
4 - Good
0
4 - Good 0%
3 - Okay
0
3 - Okay 0%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Not at the moment, very friendly city though

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