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 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 acclaimed theatre scene and great live music.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Top hotels in Downtown Des Moines
Hotel Fort Des Moines, Curio Collection by Hilton
The room was very clean
Reviewed on 5 Feb 2026
Des Lux Hotel
The front desk lady was very nice and helpful! This was one of my favorite places to stay. So thank you all.
Reviewed on 6 Feb 2026
Embassy Suites Hotel Des Moines Downtown
Our room was not refreshed after the first night. I had to ask for fresh towels. Surprised it was not refreshed.
Reviewed on 10 Feb 2026
Surety Hotel, Autograph Collection
Beautiful, clean rooms. Excellent customer service.
Reviewed on 25 Jan 2026
Holiday Inn Downtown - Mercy Area by IHG
Clean room
Reviewed on 29 Dec 2025
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Des Moines Downtown by IHG
Nice clean room however the pool was closed for maintenance and the power went off to the hotel for two hours meaning that there was no breakfast when we got up and no real alternatives. I think for $160 a night pre tax in Des Moines with no hint at comping anything , loke even a free beverage that ...
Reviewed on 10 Feb 2026
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.
