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 acclaimed theatre scene and lively festivals.
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 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 acclaimed theatre scene 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 lively festivals or attend a sporting event.
Top hotels in Downtown Des Moines
Hotel Fort Des Moines, Curio Collection by Hilton
"Beautiful lobby. The building has kept much of it's old character and charm. Staff were extremely nice! Gym is very clean and updated. Only thing I would ask for is better condiments for starbuck's coffee in the room. Please stop those packets containing the sweet and lo, powdered creamer etc... ..."
Reviewed on 1 Jun 2026
Des Lux Hotel
"Minimal hot options, but multiple to-go options for breakfast! Room was clean and staff was helpful with parking tips!"
Reviewed on 1 Jun 2026
Holiday Inn Downtown - Mercy Area by IHG
"The air conditioner was barely trickling out anything cold. When we woke up in the morning it was almost 80° in our room. The TV did not work at all. It's been a known issue for a while and they didn't bother to mention any of it on check-in. No discount was offered because we looked through hotels.com. ..."
Reviewed on 1 Jun 2026
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Des Moines Downtown
"Staff was nice and helpful. Room was clean and nicer than expected"
Reviewed on 31 May 2026
Comfort Inn & Suites Event Center
"My family was in town supporting our brother who had a horrible accident. The front desk staff and cleaning staff were amazing, and so kind to us. We stayed for 12 nights in total and we felt very comfortable at the hotel."
Reviewed on 1 Jun 2026
Embassy Suites Hotel Des Moines Downtown
"Hotel and room was dated, but overall the same good amenities that you get at other Embassy suite hotels. The pillows were oddly small and the pull out bed was old, kids had a difficult night sleeping on springs pushing out of mattress. Overall everything was good."
Reviewed on 31 May 2026
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 Des Moines' Downtown Farmers' Market 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 Temple Theater.
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.
