Downtown Grand Rapids Travel Guide
Grand Rapids
Visit Downtown Grand Rapids
Popular places to visit
Van Andel Arena
Catch an event at Van Andel Arena during your trip to Grand Rapids. Experience the area's great live music or attend a sporting event.
Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park
Let your kids run wild at the sand pits and tree house while you inspect the sculptures and floral displays in this park’s various gardens.
John Ball Zoo
Visit the native and exotic animals who live at John Ball Zoo during your trip to Grand Rapids. Experience the area's great live music and acclaimed theatre scene.
Gerald R. Ford Museum
Take a holographic tour of Ford’s White House and see a piece of the Berlin Wall in this tribute to the 38th president in the town where he was raised.
Grand Rapids Art Museum
The sleek design of the modernist building reflects the gorgeous contemporary artworks within. Learn how to make art fun in the workshops and camps.
Heritage Hill Historic District
Lining the streets of this old residential area are more than 1,000 houses of 60 different designs. Spot Frank Lloyd Wright’s masterpiece among these historic homes.
Things to do
Fun Gnocchi Making Class With local Chef in Grand Rapids
Top hotels in Downtown Grand Rapids
Residence Inn by Marriott Grand Rapids Downtown
The staff were helpful, room was clean & comfortable & breakfast was nice. It would be helpful to have a few more drinking glasses or plastic cups for the bathroom.
Reviewed on 11 Jan 2026
Amway Grand Plaza, Curio Collection by Hilton
We’ve stayed here many times in the past, so take that into account. Room was nice as always, really liked the gym as well. Many options of equipment. Front desk gal was a bit nonchalant at check in. Almost seemed like I was a hinderance to her day. Really the only disappointment of the trip, but ...
Reviewed on 17 Jan 2026
CityFlatsHotel - Grand Rapids, an Ascend Collection Hotel
Was great!
Reviewed on 17 Jan 2026
Hyatt Place Grand Rapids Downtown
Very nice
Reviewed on 21 Jan 2026
JW Marriott Hotel Grand Rapids
Everything was great!
Reviewed on 22 Jan 2026
Courtyard by Marriott Downtown Grand Rapids
Star was amazing. Convenient location. Clean rooms. Great coffee.
Reviewed on 1 Jan 2026
Other neighbourhoods around Downtown Grand Rapids
Medical Mile
You'll enjoy the churches and shopping in Medical Mile. You might want to make time for a stop at Heritage Hill Historic District or La Grande Vitesse.
Heartside
Heartside is known for its ample dining options, and you can make a stop by Van Andel Arena and Grand Rapids Children's Museum while in the area.
Belknap Lookout
When in Belknap Lookout, you can plan a visit to Grand Rapids Art Museum and Broadway Grand Rapids, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.
Heritage Hill
While visiting Heritage Hill, you might make a stop by sights like Heritage Hill Historic District and Voigt House Victorian Museum.
Midtown
While visiting Midtown, you might make a stop by sights like Fulton Street Farmers Market and Heritage Hill Historic District.
John Ball Park
While visiting John Ball Park, you might make a stop by sights like John Ball Zoo and Public Museum of Grand Rapids.
