Downtown Des Moines Travel Guide
Des Moines
Visit Downtown Des Moines
Popular places to visit
Iowa State Capitol Building
A city landmark, this interesting building showcases design and architectural features that created a grand impression in the late 1800s and still inspire today.
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.
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
Experience the tropics in an indoor garden oasis nearly 100 years old alongside a meandering river in this Midwestern city.
John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park
Whimsical, entertaining and provocative can easily describe the artwork at this outdoor gallery that provides new meaning and life to sculptures.
State Historical Museum of Iowa
Learn about early settlement and battles as well as bicycle races and the movie industry in this museum in Iowa’s state capital.
Things to do
Astounding Art Walk in Des Moines Experience
An Epic Scavenger Hunt : Adventures in Des Moines
Top hotels in Downtown Des Moines
Hotel Fort Des Moines, Curio Collection by Hilton
Who rated this hotel 9.8? No bellman all during stay. Room had no radio/clock, no pen or notepad, no room service menu or breakfast door hanger. It did have toilet tissue equal to a good Motel 6 and nicely black colored grout in shower. Free Wi-Fi only if you signed up for Hilton app. Breakfast not ...
Reviewed on 11 May 2026
Des Lux Hotel
Everything was great, cleanliness, beautiful property. The breakfast was out of quite a few options and the coffee wasn’t working. But everything else was great!
Reviewed on 11 May 2026
Holiday Inn Downtown - Mercy Area by IHG
It was an event night at yhe Casey Center. We arrived promptly at 3pm. We sre do glad we did because the parking lot for the hotel filled fast. Having talked eith guests who stayed in 2025. The close parking lot in front of the hotel was closed in March 2025 when they stayed. The line that formed ...
Reviewed on 11 May 2026
Embassy Suites Hotel Des Moines Downtown
Good
Reviewed on 5 May 2026
Comfort Inn & Suites Event Center
Parking was great & even happier that it was free to park! Breakfast was ok, typical breakfast but nothing fancy. However it was nice that it was included. Room was fabulous!
Reviewed on 11 May 2026
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Des Moines Downtown
This is the perfect location if you’re planning to attend anything at the Casey’s Center. Bar and outdoor patio were perfect for after the concert. Only downside is the beds were awful, hard as a rock.
Reviewed on 10 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 Principal Park while you're in town.
Western Gateway
While visiting Western Gateway, you might make a stop by sights like Temple Theater and John and Mary 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 Temple Theater, 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 Better Homes and Gardens Test Garden are some notable places to visit nearby.
