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
A city landmark, this interesting building showcases design and architectural features that created a grand impression in the late 1800s and still inspire today.
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.
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
"Very pretty"
Reviewed on 5 Jun 2026
Des Lux Hotel
"We were very pleased with the hotel. The bartender, Shari? kept the bar open later than advertised which allowed us (and others) to get a drink after an evening out. She was very personable and friendly which made our stay even more enjoyable. The hot breakfast was good with fresh fruit and a large ..."
Reviewed on 6 Jun 2026
Holiday Inn Downtown - Mercy Area by IHG
"Had to change rooms because is ac units inoperable and the other noisy."
Reviewed on 5 Jun 2026
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Des Moines Downtown
"Great experience and clean room!"
Reviewed on 5 Jun 2026
Comfort Inn & Suites Event Center
"Always enjoy staying here when coming into town. Affordable, great breakfast, and easy to get too"
Reviewed on 6 Jun 2026
Embassy Suites Hotel Des Moines Downtown
"Very clean, organized, professional, and respectful staff amazing"
Reviewed on 2 Jun 2026
Where to stay in Downtown Des Moines
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.
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.
Drake
While visiting Drake, you might make a stop by sights like Knapp Center and La Casa Cultural Center.
Southwestern Hills
Though Southwestern Hills may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Gray’s Lake Park and Lauridsen Amphitheater.
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.
