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.
Jordan Creek Town Center
You can do some window-shopping at Jordan Creek Town Center during your visit to West 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
Des Lux Hotel
"Loved this hotel! From Des Moines but been gone a LONG time and wanted to try a fun new hotel. This place was perfect for my wife and I. Location is perfect, staff were amazing, and the room was really fun. Was a bit worried about some road construction going on during our stay but while we could ..."
Reviewed on 23 Jun 2026
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Des Moines Downtown
"Great hotel"
Reviewed on 22 Jun 2026
Holiday Inn Downtown - Mercy Area by IHG
"Very nice hotel close to the Casey’s Event Center. Thank you for the clean room and friendly atmosphere."
Reviewed on 23 Jun 2026
Embassy Suites Hotel Des Moines Downtown
"Great location, plenty of parking nearby in a large garage across the street, friendly staff (especially the morning breakfast manager gentleman), clean. The towel bar in room 709 bathroom is partially pulled from the wall. But the shower really needs work. There’s one of those half-door/wall deals ..."
Reviewed on 23 Jun 2026
Comfort Inn & Suites Event Center
"Great"
Reviewed on 23 Jun 2026
Check Downtown Des Moines hotel availability
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 Principal Park while you're in town.
Drake
While visiting Drake, you might make a stop by sights like Knapp Center and Des Moines Community Playhouse.
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.
Indianola Hills
If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Indianola Hills and surrounding area, you can visit Principal Park and Science Center of Iowa.
