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.
Principal Park
Catch an event at Principal Park during your trip to Des Moines. Experience the area's great live music and lively festivals.
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.
Pappajohn Sculpture Park
You can spend an afternoon exploring the galleries in Pappajohn Sculpture Park during your travels in Des Moines. Experience the area's acclaimed theatre scene and lively festivals.
Adventureland
Bring the family to Adventureland and enjoy this exciting theme park in Altoona. Experience the area's lively festivals and great live music.
Top hotels in Downtown Des Moines
Hotel Fort Des Moines, Curio Collection by Hilton
As always an excellent choice. Our room was gorgeous. Breakfast was fantastic. Christmas get away was better because of this hotel.
Reviewed on 26 Dec 2025
Des Lux Hotel
Loved how the hotel had a very quiet vibe, the way it is decorated it gives such a vintage vibe. Room was clean and they let us check in early!!
Reviewed on 28 Dec 2025
Hampton Inn & Suites Des Moines Downtown
Clean everything, nice staff, convenient, good breakfast!
Reviewed on 20 Dec 2025
Staybridge Suites Des Moines Downtown by IHG
Room was clean. Staff were great. Small issues with dishes being dirty, room needing maintenance done that was completed. Great location and sights.
Reviewed on 6 Jan 2026
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Des Moines Downtown by IHG
New and Great
Reviewed on 31 Dec 2025
Comfort Inn & Suites Event Center
The staff at the front desk were very pleasant and efficient during check-in. The room is well equipped and clean. This has become my go-to spot when visiting Des Moines. Very few other hotels within the downtown area offer free parking. The breakfast buffet is nice. I'll keep staying here when I ...
Reviewed on 3 Jan 2026
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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 John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park and 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 801 Grand, 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.
