Downtown Des Moines Travel Guide

Des Moines

A cityscape with various buildings, including a tall skyscraper and several mid-rise structures.
A greenhouse with a geodesic dome roof, tropical plants, and a sandy pathway.
A multi-level atrium with a central staircase, suspended aircraft, and exhibits.
A park with a large building featuring a golden dome and a smaller dome, surrounded by trees and a clear blue sky.
A grand building with a large dome and two smaller domes, surrounded by lush greenery and tall grass.

Stay near popular Downtown Des Moines attractions

A city skyline with a river and a bridge.

Iowa Events Center

8.8/10 (573 reviews)
Learn about the events happening in Iowa Events Center during your trip to Des Moines. Experience the area's lively festivals and great live music.
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Things to do

The Deadly Dirge of Des Moines Ghost Tour

The Deadly Dirge of Des Moines Ghost Tour

Rp420.264
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
The Deadly Dirge of Des Moines Ghost Tour
See all activities in Des Moines

Top hotels in Downtown Des Moines

Hotel Fort Des Moines, Curio Collection by Hilton

Hotel Fort Des Moines, Curio Collection by Hilton

4.5 out of 5
1000 Walnut St Des Moines IA
The price is Rp2.507.414 per night from 30 Oct to 31 Oct
Rp2.507.414
Rp2.808.304 total
30 Oct - 31 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury hotel in Des Moines. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (1,362 reviews)
"Parking not great, have to pay. No breakfast included and shop is pricey. Hotel itself is great. Very clean and great customer service."

Reviewed on 5 Oct 2026

Hotel Fort Des Moines, Curio Collection by Hilton
Des Lux Hotel

Des Lux Hotel

3.5 out of 5
800 Locust St Des Moines IA
The price is Rp3.041.728 per night from 6 Oct to 7 Oct
Rp3.041.728
Rp3.406.735 total
6 Oct - 7 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Des Moines. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the breakfast and the bar ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (1,109 reviews)
"The ambiance of this historical hotel makes it an experience, they went all out for Halloween! The staff was so friendly and helpful with directions on parking. And a bonus was the breakfast selection - so much better than many other hotel breakfasts!"

Reviewed on 4 Oct 2026

Des Lux Hotel
Comfort Inn & Suites Event Center

Comfort Inn & Suites Event Center

2.5 out of 5
929 3rd St Des Moines IA
The price is Rp1.656.767 per night from 25 Oct to 26 Oct
Rp1.656.767
Rp1.855.580 total
25 Oct - 26 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Des Moines. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
Comfort Inn & Suites Event Center
Hyatt Place Des Moines/Downtown

Hyatt Place Des Moines/Downtown

3 out of 5
418 6th Avenue Des Moines IA
The price is Rp1.967.020 per night from 11 Oct to 12 Oct
Rp1.967.020
Rp2.203.062 total
11 Oct - 12 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Des Moines. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and a 24-hour health club. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.2/10 Very good! (1,008 reviews)
"My room was changed upon check-in from a King to 2 Queens because they said they had been completely booked, but I paid in full when I booked, so I don’t understand. While checking in, I was asked if I would like housekeeping throughout my stay and I said yes. They never did housekeeping throughout ..."

Reviewed on 5 Oct 2026

Hyatt Place Des Moines/Downtown
Des Moines Marriott Downtown

Des Moines Marriott Downtown

3.5 out of 5
700 Grand Ave Des Moines IA
The price is Rp2.414.070 per night from 25 Oct to 26 Oct
Rp2.414.070
Rp2.703.758 total
25 Oct - 26 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Des Moines. Enjoy 2 restaurants, breakfast (surcharge) and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,004 reviews)
"Valet was great. Restaurant & breakfast buffet were good; however, the food on the buffet was cold. Starbucks staff was friendly."

Reviewed on 4 Oct 2026

Des Moines Marriott Downtown
Embassy Suites Hotel Des Moines Downtown

Embassy Suites Hotel Des Moines Downtown

3.5 out of 5
101 E Locust St Des Moines IA
The price is Rp2.331.455 per night from 11 Oct to 12 Oct
Rp2.331.455
Rp2.611.229 total
11 Oct - 12 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Des Moines. Enjoy free breakfast, room service and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in their ...
8.4/10 Very good! (1,007 reviews)
"Staff was really not interested in helping and when they did they were not excited about it at all. Missing hot tub big mistake."

Reviewed on 5 Oct 2026

Embassy Suites Hotel Des Moines Downtown
See all 794 properties in Downtown Des Moines
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Where to stay in Downtown Des Moines

Find the best Downtown Des Moines areas for the activities you enjoy most.
A sign reading "Historic East Village" with a clear blue sky and clouds in the background.

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.

A city skyline at night with illuminated buildings and a prominent tower.
Photo by Ryan Brohm
Open Photo by Ryan Brohm

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.

The exterior and interior of Mars Cafe, featuring a brick facade, large windows, and a red interior with hanging lights and artwork.
Photo by Eric Mondres
Open Photo by Eric Mondres

Drake

While visiting Drake, you might make a stop by sights like Knapp Center and Des Moines Community Playhouse.

A nighttime pedestrian bridge with illuminated railings and a rainbow-colored light projection on the floor.
Photo by Analyn Suan
Open Photo by Analyn Suan

Greater South Side

While there might not be top attractions in Greater South Side, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Gray’s Lake Park and Lauridsen Amphitheater.

A paved road flanked by trees and bushes, leading into the distance.
Photo by Emily Ruschill
Open Photo by Emily Ruschill

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.

Downtown Des Moines Travel Guide