Iowa City Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Iowa Museum of Natural History featuring an administrative building and heritage architecture
Old Capitol Museum which includes interior views
Iowa City
Iowa Museum of Natural History featuring interior views
Iowa City

Iowa’s former state capital is an exciting cultural destination with a Literary Walk, museums, theatres and festivals to enjoy.

With its annual book festival and writing programmes that have produced dozens of great authors, many of themhonored in a “walk of fame,” Iowa City is a UNESCO City of Literature. Find different entertainment in itsNorthside Marketplace, downtown venues and riverside parks.

About 70,000 people call Iowa City home. Many of the residents have ties to the local university and its hospital.The University of Iowa was the state’s gift to the city when it was decided that Des Moines would replace Iowaas the state capital in 1857.

It’s easy to explore Iowa City on foot. Use public buses to venture beyond the downtown district or hop aboard a free Cambus totravel between major university destinations. If you are driving, selected lots in the central area have free parking for the first hour.Bike trails weave in and out of the city taking you to and from points of interest, dining and entertainment. Eastern Iowa Airport islocated 20 miles (30 kilometres) north in Cedar Rapids.

Admire the exhibits in various locations from the University of Iowa Museum of Art called UIMA or explore theOld Capitol Building to see where the state government used to meet. Let the children run free at the Iowa Children’s Museum or the playground in City Plaza, or “Ped Mall.” Live music almost every Friday and Saturday on the “Ped Mall”along with festivals sprinkled throughout the year.

John Irving and Flannery O’Connor are among the famous writers that were graduates from the University ofIowa’s prestigious Writers’ Workshop. Follow Iowa Avenue’s Literary Walk to read plaques dedicated to 49writers of fame. Kids can swap a book at Little Free Libraries tiny public book deposits that you can findeverywhere. Every summer, the Iowa Book Festival hosts some of the best international authors.

At night, watch a game in a sports bar or an independent movie at FilmScene. The Englert, a 1912 theatre house was renovated in 2004 andreopened to host live performances for the first time in over 60 years. Nationally renowned artists along withtalented locals showcase at the Englert Theatre.

With so much love for culture, books and poetry, it’s no wonder that Iowa City received the title City of Literaturein 2008. Visit any time of year to experience this lively college town with its Midwestern charm.

Where to stay in Iowa City

Iowa Museum of Natural History featuring an administrative building, a park and heritage architecture

Mann

While visiting Mann, you might make a stop by sights like University of Iowa Museum of Natural History and Iowa Old Capitol Building.

Mann
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Twain

While there might not be top attractions in Twain, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Pleasant Valley Golf Course and Iowa City Public Library.

Twain
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University Heights

While there might not be top attractions in University Heights, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Finkbine Golf Course and Kinnick Stadium.

University Heights
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Weber

5/5(1 area review)

While visiting Weber, you might make a stop by sights like Redbird Farms Wildlife Area and Frytown Conservation Area.

Weber
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Northside

Northside might not have many top sights, but University of Iowa Museum of Natural History and Iowa Old Capitol Building are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Northside
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Lincoln

While Lincoln may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Devonian Fossil Gorge and Xtream Arena & GreenState Family Fieldhouse.

Lincoln
Hyatt Place Iowa City Downtown

Hyatt Place Iowa City Downtown

3 out of 5
255 E Court St, Iowa City, IA
The price is Rp1.441.622 per night from 27 Aug to 28 Aug
Rp1.441.622
Rp1.637.539 total
27 Aug - 28 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Iowa City. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the breakfast and ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,162 reviews)
"Great downtown location. Very close to U of Iowa. Close to lots of great restaurants and bars."

Reviewed on 18 Aug 2025

Hyatt Place Iowa City Downtown
Graduate by Hilton Iowa City

Graduate by Hilton Iowa City

4 out of 5
210 S Dubuque St, Iowa City, IA
The price is Rp1.913.794 per night from 27 Aug to 28 Aug
Rp1.913.794
Rp2.143.448 total
27 Aug - 28 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Iowa City. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a 24-hour fitness centre and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,054 reviews)
"Proximity with UI"

Reviewed on 18 Aug 2025

Graduate by Hilton Iowa City
The Highlander Hotel, Ascend Hotel Collection

The Highlander Hotel, Ascend Hotel Collection

4 out of 5
2525 Highlander Place, Iowa City, IA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is Rp2.089.542 per night from 28 Aug to 29 Aug
Rp2.089.542
Rp2.340.287 total
28 Aug - 29 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this family-friendly hotel in Iowa City. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in their reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (911 reviews)
"This is a hidden gem, its vibe is something that you have to experience. The staff is amazing the pool hot tub perfect the food in restaurant was first class. Will definitely be back"

Reviewed on 15 Aug 2025

The Highlander Hotel, Ascend Hotel Collection
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.
New Modern Townhome With Rooftop Patio 2 Bedroom Townhouse by RedAwning

New Modern Townhome With Rooftop Patio 2 Bedroom Townhouse by RedAwning

3 out of 5
830 Newton Road, Iowa City, IA
Stay at this 3-star holiday home in Iowa City. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and cable/satellite TV service. Popular attractions Kinnick Stadium and Carver-Hawkeye ...
New Modern Townhome With Rooftop Patio 2 Bedroom Townhouse by RedAwning
New Modern Townhome With Rooftop Patio 2 Bedroom Townhouse by RedAwning

New Modern Townhome With Rooftop Patio 2 Bedroom Townhouse by RedAwning

3 out of 5
830 Newton Road, Iowa City, IA
Stay at this 3-star holiday home in Iowa City. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, cable/satellite TV service and an in-room coffee maker. Popular attractions Kinnick Stadium ...
10/10 Exceptional! (1 review)
"This townhome was absolutely perfect for UofI graduation in May! The location was 2 blocks from commencement making it ideal for every type of event associated with the university. The accommodations included every detail possible - tastefully decorated, a roomy main level kitchen/living area for ..."

Reviewed on 27 May 2025

New Modern Townhome With Rooftop Patio 2 Bedroom Townhouse by RedAwning
Eclectic Iowa City Cottage w/ Fire Pit!

Eclectic Iowa City Cottage w/ Fire Pit!

3 out of 5
610 4th Ave, Iowa City, IA
Stay at this 3-star cottage in Iowa City. Enjoy free parking and air conditioning. Popular attractions Kinnick Stadium and Iowa Avenue Literary Walk are located ...
Eclectic Iowa City Cottage w/ Fire Pit!
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.

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