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 Rp2.260.286 per night from 8 Nov to 9 Nov
Rp2.260.286
Rp2.531.520 total
8 Nov - 9 Nov
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! (1,368 reviews)
"clean rooms good location friendly staff"

Reviewed on 12 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 Rp2.722.438 per night from 18 Oct to 19 Oct
Rp2.722.438
Rp3.049.274 total
18 Oct - 19 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! (1,111 reviews)
"Friendly staff and rooms are cozy."

Reviewed on 11 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 Rp1.658.342 per night from 25 Oct to 26 Oct
Rp1.658.342
Rp1.857.343 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 ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,005 reviews)
"Breakfast was really good. Rooms were musty smelling and loby smelled like the pool."

Reviewed on 12 Oct 2026

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 Rp1.968.890 per night from 25 Oct to 26 Oct
Rp1.968.890
Rp2.205.156 total
25 Oct - 26 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 ...
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 Rp2.577.456 per night from 9 Nov to 10 Nov
Rp2.577.456
Rp2.886.751 total
9 Nov - 10 Nov
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! (1,001 reviews)
"The rooms were nice and comfortable."

Reviewed on 9 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 Rp2.333.672 per night from 18 Oct to 19 Oct
Rp2.333.672
Rp2.613.713 total
18 Oct - 19 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! (1,005 reviews)
"Staff was friendly and professional, ready to provide answers. Breakfast and afternoon bar hour were set up efficiently and timely. Staff kept up with clearing off tables and cleaning for next use."

Reviewed on 11 Oct 2026

Embassy Suites Hotel Des Moines Downtown
See all 796 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 city skyline at dusk with illuminated buildings, a bridge, and a river.

Beaverdale

While Beaverdale isn't home to many top sights, Merle Hay Mall and Knapp Center are some notable places to visit nearby.

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