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.
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.
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.
State Historical Museum of Iowa
Learn about early settlement and battles as well as bicycle races and the movie industry in this museum in Iowa’s state capital.
Things to do
The Deadly Dirge of Des Moines Ghost Tour
Top hotels in Downtown Des Moines
Hotel Fort Des Moines, Curio Collection by Hilton
"Luxury! Would stay anytime."
Reviewed on 26 May 2026
Des Lux Hotel
"The Des Lux is wonderful. Conveniently located to everything, walking distance to the very best restaurants and the most friendly, professional and accommodating staff."
Reviewed on 27 May 2026
Holiday Inn Downtown - Mercy Area by IHG
"The only issue I took is that there was no message about the lack of parking in the property and where to park is spare lot was full."
Reviewed on 26 May 2026
Embassy Suites Hotel Des Moines Downtown
"Traveled with 2 friends and it was an exceptional hotel & location to anything downtown Des Moines. Breakfast is top notch."
Reviewed on 27 May 2026
Comfort Inn & Suites Event Center
"Comfort Inn Events Center has one of the friendliest staff we’ve ever encountered. The facilities are well-maintained and the free breakfast and parking are most helpful. We would definitely stay here again when in the area!"
Reviewed on 25 May 2026
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Des Moines Downtown
"Great hotel in a fantastic location Rooms were immaculate and staff very friendly. Breakfast was lovely albeit they could do with bread for toasting. Easy walk into town for lots of restaurants and bars"
Reviewed on 27 May 2026
Check Downtown Des Moines hotel availability
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 State Historical Museum of Iowa and Wooly's while you're in town.
Sherman Hill
When in Sherman Hill, you can plan a visit to Hoyt Sherman Place and John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park, 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.
