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 great live music and lively festivals.
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Things to do

The Deadly Dirge of Des Moines Ghost Tour

The Deadly Dirge of Des Moines Ghost Tour

Rp571.552
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 Rp2.313.463 per night from 6 Sept to 7 Sept
Rp2.313.463
Rp2.591.078 total
6 Sept - 7 Sept
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! (1,304 reviews)
"Easy to get to. Easy to park. Clean. Good bathrooms."

Reviewed on 28 Aug 2026

Hotel Fort Des Moines, Curio Collection by Hilton
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 Rp2.310.986 per night from 8 Sept to 9 Sept
Rp2.310.986
Rp2.588.304 total
8 Sept - 9 Sept
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! (1,002 reviews)
"Always enjoy staying at the Embassy. The location is great! Walking distance to a good Saturday Farmers Market and restaurants and bars. All staff was great except the breakfast guy making omelets. Thought he was just having a bad day but the second morning he was just as crabby and rude. Property ..."

Reviewed on 26 Aug 2026

Embassy Suites Hotel Des Moines Downtown
Des Lux Hotel

Des Lux Hotel

3.5 out of 5
800 Locust St Des Moines IA
The price is Rp2.695.972 per night from 8 Sept to 9 Sept
Rp2.695.972
Rp3.019.489 total
8 Sept - 9 Sept
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 ...
Des Lux Hotel
Holiday Inn Downtown - Mercy Area by IHG

Holiday Inn Downtown - Mercy Area by IHG

3 out of 5
1050 6th Ave Des Moines IA
The price is Rp2.570.125 per night from 13 Sept to 14 Sept
Rp2.570.125
Rp2.878.540 total
13 Sept - 14 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Des Moines. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
Holiday Inn Downtown - Mercy Area by IHG
Hilton Des Moines Downtown

Hilton Des Moines Downtown

3.5 out of 5
435 Park Street Des Moines IA
The price is Rp2.604.464 per night from 5 Sept to 6 Sept
Rp2.604.464
Rp3.004.477 total
5 Sept - 6 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Des Moines. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
Hilton Des Moines Downtown
Comfort Inn & Suites Event Center

Comfort Inn & Suites Event Center

2.5 out of 5
929 3rd St Des Moines IA
The price is Rp1.809.888 per night from 6 Sept to 7 Sept
Rp1.809.888
Rp2.027.075 total
6 Sept - 7 Sept
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! (1,040 reviews)
"Na"

Reviewed on 24 Aug 2026

Comfort Inn & Suites Event Center
See all 841 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 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.

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.

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 calm lake surrounded by trees and a stone bridge.

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