Downtown Des Moines Travel Guide
Des Moines
Visit Downtown Des Moines
Popular places to visit
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.
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.
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
"Beautiful hotel, lovely smells in the lobby. Service is good. Restaurant is very expensive and in need of some more budget friendly options, especially for us business travelers with daily meal spend limits. Ask to be on the side away from the train tracks, or you'll be hearing train whistles all ..."
Reviewed on 20 May 2026
Des Lux Hotel
"Des Lux had a fun vibe with spacious rooms and lovely decor. Might want to add teas to the mini bar."
Reviewed on 20 May 2026
Holiday Inn Downtown - Mercy Area by IHG
"Parking lot under construction"
Reviewed on 18 May 2026
Embassy Suites Hotel Des Moines Downtown
"The location was great, so many places within walking distance. One of the reasons we chose this hotel was it advertised free parking - which was not true. It was $38/night to valet or parking was $10/night in a ramp across the street, which was a bit of a pain to get in and out of. Also, there was ..."
Reviewed on 18 May 2026
Comfort Inn & Suites Event Center
"The place is pretty clean and quiet . Great location for a little getaway. Safe area btw"
Reviewed on 15 May 2026
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Des Moines Downtown
"The room is clean , the staff are very friendly. We have a nice stay."
Reviewed on 20 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.
