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 Rp2.365.402 per night from 6 Nov to 7 Nov
Rp2.365.402
Rp2.649.250 total
6 Nov - 7 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! (1,366 reviews)
"Beautiful hotel, nice place to stay downtown. Only thing that was a challenge was our room was right outside the 3 elevators so it was very noisy."

Reviewed on 6 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 Rp3.047.682 per night from 12 Oct to 13 Oct
Rp3.047.682
Rp3.413.547 total
12 Oct - 13 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! (1,110 reviews)
"Beautiful hotel. Great workout area and loved the sauna, steam room and hot tub. I used them all! Breakfast was Excellant. Staff was great. Will definitely be back!"

Reviewed on 6 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
Fully refundable
The price is Rp1.660.010 per night from 25 Oct to 26 Oct
Rp1.660.010
Rp1.859.211 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! (1,007 reviews)
"My bedroom toilet was not working"

Reviewed on 6 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 Rp2.006.704 per night from 2 Nov to 3 Nov
Rp2.006.704
Rp2.247.508 total
2 Nov - 3 Nov
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 ...
8.2/10 Very good! (1,009 reviews)
"Stained bedding, parking isn’t included, out dated. Won’t be staying ever again"

Reviewed on 5 Oct 2026

Hyatt Place Des Moines/Downtown
Des Moines Marriott Downtown

Des Moines Marriott Downtown

3.5 out of 5
700 Grand Ave Des Moines IA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is Rp2.418.795 per night from 25 Oct to 26 Oct
Rp2.418.795
Rp2.709.051 total
25 Oct - 26 Oct
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! (1,004 reviews)
"Valet was great. Restaurant & breakfast buffet were good; however, the food on the buffet was cold. Starbucks staff was friendly."

Reviewed on 4 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
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is Rp2.336.018 per night from 25 Oct to 26 Oct
Rp2.336.018
Rp2.616.340 total
25 Oct - 26 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! (1,000 reviews)
"Staff was really not interested in helping and when they did they were not excited about it at all. Missing hot tub big mistake."

Reviewed on 5 Oct 2026

Embassy Suites Hotel Des Moines Downtown
See all 794 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 nighttime pedestrian bridge with illuminated railings and a rainbow-colored light projection on the floor.
Photo by Analyn Suan
Open Photo by Analyn Suan

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