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 Rp2.325.979 per night from 6 Sept to 7 Sept
Rp2.325.979
Rp2.605.096 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! (1,290 reviews)
"Amazing property great location extremely clean"

Reviewed on 20 Aug 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 Rp2.713.464 per night from 1 Sept to 2 Sept
Rp2.713.464
Rp3.039.222 total
1 Sept - 2 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 ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (1,102 reviews)
"Clean room and great breakfast"

Reviewed on 20 Aug 2026

Des Lux Hotel
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 Rp2.313.984 per night from 27 Aug to 28 Aug
Rp2.313.984
Rp2.591.662 total
27 Aug - 28 Aug
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 ...
Embassy Suites Hotel Des Moines Downtown
Holiday Inn Downtown - Mercy Area by IHG

Holiday Inn Downtown - Mercy Area by IHG

3 out of 5
1050 6th Ave Des Moines IA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is Rp2.573.460 per night from 23 Aug to 24 Aug
Rp2.573.460
Rp2.882.275 total
23 Aug - 24 Aug
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 ...
7.6/10 Good! (1,018 reviews)
"The air conditioning in our room did not work, it was hot all night. We let the staff know, and they didn’t do anything else about it."

Reviewed on 20 Aug 2026

Holiday Inn Downtown - Mercy Area by IHG
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Des Moines Downtown by IHG

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Des Moines Downtown by IHG

2.5 out of 5
333 SW 11th St Des Moines IA
The price is Rp1.970.028 per night from 20 Sept to 21 Sept
Rp1.970.028
Rp2.206.431 total
20 Sept - 21 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 in their reviews. ...
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Des Moines Downtown by IHG
Hilton Des Moines Downtown

Hilton Des Moines Downtown

3.5 out of 5
435 Park Street Des Moines IA
The price is Rp2.605.051 per night from 27 Aug to 28 Aug
Rp2.605.051
Rp3.005.156 total
27 Aug - 28 Aug
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
See all 839 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 Principal Park and Des Moines Civic Center 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 Des Moines Community Playhouse and La Casa Cultural Center.

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.

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.

Downtown Des Moines Travel Guide