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.
Principal Park
Catch an event at Principal Park during your trip to Des Moines. Experience the area's great live music and lively festivals.
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.
Pappajohn Sculpture Park
You can spend an afternoon exploring the galleries in Pappajohn Sculpture Park during your travels in Des Moines. Experience the area's acclaimed theatre scene and lively festivals.
Adventureland
Bring the family to Adventureland and enjoy this exciting theme park in Altoona. Experience the area's lively festivals and great live music.
Top hotels in Downtown Des Moines
Hotel Fort Des Moines, Curio Collection by Hilton
Clean hotel from top to bottom, friendly staff, and great food!
Reviewed on 5 Jan 2026
Des Lux Hotel
Nice older building.
Reviewed on 7 Jan 2026
Staybridge Suites Des Moines Downtown by IHG
Location and the point you needed a key to operate the elevators to go to floors
Reviewed on 8 Jan 2026
Hampton Inn & Suites Des Moines Downtown
all good
Reviewed on 10 Jan 2026
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Des Moines Downtown by IHG
Room was slightly dirty with some food of the ground but the front desk was very nice
Reviewed on 4 Jan 2026
Embassy Suites Hotel Des Moines Downtown
How nice the checking lady was easy parking across the street wasn't too bad
Reviewed on 4 Jan 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 Wooly's and Iowa State Capitol Building 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.
