Downtown Travel Guide
Iowa City





Popular places to visit

Old Capitol Museum
Gaze up at the emblematic golden dome that tops the roof of a historic building containing the region’s cultural gems.

Iowa Old Capitol Building
You can find out about the history of Iowa City with a visit to Iowa Old Capitol Building. You can attend a sporting event while in the area.

University of Iowa Museum of Natural History
Marvel at a gigantic whale skeleton, see an impressive cyclorama of a Hawaiian bird island and spot the giant panda.
The Englert Theater
You can enjoy a show at The Englert Theater during your trip to Iowa City. You can attend a sporting event while in the area.
Iowa City Public Library
Iowa City Public Library is just one of the places to see in Iowa City, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? You can attend a sporting event while in the area.
Stanley Museum of Art
You can spend time studying the exhibits at Stanley Museum of Art in Iowa City.
Things to do

Self-Guided Iowa Scavenger Hunt: City of Literature
Top hotels in Downtown

Graduate by Hilton Iowa City
Great stay! I always enjoy staying at the Graduate.
Reviewed on 29 Dec 2025

Hyatt Place Iowa City Downtown
Staff was friendly
Reviewed on 2 Jan 2026

Hilton Garden Inn Iowa City Downtown University
It was an amazing hotel. The Vue, rooftop bar was the highlight of the hotel. The vue of downtown Iowa City was breathtaking. Will definitely be staying here on our next trip to Iowa City.
Reviewed on 28 Dec 2025

Element Iowa City
Friendly staff, excellent breakfast options, convenient self-parking, close to downtown area and Univ of Iowa. Rooms were clean and having the extra sitting area worked well for us.
Reviewed on 31 Dec 2025

Hyatt Regency Coralville Hotel & Conference Center
It is a nice hotel. Clean and comfortable. But the staff at the front desk is not very nice.
Reviewed on 22 Dec 2025

Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Coralville, IA
Clean, staff very friendly and helpful. Good breakfast.
Reviewed on 30 Dec 2025
Other neighbourhoods around Downtown

College Hill
While College Hill isn't home to many top sights, Iowa City Public Library and The Englert Theater are some notable places to visit nearby.

Miller Orchard
When in Miller Orchard, you can plan a visit to Kinnick Stadium and Old Capitol Museum, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Northside
Northside might not have many top sights, but University of Iowa Museum of Natural History and Iowa Old Capitol Building are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Manville Heights
While Manville Heights may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Carver-Hawkeye Arena and Kinnick Stadium.

Goosetown
If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Goosetown and surrounding area, you can visit The Englert Theater and Iowa City Public Library.

Mann
While visiting Mann, you might make a stop by sights like University of Iowa Museum of Natural History and Iowa Old Capitol Building.
