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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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 £106 per night from 11 Oct to 12 Oct
£106
11 Oct - 12 Oct
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! (1,319 reviews)
"Really pretty hotel - great location"

Reviewed on 17 Sept 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 £127 per night from 20 Sept to 21 Sept
£127
20 Sept - 21 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 ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (1,098 reviews)
"Beautiful hotel, fantastic hot tub and the free breakfast was amazing!!!"

Reviewed on 17 Sept 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 £109 per night from 11 Oct to 12 Oct
£109
11 Oct - 12 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! (1,001 reviews)
"Hotel room was a bit dated and needed to be refreshed, room showed evident wear and however it was apparent it needs updating the room was clean, cool and comfortable. We attended a concert at Wooly's and the hotel is in walking distance. We did not feel concerned for safety in the area and it was ..."

Reviewed on 17 Sept 2026

Embassy Suites Hotel Des Moines Downtown
Des Moines Marriott Downtown

Des Moines Marriott Downtown

3.5 out of 5
700 Grand Ave Des Moines IA
The price is £113 per night from 4 Oct to 5 Oct
£113
4 Oct - 5 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 ...
Des Moines Marriott Downtown
Comfort Inn & Suites Event Center

Comfort Inn & Suites Event Center

2.5 out of 5
929 3rd St Des Moines IA
The price is £75 per night from 4 Oct to 5 Oct
£75
4 Oct - 5 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! (1,012 reviews)
"Great location. Great view. Plenty of parking. Our room might be due for updating but overall clean and comfortable. Bed was awesome. Slept very well. Walking distance to Des Moines Civic Center. So nice to not battle traffic after the show."

Reviewed on 15 Sept 2026

Comfort Inn & Suites Event Center
Hilton Des Moines Downtown

Hilton Des Moines Downtown

3.5 out of 5
435 Park Street Des Moines IA
The price is £120 per night from 11 Oct to 12 Oct
£120
11 Oct - 12 Oct
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 ...
9/10 Wonderful! (999 reviews)
"Great stay! The bartenders were amazing!"

Reviewed on 13 Sept 2026

Hilton Des Moines Downtown
See all 810 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 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.

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

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