Title: Downtown Des Moines Travel Guide: Best of Downtown Des Moines, Des Moines Travel 2026 | Expedia.co.uk [Hotels in Downtown Des Moines](https://expedia.co.uk/Downtown-Des-Moines-Des-Moines-Hotels.0-n6060027-0.Travel-Guide-Filter-Hotels)[Flights to Des Moines](https://expedia.co.uk/Cheap-Flights-To-Des-Moines.d601690.Travel-Guide-Flights)[Things to do in Des Moines](https://expedia.co.uk/Things-To-Do-In-Des-Moines.d601690.Travel-Guide-Activities)[Downtown Des Moines Car Hire](https://expedia.co.uk/Compare-Cheap-Car-Hire-In-Downtown-Des-Moines.d6060027.Car-Hire-Guide)[Downtown Des Moines Holidays](https://expedia.co.uk/Downtown-Des-Moines.d6060027.Holidays-City-Breaks) # Downtown Des Moines Travel Guide ## Des Moines ![State Historical Society of Iowa Museum which includes a high-rise building, landscape views and a city](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6075026/bb738539-0a8e-4cbb-ac84-e1faee874e8c.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![State Historical Society of Iowa Museum which includes a high-rise building, landscape views and a city](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6075026/bb738539-0a8e-4cbb-ac84-e1faee874e8c.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden featuring interior views and a garden](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6075032/61ebf224-fa86-40d2-a84b-bd11223a9491.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![State Historical Society of Iowa Museum showing interior views](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6075026/cc74e02e-7e3c-47e2-9cee-c883f7afc313.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Iowa State Capitol Building which includes heritage architecture and a garden](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6075016/cb448772-d1c5-4318-9c22-a036244f301c.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ## Visit Downtown Des Moines Things to do Hotels Where to stay [Des Moines travel guide](https://expedia.co.uk/Des-Moines.dx601690) --- ### Popular places to visit ![The City Of Des Moines](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6182643/5f25345e-4b87-46c8-a453-6ece959e8868.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Iowa Events Center Learn about the events happening in Iowa Events Center during your trip to Des Moines. Experience the area's great live music and acclaimed theatre scene. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Iowa-Events-Center-Downtown-Des-Moines.d6182643.Attraction) ![Iowa State Capitol Building featuring a statue or sculpture](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6075016/f301caa2-002c-4d78-bd31-24a2e8360fe6.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### 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. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Iowa-State-Capitol-Building-Des-Moines.d6075016.Attraction) ![Brigde](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/1065/bf0fc404-b96d-4cee-84a6-d2fcd1a79508.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Principal Park Catch an event at Principal Park during your trip to Des Moines. Experience the area's acclaimed theatre scene and great live music. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Principal-Park-Des-Moines.d6075046.Attraction) ![Des Moines Botanical Center showing interior views and a park](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6075032/cc0896fb-76c4-4824-9003-88ec120cc7e8.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### 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. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Greater-Des-Moines-Botanical-Garden-Des-Moines.d6075032.Attraction) ![John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park which includes a high-rise building, a garden and a city](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6287745/70da177b-291c-41d5-bfe8-a67bedc0da89.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### 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. [](https://expedia.co.uk/John-And-Mary-Pappajohn-Sculpture-Park-Downtown-Des-Moines.d6287745.Attraction) ![State Historical Society of Iowa Museum featuring interior views](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6075026/0a9f4ee4-4bbd-46e0-8519-f49380129799.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### State Historical Museum of Iowa Learn about early settlement and battles as well as bicycle races and the movie industry in this museum in Iowa’s state capital. [](https://expedia.co.uk/State-Historical-Society-Of-Iowa-Museum-Des-Moines.d6075026.Attraction) --- ## Top hotels in Downtown Des Moines ![Hotel Fort Des Moines, Curio Collection by Hilton](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/10000/9400/9375/72ac6d3b_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Hotel Fort Des Moines, Curio Collection by Hilton 1000 Walnut St Des Moines IA £109 4 Apr - 5 Apr 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! (1,090 reviews) Loved our stay. Reviewed on 9 Mar 2026 [](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=04%2F04%2F2026&endDate=05%2F04%2F2026&selected=9375&PinnedHotelID=9375&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=6060027) ![Des Lux Hotel](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/10000000/9790000/9781500/9781455/a4499f56_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Des Lux Hotel 800 Locust St Des Moines IA £127 10 Mar - 11 Mar 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! (1,039 reviews) Beautiful rooms with a ton of character. Fireplace was a nice touch. Reviewed on 9 Mar 2026 [](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=10%2F03%2F2026&endDate=11%2F03%2F2026&selected=9781455&PinnedHotelID=9781455&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=6060027) ![Holiday Inn Downtown - Mercy Area by IHG](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/20000/18900/18835/56a1214f_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Holiday Inn Downtown - Mercy Area by IHG 1050 6th Ave Des Moines IA Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay £110 12 Mar - 13 Mar 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 ... 7.8/10 Good! (1,006 reviews) Clean room Reviewed on 8 Mar 2026 [](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=12%2F03%2F2026&endDate=13%2F03%2F2026&selected=18835&PinnedHotelID=18835&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=6060027) ![Embassy Suites Hotel Des Moines Downtown](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/20000/10700/10622/baae5559_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Embassy Suites Hotel Des Moines Downtown 101 E Locust St Des Moines IA £95 5 Apr - 6 Apr 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 ... 8.2/10 Very Good! (1,006 reviews) Great welcoming checkin staff! Hotel could use some updating but kept clean! Reviewed on 8 Mar 2026 [](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=05%2F04%2F2026&endDate=06%2F04%2F2026&selected=10622&PinnedHotelID=10622&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=6060027) ![Hyatt Place Des Moines/Downtown](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/4000000/3980000/3972200/3972152/0f5c3279_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Hyatt Place Des Moines/Downtown 418 6th Avenue Des Moines IA £84 15 Mar - 16 Mar 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! (1,015 reviews) The pool was very small, not much to offer if you have little kids. Reviewed on 8 Mar 2026 [](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=15%2F03%2F2026&endDate=16%2F03%2F2026&selected=3972152&PinnedHotelID=3972152&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=6060027) ![Surety Hotel, Autograph Collection](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/45000000/44920000/44914200/44914120/091412b2_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Surety Hotel, Autograph Collection 206 6th Ave. Des Moines IA £120 5 Apr - 6 Apr includes taxes & fees Stay at this hotel in Des Moines. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 restaurants and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the restaurant and the bar in their reviews. Popular ... 9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,001 reviews) Cute hotel with amazing restaurant! Reviewed on 8 Mar 2026 [](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=05%2F04%2F2026&endDate=06%2F04%2F2026&selected=44914120&PinnedHotelID=44914120&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=6060027) [See all 835 properties in Downtown Des Moines](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.Hotels.DestinationExperience&startDate=10%2F03%2F2026&endDate=11%2F03%2F2026®ionId=6060027) 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. ![](https://forever.travel-assets.com/flex/flexmanager/images/2026/02/06/expedia-sale-2026-desktop-uk-fr-de.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1400&h=600&q=mediumHigh) ## The Annual Holiday Sale Members save up to 40% on hotels and holiday homes. Plan this year’s big trip and save. [Book now](https://expedia.co.uk/cheap-deals?rfrr=DX-NH_SPRING_PROMO_6060027) ## Check Downtown Des Moines hotel availability [Tonight ](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6060027&startDate=2026-03-09&endDate=2026-03-10)[9 Mar - 10 Mar](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6060027&startDate=2026-03-09&endDate=2026-03-10) [Tomorrow night ](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6060027&startDate=2026-03-10&endDate=2026-03-11)[10 Mar - 11 Mar](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6060027&startDate=2026-03-10&endDate=2026-03-11) [This weekend ](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6060027&startDate=13%2F03%2F2026&endDate=15%2F03%2F2026)[13 Mar - 15 Mar](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6060027&startDate=13%2F03%2F2026&endDate=15%2F03%2F2026) [Next weekend ](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6060027&startDate=20%2F03%2F2026&endDate=22%2F03%2F2026)[20 Mar - 22 Mar](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6060027&startDate=20%2F03%2F2026&endDate=22%2F03%2F2026) --- ### Other neighbourhoods around Downtown Des Moines ![View into downtown from the Capitol Building. #capitol #desmoines #city #downtown](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/1065/607b74cc-d813-4d23-bb1e-516dbcef5c66.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium) ### 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. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Des-Moines-Court-Avenue-Entertainment-District.dx6170624) ![Western Gateway sunrise aerial looking downtown over Pappajohn Sculpture Park and Krause Gateway Center.](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/943633779787128832/6a18315e-1004-4aa8-9db4-df4436335dc5.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium) ### Western Gateway While visiting Western Gateway, you might make a stop by sights like John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park and Pappajohn Sculpture Park. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Des-Moines-Western-Gateway.dx943633779787128832) ![Historic East Village](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6170617/ebea9667-4252-4df6-8e4a-88c1c6460fd2.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium) ### 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. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Des-Moines-Historic-East-Village.dx6170617) ![Great, unique coffee joint in Des Moines. I love the vintage Midwest feel, old tin coka-cola signs and all. The snickers latte is worth a try or cool off with a Sioux City Sarsaparilla.](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/1065/dfa4efe1-572b-45b7-88a3-5585ce209258.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium) ### 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. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Des-Moines-Sherman-Hill.dx553248635976473805) ![Default Image](https://images.trvl-media.com/media/content/expus/graphics/deals/TE_Clouds_card_r1.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium) ### 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. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Des-Moines-Columbus-Park.dx897427496291811328) ![Default Image](https://images.trvl-media.com/media/content/expus/graphics/deals/TE_Clouds_card_r1.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium) ### 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. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Des-Moines-Woodland-Heights.dx897427645883760640) --- --- - [Stays](?pwaLob=wizard-hotel-pwa-v2) - [Packages](?pwaLob=wizard-package-pwa) - [Flights](?pwaLob=wizard-flight-pwa) - [Things to do](?pwaLob=wizard-lx-pwa) - [Cruises](?pwaLob=wizard-cruise-pwa) - [Cars](?pwaLob=wizard-car-pwa) # Downtown Des Moines Travel Guide ![](https://a.travel-assets.com/mad-service/footer/bnaBanners/BEX_Footer.jpg) ## Go further with the Expedia app Save on select hotels when you book in the app. Our app deals help you to save on trips so you can travel more and manage it all on the go. 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