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 bridge over a river with a clear blue sky.
Photo by Analyn Suan
Open Photo by Analyn Suan

Principal Park

8.6/10 (133 reviews)
Catch an event at Principal Park during your trip to Des Moines. Experience the area's acclaimed theatre scene and lively festivals.
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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 £134 per night from 23 Aug to 24 Aug
£134
23 Aug - 24 Aug
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 ...
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 £141 per night from 1 Sept to 2 Sept
£141
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! (1,090 reviews)
"We had a wonderful stay here despite having some plumping issues in the first room we were given. Upon notifying staff of the issues we were having, we got upgraded to a larger room at no cost. The staff were incredibly helpful and understanding. Both rooms were nice and clean. The free breakfast ..."

Reviewed on 2 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 £108 per night from 24 Aug to 25 Aug
£108
24 Aug - 25 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 ...
8.2/10 Very good! (1,008 reviews)
"Great Hotel!!"

Reviewed on 1 Aug 2026

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
The price is £120 per night from 23 Aug to 24 Aug
£120
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! (1,009 reviews)
"This property was very much a disappointment"

Reviewed on 3 Aug 2026

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

Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Des Moines Downtown

4 out of 5
207 Crocker Street Des Moines IA
Fully refundable
The price is £80 per night from 30 Aug to 31 Aug
£80
30 Aug - 31 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Des Moines. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their ...
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Des Moines 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 £84 per night from 23 Aug to 24 Aug
£84
23 Aug - 24 Aug
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! (1,004 reviews)
"Very good"

Reviewed on 3 Aug 2026

Comfort Inn & Suites Event Center
See all 849 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 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 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 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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