Downtown Des Moines Travel Guide
Des Moines
Visit Downtown Des Moines
Popular places to visit
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 lively festivals.
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 acclaimed theatre scene.
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.
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.
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.
Top hotels in Downtown Des Moines
Hotel Fort Des Moines, Curio Collection by Hilton
The hotel is beautiful and I had the best night sleep.
Reviewed on 25 Apr 2026
Des Lux Hotel
Room was large and comfortable, great for a relaxing stay. Breakfast was reasonable and long hours were convenient. Would gladly stay again.
Reviewed on 26 Apr 2026
Embassy Suites Hotel Des Moines Downtown
It's getting dated and musty smelling
Reviewed on 25 Apr 2026
Holiday Inn Downtown - Mercy Area by IHG
Wasn’t aware the parking lot was blocked off until we got there. No AC in any rooms on arrival (staff trying to fix it). Think it was fixed, fan super loud.
Reviewed on 18 Apr 2026
Comfort Inn & Suites Event Center
Great location next to Event Center. We were there for a dance competition..great breakfast and large eating area. Small elevators but made it work. Great walkable area
Reviewed on 26 Apr 2026
Hyatt Place Des Moines/Downtown
Everything was in good condition. Front desk people were very attentive and nice.
Reviewed on 23 Apr 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 State Historical Museum of Iowa and Wooly's while you're in town.
Sherman Hill
When in Sherman Hill, you can plan a visit to Hoyt Sherman Place and 801 Grand, 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 Terrace Hill are some notable places to visit nearby.
