What to do in Iowa City, IA

Activities, attractions and tours

Iowa Museum of Natural History featuring an administrative building and heritage architecture
Old Capitol Museum which includes interior views
Iowa City
Iowa Museum of Natural History featuring interior views
Iowa City

Iowa City Attractions

Let Expedia help you to experience the best that Iowa City has to offer! If you’re planning a trip to Iowa City, we can provide you with a list of the top sightseeing attractions, as well as helping you to find unmissable activities. Whether you’re travelling to Iowa City with your family, planning a romantic trip with your loved one, or visiting on business, we’ll make it easy to plan an unforgettable holiday that checks all the boxes.

Places of interest in Iowa City

Iowa City is crammed with must-see places to visit and things to do. We can help you decide where to stay in Iowa City, and make it a breeze to explore Iowa City and the surrounding areas with our guides on where to go, what to see and when to see it. No matter how long your stay, it’s easy to find places of interest in Iowa City to make sure that you enjoy your holiday to the fullest and don’t miss a thing. Leave the local knowledge to us and leave the hassle behind.

If you’re planning a visit to Iowa City, why not check out our handy guides to places of interest in the area? You can browse lists of things to do, learn about the most popular attractions, and get help with planning the details of your trip. Expedia makes it easy for you to check out all the top sights in Iowa City.

Iowa City attractions

Iowa City has something for everyone, so whether you’re planning to get active on a summer holiday, put a spring in your step with a romantic rendezvous, or pamper yourself with a leisurely winter trip, you’ll find plenty of attractions in Iowa City to keep you entertained. Expedia makes it easy to book your flight, hotel and rental car in advance, making for hassle-free travel and freeing you up to explore the sights of Iowa City.

Looking for things to do in Iowa City can be time-consuming, but we can take the hassle out of planning your holiday. Whether you’re looking to get active in the great outdoors, sample the cuisine of Iowa City or catch up with the vibrant local culture, our guides to Iowa City attractions ensure that you’ll have a successful trip, whatever the season. Happy trails!

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Recommended things to do in Iowa City

Number of things to do
1
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
Self-Guided Iowa Scavenger Hunt: City of Literature: £10
Top 5 things to do
Half-day tours
With kids

What to do in Iowa City

Popular places to visit

Old Capitol Museum featuring a city, an administrative building and heritage architecture

Old Capitol Museum

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

Old Capitol Museum
Iowa Museum of Natural History featuring interior views

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.

University of Iowa Museum of Natural History
Iowa Old Capitol Building

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.

Iowa Old Capitol Building

University of Iowa

Enjoy the student vibe when you visit University of Iowa during your trip to Iowa City. You can attend a sporting event while in the area.

University of Iowa

Kinnick Stadium

Catch an event at Kinnick Stadium during your trip to Iowa City. You can attend a sporting event while in the area.

Kinnick Stadium

University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics

If University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics is what brings you to town, hopefully you'll have a chance to explore more of Iowa City.

University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics

Carver-Hawkeye Arena

Catch an event at Carver-Hawkeye Arena during your trip to Iowa City. Attend a sporting event or simply enjoy the top-notch restaurants while you're in the area.

Carver-Hawkeye Arena

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.

The Englert Theater

Mercy Hospital

If Mercy Hospital is what brings you to town, hopefully you'll have a chance to explore more of Iowa City.

Mercy Hospital

Explore areas of Iowa City

Iowa Museum of Natural History featuring an administrative building, a park and heritage architecture

Mann

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

Mann
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Twain

While there might not be top attractions in Twain, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Pleasant Valley Golf Course and Iowa City Public Library.

Twain
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University Heights

While there might not be top attractions in University Heights, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Finkbine Golf Course and Kinnick Stadium.

University Heights
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Weber

5/5(1 area review)

While visiting Weber, you might make a stop by sights like Redbird Farms Wildlife Area and Frytown Conservation Area.

Weber
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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.

Northside
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Lincoln

While Lincoln may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Devonian Fossil Gorge and Xtream Arena & GreenState Family Fieldhouse.

Lincoln

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Frequently asked questions

Is Iowa City worth visiting?
One of the most popular things to do in Iowa City is explore The Englert Theatre. Tick this leading attraction off your agenda, then experience more of the area's cycling and walking trails.
How do I spend a day in Iowa City?
Once you've checked off top attractions like Old Capitol Museum and Iowa Avenue Literary Walk, spend some time enjoying Iowa City's shopping and dining scene.
What is the top tourist attraction in Iowa City?
The Englert Theatre is one of the top tourist attractions in Iowa City and deserves a spot on every must-do list of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Iowa City?
Three days in Iowa City is more than enough to visit the city's leading attractions. Many travellers spend two days on average. The Englert Theatre, Old Capitol Museum and Iowa Avenue Literary Walk are highly rated sights. Want to discover more? Stick around a little longer to explore nearby hotspots like Cedar Rapids.
Is Iowa City a walkable city?
Some key attractions in Iowa City, including The Englert Theatre and Old Capitol Museum, are within walking distance. You can also explore several of the city's popular neighbourhoods on foot. Just 2 kms (1 mile) from central Iowa City is Mann and Northside is 0.64 kms (0.40 miles) away.
What are some activities to do in Iowa City with kids?
Whether you're holidaying with young explorers or playful teenagers, a fun-filled itinerary sets the tone for a great escape. Take a look at our ideas for what to do in Iowa City with kids.
What to do in Iowa City for adults?
Whether you're a culture enthusiast, food lover or outdoor explorer, there's a range of things to do in Iowa City for adults.
Are there free things to do in Iowa City?
One of the best ways to find free things to do in Iowa City is to chat to a local tour guide. You'll get insider recommendations on exciting neighbourhoods, parks and other top attractions you can enjoy without getting your cash out. Old Capitol Museum is one sight that doesn't have an entrance fee.