Downtown Des Moines Travel Guide
Des Moines
Visit Downtown Des Moines
Popular places to visit
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 lively festivals and great live music.
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.
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.
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.
Iowa Women of Achievement Bridge
Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Iowa Women of Achievement Bridge during your travels in Des Moines. Experience the area's acclaimed theatre scene or attend a sporting event.
Top hotels in Downtown Des Moines
Hotel Fort Des Moines, Curio Collection by Hilton
Excellent stay as always! Amazing bar/speakeasy.
Reviewed on 23 Nov 2025
Des Lux Hotel
This hotel is absolutely beautiful. The most aesthetically pleasing place I've ever stayed. Everything was perfectly clean and the staff was super friendly and helpful. Best hotel breakfast I've had since pre-covid. I would have expected to pay much more for how lovely this place is. Cannot recommend ...
Reviewed on 25 Nov 2025
Holiday Inn Downtown - Mercy Area by IHG
Hotel was good option for walking to Casey Center for Paul McCartney concert. Lobby was filled with concert goers end of evening, and it took hotel over 30 minutes to open stairwell. People were piled up in lobby, security was nowhere to be found, and front desk didn't have keys to open stairwell. ...
Reviewed on 16 Nov 2025
Hyatt Place Des Moines/Downtown
The room was very clean amd we had more an amazing stay
Reviewed on 28 Nov 2025
Embassy Suites Hotel Des Moines Downtown
Yes, but the rooms need a little updating and touch up on worn furniture. The sink in 606 has a large crack in it too. Otherwise good.
Reviewed on 26 Nov 2025
Residence Inn Des Moines Downtown
Clean room, quiet, excellent breakfast.
Reviewed on 24 Nov 2025
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 Wooly's and Iowa State Capitol Building 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.
Downtown Des Moines Travel Guide
- Places of interest
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Choose Your Downtown Des Moines Hotel Style
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Hotels Near Downtown Des Moines, Des Moines
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