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 city skyline with a river and a bridge.

Iowa Events Center

8.8/10 (573 reviews)
Learn about the events happening in Iowa Events Center during your trip to Des Moines. Experience the area's lively festivals and acclaimed theatre scene.
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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 ₹13,722 per night from 26 Jul to 27 Jul
₹13,722
₹15,369 total
26 Jul - 27 Jul
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! (1,223 reviews)
"Staff was friendly"

Reviewed on 13 Jul 2026

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
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ₹16,215 per night from 21 Jul to 22 Jul
₹16,215
₹18,161 total
21 Jul - 22 Jul
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! (1,084 reviews)
"The Bar is incredible and Sherry is the best Bartender in downtown Des Moines. Front Desk is unbelievably helpful always!"

Reviewed on 13 Jul 2026

Des Lux Hotel
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
The price is ₹11,276 per night from 26 Jul to 27 Jul
₹11,276
₹12,629 total
26 Jul - 27 Jul
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 ...
9/10 Wonderful! (476 reviews)
"I didn’t like how LOUD the room doors shut. I had a sleepless first night. The frontline moved me to a different floor and I was able to catch up on sleep that night. Staff is polite and understanding. Breakfast options and area were nice. No swimming pool! Make sure to pick a room with the river ..."

Reviewed on 13 Jul 2026

Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Des Moines Downtown
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 ₹13,293 per night from 22 Jul to 23 Jul
₹13,293
₹14,888 total
22 Jul - 23 Jul
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! (1,018 reviews)
"We were very impressed with the property (Hilton Embassy Suites) we stayed at in Des Moines."

Reviewed on 13 Jul 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 ₹10,810 per night from 22 Jul to 23 Jul
₹10,810
₹12,107 total
22 Jul - 23 Jul
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! (1,008 reviews)
"Great stay"

Reviewed on 13 Jul 2026

Holiday Inn Downtown - Mercy Area by IHG
Comfort Inn & Suites Event Center

Comfort Inn & Suites Event Center

2.5 out of 5
929 3rd St Des Moines IA
The price is ₹10,355 per night from 19 Jul to 20 Jul
₹10,355
₹11,598 total
19 Jul - 20 Jul
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! (1,017 reviews)
"Over all good experience. No hot pool though."

Reviewed on 13 Jul 2026

Comfort Inn & Suites Event Center
See all 834 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. Learn more about Downtown Des Moines
Learn more about Downtown Des Moines
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 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 Principal Park and Des Moines Civic Center while you're in town.

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.

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.

Downtown Des Moines Travel Guide

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