Downtown Des Moines
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 great live music and lively festivals.
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.
Adventureland
Bring the family to Adventureland and enjoy this exciting amusement park in Altoona. Experience the area's lively festivals and great live music.
Top hotels in Downtown Des Moines
Hotel Fort Des Moines, Curio Collection by Hilton
Clean, friendly staff, great atmosphere
Reviewed on Dec 21, 2025
Des Lux Hotel
Beautiful hotel!
Reviewed on Dec 20, 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 Nov 16, 2025
Hyatt Place Des Moines/Downtown
Good food, comfortable room, and solid customer service.
Reviewed on Dec 8, 2025
Residence Inn Des Moines Downtown
Nice front desk staff. Large room. King-size bed was comfortable. Water pressure in the shower was good, although I had to run the water quite a while before it became hot. Having a kitchen was very helpful. I appreciated the full-size refrigerator and the dishes in the cupboards. The TV in the living ...
Reviewed on Dec 8, 2025
Staybridge Suites Des Moines Downtown by IHG
Clean room and great location.
Reviewed on Dec 21, 2025
Other neighbourhoods around Downtown Des Moines
Court District
Court District is known for its ample dining options, and you can make a stop by Science Center of Iowa and Principal Park while in the area.
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
If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Sherman Hill and surrounding area, you can visit Hoyt Sherman Place and John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park.
Columbus Park
Though Columbus Park might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Principal Park and Science Center of Iowa.
Woodland Heights
While Woodland Heights might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Hoyt Sherman Place and John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park.
