Downtown Des Moines
Des Moines
Visit Downtown Des Moines
Popular places to visit
Iowa Events Center
Learn about the events happening at Iowa Events Center during your trip to Des Moines. Experience the area's lively festivals and acclaimed theater scene.
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 theater 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.
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.
Top hotels in Downtown Des Moines
Hotel Fort Des Moines, Curio Collection by Hilton
The room was very clean
Reviewed on Feb 5, 2026
Des Lux Hotel
The front desk lady was very nice and helpful! This was one of my favorite places to stay. So thank you all.
Reviewed on Feb 6, 2026
Embassy Suites Hotel Des Moines Downtown
Wonderful like always
Reviewed on Jan 24, 2026
Surety Hotel, Autograph Collection
Beautiful, clean rooms. Excellent customer service.
Reviewed on Jan 25, 2026
Holiday Inn Downtown - Mercy Area by IHG
Clean room
Reviewed on Dec 29, 2025
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Des Moines Downtown by IHG
Breakfast was great, all the staff was friendly and helpful. Great and safe location, clean and very comfortable rooms. Would stay again.
Reviewed on Jan 26, 2026
Check Downtown Des Moines hotel availability
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.
