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.
Iowa Events Center
Learn about the events happening at Iowa Events Center during your trip to Des Moines. Experience the area's great live music and acclaimed theater scene.
Principal Park
Catch an event at Principal Park during your trip to Des Moines. Experience the area's lively festivals 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
Who rated this hotel 9.8? No bellman all during stay. Room had no radio/clock, no pen or notepad, no room service menu or breakfast door hanger. It did have toilet tissue equal to a good Motel 6 and nicely black colored grout in shower. Free Wi-Fi only if you signed up for Hilton app. Breakfast not ...
Reviewed on May 11, 2026
Des Lux Hotel
Everything was great, cleanliness, beautiful property. The breakfast was out of quite a few options and the coffee wasn’t working. But everything else was great!
Reviewed on May 11, 2026
Holiday Inn Downtown - Mercy Area by IHG
It was unfortunate that the parking lot was closed. There was not enough parking across the way & we didn’t feel like we could leave when we did find a place to park or we wouldn’t get another place when we came back. Our room was nice & the breakfast buffet was good. The vending machine on 5th floor ...
Reviewed on May 12, 2026
Embassy Suites Hotel Des Moines Downtown
Good
Reviewed on May 5, 2026
Comfort Inn & Suites Event Center
Parking was great & even happier that it was free to park! Breakfast was ok, typical breakfast but nothing fancy. However it was nice that it was included. Room was fabulous!
Reviewed on May 11, 2026
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Des Moines Downtown
This is the perfect location if you’re planning to attend anything at the Casey’s Center. Bar and outdoor patio were perfect for after the concert. Only downside is the beds were awful, hard as a rock.
Reviewed on May 10, 2026
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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 Temple Theater and John and Mary 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 Temple Theater.
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 Better Homes and Gardens Test Garden.
