Downtown Des Moines
Des Moines
Visit Downtown Des Moines
Popular places to visit
Principal Park
Catch an event at Principal Park during your trip to Des Moines. Experience the area's lively festivals and great live music.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 theater scene or attend a sporting event.
Top hotels in Downtown Des Moines
Hotel Fort Des Moines, Curio Collection by Hilton
Shower door wouldn't stay closed
Reviewed on Nov 10, 2025
Des Lux Hotel
This hotel is so beautiful. It feels so lux and fancy cut very approachable and welcoming. The rooms are plush and cozy (and clean.) The staff is friendly and professional and rhe amenities are very nice.
Reviewed on Nov 9, 2025
Holiday Inn Downtown - Mercy Area by IHG
Very clean
Reviewed on Nov 8, 2025
Comfort Inn & Suites Event Center
Staff very sweet friendly
Reviewed on Nov 9, 2025
Hyatt Place Des Moines/Downtown
Excellent breakfast. Very friendly and helpful staff
Reviewed on Nov 10, 2025
Hilton Des Moines Downtown
Awesome hotel amenities, really easy check in process! Great hotel bar.
Reviewed on Nov 9, 2025
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 State Historical Museum of Iowa and Wooly's 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.
