Downtown Des Moines, IA
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 great live music and acclaimed theater scene.
Iowa State Capitol Building
After visiting Iowa State Capitol Building, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Des Moines. Experience the area's lively festivals and acclaimed theater scene.
Principal Park
Catch an event at Principal Park during your trip to Des Moines. Experience the area's acclaimed theater scene and great live music.
Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
Explore the great outdoors at Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden, a lovely green space in Des Moines. Experience the area's lively festivals or attend a sporting event.
John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park
Explore the great outdoors at John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park, a lovely green space in Des Moines. Experience the area's acclaimed theater scene or attend a sporting event.
State Historical Museum of Iowa
You can spend an afternoon exploring the galleries in State Historical Museum of Iowa in Des Moines. Experience the area's lively festivals and great live music.
Downtown Des Moines Hotel Deals
Hotel Fort Des Moines, Curio Collection by Hilton
Very cool hotel. Friendly staff and nice rooms. Our shower drain was not maintained well but that was the only issue.
Reviewed on 29 March 2026
Des Lux Hotel
Mary was wonderful at check in and check out! The barista made wonderful craft drinks but wasn’t happy about being the only bar tender for the night. The chips in our room were expired. Breakfast had lots of options except no coffee :( Will for sure give it another go!
Reviewed on 29 March 2026
Holiday Inn Downtown - Mercy Area by IHG
Didn’t see it
Reviewed on 27 March 2026
Embassy Suites Hotel Des Moines Downtown
Breakfast was good
Reviewed on 30 March 2026
Staybridge Suites Des Moines Downtown by IHG
It was fine
Reviewed on 28 March 2026
Hyatt Place Des Moines/Downtown
Hotel definitely needs updating. Room was clean but definitely had seen better days. Bed and pillow were awful - pillows were flat and bed had dip in the middle. Thermostat in room wasn’t working - was uncomfortably warm without even a fan during the stay.
Reviewed on 29 March 2026
Check Downtown Des Moines hotel availability
Other neighborhoods 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
Directly east of Downtown Des Moines, this nationally recognized historic district boasts the Iowa State Capitol complex, State of Iowa Historical Museum, and Des Moines Botanical Gardens. Explore eateries, boutique shops, and loft-style housing in its charming structures.
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 801 Grand.
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.