Downtown Des Moines Travel Guide
Tourist Guide
Visit Downtown Des Moines
Popular places to visit
Iowa Events Center
Learn about the events happening in Iowa Events Center during your trip to Des Moines. Experience the area's great live music and acclaimed theatre 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 acclaimed theatre scene and great live music.
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.
Our pick of the best Downtown Des Moines Hotel Deals
Hotel Fort Des Moines, Curio Collection by Hilton
Clean room, very stylish bathroom with lavender scented toiletries. I wish the facility had more moisture in the air because the ultra dry air gave me a low grade migraine but was very beautiful. I was there as a wedding guest. They offer very unique and preferred option for the guests like a social ...
Reviewed on 26 Mar 2026
Des Lux Hotel
Holiday Inn Downtown - Mercy Area by IHG
Distant parking lot due to “structural issues” of ramp. A/C was poor. Staff were friendly enough and accommodating
Reviewed on 26 Mar 2026
Embassy Suites Hotel Des Moines Downtown
Happy hour could have had the staff refill supplies quicker. To be fair the crowd was hungry.
Reviewed on 21 Mar 2026
Staybridge Suites Des Moines Downtown by IHG
It was close to the hospital/costs too much to park for what you have to pay for the room/staff was a tad rude
Reviewed on 25 Mar 2026
Hyatt Place Des Moines/Downtown
Please let me begin that I have been a Hyatt Rewards member for over two decades. Hyatt Hotels were a go-to”during my business and conference travels. Further, I have stayed at this property a number of times since its opening. I was amazed at the amount of wear and tear at this property. Wood trim ...
Reviewed on 26 Mar 2026
Other neighbourhoods around Downtown Des Moines
Court District
Travellers come to Court District for its abundant dining options, and you can see top attractions like Science Center of Iowa and Principal Park while you're in town.
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
When in Sherman Hill, you can plan a visit to Hoyt Sherman Place and 801 Grand, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.
Columbus Park
While Columbus Park may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Principal Park and Science Center of Iowa.
Woodland Heights
While Woodland Heights isn't home to many top sights, Hoyt Sherman Place and Better Homes and Gardens Test Garden are some notable places to visit nearby.
