Downtown Des Moines Travel Guide
Tourist Guide
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.
Principal Park
Catch an event at Principal Park during your trip to Des Moines. Experience the area's great live music and lively festivals.
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.
Jordan Creek Town Center
You can do some window-shopping at Jordan Creek Town Center during your visit to West Des Moines. Experience the area's acclaimed theatre scene or attend a sporting event.
Iowa State Fairgrounds
Enjoy an outing to Iowa State Fairgrounds during your stay in Des Moines. Experience the area's lively festivals or attend a sporting event.
Our pick of the best Downtown Des Moines Hotel Deals
Hotel Fort Des Moines, Curio Collection by Hilton
Very nice hotel.
Reviewed on 12 Jan 2026
Des Lux Hotel
Loved it
Reviewed on 18 Jan 2026
Embassy Suites Hotel Des Moines Downtown
Didn't like the parking situation.
Reviewed on 19 Jan 2026
Staybridge Suites Des Moines Downtown by IHG
Staff was very nice and helpful. On-site parking was easy to use. Room worked perfectly for our stay.
Reviewed on 15 Jan 2026
Surety Hotel, Autograph Collection
Great Staff !
Reviewed on 1 Jan 2026
Hampton Inn & Suites Des Moines Downtown
Breakfast buffet was wonderful. The mattress was terrible and the pool was very cold.
Reviewed on 20 Jan 2026
Check Downtown Des Moines hotel availability
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 John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park are some notable places to visit nearby.
