Downtown Des Moines Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

A cityscape with various buildings, including a tall skyscraper and several mid-rise structures.
A greenhouse with a geodesic dome roof, tropical plants, and a sandy pathway.
A multi-level atrium with a central staircase, suspended aircraft, and exhibits.
A park with a large building featuring a golden dome and a smaller dome, surrounded by trees and a clear blue sky.
A grand building with a large dome and two smaller domes, surrounded by lush greenery and tall grass.

Stay near popular Downtown Des Moines attractions

A bridge over a river with a clear blue sky.
Photo by Analyn Suan
Open Photo by Analyn Suan

Principal Park

8.6/10 (133 reviews)
Catch an event at Principal Park during your trip to Des Moines. Experience the area's lively festivals and acclaimed theatre scene.
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Our pick of the best Downtown Des Moines Hotel Deals

Hotel Fort Des Moines, Curio Collection by Hilton

Hotel Fort Des Moines, Curio Collection by Hilton

4.5 out of 5
1000 Walnut St Des Moines IA
The price is NZ$248 per night from 6 Sept to 7 Sept
NZ$248
6 Sept - 7 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury hotel in Des Moines. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
Hotel Fort Des Moines, Curio Collection by Hilton
Des Lux Hotel

Des Lux Hotel

3.5 out of 5
800 Locust St Des Moines IA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is NZ$289 per night from 3 Sept to 4 Sept
NZ$289
3 Sept - 4 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Des Moines. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the breakfast and the bar ...
Des Lux Hotel
Embassy Suites Hotel Des Moines Downtown

Embassy Suites Hotel Des Moines Downtown

3.5 out of 5
101 E Locust St Des Moines IA
The price is NZ$248 per night from 23 Aug to 24 Aug
NZ$248
23 Aug - 24 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Des Moines. Enjoy free breakfast, room service and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in their ...
Embassy Suites Hotel Des Moines Downtown
Holiday Inn Downtown - Mercy Area by IHG

Holiday Inn Downtown - Mercy Area by IHG

3 out of 5
1050 6th Ave Des Moines IA
The price is NZ$276 per night from 25 Aug to 26 Aug
NZ$276
25 Aug - 26 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Des Moines. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
7.6/10 Good! (1,005 reviews)
"Could use an update"

Reviewed on 15 Aug 2026

Holiday Inn Downtown - Mercy Area by IHG
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Des Moines Downtown by IHG

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Des Moines Downtown by IHG

2.5 out of 5
333 SW 11th St Des Moines IA
The price is NZ$245 per night from 24 Aug to 25 Aug
NZ$245
24 Aug - 25 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Des Moines. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Des Moines Downtown by IHG
Hilton Des Moines Downtown

Hilton Des Moines Downtown

3.5 out of 5
435 Park Street Des Moines IA
The price is NZ$287 per night from 25 Aug to 26 Aug
NZ$287
25 Aug - 26 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Des Moines. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
9/10 Wonderful! (999 reviews)
"Great service all around."

Reviewed on 12 Aug 2026

Hilton Des Moines Downtown
See all 837 properties in Downtown Des Moines
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Our guide on where to stay in Downtown Des Moines

Find the best Downtown Des Moines areas for the activities you enjoy most.
A city skyline at night with illuminated buildings and a prominent tower.
Photo by Ryan Brohm
Open Photo by Ryan Brohm

Court District

Travellers come to Court District for its abundant dining options, and you can see top attractions like Principal Park and Des Moines Civic Center while you're in town.

A sign reading "Historic East Village" with a clear blue sky and clouds in the background.

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.

The exterior and interior of Mars Cafe, featuring a brick facade, large windows, and a red interior with hanging lights and artwork.
Photo by Eric Mondres
Open Photo by Eric Mondres

Drake

While visiting Drake, you might make a stop by sights like Des Moines Community Playhouse and La Casa Cultural Center.

A calm lake surrounded by trees and a stone bridge.

Greater South Side

While there might not be top attractions in Greater South Side, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Gray’s Lake Park and Lauridsen Amphitheater.

A paved road flanked by trees and bushes, leading into the distance.
Photo by Emily Ruschill
Open Photo by Emily Ruschill

Southwestern Hills

Though Southwestern Hills may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Gray’s Lake Park and Lauridsen Amphitheater.

Downtown Des Moines Travel Guide

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