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 city skyline with a river and a bridge.

Iowa Events Center

8.8/5 (573 reviews)
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.
See properties

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$259 per night from 4 July to 5 July
NZ$259
4 July - 5 July
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 ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (1,203 reviews)
"In our room, the smoke detector flashed brightly all night long which was of course only noticeable with the lights out. The handle on the shower door was wobbly and should have been noticed by cleaning staff. The room design was odd. There was a Keurig-style coffee maker in the room which was snugged ..."

Reviewed on 27 June 2026

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
The price is NZ$284 per night from 1 July to 2 July
NZ$284
1 July - 2 July
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 ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (1,072 reviews)
"Great staff all the way around, wonderful morning breakfast served with a selection and plenty of room to dine. The hotel bar was excellent along with the lobby very well decorated and comfortable."

Reviewed on 25 June 2026

Des Lux Hotel
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Des Moines Downtown

Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Des Moines Downtown

4 out of 5
207 Crocker Street Des Moines IA
The price is NZ$182 per night from 12 July to 13 July
NZ$182
12 July - 13 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Des Moines. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their ...
9/10 Wonderful! (463 reviews)
"We arrived after 1am and unfortunately Hotels.com only allows to book based on date, meaning because it was after midnight, we technically couldn't check-in til 3pm and it was 1am. Fortunately, the front desk worked with us and found an open room and accommodated our night stay. This was during the ..."

Reviewed on 24 June 2026

Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott 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$254 per night from 30 June to 1 July
NZ$254
30 June - 1 July
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 ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,005 reviews)
"Very nice hotel close to the Casey’s Event Center. Thank you for the clean room and friendly atmosphere."

Reviewed on 23 June 2026

Holiday Inn Downtown - Mercy Area by IHG
Embassy Suites Hotel Des Moines Downtown

Embassy Suites Hotel Des Moines Downtown

3.5 out of 5
101 E Locust St Des Moines IA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is NZ$270 per night from 26 July to 27 July
NZ$270
26 July - 27 July
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 ...
8.2/10 Very good! (1,008 reviews)
"Great helpful staff and location!"

Reviewed on 27 June 2026

Embassy Suites Hotel Des Moines Downtown
Hilton Des Moines Downtown

Hilton Des Moines Downtown

3.5 out of 5
435 Park Street Des Moines IA
The price is NZ$300 per night from 6 July to 7 July
NZ$300
6 July - 7 July
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! (1,001 reviews)
"I was disappointed that there was no parking available even though it was advertised for this site. We had to park a ways away and the hotel didn't comp our parking expense. It wasn't a huge deal, just a disappointment. It was extremely noisy even into the early hours of the morning. We purchased ..."

Reviewed on 26 June 2026

Hilton Des Moines Downtown
See all 838 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 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.

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.

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 Knapp Center and Des Moines Community Playhouse.

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.

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.

Downtown Des Moines Travel Guide

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