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 lively festivals.
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 acclaimed theater scene.
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.
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.
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.
Downtown Des Moines Hotel Deals
Hotel Fort Des Moines, Curio Collection by Hilton
Great hotel! Excellent service
Reviewed on Apr 22, 2026
Des Lux Hotel
I had to extend my stay several times and the staff accommodated me just fine. Also the whirlpool, sauna and steam room and fitness/exercise rooms in the lower level are excellent [the sauna and steam weren't always on and heated up when I went down but maybe I was the first for the day = I didn't ...
Reviewed on Apr 20, 2026
Embassy Suites Hotel Des Moines Downtown
It was a nice stay but the room itself looked kinda in the older side. The lighting wasn’t the best but overall I had a great stay
Reviewed on Apr 20, 2026
Comfort Inn & Suites Event Center
Another great stay, everyone was super friendly
Reviewed on Apr 20, 2026
Holiday Inn Downtown - Mercy Area by IHG
Wasn’t aware the parking lot was blocked off until we got there. No AC in any rooms on arrival (staff trying to fix it). Think it was fixed, fan super loud.
Reviewed on Apr 18, 2026
Hyatt Place Des Moines/Downtown
Friendly staff. Rooms could use some updating.
Reviewed on Apr 20, 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 Terrace Hill.
