Downtown Des Moines, IA
Des Moines
Visit Downtown Des Moines
Popular places to visit
Principal Park
Catch an event at Principal Park during your trip to Des Moines. Experience the area's lively festivals and great live music.
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.
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.
Iowa Women of Achievement Bridge
Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Iowa Women of Achievement Bridge during your travels in Des Moines. Experience the area's lively festivals or attend a sporting event.
Downtown Des Moines Hotel Deals
Hotel Fort Des Moines, Curio Collection by Hilton
Yes
Reviewed on Nov 5, 2025
Des Lux Hotel
Room was amazing. Amenities was amazing. Décor was beautiful. This hotel is a 10/10
Reviewed on Nov 2, 2025
Holiday Inn Downtown - Mercy Area by IHG
It was a nice motel, the parking was undergoing construction. So by the time we got our things packed up into the car, we didn't have time or the desire to walk back in for breakfast. Not the motels fault.
Reviewed on Oct 31, 2025
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Des Moines Downtown by IHG
Great hotel and excellent staff
Reviewed on Oct 27, 2025
Comfort Inn & Suites Event Center
Great breakfast, wonderful staff, and a great view of the capitol and the river.
Reviewed on Nov 2, 2025
Hyatt Place Des Moines/Downtown
Great room for a great rate. Check in/out and parking was easy, great breakfast.
Reviewed on Nov 2, 2025
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 John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park.
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 John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park.
