Downtown Des Moines
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 acclaimed theater scene.
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 lively festivals 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.
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.
Downtown Des Moines Hotel Deals
Hotel Fort Des Moines, Curio Collection by Hilton
The hotel and staff were amazing. Loved the historic hotel with the modern updates. We will definitely stay again.
Reviewed on May 16, 2026
Des Lux Hotel
This is a great hotel with comfortable beds, clean rooms and a nice breakfast. There is some street noise, but it diminishes in the evening
Reviewed on May 14, 2026
Holiday Inn Downtown - Mercy Area by IHG
It was unfortunate that the parking lot was closed. There was not enough parking across the way & we didn’t feel like we could leave when we did find a place to park or we wouldn’t get another place when we came back. Our room was nice & the breakfast buffet was good. The vending machine on 5th floor ...
Reviewed on May 12, 2026
Embassy Suites Hotel Des Moines Downtown
Breakfast was good. The "Happy Hour" drinks were good. The snack options were not good during Happy Hour. Probably the worst i have had with Embassy Suites.
Reviewed on May 13, 2026
Comfort Inn & Suites Event Center
The place is pretty clean and quiet . Great location for a little getaway. Safe area btw
Reviewed on May 15, 2026
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Des Moines Downtown
The parking was easy in such a busy city and the woman at the desk was so nice and accommodating. My room was white glove clean. I’ll definitely stay there again!
Reviewed on May 13, 2026
Other neighbourhoods 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 Better Homes and Gardens Test Garden.
