What to do in Iowa City, IA

Activities, attractions and tours

Iowa Museum of Natural History featuring an administrative building and heritage architecture
Iowa Museum of Natural History featuring an administrative building and heritage architecture
Old Capitol Museum which includes interior views
Iowa City
Iowa Museum of Natural History showing interior views

Iowa City Attractions

Let Expedia help you experience the best that Iowa City has to offer! If you’re looking for fun itinerary ideas, we can provide you with a list of the top sightseeing attractions, as well as helping you to find unmissable activities. Whether you’re travelling with your family, planning a romantic trip with your loved one, or visiting on business, we’ll make it easy to plan an unforgettable holiday that checks all the boxes.

Activities and Tours

Iowa City is crammed with must-see places to visit and things to do. We can help you decide where to stay, and make it a breeze to explore the surrounding areas with our guides on where to go, what to see and when to see it. No matter how long your stay, it’s easy to find places of interest in Iowa City to make sure that you enjoy your experience to the fullest and don’t miss a thing. Leave the local knowledge to us and leave the hassle behind.

If you’re planning a visit, why not check out our handy guides to places of interest in the area? You can browse lists of things to do, learn about the most popular attractions, and get help with planning the details of your trip. Expedia makes it easy for you to check out all the top sights.

Iowa City Attractions

Expedia has something for everyone, so whether you’re planning to get active on a summer holiday, put a spring in your step with a romantic rendezvous, or pamper yourself with a leisurely winter trip, you’ll find plenty of attractions to keep you entertained. In addition to scheduling local tours, booking reservations and scoring advance event tickets, Expedia makes it easy to book your flight, hotel and rental car in advance, all on one consolidated travel itinerary, making for hassle-free travel and freeing you up to explore the sights of Iowa City.

Looking for things to do can be time consuming, but we can take the hassle out of planning your holiday. Whether you’re looking to get active in the great outdoors, sample the cuisine or catch up with the vibrant local culture, our guides to Iowa City attractions ensure that you’ll have a successful trip, whatever the season.

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Recommended things to do in Iowa City

Number of things to do
1
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
Self-Guided Iowa Scavenger Hunt: City of Literature: CA $17
Top 5 things to do
Half-day tours
With kids

What to do in Iowa City

Discover the most popular places to visit in Iowa City

The Old Iowa Capitol

University of Iowa

5/5(6 reviews)

Explore the campus of University of Iowa, during your trip to Iowa City. You can attend a sporting event while in the area.

University of Iowa
U of iowa

University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics

5/5(1 review)

Though University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics might be what brings you to town, perhaps you'll have a chance to explore more of Iowa City while you are here.

University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics
Old Capitol Museum showing a park, a city and an administrative building

Old Capitol Museum

5/5(1 review)

Gaze up at the emblematic golden dome that tops the roof of a historic building containing the region’s cultural gems.

Old Capitol Museum
The old Capitol Building and museum in Iowa City, Iowa, USA.

Iowa Old Capitol Building

You can find out about the history of Iowa City with a trip to Iowa Old Capitol Building. You can attend a sporting event while in the area.

Iowa Old Capitol Building
Iowa Museum of Natural History featuring interior views

University of Iowa Museum of Natural History

Marvel at a gigantic whale skeleton, see an impressive cyclorama of a Hawaiian bird island and spot the giant panda.

University of Iowa Museum of Natural History

Kinnick Stadium

5/5(1 review)

Catch an event at Kinnick Stadium during your trip to Iowa City. You can attend a sporting event while in the area.

Kinnick Stadium

Carver-Hawkeye Arena

Catch an event at Carver-Hawkeye Arena during your trip to Iowa City. Attend a sporting event or simply enjoy the top-notch restaurants while you're in the area.

Carver-Hawkeye Arena

Mercy Hospital

Though Mercy Hospital might be what brings you to town, perhaps you'll have a chance to explore more of Iowa City while you are here.

Mercy Hospital

The Englert Theater

You can enjoy a show at The Englert Theater during your stay in Iowa City. You can attend a sporting event while in the area.

The Englert Theater

Explore areas of Iowa City

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Downtown

If you're spending some time in Downtown, Iowa City Public Library and The Englert Theater are top sights worth seeing.

Downtown
American football ball with Iowa flag on green grass background, close up

University Heights

When in University Heights, you can plan a visit to Kinnick Stadium and Carver-Hawkeye Arena, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

University Heights
The first Capitol of the state of Iowa, before it was moved to Des Moines. Now part of the University of Iowa campus, Go Hawkeyes!!

Mann

5/5(1 area review)

If you're spending some time in Mann, Iowa Old Capitol Building and Old Capitol Museum are top sights worth seeing.

Mann
The City Of Cedar Rapids

Twain

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Twain and surrounding area, you can visit Pleasant Valley Golf Course and Iowa City Public Library.

Twain
Cedar Rapids, Iowa, USA Cityscape on the Cedar River

Weber

5/5(1 area review)

While visiting Weber, you might make a stop by sights like Frytown Conservation Area and Redbird Farms Wildlife Area.

Weber
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Miller Orchard

While there might not be top attractions in Miller Orchard, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Kinnick Stadium and Old Capitol Museum.

Miller Orchard

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Day trip destinations from Iowa City

Fishermen on a boat at Lake McBride after sunset

Coralville

An Amish covered buggy travels the barren country roads of Davis County, Iowa on late-winter afternoon in slow motion.

Kalona

Frequently asked questions

Is Iowa City worth visiting?
One of the most popular things to do in Iowa City is explore The Englert Theatre. Tick this leading attraction off your agenda, then experience more of the area's cycling and walking trails.
How do I spend a day in Iowa City?
Once you've checked off top attractions like Old Capitol Museum and Iowa Avenue Literary Walk, spend some time enjoying Iowa City's shopping and dining scene.
What is the top tourist attraction in Iowa City?
The Englert Theatre is one of the top tourist attractions in Iowa City and deserves a spot on every must-do list of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Iowa City?
Three days in Iowa City is more than enough to visit the city's leading attractions. Many travellers spend two days on average. The Englert Theatre, Old Capitol Museum and Iowa Avenue Literary Walk are highly rated sights. Want to discover more? Stick around a little longer to explore nearby hotspots like Cedar Rapids.
Is Iowa City a walkable city?
Some key attractions in Iowa City, including The Englert Theatre and Old Capitol Museum, are within walking distance. You can also explore several of the city's popular neighbourhoods on foot. Just 2 kilometres from central Iowa City is Mann and Northside is 0.64 kilometres away.
What are some activities to do in Iowa City with kids?
Whether you're vacationing with young explorers or playful teenagers, a fun-filled itinerary sets the tone for a great escape. Take a look at our ideas for what to do in Iowa City with kids.
What to do in Iowa City for adults?
Whether you're a culture enthusiast, food lover or outdoor explorer, there's a range of things to do in Iowa City for adults.
Are there free things to do in Iowa City?
One of the best ways to find free things to do in Iowa City is to chat to a local tour guide. You'll get insider recommendations on exciting neighbourhoods, parks and other top attractions you can enjoy without getting your cash out. Old Capitol Museum is one sight that doesn't have an entrance fee.

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