Downtown Des Moines
Des Moines
Visit Downtown Des Moines
Popular places to visit
Iowa Events Center
Learn about the events happening in Iowa Events Center during your trip to Des Moines. Experience the area's lively festivals and acclaimed theatre 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 great live music and acclaimed theatre 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.
Top hotels in Downtown Des Moines
Hotel Fort Des Moines, Curio Collection by Hilton
This hotel is so gorgeous!! I love the statues, how historical it is, the thought put into decorating everywhere. The room was gorgeous and the bed was super comfortable! The speakeasy in the hotel is also a really cool thing. The drinks were good, they had non-alcoholic cocktails for sober friends, ...
Reviewed on 2 Mar 2026
Des Lux Hotel
Ambience is fun and eclectic, staff are helpful and nice, continental breakfast has a lot of variety, beds are comfortable, pillows soft and supportive, and the shower is wonderful. To top it off, the bathroom is had the most counter space I've ever had at a hotel and I LOVED it!!!
Reviewed on 2 Mar 2026
Holiday Inn Downtown - Mercy Area by IHG
The parking was inconvenient. We had to park across the street from hotel and there was no good notification of this.
Reviewed on 4 Mar 2026
Embassy Suites Hotel Des Moines Downtown
Valet damaged my car manger still hasn’t returned my calls. Disappointing… room was pretty out dated. With that kind of customer service I won’t be returning.
Reviewed on 3 Mar 2026
Hyatt Place Des Moines/Downtown
Had an issue with the inside metal lock when the door slammed shut it moved the metal and we we unable to enter back in the room until maintenance came. Unfortunately, maintenance was off premises and took an hour for him to arrive. He was awesome though! He taped the metal so it would not happen ...
Reviewed on 4 Mar 2026
Surety Hotel, Autograph Collection
Great hotel! Amazing restaurant!
Reviewed on 22 Feb 2026
Check Downtown Des Moines hotel availability
Other neighbourhoods around Downtown Des Moines
Court District
Travellers come to Court District for its abundant dining options, and you can see top attractions like Science Center of Iowa and Principal Park while you're in town.
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
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.
Sherman Hill
When in Sherman Hill, you can plan a visit to Hoyt Sherman Place and John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.
Columbus Park
While Columbus Park may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Principal Park and Science Center of Iowa.
Woodland Heights
While Woodland Heights isn't home to many top sights, Hoyt Sherman Place and John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park are some notable places to visit nearby.
