Downtown Des Moines, IA

Des Moines

State Historical Society of Iowa Museum which includes landscape views, a skyscraper and a city
Des Moines Botanical Center showing interior views and a park
State Historical Society of Iowa Museum showing interior views
Iowa State Capitol Building featuring a garden and heritage architecture
Iowa State Capitol Building which includes a park and heritage architecture

Popular places to visit

Brigde

Principal Park

4.5/5(62 reviews)

Catch an event at Principal Park during your trip to Des Moines. Experience the area's lively festivals and great live music.

Principal Park
Iowa State Capitol Building which includes a statue or sculpture

Iowa State Capitol Building

4.5/5(194 reviews)

A city landmark, this interesting building showcases design and architectural features that created a grand impression in the late 1800s and still inspire today.

Iowa State Capitol Building
Des Moines Botanical Center showing interior views and a park

Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden

4.5/5(115 reviews)

Experience the tropics in an indoor garden oasis nearly 100 years old alongside a meandering river in this Midwestern city.

Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park featuring outdoor art, a city and a park

John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park

5/5(3 reviews)

Whimsical, entertaining and provocative can easily describe the artwork at this outdoor gallery that provides new meaning and life to sculptures.

John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park
State Historical Society of Iowa Museum which includes interior views

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.

State Historical Museum of Iowa
Falls underneath the Women of Achievement Bridge

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.

Iowa Women of Achievement Bridge

Downtown Des Moines Hotel Deals

Hotel Fort Des Moines, Curio Collection by Hilton

Hotel Fort Des Moines, Curio Collection by Hilton

4.5 out of 5
1000 Walnut St, Des Moines, IA
$139 nightly
The price is $155 total per night from Nov 2 to Nov 3
$155 total
Nov 2 - Nov 3
Total with taxes and fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Des Moines. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,015 reviews)
"One of my favorite places to stay. The room is clean and comfy always. Wonderful atmosphere."

Reviewed on Oct 14, 2025

Hotel Fort Des Moines, Curio Collection by Hilton
Des Lux Hotel

Des Lux Hotel

3.5 out of 5
800 Locust St, Des Moines, IA
$169 nightly
The price is $189 total per night from Oct 26 to Oct 27
$189 total
Oct 26 - Oct 27
Total with taxes and fees
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Des Moines. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the breakfast and ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (1,027 reviews)
"Funky yet beautiful stay!!!!"

Reviewed on Oct 18, 2025

Des Lux Hotel
Holiday Inn Downtown - Mercy Area by IHG

Holiday Inn Downtown - Mercy Area by IHG

3 out of 5
1050 6th Ave, Des Moines, IA
$116 nightly
The price is $130 total per night from Oct 28 to Oct 29
$130 total
Oct 28 - Oct 29
Total with taxes and fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Des Moines. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,024 reviews)
"Smoke detector in the room went off due to the steam from the shower. Little out dated, but over not bad. Great location for the show at the Caseys Center."

Reviewed on Oct 16, 2025

Holiday Inn Downtown - Mercy Area by IHG
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Des Moines Downtown by IHG

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Des Moines Downtown by IHG

2.5 out of 5
333 SW 11th St, Des Moines, IA
$122 nightly
The price is $137 total per night from Oct 26 to Oct 27
$137 total
Oct 26 - Oct 27
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Des Moines. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (945 reviews)
"This was our last stop on the way from Denver to Chicago. The room was generously sized, and very clean. Parking was convenient and seemed secure. There was an internet issue while we were there, so it was unreliable, but at least signs were posted everywhere to let us know when we checked in. Pool ..."

Reviewed on Oct 19, 2025

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Des Moines Downtown by IHG
Hilton Des Moines Downtown

Hilton Des Moines Downtown

3.5 out of 5
435 Park Street, Des Moines, IA
$151 nightly
The price is $169 total per night from Nov 6 to Nov 7
$169 total
Nov 6 - Nov 7
Total with taxes and fees
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Des Moines. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the helpful ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,012 reviews)
"Clean rooms and helpful staff"

Reviewed on Oct 18, 2025

Hilton Des Moines Downtown
Comfort Inn & Suites Event Center

Comfort Inn & Suites Event Center

2.5 out of 5
929 3rd St, Des Moines, IA
$91 nightly
The price is $102 total per night from Nov 7 to Nov 8
$102 total
Nov 7 - Nov 8
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Des Moines. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,033 reviews)
"Friendly staff/clean room/ nice breakfast"

Reviewed on Oct 18, 2025

Comfort Inn & Suites Event Center
See all 774 properties in Downtown Des Moines
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighborhoods around Downtown Des Moines

View into downtown from the Capitol Building. #capitol #desmoines #city #downtown

Court District

Court District is known for its ample dining options, and you can make a stop by Science Center of Iowa and Des Moines' Downtown Farmers' Market while in the area.

Court District
John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park featuring outdoor art, a city and a park

Western Gateway

While visiting Western Gateway, you might make a stop by sights like John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park and Pappajohn Sculpture Park.

Western Gateway
Historic East Village

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.

Historic East Village
Great, unique coffee joint in Des Moines. I love the vintage Midwest feel, old tin coka-cola signs and all. The snickers latte is worth a try or cool off with a Sioux City Sarsaparilla.

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.

Sherman Hill
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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.

Columbus Park
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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.

Woodland Heights
See our Where To Stay guide

Downtown Des Moines, IA

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