Iowa City, IA

Travel Guide
Old Capitol Museum showing interior views
Iowa’s former state capital is an exciting cultural destination with a Literary Walk, museums, theaters and festivals to enjoy.

With its annual book festival and writing programs that have produced dozens of great authors, many of themhonored in a “walk of fame,” Iowa City is a UNESCO City of Literature. Find different entertainment in itsNorthside Marketplace, downtown venues and riverside parks.

About 70,000 people call Iowa City home. Many of the residents have ties to the local university and its hospital.The University of Iowa was the state’s gift to the city when it was decided that Des Moines would replace Iowaas the state capital in 1857.

It’s easy to explore Iowa City on foot. Use public buses to venture beyond the downtown district or hop aboard a free Cambus totravel between major university destinations. If you are driving, selected lots in the central area have free parking for the first hour.Bike trails weave in and out of the city taking you to and from points of interest, dining and entertainment. Eastern Iowa Airport islocated 20 miles (30 kilometers) north in Cedar Rapids.

Admire the exhibits in various locations from the University of Iowa Museum of Art called UIMA or explore theOld Capitol Building to see where the state government used to meet. Let the children run free at the Iowa Children’s Museum or the playground in City Plaza, or “Ped Mall.” Live music almost every Friday and Saturday on the “Ped Mall”along with festivals sprinkled throughout the year.

John Irving and Flannery O’Connor are among the famous writers that were graduates from the University ofIowa’s prestigious Writers’ Workshop. Follow Iowa Avenue’s Literary Walk to read plaques dedicated to 49writers of fame. Kids can swap a book at Little Free Libraries tiny public book deposits that you can findeverywhere. Every summer, the Iowa Book Festival hosts some of the best international authors.

At night, watch a game in a sports bar or an independent movie at FilmScene. The Englert, a 1912 theatre house was renovated in 2004 andreopened to host live performances for the first time in over 60 years. Nationally renowned artists along withtalented locals showcase at the Englert Theatre.

With so much love for culture, books and poetry, it’s no wonder that Iowa City received the title City of Literaturein 2008. Visit any time of year to experience this lively college town with its Midwestern charm.

Where to stay in Iowa City

Hyatt Place Iowa City Downtown
Hyatt Place Iowa City Downtown
3 out of 5
255 E Court St, Iowa City, IA, 52240
The price is $91 per night from Mar 27 to Mar 28
$91
per night
Mar 27 - Mar 28
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Iowa City. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (849 reviews)
Hyatt Iowa City centre.
"This is the second time I stayed and both times the property was clean and comfortable, quiet as well."

Reviewed on Mar 18, 2023

Hyatt Place Iowa City Downtown
Graduate Iowa City
Graduate Iowa City
4 out of 5
210 S Dubuque St, Iowa City, IA, 52240
The price is $95 per night from Mar 27 to Mar 28
$95
per night
Mar 27 - Mar 28
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Iowa City. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour fitness center, and onsite parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,006 reviews)
"This is not your typical cookie-cutter hotel. The hotel is fun! The lobby is interesting, and there are plenty of spots to lounge. The room had so many nods to Iowa, from wallpaper with a baseball-themed pinstripe to a large picture of Kurt Vonnegut, who lectured at the Iowa Writers' Workshop. Even ..."

Reviewed on Mar 8, 2023

Graduate Iowa City
The Highlander Hotel
The Highlander Hotel
4 out of 5
2525 Highlander Place, Iowa City, IA, 52245
The price is $159 per night from Mar 21 to Mar 22
$159
per night
Mar 21 - Mar 22
Stay at this 4-star family-friendly hotel in Iowa City. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9/10 Wonderful! (342 reviews)
"Very family friendly."

Reviewed on Mar 12, 2023

The Highlander Hotel
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.
Goosetown Getaway -- 10 min walk from downtown and campus
Goosetown Getaway -- 10 min walk from downtown and campus
Iowa City, IA
Stay at this apartment in Iowa City. Enjoy free WiFi, onsite parking, and a Smart TV. Popular attractions Iowa Avenue Literary Walk and Iowa Museum of Natural ...
Goosetown Getaway -- 10 min walk from downtown and campus
Close to UIHC, UIowa, shopping, restaurants & MORE :: The City Park Place BnB
Close to UIHC, UIowa, shopping, restaurants & MORE :: The City Park Place BnB
Iowa City, IA
Stay at this vacation home in Iowa City. Enjoy free WiFi, onsite parking, and a garden. Popular attractions Carver-Hawkeye Arena and Iowa Museum of Natural History ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (5 reviews)
Great house!
"The house was nice and clean. We loved everything about the house. Contacting the host was very simple and they were very accommodating. Would recommend!"

Reviewed on Jan 22, 2023

Close to UIHC, UIowa, shopping, restaurants & MORE :: The City Park Place BnB
Northside Nook -- 10 minute walk to downtown and campus
Northside Nook -- 10 minute walk to downtown and campus
Iowa City, IA
Stay at this apartment in Iowa City. Enjoy free WiFi, onsite parking, and a Smart TV. Popular attractions Iowa Avenue Literary Walk and Iowa Museum of Natural ...
Northside Nook -- 10 minute walk to downtown and campus
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.

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