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 great live music 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 lively festivals 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.
Jordan Creek Town Center
You can do some window-shopping at Jordan Creek Town Center during your visit to West Des Moines. Experience the area's acclaimed theatre scene or attend a sporting event.
Top hotels in Downtown Des Moines
Hotel Fort Des Moines, Curio Collection by Hilton
"Very nice downtown hotel! Front desk was great as was the rest of the staff. We very much enjoyed our stay!"
Reviewed on 21 Jun 2026
Des Lux Hotel
"The property location is good. The property is very well decorated. Breakfast was very good with many choices. The bar was closed so no comment on that."
Reviewed on 20 Jun 2026
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Des Moines Downtown
"Great place"
Reviewed on 19 Jun 2026
Holiday Inn Downtown - Mercy Area by IHG
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Reviewed on 21 Jun 2026
Embassy Suites Hotel Des Moines Downtown
"The snacks for evening reception had a lot to be desired: trail mix, chips and salsa, and vegetables and dip. And the breakfast buffet in the morning was lukewarm at best, unless you ordered the made to order omelet. We arrived right at the start of breakfast and it had cooled down that quickly."
Reviewed on 21 Jun 2026
Comfort Inn & Suites Event Center
"Beautiful view from the room and worth staying at this hotel with family"
Reviewed on 21 Jun 2026
Where to stay in Downtown Des Moines
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.
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.
Drake
While visiting Drake, you might make a stop by sights like Knapp Center and Des Moines Community Playhouse.
Southwestern Hills
Though Southwestern Hills may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Gray’s Lake Park and Lauridsen Amphitheater.
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.
