Downtown Travel Guide
Tourist Guide
Popular places to visit
University of Iowa
Enjoy the student vibe when you visit University of Iowa during your trip to Iowa City. You can attend a sporting event while in the area.
Old Capitol Museum
Gaze up at the emblematic golden dome that tops the roof of a historic building containing the region’s cultural gems.
Iowa Old Capitol Building
You can find out about the history of Iowa City with a visit to Iowa Old Capitol Building. You can attend a sporting event while in the area.
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.
The Englert Theater
You can enjoy a show at The Englert Theater during your trip to Iowa City. You can attend a sporting event while in the area.
Iowa City Public Library
Iowa City Public Library is just one of the places to see in Iowa City, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? You can attend a sporting event while in the area.
Activities
Self-Guided Iowa Scavenger Hunt: City of Literature
Our pick of the best Downtown Hotel Deals
Hyatt Place Iowa City Downtown
The room was very nice and clean. The hot breakfast was wonderful. The parking was a nightmare! The hotel lot was full at 7:00 on a Friday. We had to park more than a block away and haul our suitcases. Was not the best situation. Other than that a very nice stay.
Reviewed on 14 May 2026
Graduate by Hilton Iowa City
We were greeted by a large private security guard who stared us down and blocked our entrance to the front desk to check in! Not the experience we were expecting. It felt very uncomfortable and unsafe. I felt like if I would have said anything the guard would have stopped me and made me leave. Apparently, ...
Reviewed on 3 May 2026
Hilton Garden Inn Iowa City Downtown University
I travel to Iowa City monthly, and two of my usual hotels have recently closed, so I finally decided to try the Garden Inn. It has always been a little more expensive, but this was a celebration weekend, so we went for it. Overall, we had a good time. The parking garage was being renovated, and I ...
Reviewed on 1 May 2026
Element Iowa City
I loved everything about the property. Everything was well-maintained, clean both in the lobby and the rooms, the beds were very comfortable, the breakfast was good, and the staff was very friendly. Next time I return, I will stay at the same Element Iowa hotel. 100% recommended.
Reviewed on 12 May 2026
Heartland Inn
Breakfast was great. Clean rooms. Friendly staff
Reviewed on 14 May 2026
Drury Inn & Suites Iowa City Coralville
Good food and happy hour.
Reviewed on 13 May 2026
Other neighbourhoods around Downtown
College Hill
While College Hill isn't home to many top sights, Iowa City Public Library and The Englert Theater are some notable places to visit nearby.
Miller Orchard
When in Miller Orchard, you can plan a visit to Kinnick Stadium and Old Capitol Museum, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.
Northside
Northside might not have many top sights, but Iowa Old Capitol Building and Old Capitol Museum are two attractions nearby that you can check out.
Manville Heights
While Manville Heights may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Carver-Hawkeye Arena and Kinnick Stadium.
Goosetown
If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Goosetown and surrounding area, you can visit The Englert Theater and Iowa City Public Library.
Mann
While visiting Mann, you might make a stop by sights like Iowa Old Capitol Building and Old Capitol Museum.
