Iowa City Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Iowa Museum of Natural History featuring an administrative building and heritage architecture
Old Capitol Museum which includes interior views
Iowa City
Iowa Museum of Natural History featuring interior views
Iowa City

Iowa’s former state capital is an exciting cultural destination with a Literary Walk, museums, theatres and festivals to enjoy.

With its annual book festival and writing programmes 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 kilometres) 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

Iowa Museum of Natural History featuring heritage architecture, an administrative building and a garden

Mann

While visiting Mann, you might make a stop by sights like University of Iowa Museum of Natural History and Iowa Old Capitol Building.

Mann
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University Heights

While there might not be top attractions in University Heights, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Finkbine Golf Course and Kinnick Stadium.

University Heights
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Twain

While there might not be top attractions in Twain, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Pleasant Valley Golf Course and Iowa City Public Library.

Twain
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Weber

While visiting Weber, you might make a stop by sights like Redbird Farms Wildlife Area and Frytown Conservation Area.

Weber
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Lincoln

While Lincoln may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Devonian Fossil Gorge and Xtream Arena & GreenState Family Fieldhouse.

Lincoln
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Northside

Northside might not have many top sights, but University of Iowa Museum of Natural History and Iowa Old Capitol Building are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Northside
Hyatt Place Iowa City Downtown

Hyatt Place Iowa City Downtown

3 out of 5
255 E Court St, Iowa City, IA
The price is AU$153 per night from 28 Oct to 29 Oct
AU$153
28 Oct - 29 Oct
includes taxes & fees
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 breakfast and ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,231 reviews)
"Great hotel. Very comfortable and enjoyable for the family. The breakfast was delicious and the staff was attentive and helpful."

Reviewed on 3 Oct 2025

Hyatt Place Iowa City Downtown
Graduate by Hilton Iowa City

Graduate by Hilton Iowa City

4 out of 5
210 S Dubuque St, Iowa City, IA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is AU$200 per night from 14 Oct to 15 Oct
AU$200
14 Oct - 15 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Iowa City. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour fitness center, and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,053 reviews)
"Excellent and unique hotel. Walkable to University of Iowa. Lots of restaurants to choose from. If my daughter gets accepted to UI, I will definitely come back to this hotel"

Reviewed on 30 Sept 2025

Graduate by Hilton Iowa City
The Highlander Hotel, an Ascend Collection Hotel

The Highlander Hotel, an Ascend Collection Hotel

4 out of 5
2525 Highlander Place, Iowa City, IA
The price is AU$227 per night from 13 Oct to 14 Oct
AU$227
13 Oct - 14 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this family-friendly hotel in Iowa City. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (929 reviews)
"Great stay as always"

Reviewed on 1 Oct 2025

The Highlander Hotel, an Ascend Collection 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.
Downtown Iowa City - Brand New Luxury Stay

Downtown Iowa City - Brand New Luxury Stay

Iowa City
Stay at this vacation home in Iowa City. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Kinnick Stadium and Iowa Avenue Literary Walk ...
10/10 Exceptional! (1 review)
"Great location for our visit. Easy check in and plenty of room for all! Would definitely recommend to others."

Reviewed on 31 Aug 2025

Downtown Iowa City - Brand New Luxury Stay
406 Large 3 Bedroom 2 Bath Townhome

406 Large 3 Bedroom 2 Bath Townhome

Iowa City
Stay at this vacation home in Iowa City. Enjoy laundry facilities, an in-room coffeemaker, and air conditioning. Popular attractions Kinnick Stadium and Iowa ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2 reviews)
Great place
"Loved this townhouse. Visited for a wedding and it worked perfectly for my large family and dog."

Reviewed on 9 Mar 2025

406 Large 3 Bedroom 2 Bath Townhome
NEW! Iowa City 4BR Backyard Walk to Stadium

NEW! Iowa City 4BR Backyard Walk to Stadium

Iowa City, IA
Stay at this vacation home in Iowa City. Enjoy patios, an in-room coffeemaker, and air conditioning. Popular attractions Kinnick Stadium and Finkbine Golf Course ...
NEW! Iowa City 4BR Backyard Walk to Stadium
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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