Iowa City Holidays

  • Plan, book, travel with confidence

  • Better together

    Save up to €185 when you book a flight and hotel together*
  • Find the right fit

    With over 300,000 hotels worldwide, it's easy to create a perfect package
  • Rest easy

    Plan, book, and manage your trip all in one place

Where to stay in Iowa City

Find the best Iowa City areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Iowa City

Things to do in and around Iowa City

Iowa City offers a delightful blend of cultural and outdoor activities, making it an ideal destination for a varied vacation. Visitors can explore educational attractions, enjoy entertainment at an arena facility, or play a round of golf. Whether you're seeking organised trips or vacation tours, Iowa City has something for everyone, promising a memorable experience filled with rich heritage and recreational opportunities.

Shopping

For a delightful shopping experience in Iowa City, visit Coral Ridge Mall, located 6.4km away, with a vibrant mix of business and family vibes. Coral North and Coral Valley Market, both 8.0km away, also offer a charming atmosphere for gifts and souvenirs.

Recreation

Experience the electrifying atmosphere at Kinnick Stadium, where you can enjoy thrilling sports events amidst passionate crowds. For a touch of romance and culture, the Englert Theater offers captivating performances. Meanwhile, Finkbine Golf Course invites you to unwind outdoors with a round of golf in a picturesque setting.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of racing at Speedeezz 2 Indoor Karting, located 33.8km from Iowa City, or feel the adrenaline at CJ Speedway, 45.1km away. For a family-friendly outdoor adventure, enjoy camping and nature at F.W. Kent Park, situated 17.7km from the city.

Nightlife

Iowa City boasts a vibrant nightlife with lively bars and music venues. Explore the Downtown area for eclectic pubs, cocktail lounges, and live music at places like The Englert Theatre. Enjoy a fun evening at local hotspots like The Mill or Joe's Place, where the atmosphere is always buzzing.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions in Iowa City

Iowa City, Iowa, is an ideal destination for culture enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers alike. Visitors can explore the vibrant university campus, enjoy the scenic Iowa River, and visit the engaging Iowa Museum. The city offers a blend of urban parks and entertainment facilities, making it perfect for family outings and city experiences. Whether you're seeking relaxation or cultural immersion, Iowa City has something to offer every traveller.

  • Old Capitol Museum: Immerse yourself in Iowa's rich history at the Old Capitol Museum. This beautifully restored building, once the state capitol, showcases exhibits that highlight the cultural heritage of Iowa, offering a unique glimpse into the past.
  • University of Iowa: Experience the vibrant atmosphere of the University of Iowa, a hub of academic excellence and creativity. Explore its stunning campus, which features impressive architecture, art installations, and a lively student life that reflects the city’s dynamic spirit.
  • Carver-Hawkeye Arena: Enjoy a thrilling event at the Carver-Hawkeye Arena, home to the University of Iowa's sports teams. This entertainment facility is perfect for families, offering an electric atmosphere during games and concerts that will leave you buzzing.

Best time to go to Iowa City

The best time to visit Iowa City can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature in Iowa City falls in July, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature in Iowa City falls in January, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy with no rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January21.6°F (-5.8°C)No RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
February24.3°F (-4.3°C)No RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
March39.0°F (3.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
April50.0°F (10.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
May61.5°F (16.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June71.4°F (21.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
July74.5°F (23.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
August73.2°F (22.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
September66.7°F (19.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
October53.2°F (11.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
November40.1°F (4.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly High
December29.5°F (-1.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low

Tips to save on your trip to Iowa City

  • Take advantage of package deals on Expedia and combine flights, hotels, or car rentals for a convenient and cost-effective trip to Iowa City.
  • Consider traveling to Iowa City during the low season (March and December to January) for more affordable options.
  • Use the Price per traveler filter on Expedia to find a package deal that suits your budget.
  • Check the VIP Access properties filter to discover outstanding hotels with added member perks at select properties.

Top hotels in Iowa City

Hyatt Place Iowa City Downtown

Hyatt Place Iowa City Downtown

3 out of 5
255 E Court St Iowa City IA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is €86 per night from 3 Mar to 4 Mar
€86
3 Mar - 4 Mar
includes taxes & fees
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,397 reviews)
clean rooms, friendly staff

Reviewed on 23 Feb 2026

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 €90 per night from 8 Mar to 9 Mar
€90
8 Mar - 9 Mar
includes taxes & fees
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,014 reviews)
Rooms were very clean and the service was great. Always love coming to this hotel.

Reviewed on 22 Feb 2026

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
Fully refundable
The price is €119 per night from 2 Mar to 3 Mar
€119
2 Mar - 3 Mar
includes taxes & fees
8.8/10 Excellent! (969 reviews)
The hotel was in disrepair, the room wasn't very clean, the furnishings were sparse. They didn't have enough staff, so there was often no one at the front desk. They couldn't maintain the pool, and the pool/ pool area were dirty. There was an intoxicated guest altercation with police in the middle ...

Reviewed on 22 Feb 2026

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.

Popular places to visit

What to do in Iowa City

Explore a world of travel with Expedia

* Savings based on package bookings compared to the price of the same components booked separately. Savings not available on all packages.