Things To Do
in Iowa City
Iowa City is a vibrant city in the state of Iowa, known for its historic charm and cultural diversity. Home to the University of Iowa, the city has a lively atmosphere with a mix of college town vibes and local community events. Visitors can explore the charming downtown area filled with unique shops, restaurants, and art galleries.
Iowa City also boasts beautiful outdoor spaces, including parks and trails along the Iowa River.
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $70 - $150
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $12 - $30
- ☕ Coffee: $3 - $6
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $1.50 - $3
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $50 - $100
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $25 - $60
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the Iowa City Farmers Market to enjoy fresh produce and local delicacies. Grab a coffee from a nearby café and take a stroll along the scenic Iowa River.
Visit the University of Iowa's campus and explore the historic Old Capitol Building. Take time to relax at the scenic City Park, where you can enjoy a picnic or rent a kayak.
Dine at a local favorite restaurant featuring Iowa-inspired dishes. Catch a live performance at the Englert Theatre to end your day with entertainment.
Head to Hickory Hill Park for a peaceful morning hike among the trails. Bring your binoculars for birdwatching and enjoy the natural surroundings.
Visit the Coralville Reservoir for some fun on the water with paddleboarding or fishing. Have lunch at a picnic area with stunning views of the water.
Watch the sunset at the reservoir before heading back to town. Enjoy dinner at a lakeside restaurant where you can relax and unwind.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Home to the University of Iowa, providing a vibrant college atmosphere and diverse cultural events.
- Strong emphasis on education and access to quality healthcare.
- Pleasant living environment with numerous parks, trails, and recreational facilities.
- Rich literary history, known as a UNESCO City of Literature.
- Affordable cost of living compared to larger cities in the United States.
- Harsh winters with cold temperatures and snow, which can be challenging for some residents.
- Limited job market in certain fields outside of education and healthcare.
- Public transportation options may be limited, making a car necessary for many residents.
- Diversity may be less pronounced compared to larger metropolitan areas.
- Occasional flooding issues, particularly in low-lying areas.
Best Activities in Iowa City
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Enjoy a scenic hike or bike ride along the Iowa River Trail, which offers picturesque views and opportunities for birdwatching and wildlife spotting.
Head to the Terry Trueblood Recreation Area for outdoor activities such as fishing, boating, and picnicking, or simply take a leisurely stroll around the park's beautiful lake.
Explore the wooded trails and peaceful surroundings of Hickory Hill Park, ideal for hiking, birding, and nature photography.
Tours
Uncover the best of Iowa City with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Iowa City
Visit one of these nice places.
Offers a stunning view of the city skyline, especially during sunrise or sunset
Provides a unique vantage point for capturing photos of Kinnick Stadium and the surrounding area
A historic area with picturesque views including the Old Capitol building and the university campus
Food in Iowa City
Iowa City Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A quintessential Iowa comfort food, the pork tenderloin sandwich features a breaded and fried pork tenderloin served on a bun with classic toppings like lettuce, tomato, and pickles. You can savor this dish at iconic spots like Hamburg Inn No. 2 and Shorts Burger & Shine.
Must-Try!
Iowa's love for corn is evident in the famous corn dog, a hot dog coated in a thick layer of cornmeal batter and deep-fried to golden perfection. Visit the Iowa City Farmers Market or local fairs and events to indulge in this beloved snack.
Tender and flavorful beef tenderloin tips, often accompanied by mashed potatoes or mixed vegetables, are a popular comfort food in Iowa City. Pull up a chair at Joseph's Steakhouse to savor this local favorite.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Iowa City better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
The Iowa City Farmers Market is a bustling hub of culinary delights, offering farm-fresh produce, artisanal goods, and ready-to-eat treats from local vendors. Don't miss the opportunity to sample freshly baked pastries, gourmet food trucks, and unique street food creations.
This annual event transforms the downtown area into a vibrant street food festival, showcasing a diverse array of cuisines from local restaurants and food vendors. It's the perfect opportunity to explore a wide range of flavors and indulge in tasty street food offerings.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Iowa City, it is important to respect personal space and avoid standing too close to others, especially when having conversations.
Punctuality is valued in Iowa City, so it is important to arrive on time for appointments, meetings, and social gatherings.
Iowans generally value politeness and courtesy, so using phrases like 'please' and 'thank you' is important in interactions.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Iowa City with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Iowa City
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is a common practice in Iowa City, United States. In restaurants, it is customary to leave a tip of 15-20% of the total bill for good service. Tipping is also expected for other services such as taxi rides, hotel housekeeping, and hairstyling.
Payment in Iowa City is usually made using cash, credit/debit cards, or digital payment methods such as mobile wallets or online transfers. Most businesses and services accept major credit cards, and contactless payment options are becoming increasingly popular.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Iowa City.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Best time to visit for pleasant weather, blooming trees and flowers, and outdoor activities. Expect mild temperatures and occasional rain showers.
Ideal for outdoor events, festivals, and activities. Expect warm temperatures and occasional humidity.
Beautiful foliage, cool weather, and harvest festivals. Best time for nature hikes and scenic drives.
Cold weather with occasional snow. Best time for indoor attractions, holiday events, and winter sports.
Iowa City at Night
Hiking in Iowa City
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A scenic park featuring a variety of trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding, along with beautiful views of Lake Macbride.
A 138-acre park offering trails through woodlands and wetlands, perfect for hiking and observing wildlife.
A unique geological site featuring exposed fossils and trails with stunning views of the landscape, ideal for hiking enthusiasts.
A local favorite with several miles of wooded trails, perfect for a peaceful hike close to Iowa City.
Not only a fruit orchard, but it offers lovely trails for hiking, surrounded by trees and beautiful scenery.
Located a short drive from Iowa City, this park features beautiful trails along the Cedar River and scenic overlook points.
Offers trails suitable for hiking, as well as picnic areas and play facilities, making it a great family-friendly destination.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Iowa City through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Iowa City by plane.
Located in Cedar Rapids, approximately 30 miles from Iowa City, this airport serves both domestic and limited international flights.
About 120 miles west of Iowa City, this is the largest airport in Iowa, offering various domestic and some international flights.
Located in Chicago, Illinois, approximately 200 miles northeast of Iowa City, O'Hare is one of the world's busiest airports with extensive international connections.
Also in Chicago, approximately 185 miles northeast of Iowa City, this airport serves a variety of domestic and international flights.
Located about 250 miles north of Iowa City, this airport provides a significant number of international and domestic flights.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The largest racial group in Iowa City, comprising a significant portion of the population.
A growing demographic in Iowa City, including individuals from various Asian backgrounds.
A notable demographic group, contributing to the cultural diversity of Iowa City.
An increasingly represented demographic group in Iowa City.
This group includes individuals who identify with multiple racial backgrounds.
A smaller but important demographic group characterized by its unique cultural heritage.
A very small demographic group in Iowa City, consisting of individuals from various Pacific Island nations.
The Soul of Iowa City
Discover the essence of Iowa City through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Basketball is highly popular in Iowa City, especially with the University of Iowa's strong collegiate program.
American football draws significant attention, particularly during the NCAA season with the Iowa Hawkeyes.
Soccer has been growing in popularity among both youth and adults with various leagues and local clubs.
Baseball is a beloved pastime with local Little League teams and summer leagues for adults.
Running and jogging in local parks and trails is a popular activity, with many events and races held throughout the year.
Wrestling is an important sport in Iowa, with strong high school and college programs contributing to its popularity.
Volleyball is popular at schools, with various teams and leagues available for competitive play.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Iowa City.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Iowa City embraces a thriving vegetarian and vegan dining scene, with many restaurants and cafes offering delicious plant-based dishes. Look out for creative vegan creations at places like Trumpet Blossom Cafe and Her Soup Kitchen.
Visitors with gluten sensitivities can explore a variety of gluten-free offerings at several eateries across Iowa City. From gluten-free pastries at the Farmers Market to dedicated gluten-free menu options at local restaurants, there are ample choices to suit gluten-free diets.
For those with specific food allergies, Iowa City's dining scene is accommodating and attentive to dietary needs. Many establishments are responsive to allergy concerns and are willing to customize dishes to accommodate various allergies and intolerances.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Iowa City with these cultural adventures.
