You may know Iowa City as the home of the top-ranked University of Iowa, but there’s so much more to the Hawkeye State’s capital besides being an impressive college town. Iowa City is famously known for being the cultural hub of the region, the home to a series of yearly events enjoyed by the local community such as Iowa Arts Festival, Iowa City Jazz Festival, and Friday Night Concert Series amongst others. Visit the downtown area and you’ll see its bustling with Mexican restaurants and Indian restaurants, theatres, nightlife, and of course, the Hawkeye sports team. With so many perks of visiting the city for both business and leisure, there’s no question why a trip to Iowa City is a must! Plan your trip and read on for the top Airbnb vacation rentals in Iowa City, Iowa.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) Superhost status, recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and amenities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on April 08, 2024.
1. Artsy retreat with a shared garden (from USD 100)
This cheap Airbnb in Iowa City is a great place to stay, especially for artistic souls looking for a unique retreat. It is set on the second floor of a literary arts center with a downstairs salon area that features readings, literary information, and a rotating series of art exhibits. During their stay, guests can unwind in the garden, enjoy the views from the wraparound porch, or take a five-minute walk to the downtown core.
The apartment comes with a separate entrance for privacy. It also features central heating, Wi-Fi, and a TV. With in-unit laundry facilities and a full kitchen, the place is fit even for longer stays.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
no tv which was great for meexcellent location super cold ac comfortable bed thoughtfully appointed kitchen bathroom and eating/workspaceHost:
jennifer was a friendly and helpful hostjennifer was a great host would definitely recommend this airbnbmy host has been very easy to work with and quiet graciousjennifer was a kind and gracious hostgreat location and price quaint and very quiet host was very quick and responsive to questionsRead more reviewsLocation:
good location not too far from iowa city downtownthe neighbourhood is safe and conveniently located a 15 minute walk from downtowncute place very close to everything you’d want in iowa citylocation was great too pretty quick walk downtown to eat at a ton of great dining choicesthis is a good space and a great location
2. Light-filled rental with free parking (from USD 146)
Historic meets modern in this pet-friendly Airbnb in Iowa fit for a small group and their fur babies. Set on the second floor of an 1880s home, it comes with heating, air conditioning, and a full kitchen. In addition to a TV, access to Wi-Fi is also provided for entertainment. Guests with a car can park on the streets or the premises for free.
Sightseeing is easy from the rental as it is only six blocks away from Downtown Iowa City, which is home to various shops, restaurants, and tourist spots.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
we enjoyed the ‘extras’ julie provided - snacks breakfast items toiletries etcbeautiful apartment in a lovingly restored historical housemy son stayed during apartment flipping and had the best experiencevery considerate provision of breakfast items snacks and bathroom amenitiesdefinitely stay here if you have the chance especially if you’re a fan of beautiful old house restorationsCleanliness:
awesome place that is clean and nicely decoratedthe place is very clean and comfortablethe space was so clean but also homeyeverything was clean well equipped and well thought outsparkling clean surprisingly spacious very comfortableHost:
julie was a lovely host and went above and beyondjulie was a great hostjulie was a very gracious host and easy to communicate withand julie was an incredibly responsive and kind hostowners were great to deal with and quick on replies to any questionsRead more reviewsLocation:
cute place in a great locationit was also perfectly located and walking distance to downtowngreat location very spacious and beautifully renovatedthe location is fantastic as welljust a few words to describe this wonderful location
3. Cozy gem in the heart of the City (from USD 80)
Simplicity, convenience, and style? You can tick them all at this modern Airbnb. This brand new and clean apartment boasts one bedroom with two beds and one bathroom, making it a perfect fit for up to four guests. Located right in the heart of the Iowa City center, guests can have the convenience of exploring the hustle-bustle of the downtown city’s local shops, nightlife, food establishments, and attractions. But the convenience doesn’t stop there–the apartment is a quick two-minute ride to the University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics, University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital, Kinnick Stadium Football, and Carver-Hawkeye Arena. This makes it an ideal place to stay for business and health care professionals, patients or visitors of the hospital, Hawkeye football fans, or simply anyone looking to stay right in the heart of it all.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
good wifi network for working onlinebeautiful corner apartment plenty of natural lightamenities such as extra towels laundry on site and morning coffee were a nice touch as wellthis is stylish one-bedroom apartment with lots of natural light and great locationi loved how easy it was to lock and unlock the door to the apartmentCleanliness:
very clean and comfortablethe space was very clean and comfortablesuper clean and cozy great communication and very helpfulit was very clean and quietvery clean quiet and comfortableHost:
staci was a great hostbeautiful apartment great hostthe host is very professional and easy to communicate withstaci was a great host and replied quickly to messagesstacy was a lovely host and was easy to communicate with throughout the stayRead more reviewsLocation:
great location especially visiting university of iowagreat location and parking spotreally cute place to stayvery cute place great location and hostgreat location and beautiful place
4. Carriage house with plenty of natural light (from USD 85)
This cozy “Carriage House” style rental is located in the Iowa City’s Peninsula neighborhood. Its got tons of large windows giving way for sunlight to settle in the house, giving it that gorgeous extra touch. The house is able to sleep up to four people and includes a completely furnished kitchen, dryer, private deck, and study space. Location wise, it has easy access to the bustle of the downtown area so you’ll surely find some fun things to do.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
oh yeah wifi was great and strong in every roomCleanliness:
the carriage house was clean & comfyHost:
michelle and chad are outstanding hosts and a lovely couplemichelle and chad were perfect hostsclean quiet well located granny flat hosts were very accommodating to our every requestRead more reviewsLocation:
cute place in a great little neighborhoodexcellent location and warming hostessyou can walk to the park walk to a very nice wine bar that serves dinner alsoneighborhood was great for my family- clean quiet and easy to walk and bike around
5. Lovely Iowa City Cottage (from USD 99)
If there must be two words to describe this Airbnb, it should be “cozy” and “adorable”! This charming two-bedroom home is tastefully decorated in an eclectic, colorful yet modern way that it would remind you of a New York City loft. The house boasts two bedrooms, one with a queen bed and the other with a double bed as well as plenty of indoor and outdoor space, making it perfect for families or friends looking to spend some time together and relax. This vibrant gem is located less than 2 miles (3.2 kilometers) from the business of downtown Iowa City and the University of Iowa, yet quiet enough to have a peaceful time. A grocery store is located less than a mile away for your convenience, as well as a deluxe coffee shop for your quick coffee fix.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
couch and beds were comfortablegreat amenities; washer/dryer ceiling fans multiple tvsvery comfortable beds plus all the amenities you need and then someincredibly cozy great decorations and amenitiesthe cottage was cosy extremely comfortable and very well equipped for self cateringCleanliness:
comfy beds super clean and very cozysuper clean place and a very quiet neighborhoodsuper clean and beautiful and totally relaxingincredibly clean warm and inviting impeccably decoratedcute clean quiet and appreciated the communication with host was great for the purpose of my stayHost:
the owners were very welcoming and easy to communicate withthe hosts are responsive and very helpfulkudos to the super hosts on providing the perfect airbnb experienceowners were great with communicationthe owners were so thoughtful and the space is lovelyRead more reviewsLocation:
it’s location was perfect for quick access to the universitythe location was perfect to downtown iowa citywalking distance to other great spots toothe location was very convenient to good restaurants and local attractionsadorable home close to town
6. Cozy three-bedroom condo
This comfortable family home is located near downtown Iowa City, Kinnick Stadium, and UIHC. This place has all the amenities you need, including laundry and wi-fi is included. There is an indoor fireplace, television, and free parking. It is a quiet and peaceful location, yet only minutes away from access to the highway.
Iowa City, Iowa, United States
4.44 km (2.8 mi) from The Iowa Children's MuseumSuperhost
Accommodates: 6
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
comfortable pleasant home with lots of spacewe had a very comfortable stay at the landing padCleanliness:
super clean quiet and comfortableclean place in a quiet neighborhoodvery nice clean and convenient spaceroberta’s place was clean and cozy would definitely stay here againthe house was very clean and there was some snacks for breakfastHost:
host was great to work withso i can't say much about the home but i can say the host was an amazing personshe is a lovely lady who cares for her guests and is very accommodatingbest airbnb i’ve ever stayed in roberta is the best hostRead more reviewsLocation:
great location not far from downtown iowa cityexcellent place to stay and close to campusgreat location and easy to travel fromvery nice place and good location in iowa citythe place was very cute and cozy
7. Impressive Iowa City Home
With everything you need readily prepared for you, this impressive Iowa City house truly feels like your home away from home. Going on a family trip? This house boasts three bedrooms and four beds, sleeping up to seven guests. Convenience is guaranteed with your stay at this Airbnb home, as it is strategically located just minutes away from all the fun Iowa City has to offer! Ready to put your game face on? Head on to the basement where you can find a game room filled with foosball, ping pong, and air hockey tables.
Iowa City, Iowa, United States
9.84 km (6.2 mi) from The Iowa Children's Museum
8. Large bedroom with flat-screen HD TV
At only 50 USD per night, this large private bedroom is an absolute gem you cannot miss out on. The nicely decorated room is equipped with a flat-screen HD TV, refrigerator, microwave, coffee maker, and the comfort of your own private full bathroom. You’ll also be getting access to the large living room space, as the super-friendly hosts live on the main level of the house.
Iowa City, Iowa, United States
8.49 km (5.3 mi) from The Iowa Children's Museum
9. Studio apartment near restaurants
This flat is conveniently located Downtown where it is very nearby to a great variety of restaurants, bars, and shops. There is also the pedestrian mall a few blocks away. This very affordable place also has a bathtub, electric stove, and a parking lot right by it. The host, Elizabeth, will be of great help with whatever you will need.
Iowa City, Iowa, United States
6.89 km (4.3 mi) from The Iowa Children's MuseumTop guest reviews
Cleanliness:
bed was comfortable and the apartment was cleanelizabeth is great quick responses and an impeccably clean apartmentHost:
elizabeth was a nice host and was quick with responses to messageselizabeth is a great host and makes sure you have a great experienceelizabeth was very flexible with check in and was a great hostthe price was great and elizabeth was very accommodatingRead more reviewsLocation:
it was a wonderful location within walking distance to everything downtown which was greatcozy airy place very well located in proximity to local attractions and amenities
10. Family-friendly lovely home
It’s always a sunny good day at this cozy three-bedroom Iowa City house! Boasting three bedrooms, the house is a great option for those traveling with families. The location itself is only minutes away from the downtown area, including the hospitals, stadiums, and University of Iowa, making it ideal for families attending university or football events.
Iowa City, Iowa, United States
8.62 km (5.4 mi) from The Iowa Children's MuseumTop guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
washer dryer great a/c great water pressurecomfortable beds excellent washer/dryerthe kitchen and living space were very functional and cleanwe had room to spread out and loading and unloading was easy with the attached garagethe three beds were comfortable and the rooms were pleasantCleanliness:
very clean and comfortable space and easy checkin/communicationyou will find a very clean and comfortable spacethis house was very kid friendly clean and a good sizetons of wonderful extra touches and super cleanshelby & andrew’s place was a very clean warm and comfortable place to stayHost:
the hosts were awesome to work withvery friendly note from host upon our arrivalfantastic hosts and fantastic spaceshelby and andrew were wonderful hostsshelby was very quick to respond to any questions and was very helpful with tips on the areaRead more reviewsLocation:
great location at a great pricethe location was perfect in it's proximity to our in town family5 baths and tucked away in the neighborhood away but close to a hy-vee and several nice restaurantsthe location was very convenient easy walking distance to groceries and restaurant including the leaf an ic favoritegreat location very bicycle friendly as is iowa city
11. Spacious room with a walk-in closet
Looking for a place to stay that won’t break the bank? Check out this spacious guest bedroom, priced at only 39 USD per night. The room offers the comfort of a hotel room, with a full-sized bed, ensuite bathroom, walk-in closet, and a large bay window where you can sit and enjoy the view in the morning with a cup of tea in hand. Guests will have access to the shared kitchen, dining area, patio, backyard, and living room, where you can sit back and watch some TV.
Iowa City, Iowa, United States
5.73 km (3.6 mi) from The Iowa Children's MuseumTop guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
having a private bathroom and walk-in closet were bonusesgreat place for a quick trip only con was my room was very coldwe also appreciated use of the kitchenthe room is spacious and warm and mariko is exceptionally friendlyhad a pleasant no-fuss stay in a very comfortable roomCleanliness:
clean and nicely decoratedthe room was clean and comfortableeverything was incredibly clean and organizedthe room is clean and the bed is comfortablethe room is clean quiet and comfortableHost:
mariko is a considerate host and makes sure you feel at homemariko is a wonderful hostmariko is a gracious hostmariko was so accommodating and friendlycats are friendly and mariko offered wonderful hospitalityRead more reviewsLocation:
tucked away yet close to attractionsthe location is ideal for anything in iowa citygreat place - good locationmariko’s room is located in a very quiet pretty neighborhood with a park right across the streetreally pleasant location super quiet and nice very friendly
12. Townhouse guest suite in a quiet community
This homey and immaculate guest suite is located in a gorgeous townhouse just a quick 10-minute drive away from the Iowa City center. If you prefer staying in a more quiet neighborhood, this is your place to be. The suite boasts one bedroom, but offers a common space for an extra sleeping area, making it fit approximately two guests. If you’re looking for some places to eat, hop on over to Apres Wine Bar and Bistro located just around the corner.
Iowa City, Iowa, United States
3.83 km (2.4 mi) from The Iowa Children's MuseumAccommodates: 2
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the bed /bedding is super comfythe suite was very comfortable with many special touchesCleanliness:
super clean thoughtfully decorated just as advertisedeverything is clean stylish and homeyclean and modern with a luxury hotel feelit was very clean and well appointed- perfect for a weekend tripthe place is sparkling cleanHost:
lisa was an amazing hostlisa and barry were great hostsour host had thoughtful touches and was quick to respondlisa was an attentive host loved the quiet neighborhoodyour hosts are ready to help out with anything you might need during your visitRead more reviewsLocation:
overall a really wonderful location to stay inclose to the college and downtown area in a great newer neighborhoodit is conveniently located on a quiet street and easy to get in toclose to everything and a beautiful little secluded communitythe location of the townhome was perfect for quickly getting all around ic & coralville
Good luck finding your perfect home
Whether you’re visiting Iowa City alone or with family and friends, there’s always the perfect Airbnb for you that delivers quality, convenience, and style without breaking the bank. Iowa City features Airbnb cabins and other properties for rent. What are you waiting for? These gorgeous homes are just calling out to you, so book now!
For more accommodation options, check out some nearby hotels with a water park. Be sure to drop by in one of the top Asian restaurants for amazing dining scenes.
Frequently asked questions about Airbnb vacation rentals in Iowa City, Iowa
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