Whether you’re coming to Iowa City for a campus visit or just to check out the vibes, we’ve created a two-day itinerary that covers it all.

Day 1: Downtown + Campus Core

Breakfast at Pullman Bar & Diner
Grab a booth and order the Glazy Susan or one of their breakfast specials. Don’t forget to order their award-winning coffee. It’s the kind of coffee that makes you feel ready for a full day of wandering.

Stroll the Pedestrian Mall
This is the heart of downtown and the best place to window shop, explore local businesses, and take in the energy of the city.

• Raygun: Midwest merch you didn’t know you needed
• Prairie Lights Books: Browse the shelves, head upstairs to the café, flip through a new book, and enjoy some people watching.

Lunch at Oasis Falafel
A longtime Iowa City staple. After eating, wander the streets for art and stop by local shops at Northside Marketplace for handmade Iowa finds:

• RSVP
• Artifacts
• Prairie Kitchen Store

River Walk + Museums
Take a slow stroll along the Iowa River to the Stanley Museum of Art or swing by one of the Pentacrest museums. This part of the day is all about slowing down, taking in the scenery, and experiencing the arts and architecture that surround campus.

Afternoon Extras

• Yotopia: frozen yogurt that’s worth the brain freeze
• Iowa Book: Hawkeye gear and souvenirs (yes, you’ll probably buy something “just because”)

Dinner + an Evening Show
Pick a downtown dinner spot that fits your mood. Then cap the night with live arts at:

• Englert Theatre
• Hancher Auditorium
• Riverside Theatre

It’s the perfect way to experience Iowa City’s arts scene before calling it a night.

Day 2: Brunch + Green Space + Hidden Corners

Brunch (10:30 a.m. is the move)

• Bluebird Diner: Classic comfort food that hits like a warm hug
• Dandy Lion: Pastries and latte energy for your cozy vibes

City Park
Green space, river views, and enough room to toss a frisbee, nap, or just stare at the clouds pretending finals don’t exist. A perfect mid-day reset.

Lunch, Your Way
Quick + satisfying:

• Saj Grill
• Estela’s Fresh Mex
• Nodo

Heartier, shareable plates:

• Pop’s BBQ
• Graze Gourmet To-Go

Indie Movie Stop
Check out FilmScene, which partners with the University of Iowa’s Bijou Film Board to screen independent and student-supported films. Pretend you’re a cinephile.

Dinner Downtown
Feeling fancy?

• Baroncini Ristorante Italiano and Pizza
• Basta Pizzeria Ristorante
• Iowa Chop House
• St. Burch Tavern

Keeping it low-key?

• Formosa Sushi
• The Wedge Pizzeria
• Thai Flavors
• Pagliai’s Pizza

See you in Iowa City.

Bonus: Check out the Downtown Iowa City calendar for your visit days, as well as the Think Iowa City calendar for some exciting events in and around the city.