Iowa City vacation rentals

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Top-rated vacation rentals in Iowa City

Guests agree: these vacation rentals are highly rated for location, cleanliness, and more.

Guest favorite

Apartment in Iowa City

4.98 out of 5 average rating, 177 reviews

Historic Rocklyn Apts - Brick Ballad

This historic brick home is located in College Hill Conservation Historic District, just a few minutes walk to many entertainment venues, museums, galleries, theaters, churches & restaurants. Just a few blocks from downtown Iowa City, the Ped Mall as well as close to Kinnick Stadium. The building has been beautifully restored and will feel like your home away from home! This listing is initially provided as a 1 bedroom but a 2nd bedroom is available when requested and prior arrangements made.

Feb 6 – 13

G$22,284 GYD per night
Guest favorite

Home in Iowa City

4.96 out of 5 average rating, 147 reviews

Spacious and cozy entire Lower Level Suite

Relax and recharge in a spacious private lower level suite. Independent guest entrance to 1000 sqft of private space in a quiet and walkable neighborhood. Free parking on premises. Perfect for resting after a long drive (3.5 miles from I-80), visiting family on campus (2.4 miles), traveling professionals at hospitals (2.6 miles), or sports fans wanting a quiet retreat after leaving Kinnick stadium (3 miles) or Coralville Xtream Arena (6 miles). Less than a mile away from shops and restaurants.

Jul 19 – 26

G$19,377 GYD per night
Guest favorite

Loft in Williamsburg

4.96 out of 5 average rating, 184 reviews

Brickhouse Loft- East Side

This loft is situated above a small town bustling coffee shop, also overlooking the park in the town square. The space is the perfect combination of old historic charm with a modern urban flair with plenty of natural sunlight streaming through the front windows. The kitchen flows seamlessly into the living room where there are multiple seating options. The bedroom and living room have smart TVs if you want to use your own streaming site. The spa inspired bathroom has numerous amenities included.

Apr 24 – May 1

G$20,482 GYD per night

Popular amenities for Iowa City vacation rentals

Stay near Iowa City's top sights

Kinnick Stadium27 locals recommend
Coral Ridge Mall34 locals recommend
Carver-Hawkeye Arena14 locals recommend
Walmart Supercenter8 locals recommend
Texas Roadhouse4 locals recommend
City Park6 locals recommend

Other great vacation rentals in Iowa City

Guest favorite

Farm stay in Oxford

4.97 out of 5 average rating, 281 reviews

The Roost

Apr 4 – 11

G$39,691 GYD per night
Guest favorite

Tiny home in Cedar Rapids

4.84 out of 5 average rating, 113 reviews

Contemporary Tiny House with a minimalist hot tub.

Aug 3 – 10

G$13,515 GYD per night
Guest favorite

Guest suite in Marion

4.93 out of 5 average rating, 138 reviews

The Uptown B - Private, Modern, Comfortable Stay

Aug 13 – 20

G$14,684 GYD per night
Guest favorite

Cottage in Cedar Rapids

4.99 out of 5 average rating, 175 reviews

Cozy Cottage

Dec 7 – 14

G$22,829 GYD per night
Guest favorite

Apartment in Iowa City

5.0 out of 5 average rating, 26 reviews

Cozy Apartment Near Downtown

Jun 16 – 23

G$15,583 GYD per night
Guest favorite

Home in Iowa City

5.0 out of 5 average rating, 57 reviews

Cozy bungalow with private yard and parking.

Aug 18 – 25

G$25,391 GYD per night
Guest favorite

Loft in Iowa City

5.0 out of 5 average rating, 69 reviews

This Must Be The Place - Stay Downtown Iowa City

Jul 29 – Aug 5

G$25,703 GYD per night
Superhost

Apartment in Iowa City

4.84 out of 5 average rating, 63 reviews

Porch Light Literary Arts Center

Sep 22 – 29

G$23,219 GYD per night
Guest favorite

Condo in Coralville

4.87 out of 5 average rating, 71 reviews

New Lower Unit- Xtream Arena & Iowa River Landing

Jun 27 – Jul 4

G$18,600 GYD per night
Guest favorite

Home in North Liberty

4.98 out of 5 average rating, 88 reviews

Farmhouse Blues - Historic Home w/ Modern Finish

Jun 9 – 16

G$19,587 GYD per night
Guest favorite

Apartment in Iowa City

4.96 out of 5 average rating, 23 reviews

Campus Retreat | Luxurious Apartment | Walk 2 Stdm

Jul 26 – Aug 2

G$25,459 GYD per night
Guest favorite

Apartment in Coralville

5.0 out of 5 average rating, 18 reviews

Nest for 2 in Shires

Apr 16 – 23

G$22,706 GYD per night

Other great vacation rentals in Iowa City

Guest favorite

Apartment in Kalona

4.98 out of 5 average rating, 97 reviews

Private Apartment in the Country

Nov 25 – Dec 2

G$11,480 GYD per night
Guest favorite

Home in Iowa City

4.95 out of 5 average rating, 60 reviews

Ridgewood Cottage w/ Hot Tub and Private Yard

Jan 27 – Feb 3

G$35,733 GYD per night
Guest favorite

Apartment in Riverside

5.0 out of 5 average rating, 10 reviews

Hallway Apartment: Cozy Downtown Apartment

Jun 6 – 13

G$28,893 GYD per night
Guest favorite

Apartment in Iowa City

5.0 out of 5 average rating, 14 reviews

Mid Century Modern downtown IC

Aug 7 – 14

G$21,460 GYD per night
Guest favorite

Loft in Iowa City

4.95 out of 5 average rating, 22 reviews

Quiet loft apartment on the edge of Iowa City

Jun 11 – 18

G$23,009 GYD per night
Guest favorite

Townhouse in Iowa City

4.88 out of 5 average rating, 25 reviews

Serenity in the City-7 mins to University/Hospital

Jun 5 – 12

G$34,311 GYD per night
Guest favorite

Guest suite in Iowa City

4.9 out of 5 average rating, 20 reviews

Goosetown Garden Studio

Jun 8 – 15

G$20,175 GYD per night
Guest favorite

Home in Coralville

4.97 out of 5 average rating, 30 reviews

Eclectic Duplex

Apr 24 – May 1

G$16,952 GYD per night
Guest favorite

Condo in Iowa City

4.89 out of 5 average rating, 38 reviews

Market House #204 - Luxury Condo, Northside, IC

Jul 13 – 20

G$31,108 GYD per night
Guest favorite

Apartment in Iowa City

5.0 out of 5 average rating, 10 reviews

Hawks Nest

Apr 3 – 10

G$26,496 GYD per night
Guest favorite

Barn in Solon

4.96 out of 5 average rating, 97 reviews

Beautiful, cozy barn in the quiet countryside

Jan 28 – Feb 4

G$30,088 GYD per night
Guest favorite

Apartment in Iowa City

4.96 out of 5 average rating, 25 reviews

Mid-Century Modern Charmer

Jun 18 – 25

G$21,969 GYD per night

Quick stats about vacation rentals in Iowa City

Total rentals

280 properties

Wifi availability

280 properties include access to wifi

Rentals with dedicated workspaces

140 properties have a dedicated workspace

Pet-friendly rentals

60 properties allow pets

Family-friendly rentals

160 properties are a good fit for families

Total number of reviews

9.9K reviews

Your guide to Iowa City

All About Iowa City

A picturesque university town with a meandering river that cuts through the center of town, Iowa City is characterized by red-brick buildings, historic remnants of its past as the state capital, and a renowned love of literature.

Among its literary and cultural attractions are the magnificent three-story Prairie Lights Books & Cafe and the 1915 Englert Theatre, one of Iowa City’s last historic theatres, where you not only go to see a show but also to step back in time to the 1920s. There is even a diner here that dates back to 1935, and its walls are lined with newspaper clippings of all the dignitaries that have visited this bustling university town. Iowa City’s pedestrian-friendly downtown streets are lined with boutiques, mom-and-pop restaurants, and college bars. Just across the Iowa River, you’ll find the Old Capitol Building located on the beautiful University of Iowa campus.

There are plenty of options for outdoor activities around town, including kayaking or paddleboarding on Sand Lake or hiking in the 180-acre Hickory Hill Park, which you reach by crossing through a 19th-century cemetery. If you want to go a bit further afield, the Maquoketa Caves State Park, a 90-minute drive northwest, features the 1,000-foot-tall Dancehall Cave along with several other caverns open to the public.


The best time to stay in a vacation rental in Iowa City

As a busy college town, Iowa City is full of activities all year round, making any season a great time for an Iowa City vacation rental. The summer days are hot and sunny, yet the humidity is far from oppressive, making the prospect of spending the day on the water at the Coralville Reservoir or exploring one of the nearby hiking trails especially appealing. The city also hosts its Jazz Fest and Taste of Iowa City festivals in the summer. During the fall, the city is buzzing with life as students begin their new academic year, and the beautiful University of Iowa campus is framed in fall foliage. Students rush home for the winter holidays, making this a quiet time to wander the city streets. When the snow falls, head to Sugar Bottom State Park, where you can go cross-country skiing.


Top things to do in Iowa City

The Devonian Fossil Gorge

If you have ever wanted to see the 375 million-year-old fossilized remains of the ocean floor, this is the place to do it. The gorge, located just off the banks of the Iowa River of today, was found almost by accident after a devastating 1993 flood washed away the surrounding earth and limestone. Now, you can find a diverse array of fossils showcasing all the little critters that lived there even before the dinosaurs.

University of Iowa Campus

The picturesque campus of the University of Iowa, founded in 1847, stretches across more than 1,700 acres. Visitors are welcome to wander around the expansive grounds and along the adjacent Iowa River Trail. Within the campus, you will find the Iowa Museum of Art and the Museum of Natural History, as well as the Old Capitol Building, which served as the home of Iowa’s first government in the mid-19th century. It is now a museum where you can tour an old Supreme Court chamber.

Coralville Reservoir

Located just a 15-minute drive from Iowa City, this enormous reservoir was originally built for flood control and is now a popular recreation spot. When the weather is nice, you can go swimming, fishing, or boating along this tranquil lake or head into the nearby parkland to go hiking or mountain biking.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Are there pet-friendly vacation rentals in Iowa City?

    Four-legged friends are welcome in Iowa City. Choose from more than 60 vacation rentals for guests traveling with pets.

  • Where should I stay in Iowa City?

    Make yourself at home in Iowa City by choosing from our most frequently booked neighborhoods. We have over 300 vacation rentals in Longfellow, and over 140 vacation rentals in Miller-Orchard.

  • Are there vacation rentals with a dedicated workspace in Iowa City?

    Yes! Work meets play with ease at over 140 vacation rentals in Iowa City featuring dedicated workspaces. Stay connected and productive in your home away from home.

  • Are there family-friendly vacation rentals in Iowa City?

    Iowa City has more than 160 family-friendly stays. Amenities on the property may include high chairs, travel cribs, or strollers.

  • How much does it cost to stay in house rentals in Iowa City?

    Experience the best of Iowa City with our house rentals, starting at about $20 per day, before taxes and fees. Embrace comfort and style while staying within your budget in your home away from home.

  • Do apartment rentals in Iowa City have wifi?

    Absolutely! We offer over 60 apartment rentals with wifi in Iowa City. Enjoy a tailored experience with all the comforts you desire.

  • Do house rentals in Iowa City have a bbq area?

    Absolutely! We offer over 30 house rentals with a bbq area in Iowa City. Enjoy a tailored experience with all the comforts you desire.

  • Do house rentals in Iowa City have air conditioning?

    Absolutely! We offer over 140 house rentals with air conditioning in Iowa City. Enjoy a tailored experience with all the comforts you desire.

  • Do house rentals in Iowa City have a gym?

    Absolutely! We offer over 10 house rentals with a gym in Iowa City. Enjoy a tailored experience with all the comforts you desire.

  • What are the most popular amenities for Condo Rentals in Iowa City?

    Enhance your stay in our Condo Rentals with the most popular amenities: over 20 homes with air conditioning, over 20 homes with wifi, and more. Indulge in the ultimate retreat, tailored to your preferences.

Destinations to explore

  1. Airbnb
  2. United States
  3. Iowa
  4. Johnson County
  5. Iowa City