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I love going to Iowa City. It’s not far from where I live but has tons of cool things to do. Each time I go I find something new to do, but I also return to some favorites. Hopefully my favorites become your new favorites, but either way, here are some things that you have to check out when planning a trip to Iowa City!
Your New Favorite Things to do in Iowa City

Ped Mall
210 S Dubuque St, Iowa City, IA 52240
This is a fun and hip area full of restaurants, bars, and shopping. A lot of the places I mention in this post are around here, making this one of the top things you have to do in Iowa City!
This place would really shine in the spring or summer when you can sit outdoors on the restaurant’s patios under the twinkly lights. Though you can still do things in the winter, I just think you’ll get a lot more out of it when warmer weather hits!
Cortado Coffee & Cafe
26 S Clinton St, Iowa City, IA 52240
Start your morning off at Cortado for a perfectly styled oatmeal and a frothy cappuccino. I love the little white espresso cups and their almond croissants are super yummy. This place has stools that look out the front window for people watching, giving me Chicago vibes.
Whether you’re here for studying, gabbing, or a quick bite, it’s a fun place!




Basta Pizzeria Ristorante
121 Iowa Ave, Iowa City, IA 52240
I love this restaurant for either lunch or dinner. For lunch, especially early on, it’s pretty empty and I like to enjoy a nice meal while pretty much getting the place to myself.
At night, this turns into a very romantic and chic spot to eat. Or somewhere classy to get drinks at the gorgeous bar.
Though whatever time of day you decide to go, you can’t beat the whole atmosphere of this place. Such as detailed floors, cafe-style chairs, marble tables, a classy bar, and a big wood fire oven. Pretty much #interiorgoals. What’s not to love?
Get the porchetta for lunch and fettuccine alfredo for dinner! My Margherita pizza was a little burnt (bummer) so I don’t know if I can recommend that or not.


Molly’s Cupcakes
14 S Clinton St, Iowa City, IA 52240
After dinner, head over to Molly’s Cupcakes for a dessert and sugar high. Oh so fresh and oh so good. Though the place is small, it has a fun atmosphere with swings and games. The flavor cupcakes change, but I love s’mores and tiramisu! I have my eye on the mini cheesecakes for next time. Or maybe I’ll try out a customized one.
Get one for the road! Or two. Maybe three. Don’t worry, I won’t say anything 😉


Haunted Bookshop
219 N Gilbert St, Iowa City, IA 52245
I had to check this place out for the story. Turns out, it’s named after a book and there was never a story about it being haunted. But there are so many books in such a small place it’s pretty cool and different. I don’t think it’d interest you if you’re not a bookworm, but definitely go if you like used book stores!

Revival
117 E College St, Iowa City, IA 52240
This is an amazing place to shop. It’s a mix of vintage and new and everything is really unique. I could easily spend a lot of money here but left with just some sunglasses instead. Yes, you’re gonna spend more than average thrift store prices, but it’s perfect for finding a “new to you” item that not everyone has!



If you haven’t yet, check out the video! You can see all these places in a different way!

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Love a place with atmosphere! and Love going shopping – even if I can’t make up my mind to buy. Great post and a good look into your time there
Haha that happens to all of us! And thank you!
These shots are so homey, I love. Now I must visit Iowa City lol
For sure 😉
All of these sound amazing! Definitely need to bookmark this for future reference!
Kileen
cute & little
Thanks for checking it out!
Alright, I’ll be honest: I rarely ever watch vlogs (because I think they can be long and kinda boring) BUT I watched yours and LOVED IT. You’re so fun to watch on camera and your family is adorable and you didn’t make it too long, and it looked so fun!!!! Now I wanna visit Iowa City!
Aww seriously girl this makes me so happy!! Thank you!
I’ve never been out and about in Iowa! This is a great reference. I really needed to hear this!
So glad you liked it!
wow, awesome post. i have never been to iowa city but it sounds like an awesome place! thanks for this write up!
Thanks for reading!
I love having coffee by the window too !
It’s such a nice spot 🙂
I’ve never been to Iowa City but now know exactly where to go thanks to this! Love those shots of you with all the books
Why thank you, Marlene!
It’s so great to hear about things to do in the Midwestern states. We don’t hear enough about that. I loved your video too! I was definitely interested in that haunted book store but sad that its not really haunted lol. I’m going to go subscribe to your channel. Your video was awesome!
Wow, thanks so much! And I agree, I think the midwest can be forgotten at times haha!
I have never been here!!! I wish that bookstore had been actually haunted. That would have been so fun.
That would have been way cooler huh haha!
I enjoyed watching the vlog! Makes me want to go to Iowa! (:
Oh, awesome! Mission accomplished 🙂
Iowa City looks like so much fun!
It was!
I’ve never been to Iowa City but it looks like there are a lot of fun things to do there!
you’d be surprised with what you can do!
I totally want to eat everything here! That pizza shop is so adorable. Love the bookstore, too 🙂
-xo, Azanique | https://www.lotsofsass.com
The bookstore was so quaint and cozy!
I love the photos, and Iowa sounds as a pretty funny place to visit. Hope to get a chance one day xoxox
http://www.theninebyivana.blogspot.com
Definitely a good place if you need a break from the busy city!
How fun! I’ve never been to Iowa City, but it looks like there are great things to do there. Also, I adore your shoes!
Can never go wrong with a great pair of ankle boots!
I’ve never been to Iowa City, but you make it look like magic!!
x
Izzy
http://www.IsabellaDavid.com
Aw that’s a big compliment. Thanks!
Omg you’re so cute! And that pizza looks divine! ?
Margherita pizza is one of my favorite things to order!
Iowa looks so fun! You always take gorgeous pictures and can’t get enough of those jeans
They’re one of my favorite pairs!
Looks like you had such a fun time! There are lots of fun things to do there.
It was definitely fun!
I’ve never been in Iowa City, but if I ever come visit, now I know where to go
Happy to help! 🙂
You’ve got some great picks here! Love the cafe and cute little street shots!
Love when I can find cute cafes at places!
I’ve never even thought of visiting there, but it seems like such a cute city! Going to see how far it is from Chicago ?
Hehe I looked it up for you…just 3 1/2 hours! 😉
First off, I LOVE the feel and colors of your photos! I never knew Iowa city was so cute!
Thank you for the kind words! And Iowa has its cute surprises!