
Vacation rentals in Iowa City
Book unique vacation rentals, houses, and more on Airbnb
Top-rated vacation rentals in Iowa City
Guests agree: these vacation rentals are highly rated for location, cleanliness, and more.
Vacation rentals for every style
Get the amount of space that is right for you
Popular amenities for Iowa City vacation rentals
Other great vacation rentals in Iowa City

Downtown Studio Apartment
Very enjoyable and perfect for my purpose in being there- write and attend a workshop. She even added a red chair on the little porch on the second floor on the day it wasn't raining- really enjoyed sitting out there at sunset! Looking forward to my next stay.

Market House #201 - Luxury Condo, Northside IC
Had a great stay. Amazing location. Super responsive host, with detailed instructions. Would definitely choose To stay here again.

Japanese Oasis in Downtown Area
This is a charming little house on a quiet dead-end street in Iowa City. Except for the occasional helicopter or plane, you wouldn’t know you were in the city. The Japanese house was gorgeous and serene. The kitchen was smart and well-stocked with cooking tools. The bedroom and loft were cozy and comfortable. Everything was very clean Petra was a great communicator, quickly responding to every question I asked and providing helpful instructions. She was also gracious and helpful when I needed to cancel the last day of our stay. Avoid staying in the wastelands of Coralville and Tiffin and treat yourself to this stay the next time you find yourself in Iowa City!

Cottage 408 | Downtown Iowa City
One of the best Airbnbs I’ve stayed at! Perfect for a weekend with my fiancé and another couple. The house was the perfect size for us, and super clean with lovely decor. We felt right at home :) We would book Molly & Kevin’s place again in a heartbeat, our group agreed that we would love to stay here again during future visits to Iowa City. Thanks for a great stay!

Northside Nook
I stayed at this location multiple times in Spring 2025. The apartment was consistently very comfortable and clean. The host was very helpful and responsive.

Cozy Apartment Near Downtown
A perfect stay during our daughter UI graduation. Very clean and remodeled apartment. Perfect for 3 people. Well stocked with anything you need. Highly recommend

Modern Stay Near Downtown & Univ. of Iowa
Very clean, quiet and you just can’t beat the price! The fact that it was pet friendly did it for me! I most definitely will book again! Thank You!

Hilltop Treehouse & Lavender Farm
Never have had such a great experience sleeping in the trees with birdsong at dawn to dusk.
Quick stats about vacation rentals in Iowa City
Total rentals
310 properties
Total number of reviews
13K reviews
Family-friendly rentals
200 properties are a good fit for families
Pet-friendly rentals
80 properties allow pets
Rentals with dedicated workspaces
160 properties have a dedicated workspace
Wifi availability
310 properties include access to wifi
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
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 330 vacation rentals in Longfellow, and over 160 vacation rentals in Miller-Orchard.
Are there vacation rentals with a dedicated workspace in Iowa City?
Yes! Work meets play with ease at over 160 vacation rentals in Iowa City featuring dedicated workspaces. Stay connected and productive in your home away from home.
Are there pet-friendly vacation rentals in Iowa City?
Four-legged friends are welcome in Iowa City. Choose from more than 80 vacation rentals for guests traveling with pets.
How much does it cost to stay in townhouse rentals in Iowa City?
Experience the best of Iowa City with our townhouse rentals, starting at about $10 per day, before taxes and fees. Embrace comfort and style while staying within your budget in your home away from home.
Do house rentals in Iowa City have a bbq area?
Absolutely! We offer over 20 house rentals with a bbq area in Iowa City. Enjoy a tailored experience with all the comforts you desire.
Do apartment rentals in Iowa City have self check-in?
Absolutely! We offer over 10 apartment rentals with self check-in 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.
Are there family-friendly vacation rentals in Iowa City?
Iowa City has more than 200 family-friendly stays. Amenities on the property may include high chairs, travel cribs, or strollers.
Destinations to explore
- Platteville Vacation rentals
- Galena Vacation rentals
- Cedar Rapids Vacation rentals
- Davenport Vacation rentals
- Dubuque Vacation rentals
- Pella Vacation rentals
- Moline Vacation rentals
- Waterloo Vacation rentals
- Burlington Vacation rentals
- Cedar Falls Vacation rentals
- Prairie du Chien Vacation rentals
- Chicago Vacation rentals
- Rentals with a washer and dryer Iowa City
- House rentals Iowa City
- Rentals with pools Iowa City
- Rentals with outdoor seating Iowa City
- Rentals with breakfast Iowa City
- Pet-friendly rentals Iowa City
- Fitness-friendly rentals Iowa City
- Condo rentals Iowa City
- Rentals with a fireplace Iowa City
- Apartment rentals Iowa City
- Rentals with a patio Iowa City
- Rentals with a fire pit Iowa City
- Kid-friendly rentals Iowa City
- Cabins United States
- Treehouses United States
- Glamping United States
- Tiny Houses United States
- Beach Houses United States
- Campers and RVs United States
- Lakehouses United States
- Yurt Rentals United States
- Yurt Rentals United Kingdom
- Castle Rentals United States
- Houseboats United States
- Holiday Caravans United Kingdom
- Private Island Rentals United States
- Farm Houses United States
- Farm Cottages United Kingdom
- Cabin Rentals Australia
- Luxury Cabins United Kingdom
- Luxury Cabins United States
- Holiday Chalets United Kingdom
- Cottage Rentals United States
- Holiday Cottages United Kingdom
- Mansion Rentals United States
- Villa Rentals United Kingdom
- Holiday Bungalows United Kingdom
- Bungalow Rentals United States
- Condo Rentals United States
- Holiday Apartments Australia
- Holiday Houses United States
- Holiday Houses United Kingdom
- Private Holiday Rentals United Kingdom
- Big House Rentals United States
- Big Cottages Australia
- Large Villas United Kingdom
- House Rentals with a Pool United States
- Cabin Rentals with a Pool United States
- Villas with a Pool United Kingdom
- Apartments with a Hot Tub United States
- Holiday Cottages with a Hot Tub United Kingdom
- Beach Cabins United States
- Beach Condos United States
- Beachfront Rentals United States
- Beach Houses United Kingdom
- Beach Villas United Kingdom
- Coastal Cottages United Kingdom
- Pet-Friendly Vacation Rentals United States
- Pet-Friendly Beach Rentals United States
- Pet-Friendly Cabin Rentals United States
- Dog-Friendly Cottages United Kingdom
- Luxury Dog-Friendly Cottages United Kingdom
- Family travel hub Tips and inspiration
- Family budget travel Get there for less
- Vacation ideas for any budget Make it special without making it spendy
- Travel Europe on a budget How to take the kids to Europe for less
- Outdoor adventure Explore nature with the family
- Bucket list national parks Must-see parks for family travel
- Kid-friendly state parks Check out these family-friendly hikes