Salt Lake City Historical Walking Tour of the City of Zion

Salt Lake City , United States

Salt Lake City Historical Walking Tour of the City of Zion

Active

2h - 3h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Discover Salt Lake City's remarkable journey from a pioneer settlement to a modern metropolis with a passionate local guide. Stroll through historic neighborhoods that reveal the stories of diverse communities—from Greek Town to Little Italy. Hear captivating tales of early settlers, architectural marvels, and cultural landmarks, all while enjoying the personalized atmosphere of a small-group tour that feels more like exploring with a knowledgeable friend than following a traditional guide.

Available options

Thursday

Morning tour Thursday

Sunday

Morning tour Sunday

Tuesday

Afternoon tour Tuesday

What's included

Applicable Taxes and Fees

Professional guide

Bottled water

Detailed itinerary

Our Salt Lake City adventure begins at the FamilySearch Center—the world’s largest genealogical library. Home to billions of family history records, it stands as a living monument to the power of family connections across generations. Here begins the fascinating story of how pioneers transformed this valley into the “City of Zion.”

First, we’ll explore Abravanel Hall, the stunning glass-facade home of the Utah Symphony Orchestra, representing Salt Lake City’s vibrant cultural heart with its world-class acoustics. From there, we’ll head to the Delta Center, where legendary basketball games and the city’s newly beloved hockey team create unforgettable sporting memories.

Next, we’ll explore the historic Devereaux Mansion, a Civil War–era landmark that has recently found new fame as a filming location for a popular comedy series. We’ll also visit the train station where Utah’s railroad story began. Once a hub for the city’s tramway network—the first urban public transit system—it connected Salt Lake City’s outlying neighborhoods and helped establish the city as a center of transportation innovation in the American West.

Next, we'll venture into a neighborhood that was at various times known as Greek Town, Little Italy, and the Railroad District, reflecting its rich and diverse history. Our path will lead us to Rio Grande Station, the historic railroad hub, and then to Pioneer Park, built on the site of the first fort, which stood as a symbol of hope and protection for the early settlers.

Stop 5

At Temple Square, we'll walk to the magnificent Eagle Gate monument, a symbolic entrance to the city's heart and architectural masterpiece. You'll discover fascinating details about each building in this massive complex that required half a century to complete. This sacred place for millions of believers features exquisite flowers and stunning landscape designs year-round.
At the square's center stands its crown jewel—the grand Salt Lake Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, showcasing remarkable grandeur and architectural perfection. We'll then ascend to one of the world's largest rooftop gardens, where an unforgettable city panorama awaits—a breathtaking view that will leave you speechless.

What's not included

Personal expenses and souvenirs

Transportation to/from the tour starting point

Gratuities for guide (optional)

Available languages

Guide guide

Important information

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

Meet your guide at the main entrance of the FamilySearch Center, wearing an official Matei Travel badge and carrying a backpack.
Please arrive 10 minutes early — your guide will wait up to 15 minutes.
Parking available at Plaza Hotel Garage and City Creek Center.

Important notes

Your guide will meet you at the main entrance of the FamilySearch Center (35 N W Temple St, Salt Lake City), wearing an official Matei Travel badge and carrying a backpack.
Please arrive 10 minutes before the tour begins and have your Viator booking confirmation ready (mobile or printed).
Your guide will verify your booking and welcome you — no additional tickets are required.
Parking is available at the Plaza Hotel Garage and at City Creek Center.

About Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City, nestled between the Great Salt Lake and the Wasatch Mountains, is a unique blend of urban sophistication and outdoor adventure. Known for its stunning natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant cultural scene, it offers a distinctive experience for travelers. The city is a gateway to world-class skiing, hiking, and cultural attractions, making it a versatile destination for all types of travelers.

Top Attractions

Temple Square

The spiritual and historical heart of Salt Lake City, home to the iconic Salt Lake Temple and the Mormon Tabernacle Choir.

Historical/Religious 1-2 hours Free

Great Salt Lake State Park

A unique natural wonder offering saltwater beaches, birdwatching, and recreational activities.

Nature Half day to full day Free entry, fees for camping and certain activities

Park City Mountain Resort

One of the largest ski resorts in the U.S., offering world-class skiing, snowboarding, and summer activities.

Adventure/Entertainment Full day Moderate to expensive (lift tickets, rentals, and lessons)

Natural History Museum of Utah

A premier natural history museum featuring exhibits on Utah's geology, paleontology, and cultural history.

Museum 2-3 hours Moderate ($14.95-$19.95 for adults)

Red Butte Garden and Arboretum

A beautiful botanical garden and arboretum featuring a variety of plant collections, walking trails, and seasonal events.

Nature 1-2 hours Moderate ($12-$15 for adults)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Fry Sauce

A popular condiment made from a blend of ketchup and mayonnaise, often served with fries and burgers.

Condiment Contains dairy and eggs (mayonnaise).

Pasties

A savory pastry filled with meat, potatoes, and vegetables, originally brought by Cornish miners.

Snack Can be vegetarian or vegan if made without meat.

Green Jell-O

A unique dessert made with green gelatin, often served with cream and whipped topping.

Dessert Gelatin is not vegetarian or vegan.

Popular Activities

Skiing and snowboarding at Park City Mountain Resort Hiking in the Wasatch Mountains Mountain biking at Park City or Moab Spa treatments at local resorts Picnicking at Red Butte Garden Strolling through Temple Square Visiting the Natural History Museum of Utah Attending a performance by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir

Best Time to Visit

December to February (winter) and June to August (summer)

Winter is ideal for skiing and snowboarding, while summer offers hiking, biking, and festivals. These are the busiest times with the most activities and events.

Winter: -7°C to 2°C (19°F to 36°F), Summer: 21°C to 35°C (70°F to 95°F) Winter: 19°F to 36°F, Summer: 70°F to 95°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: Spanish
English: Widely spoken

Currency

US Dollar (USD)

Time Zone

Mountain Time Zone (MT), UTC-7 (standard time), UTC-6 (daylight saving time)

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Salt Lake City is generally safe for visitors, with low crime rates in most areas. However, as with any urban destination, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

Important Precautions:

• Be aware of your surroundings, particularly in crowded areas and at night.
• Keep valuables secure and out of sight.
• Use reputable taxi services or ride-sharing apps to avoid scams.

Getting there

By air

Salt Lake City International Airport • 6 km (4 miles) from city center

By train

Salt Lake City Intermodal Hub

By bus

Salt Lake City Intermodal Hub

Getting around

Public transport

Easy to use, clean, and efficient. Covers major attractions, downtown, and airport.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Downtown Sugar House The Avenues

Day trips

Park City

40 km (25 miles) • Half day to full day

A charming mountain town known for its world-class skiing, historic Main Street, and outdoor activities.

Antelope Island State Park

50 km (31 miles) • Full day

A scenic island in the Great Salt Lake offering hiking, wildlife viewing, and stunning views of the lake and mountains.

Moab and Arches National Park

400 km (250 miles) • Overnight or multi-day trip

A stunning desert landscape featuring iconic red rock formations, hiking trails, and outdoor adventures.

Festivals

Sundance Film Festival • January Salt Lake City Jazz Festival • June Utah Pride Festival • June

Pro tips

Visit Temple Square early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy the beautiful gardens and fountains.
Take advantage of the city's extensive public transportation system, including the TRAX light rail and UTA bus system, to get around easily and affordably.
Explore the city's diverse culinary scene, from farm-to-table restaurants to international cuisines and craft breweries.
Plan your trip around major events and festivals, such as the Sundance Film Festival and the Salt Lake City Jazz Festival, to experience the city's vibrant cultural scene.
Be prepared for changing weather conditions, particularly in the winter months, by dressing in layers and bringing appropriate gear for outdoor activities.