Discover the Highlights of Downtown Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City , United States

Discover the Highlights of Downtown Salt Lake City

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About this experience

Discover why Salt Lake City is a hidden gem worth exploring on this private walking tour of downtown.

Along the way, I'll tell you of the history of Salt Lake City, from the indigenous tribes that call these lands home, to the trappers and explorers, and the Mormon pioneers who settled here in 1847. Since then, the city continued to see rapid growth and development.

This tour takes you past old and modern architecture, including historic buildings on Main Street. Taking a short bus ride, we'll reach the Utah State Capitol for a tour inside this marvelous building, and magnificent views of greater Salt Lake City.

We'll also see historical buildings around Temple Square, such as the Beehive and Lion House, and of course, the Salt Lake Temple.

Available options

Discover the Highlights of Downtown Salt Lake City

What's included

Public transportation

Guide

Detailed itinerary

Our tour starts at Abravanel Hall, the home of the Utah Symphony and Utah Opera. The Dale Chihuly sculpture in the lobby of the building is a must see!

From Abravanel Hall we will walk through City Creek Center to get to Main Street. City Creek Center straddles Main Street and the bridge connecting the East and West side of the center offer a wonderful view of Main Street.

Walk along Main Street to the Gallivan Center, an urban oasis in the city, once part of the old red-light district. Discover some interesting and unique murals and street art along the way.

Stop 4

From the Gallivan Center we will walk to State Street, where we will catch the bus to the Utah State Capitol. We will go inside this magnificent building on Salt Lake's Capitol Hill. It's also the perfect spot to for panoramic views of greater Salt Lake City.

Stop 5

No visit to Salt Lake City would be complete without having walked by Temple Square. We will walk the perimeter, pointing out some historically important buildings. Time permitting, and depending on the time of the tour, we may attend the organ recital at the Tabernacle on Temple Square.

Available languages

Guide guide

EN FR NL

Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Meeting point

Meet me in front of Abravanel Hall, the home of the Utah Symphony. Alternatively, the meeting point can be the lobby of your hotel in downtown Salt Lake City.

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.