Salt Lake City, UT

Travel Guide

Salt Lake City which includes mountains, landscape views and a small town or village
Liberty Park featuring picnicing and a garden
Salt Lake City showing interior views and a bar as well as a large group of people
Temple Square showing a garden and a city
Utah State Capitol showing a park and night scenes

Utah’s attractive capital boasts a flourishing downtown district and offers easy access to the skiing, hiking and mountain biking runs of the Wasatch Mountains.

Though travelers often rush through Salt Lake City on their way to the nearby ski resorts and surreal red-rock landscapes of Utah’s national parks, this increasingly cosmopolitan city is well worth thoroughly exploring. Learn about the city’s Mormon heritage, browse exhibitions in its fascinating museums and sample local beers and regional fare in its new wave of trendy restaurants.

Stroll around town and admire the numerous examples of interesting architecture. Look for the striking glass façade and curved sweep of the Moshe Safdie-designed Salt Lake City Public Library and the imposing turreted Salt Lake Temple, which is topped by a gold-leaf covered statue of the Angel Moroni. Only members of the Latter-day Saints (LDS) church are allowed to enter.

While you’re on Temple Square, be sure to stop by the visitors centers. Staff here will be happy to answer your questions on the Mormon faith. Join a 45-minute guide-led tour of the square to find out more about its significance to the Mormon community.

When it comes to museums, Salt Lake City excels, with its highly regarded museums and educational institutions. Examine paleontological displays at the Natural History Museum of Utah, go stargazing at the Clark Planetarium and survey artworks ranging from tribal to modern in style at the Utah Museum of Fine Arts. Children will be kept agog at the interactive Discovery Gateway museum and the Hogle Zoo. Salt Lake City is also a common destination for family history researchers. Find out more about your ancestors at the Family History Library.

For outdoor adventurers, fun is never far in Salt Lake City, with the Wasatch Mountains and Antelope Island on the city’s doorstep. Venture southeast of the city to Snowbird for snow sports in the winter months and hiking and biking in summer.

Salt Lake City is located in northern Utah. Fly into Salt Lake City International Airport. To get around the downtown area, use the public bus network or the bike-share system. For destinations outside the city center, it’s advisable to rent a car.

Where to stay in Salt Lake City

Utah State Capitol which includes an administrative buidling and heritage architecture

Downtown Salt Lake City

4/5(3,678 area reviews)

Heart of the state, Downtown Salt Lake City offers lively experiences with shopping at City Creek Center, performances at Eccles Theatre, and historic sites like Temple Square. Easily accessible via TRAX light rail.

Downtown Salt Lake City
Sugar House

Sugar House

4.5/5(69 area reviews)

Often called Salt Lake's "Second Downtown," this bustling hub boasts shopping centers, various dining options, and attractions like Westminster College and Sugar House Park. Easily accessible via the S Line streetcar.

Sugar House
Window in the sky

Midvalley

While you're in Midvalley, take in top sights like Fashion Place Mall or Big Cottonwood Canyon, and hop on the metro to see more the city at Murray North Station or Fashion Place West Station.

Midvalley
Time to get outside and soak in the beauty of Fall.

Cottonwood Heights

Nestled between Big and Little Cottonwood Canyons, this city offers easy access to outdoor adventures in the Wasatch Mountains. Explore the multi-use trail along Big Cottonwood Creek or visit the commercial areas along Fort Union Boulevard.

Cottonwood Heights
Hogle Zoo which includes zoo animals and land animals

East Bench

While visiting East Bench, you might make a stop by sights like Big Cottonwood Canyon and Bonneville Golf Club.

East Bench
Salt Lake City which includes a church or cathedral, a city and heritage architecture

Central City

If you're spending time in Central City, check out sights like Trolley Square or Salt Lake City Public Library and hop on the metro to see more the city at Trolley Station or 900 East Station.

Central City
Little America Hotel
Little America Hotel
4 out of 5
500 S Main St, Salt Lake City, UT
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ¥19,179 per night from Jul 13 to Jul 14
¥19,179
¥22,540 total
Jul 13 - Jul 14
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Salt Lake City. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool ...
9/10 Wonderful! (4,795 reviews)
"Nice place. I will go back."

Reviewed on Jul 6, 2025

Little America Hotel
Hyatt Regency Salt Lake City
Hyatt Regency Salt Lake City
4 out of 5
170 SOUTH WEST TEMPLE, Salt Lake City, UT
The price is ¥25,860 per night from Jul 12 to Jul 13
¥25,860
¥30,211 total
Jul 12 - Jul 13
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Salt Lake City. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the pool and the helpful ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (923 reviews)
"Great service and hotel"

Reviewed on Jun 27, 2025

Hyatt Regency Salt Lake City
The Grand America Hotel
The Grand America Hotel
5 out of 5
555 S Main St, Salt Lake City, UT
The price is ¥41,063 per night from Jul 20 to Jul 21
¥41,063
¥48,257 total
Jul 20 - Jul 21
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Salt Lake City. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (1,189 reviews)
"Impeccable, great service and staff, great amenities"

Reviewed on Jul 6, 2025

The Grand America Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Placemakr Salt Lake City
Placemakr Salt Lake City
3.5 out of 5
241 W 400 S, Salt Lake City, UT
Stay at this 3.5-star apartment in Salt Lake City. Enjoy free WiFi, parking (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Delta Center and City ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (17 reviews)
"Everything was fantastic!!!"

Reviewed on Jul 6, 2025

Placemakr Salt Lake City
The Kimball at Temple Square
The Kimball at Temple Square
3 out of 5
150 N Main Street, Salt Lake City, UT
Stay at this 3-star condo in Salt Lake City. Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness center, and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (707 reviews)
"Great location right downtown with easy parking."

Reviewed on Jun 26, 2025

The Kimball at Temple Square
Maven Stay
Maven Stay
4 out of 5
156 Harvey Milk Blvd, Salt Lake City, UT
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Salt Lake City. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and parking (surcharge). Popular attractions City Creek Center and Temple ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (63 reviews)
"This place is great, nice large roomy area with great amenities"

Reviewed on Jun 30, 2025

Maven Stay
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Salt Lake City

4.2
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
1795
5 - Excellent 41%
4 - Good
1950
4 - Good 44%
3 - Okay
573
3 - Okay 13%
2 - Disappointing
70
2 - Disappointing 2%
1 - Terrible
35
1 - Terrible 1%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Salt Lake City is BEAUTIFUL!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

It was currently on fire, but I’ve been there before and liked it.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler

Hotel experience was horrible and Ruined My stay In Salt Lake City

3/5 - Okay

JB

Friendly staff and the room was very nice, just horrible getting through the halls or riding up the elevator

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Born & raised here some of the laws are stupid due to the mormons owning the whole state ide move if i could

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Very busy city. Did not have time to see anything this trip due to being in Park City with Fords ST SUV Experience.

Cities near Salt Lake City