Salt Lake City, UT

Travel Guide

A cityscape with a prominent building with a dome, surrounded by modern high-rise buildings and a mountainous backdrop.
A large government building with a central dome, surrounded by a circular water feature and trees.
A grand cathedral with three towers and a reflection in the water.
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A large cathedral with multiple spires and a modern building nearby.

Travel to Salt Lake City for engaging events, unique neighborhoods, and opportunities to explore nature and culture.

Salt Lake City is an ideal destination for adventure and ski travelers. You can visit the Utah State Fairpark for various events, explore the spiritual significance of Temple Square, and catch a game or concert at the Delta Center. For those looking to shop, City Creek Center and Gateway Mall offer a range of options, while the Eccles and Capitol Theaters provide opportunities to enjoy live performances. Additionally, the Clark Planetarium offers an engaging experience for those interested in astronomy and science.

While you're in Salt Lake City, take time to wander through its interesting neighborhoods, each with its own character. Downtown Salt Lake City is known for adventure and outdoor experiences and features the Salt Lake Tabernacle and Abravanel Hall, which host musical performances. Central City, also focused on outdoor experiences, includes Trolley Square for shopping and Liberty Park for recreation. Likewise, Capitol Hill, known for its outdoor activities, is home to the Utah State Capitol and Ensign Peak Nature Park, where you can enjoy nature and views of the city.

The best time to visit Salt Lake City is from June to September when the weather is mild, ranging from 66 to 78°F, and mostly dry. During these months, you can expect plenty of sunny days, making it ideal for outdoor activities. However, be aware that this period tends to be busier with tourists, so plan ahead if you want to enjoy the attractions and events without large crowds.

Salt Lake City Travel Guide Video

Where to stay in Salt Lake City

Find the best Salt Lake City areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Salt Lake City
Learn more about Salt Lake City
A large government building with a prominent dome, surrounded by trees and other buildings.

Downtown Salt Lake City

Known for its fantastic nightlife, panoramic lake views, and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Downtown Salt Lake City. Top attractions like Capitol Theater and Clark Planetarium are major draws. Catch the metro at Planetarium Station or Old Greektown Station to see more of the city.

A city square with a large heart-shaped sign reading "I ♥ SLC" and street signs for "SUGAR HOUSE" and "SLC".

Sugar House

Noted for its lake views and restaurants, there's plenty to explore in Sugar House. Top attractions like Club Karamba and Cinemark Sugarhouse are major draws, and you can hop on the metro at Fairmont Station or Sugarmont Station to see more of the city.

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Capitol Hill

While you're in Capitol Hill, take in top sights like Utah State Capitol or Conference Center, and hop on the metro to see more the city at Warm Springs Station or Temple Square Station.

A large building with a dome and columns, a fountain in front, and flags on top.
Photo by Christina Redd
Open Photo by Christina Redd

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.

A sign for The Beehive House, a historical building with a two-story veranda, an observatory, and a beehive.

The Avenues

While visiting The Avenues, you might make a stop by sights like Wasatch-Cache National Forest and Beehive House.

Little America Hotel

Little America Hotel

4 out of 5
500 S Main St Salt Lake City UT
$139 nightly
The price is $163 total per night from Nov 22 to Nov 23
$163 total
Nov 22 - Nov 23
Total with taxes and 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 ...
Little America Hotel
Crystal Inn Hotel & Suites Salt Lake City

Crystal Inn Hotel & Suites Salt Lake City

3 out of 5
230 W 500 S Salt Lake City UT
$106 nightly
The price is $125 total per night from Dec 13 to Dec 14
$125 total
Dec 13 - Dec 14
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Salt Lake City. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (3,971 reviews)
"We were very happy with our 3 day stay here. Rooms were clean and the property was well maintained. Felt safe as well. For a small chain, it was everything you would expect from a larger hotel chain. Will stay again when we have the opportunity."

Reviewed on Nov 13, 2026

Crystal Inn Hotel & Suites Salt Lake City
The Grand America Hotel

The Grand America Hotel

5 out of 5
555 S Main St Salt Lake City UT
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
$260 nightly
The price is $306 total per night from Nov 15 to Nov 16
$306 total
Nov 15 - Nov 16
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this 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! (2,034 reviews)
"Very elegant and upscale."

Reviewed on Nov 13, 2026

The Grand America Hotel
See all 2,287 properties in Salt Lake City
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 Downtown, Apartments by Hilton

Placemakr Salt Lake City Downtown, Apartments by Hilton

4 out of 5
241 W 400 S Salt Lake City UT
Stay at this apartment in Salt Lake City. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour fitness center, and parking (surcharge). Popular attractions Delta Center and City Creek ...
Placemakr Salt Lake City Downtown, Apartments by Hilton
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 condo in Salt Lake City. Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness center, and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
The Kimball at Temple Square
Landing Furnished Apartments near Downtown Salt Lake

Landing Furnished Apartments near Downtown Salt Lake

3.5 out of 5
340 W 700 S Salt Lake City UT
Book a stay at this golf apartment in Salt Lake City. Enjoy an outdoor pool, a rooftop terrace, and a fitness center. Popular attractions Delta Center and City ...
Landing Furnished Apartments near Downtown Salt Lake
See all properties in Salt Lake City
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.

Getting around Salt Lake City

The chance to go skiing, hiking and enjoy other outdoor activities draws many visitors to Salt Lake City. If this is the case for you, you'll need a rental vehicle. Get one from the airport or from one of the numerous companies in the city center. In downtown Salt Lake City, though, you can get around fairly easily on the TRAX public transportation service, which incorporates buses and a light railway. Visit the Utah Transit AuthorityOpens in a new window website.Browse Salt Lake City rental cars.

Stay near popular Salt Lake City attractions

The Natural History Museum of Utah's exterior with large windows and a metal railing.

University of Utah

8.8/10 (3,146 reviews)
Enjoy the collegiate vibe with a visit to University of Utah, a well-known college in Salt Lake City. Discover the lively bars and great live music in this family-friendly area.
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Things to do

Salt Lake City's most trusted and popular guided bus tour for 45 years explores iconic attractions, like the Utah Capitol, with insightful and entertaining tour guides

Salt Lake City Guided Bus Tour

$69
per adult
96% of travellers recommend
Salt Lake City Guided Bus Tour
Salt Lake City: Great Salt Lake Wildlife & Sunset Experience

Salt Lake City: Great Salt Lake Wildlife & Sunset Experience

$145
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Salt Lake City: Great Salt Lake Wildlife & Sunset Experience
SLC Bus Tours Hop On Hop Off

SLC Bus Tours Hop On Hop Off

$55
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
SLC Bus Tours Hop On Hop Off
SLC Downtown Evening Bites & Landmarks Tour

SLC Downtown Evening Bites & Landmarks Tour

$65
per adult
SLC Downtown Evening Bites & Landmarks Tour
Salt Lake City: Haunted Walking Tour

Salt Lake Ghost Tour: Salt, Spooks, & Shadows

$24
per adult
84% of travellers recommend
Salt Lake Ghost Tour: Salt, Spooks, & Shadows
Salt Lake City: History & Culture Guided Walking Day Tour

Salt Lake City: History & Culture Guided Walking Day Tour

$44
per adult
80% of travellers recommend
Salt Lake City: History & Culture Guided Walking Day Tour
See all activities in Salt Lake City

Frequently asked questions

Is Salt Lake City worth visiting?
Salt Lake City is worth visiting for its standout attractions, including the University of Utah and Temple Square. Travelers can also enjoy diverse dining options, with a variety of Asian and Latin American cuisines available. Getting around is convenient thanks to practical transit access via bus and metro services.
When is the best time to visit Salt Lake City?
The best time to visit Salt Lake City is from May through September, when travelers can enjoy pleasant weather. For fewer crowds and better value, the quieter months of November through February are a good option, offering cooler temperatures and opportunities for winter activities.
Where are the best neighborhoods to explore in Salt Lake City?
The best neighborhoods to explore in Salt Lake City depend on what you want to see and do:

  • Downtown Salt Lake City offers cultural experiences at Eccles Theater and historic sites like Salt Lake Temple and Temple Square.
  • Central City features the Mormon Pioneer National Historic Trail, shopping at Trolley Square, and green space at Liberty Park.
  • University District is home to the Natural History Museum of Utah, This is the Place Heritage Park, and Rice-Eccles Stadium.
  • South Valley provides entertainment at Sandy Amphitheater and Hale Centre Theatre, plus family fun at Cowabunga Bay Water Park.
  • Midvalley offers outdoor activities like Paddle Wasatch and Golf In the Round, along with shopping at Fashion Place Mall.

What is Salt Lake City known for?
Salt Lake City is known for Temple Square, its historic heart. Travelers can also visit the University of Utah and catch events at the Delta Center. The city offers a strong Asian food presence, especially in neighborhoods like Downtown Salt Lake City and Central City.
What is a good itinerary length for Salt Lake City?
A good itinerary length for Salt Lake City is two to three days to explore Downtown Salt Lake City, Temple Square, and the University of Utah. An extended stay of four to seven days allows for deeper exploration of areas like Central City and the University District, plus multi-day tours to Yellowstone and Grand Teton. See Salt Lake City Activities.
How do you get around Salt Lake City?
Salt Lake City offers convenient public transit, with metro, bus, and train services connecting key areas like Salt Lake Central Station and Airport Station. Travelers can also rent cars, with options available in neighborhoods such as Downtown Salt Lake City, Central City, and Midvalley. Rideshare services provide another flexible way to get around the city.
What are the top things to do in and around Salt Lake City?
Salt Lake City offers urban attractions and serves as a gateway to iconic national parks:

  • Visit Temple Square, a significant religious and historical site.
  • Explore the University of Utah, a prominent educational institution.
  • Catch an event at Delta Center, a major sports and entertainment venue.
  • Stroll through City Creek Center, an open-air retail complex.
  • Tour Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks on a multi-day trip departing from the city.

How do I plan a trip to Salt Lake City?
To plan your Salt Lake City trip, search for places to stay in areas like Downtown, Central City, or the University District. Book flights and activities, such as multi-day tours to Yellowstone, in advance. You can get around using public transit. Remember to pair outdoor plans with indoor options for weather flexibility.
What cuisines can you find in Salt Lake City?
In Salt Lake City you can find New American cuisine, offering dishes like gourmet burgers, creative small plates, and farm-to-table options. Travelers can also enjoy a variety of Asian dishes such as Japanese and Thai, plus Latin American choices like Mexican tacos and burritos, and Italian favorites.
Can I book a refundable hotel in Salt Lake City?
Yes, Expedia offers many flexible booking options, and you can look for refundable hotels in Salt Lake City by entering your dates and using the refundable or fully refundable filter. Always check the hotel's cancellation policy before you book, since terms can vary by hotel, and visit Expedia help center for further details.
Why book a trip to Salt Lake City with Expedia?
Expedia makes it easier to plan your Salt Lake City trip with travel tools, flexible search options, and bookable trip components all in one place. You can organize your plans in one account and use Expedia to help build a trip that fits your budget and travel style. Find out more about how by visiting Expedia's Trip Planner page.
Should I stay in a hotel or vacation rental in Salt Lake City?
The best choice depends on your travel style. Hotels in Salt Lake City can be a good fit for convenience, on-site amenities, and shorter stays, while vacation rentals may offer more space, privacy, and home-style amenities for longer trips, families, or groups. With Expedia, you can compare both options side by side, read traveler reviews, and filter by amenities to find the right fit for your trip.
How can I manage my Salt Lake City trip on Expedia?
Once you've booked your Salt Lake City trip, you can manage it through your Expedia account or the Expedia app. You can view your itinerary, access booking details, make eligible changes, and check for updates in My Trips. The Expedia app can also help you stay organized while you travel.
What if I need help during my Salt Lake City trip?
Expedia offers customer support before, during, and after your Salt Lake City trip. If your plans change or something unexpected happens, you can review your booking in My Trips and use Expedia help center channels for help with eligible changes, cancellations, or travel issues.
How can Expedia help me plan my first trip to Salt Lake City?
If it's your first trip to Salt Lake City, Expedia can help you plan by bringing together stays, flights, activities, traveler reviews, and trip-planning tools in one place. With Expedia's Trip Planner you can compare options, read reviews from other travelers, and build an itinerary that matches your interests and budget.
How can I save on my Salt Lake City hotel booking with Expedia?
Join One Key™ for free to unlock instant discounts with Member Prices on select hotels. You can also earn and use OneKeyCash™* on eligible bookings on Expedia. Booking in advance is usually another great way to save on your Salt Lake City hotel.

*Excludes taxes and fees. OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia and other participating brands.

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