Salt Lake City, Utah-5-day-itinerary

Salt Lake City, Utah: A 5-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Explore Downtown SLC

Places to Go:

  • Temple Square: The headquarters of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Take a stroll through the beautiful gardens and visit the historic tabernacle.
  • Natural History Museum of Utah: Discover Utah’s natural history, from dinosaurs to ancient cultures.

Activities:

  • Take a guided tour of Temple Square
  • Visit the museum’s IMAX theater

Where to Eat:

  • The Red Iguana: Authentic Mexican cuisine with multiple locations in SLC
  • Settebello Pizzeria Napoletana: Delicious Neapolitan-style pizza

Accommodations:

  • The Grand America Hotel: Luxurious hotel located in the heart of downtown
  • Hyatt Place Salt Lake City/Downtown: Modern hotel with comfortable rooms and a rooftop pool

Things to Know:

  • The city is relatively flat, making it easy to walk or bike around.
  • Public transportation options include buses (UTA) and light rail (TRAX).

Transportation:

  • Ride-sharing services: Uber and Lyft are widely available in SLC
  • Public parking garages: Conveniently located throughout the city

Day 2: Outdoor Adventures

Places to Go:

  • Ensign Peak Trail: A moderate hike with stunning views of the valley
  • Liberty Park: A large urban park featuring a pond, walking trails, and plenty of green space

Activities:

  • Hike Ensign Peak for panoramic views
  • Rent a bike and explore Liberty Park’s trails

Where to Eat:

  • The Roof Restaurant: Upscale dining with breathtaking views of the valley
  • Breweries: SLC has numerous craft breweries offering delicious food and drinks (try The Red Rock Brewing Company or The Utah Brewers Cooperative)

Day 3: Cultural Experiences

Places to Go:

  • The Utah State Capitol: Take a guided tour of the historic building and climb to the top for panoramic views
  • The Utah Museum of Fine Arts: Explore rotating exhibitions featuring local and international artists

Activities:

  • Attend a performance at the Utah Symphony or Ballet West
  • Visit the Utah State Capitol’s adjacent gardens

Where to Eat:

  • The Copper Onion: Contemporary American cuisine with a focus on local ingredients
  • Feldman’s Deli: Classic Jewish deli fare with a modern twist

Day 4: Sports and Recreation

Places to Go:

  • Rice-Eccles Stadium: Catch a Utah Utes football game (University of Utah)
  • Utah Olympic Oval: Visit the site where American speed skaters trained for the 2002 Winter Olympics

Activities:

  • Attend a Utah Jazz basketball game at Vivint Smart Home Arena
  • Take a lap around the Utah Olympic Oval’s ice rink

Where to Eat:

  • The Bayou: New Orleans-inspired cuisine with live music
  • Sicilia Pizza: Delicious Neapolitan-style pizza in the Marmalade District

Day 5: Shopping and Markets

Places to Go:

  • The Gateway: An upscale outdoor shopping center featuring high-end retailers and dining options
  • 9th and 9th Farmers Market: A bustling market offering fresh produce, baked goods, and local crafts (Saturdays only)

Activities:

  • Browse the shops at The Gateway
  • Visit the 9th and 9th Farmers Market for a taste of local flavor

Tips and Other Things to Know:

  • Weather: Be prepared for variable weather in SLC, with possible rain or snow.
  • Altitude: If you’re not accustomed to high elevations (around 4,300 ft.), take time to acclimate.
  • Tipping: Show appreciation for good service by tipping 15% at restaurants and bars.

Additional Recommendations:

  • Visit the Utah Heritage Festival in July for a celebration of local culture
  • Take advantage of SLC’s excellent public transportation system to explore the surrounding valleys

This itinerary provides a mix of cultural, outdoor, and recreational experiences that showcase Salt Lake City’s unique blend of history, natural beauty, and modern attractions. Enjoy your visit!