Tabernacle Choir Performance + Salt Lake City Bus Tour

Our review dives into a popular Salt Lake City experience that combines a sightseeing bus tour with a live performance by the world-famous Tabernacle Choir. While we haven’t done it ourselves, the feedback from hundreds of travelers paints a clear picture of what to expect.

This tour offers a great way to get acquainted with Utah’s capital, especially if you’re interested in its religious and cultural roots, along with a chance to see the choir perform live.

What we particularly like is how this experience mixes informative city sightseeing with an up-close look at the choir’s performance, often regarded as a highlight of any visit. The value for money is notable, considering the duration and inclusiveness of the tour. However, some travelers find the schedule a bit brisk, especially on days when the choir is rehearsing or performing multiple times.

This tour is best suited for those who want a breadth of experience—covering Salt Lake City’s top sights—without sacrificing the chance to enjoy a world-class musical event. If you love history, architecture, and a touch of local religious culture, this tour deserves a spot on your Salt Lake itinerary.

This experience made our article of 15 Most Highly Rated City Tours In Salt Lake City.

Key Points

• Balanced mix of city sights and choir performance makes this tour versatile.
• Knowledgeable guides enrich the experience with engaging stories and insights.
• Performance options include an intimate Thursday rehearsal or a full Sunday concert.
• Great value for $89, considering the length and the included performance.
• Group size is limited to 30 travelers, fostering a friendly atmosphere.
• Timing and schedule can be tight, especially when arriving early for the choir’s rehearsal.

A Deep Look at What This Tour Offers

An Introduction to Salt Lake City’s Sights

The tour begins with a bus ride around downtown Salt Lake, giving you a first taste of the city’s sights. The Utah State Capitol, with its impressive architecture and commanding views, is a highlight. Travelers report that the guide provides engaging stories about the city’s founding and landmarks, like the historic mansion of Thomas Kearns, now Utah’s governor’s residence, and City Hall, built in 1894.

From the mormon pioneer trail to the This is the Place Heritage Park, the tour covers the key sites that reveal Salt Lake City’s origins and growth. Expect a fair amount of history, but also some fun stories about the early settlers and their journey 1,300 miles west in 1847. As one reviewer noted, “hearing tales of the 70,000 pioneers who walked that trail added a personal touch to the city’s story.”

Exploring Temple Square and Nearby Landmarks

A significant part of the tour is the Temple Square complex, home to the Salt Lake Temple, a Gothic-style masterpiece constructed in 1893, and the Salt Lake Tabernacle, famous for its acoustics and the choir. The Salt Lake Mormon Temple is a must-see, and it’s no surprise that many travelers describe it as “Utah’s most photographed building.”

Other stops include the City and County Building, built in 1894, and the Mormon Battalion Monument, which ties into the city’s military and religious history with tales of a unique religious unit in the American military during the Gold Rush era.

The Highlight: The Tabernacle Choir Performance

The real star of this tour is the performance by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. Depending on the day, you might attend a Thursday evening rehearsal or a full concert on Sunday morning. The choir, with its 360 volunteer members, is known worldwide for their beautiful, unified singing and has won Grammy and Emmy awards.

Many reviews emphasize that this is the highlight of the experience. As one traveler put it, “the Choir was magnificent. A true highlight,” and another said, “Seeing them live was the best part of the tour.” The performance takes place either at the LDS Conference Center, which seats 21,000, or the historic Salt Lake Tabernacle, a space renowned for its incredible acoustics.

What You Can Expect at the Performance

Expect a musical experience that’s both moving and inspiring. Attending a rehearsal on Thursday offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at the choir’s preparation, which many find fascinating. The full concert, usually on Sunday, is a more polished, polished showcase of their talent.

A common theme in reviews is how professional and moving the choir’s singing is. One reviewer noted, “The choir was superb. It truly is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for many.” For some, being present during a rehearsal adds a personal, almost intimate feel to the concert.

How the Tour Is Structured

The entire experience lasts around 3.5 hours, starting with the city sightseeing tour and culminating with the choir performance. The group size is kept small—around 30 travelers—making for a more intimate and engaging experience. The tour begins at the Radisson Hotel downtown, with pickup and drop-off included, and offers a mobile ticket for convenience.

The itinerary is quite packed: the first hour focuses on the city’s landmarks, followed by a 45-minute tour of Temple Square, ending with the choir performance. The timing of the choir’s rehearsal or concert is pre-arranged, so arriving early is essential to secure good seats, especially for the rehearsal days.

The Travel & Comfort

The transportation is in a comfortable bus, and the guide provides commentary throughout. Reviewers often praise the guides for their knowledge and friendly attitude, with some describing them as “a Salt Lake City encyclopedia.” The small group size creates a relaxed atmosphere, and the tour is suitable for most travelers, including families, with a note that children under 8 are seated separately during the Sunday concert due to acoustics and recording equipment.

The Value for Money

At $89 per person, this tour offers good value, particularly because it combines sightseeing with a live performance by a world-class choir. Considering the duration, the sights, and the unique experience of hearing the choir live, many feel it’s a worthwhile investment. Some reviews note that it’s a “great overview of Salt Lake City,” while others highlight the amazing talent of the choir as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Potential Drawbacks and Tips

While most reviews are glowing, some mention feeling “rushed,” especially when the schedule extends into watching both rehearsal and the concert. Arriving early for the choir’s rehearsal—sometimes needed to secure seats—can also be a bit stressful, but it’s a necessary part of ensuring a good experience.

A few reviewers expressed disappointment when the choir was unable to perform due to unforeseen circumstances, but the tour provider responded promptly with refunds and offers of future tours. It’s always wise to confirm the schedule and be flexible if possible.

Who Will Love This Tour?

If you’re interested in Utah’s history, architecture, and religious culture, this tour provides a solid overview with expert guides. If you love music and performing arts, the opportunity to see the renowned Tabernacle Choir live is hard to beat. It also appeals to travelers who want a comfortable, well-organized experience that hits key sights in Salt Lake without feeling rushed.

However, if your primary focus is deep historical exploration or outdoor adventure, this tour might feel a little too compressed. It’s best for those who want a taste of everything—history, culture, and music—in a manageable time frame.

The Sum Up

This tour offers a well-rounded introduction to Salt Lake City, with the bonus of witnessing the prestigious Tabernacle Choir in action. It’s especially appealing for visitors who appreciate history, architecture, and live music. The combination of a guided city tour with a world-class performance delivers a memorable experience, often described as “magnificent” and “inspirational” by travelers.

The value for $89 is clear, given the quality of the sights, stories, and musical performance you get within a few hours. The small group size and knowledgeable guides make the experience more personal and engaging. While some may find the schedule a bit tight or prefer more time at each site, most agree that the highlight—the choir—is worth every penny.

In summary, if you’re looking to absorb Salt Lake City’s character while enjoying a spectacular musical event, this tour should definitely be on your list. It’s a blend of culture, history, and music wrapped into a manageable, rewarding outing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the price of $89?
The fee covers the city sightseeing bus tour, visits to key landmarks like the Utah State Capitol, Temple Square, and historical sites, plus a performance by the Tabernacle Choir, either at a rehearsal or a full concert.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience lasts approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes.

Can I choose between the rehearsal and the concert?
Yes, depending on the day, you can opt for an intimate Thursday evening rehearsal or a full Sunday morning concert.

What are the meeting points?
The tour begins at the Radisson Hotel Salt Lake City Downtown, with pickup included. You’ll receive a mobile ticket for easy access.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Children under 8 are seated separately during the Sunday concert, due to sound sensitivities and recording equipment.

How large are the groups?
The maximum group size is 30 travelers, fostering a more personal experience.

What if I want to cancel?
You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Are tickets needed for the choir performance?
Yes, the performance is included in the tour fee, but seating at the choir’s rehearsal or concert is subject to availability and arrival timing.

What’s the best time of year to take this tour?
The tour runs year-round, with performances from September through May at the Salt Lake Tabernacle or Conference Center, and June to September at the Conference Center.

Is this tour a good value?
Considering the combination of a guided city overview and a live, renowned choir performance, many find it offers excellent value for the price.

In essence, this Salt Lake City tour is a great way to enjoy a slice of local culture, history, and music all in one manageable outing. Whether you’re a music lover, history buff, or just curious about Utah’s capital, it offers a taste of what makes Salt Lake City special.