Salt Lake City is a surprisingly walkable place with a rich mix of history, culture, and modern attractions. Its downtown is full of landmarks like the Temple Square, the City Creek Center, and Pioneer Park, each telling a different story about the city’s past and present. Walking tours are a great way to soak in the sights at a relaxed pace, meet locals, and get a true feel for the city’s character.
Whether you’re into history, food, or quirky stories, Salt Lake City’s walking options serve up a little bit of everything.
For example, the Salt Lake City: History & Culture Guided Walking Day Tour offers a compact three-hour deep dive into the city’s evolution from Mormon pioneers to Olympic hosts.
Or, if your focus is on cuisine, the Local Food Walking Tour introduces you to Salt Lake’s culinary influences through local restaurants. With this list, you’ll find the perfect way to explore Salt Lake City on foot, tailored to your interests.
- 1. Salt Lake City: History & Culture Guided Walking Day Tour
- 2. Salt Lake City Walking Tour
- 3. Local Food Walking Tours in Salt Lake City
- 4. Salt Lake City Food and Drink Walking Tour
- 5. Salt Lake City: The City of Zion Walking Tour
- 6. Salt Lake City: Local Food Walking Tour
- 7. Walking Tour in Salt Lake City
- 8. Salt Lake City Art Walk Reading Reverence and Revelry
- 9. Salt Lake City Historical Walking Tour of the City of Zion
- 10. Salt Lake City Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour and Game
- 11. Shadows of Old Salt Lake Walking Tour
- How to Choose Your Perfect Salt Lake City Walking Tour
1. Salt Lake City: History & Culture Guided Walking Day Tour
This guided walking tour takes about three hours and costs $39 per person. It covers the downtown Salt Lake City area, focusing on key sites like Temple Square, the City Creek Center, Pioneer Park, and the Vivint Arena. The tour is perfect for those interested in understanding the city’s roots— from the Mormon pioneers who settled the area to the 2002 Olympics that put Salt Lake City on the map.
The guide shares insights on the influence of the LDS Church, the development of the arts, and recent history. Visitors especially appreciate that the tour includes a visit to the Temple Square, which is a sprawling 10-acre complex owned by the LDS Church. At just 3 hours, it’s an efficient way to get a well-rounded sense of Salt Lake’s cultural landscape.
Reviewers praise the tour’s depth and accessibility, though some note it moves quickly through some sites. This tour suits history buffs and first-timers keen to understand Salt Lake’s unique identity.
Bottom Line: A comprehensive intro for those who want a structured overview with highlights and stories behind the city’s most iconic spots.
2. Salt Lake City Walking Tour
This tour lasts around 2.5 hours and costs $50, covering about 3 miles around downtown. It begins at the Salt Lake City Visitor Center, making it easy to find, and includes stops like Temple Square, City Creek Center, Pioneer Park, and the Vivint Arena. The focus here is on storytelling— from Mormon pioneers to the influence of the 2002 Winter Olympics and recent urban growth.
The tour includes detailed descriptions of each site, with a good mix of history and modern development. Tour guests mention that the pacing is comfortable and that the guide brings the city’s stories to life.
One reviewer highlights that they “saw many points of interest” they wouldn’t have discovered alone, though they also note a bit of political editorializing, which might not suit everyone. It’s best for travelers who enjoy a narrative approach and want to explore the city in a relaxed 3-hour window.
Bottom Line: An engaging, story-driven way to see downtown Salt Lake City, ideal for curious explorers and first-time visitors.
3. Local Food Walking Tours in Salt Lake City
Costing $150 per person, this food-focused tour lasts about 2 to 3 hours and takes you through Salt Lake’s culinary melting pot. Meet at an easy-to-find spot and walk through downtown while sampling dishes from three different local restaurants. The guide shares stories about the city’s history as you taste a variety of foods— from traditional Mormon favorites to international influences.
Highlights include a sit-down tasting at the Beehive House (Brigham Young’s home), plus visits to other eateries that reflect Salt Lake’s diverse communities. Guests love the opportunity to learn about the city’s history and culture through its cuisine.
The tour offers excellent value by combining food, history, and sightseeing in a small-group setting. Reviewers note the food is “amazing” and appreciate the guide’s personal touch.
Bottom Line: Perfect for foodies and those wanting to combine culinary experiences with cultural stories in a relaxed, intimate setting.
4. Salt Lake City Food and Drink Walking Tour
This tour runs 2 to 2.5 hours at a cost of $150 per person, curated by a professional chef. It focuses on Salt Lake’s vibrant food scene, showcasing award-winning cheeses, salamis, chocolates, and chicken sandwiches. The walk takes you through key downtown spots, with stops at Pioneer Park, Salt Palace, and City Creek Center.
What makes this tour stand out is the curated selection of bites paired with rich insights into Salt Lake’s development, including Native American, Mormon, and immigrant influences. Guests enjoy tasting local specialties and learning about the city’s evolution through food.
The tour is highly praised for the knowledgeable guide, Ray, who is also the owner of a local restaurant. Reviewers say it’s a “great way to taste” Salt Lake and learn about its cultural diversity.
Bottom Line: A top choice for food lovers wanting a chef-curated experience combined with cultural insights.
5. Salt Lake City: The City of Zion Walking Tour
This small-group tour costs $36 and lasts about three hours. It explores Salt Lake’s transformation from a pioneer fort to a modern city. Led by a knowledgeable guide, the walk includes landmarks like Temple Square, The Tabernacle, and city viewpoints, including the rooftop garden with panoramic views.
What sets this tour apart is its focus on the city’s development stories, with a personal touch that makes it feel like exploring with a friend. Guests appreciate the intimate atmosphere and the stories shared about the city’s journey. It’s ideal for travelers who want a deep, narrative experience with plenty of photo opportunities and insights into local landmarks.
Bottom Line: Best for history enthusiasts who prefer a relaxed, storytelling approach in a small-group setting.
6. Salt Lake City: Local Food Walking Tour
At $150 per person, this tour offers a 2-hour walk through downtown, combining food tastings with city history. It features cuisine from Italian, German, and Indian restaurants, providing a diverse culinary perspective. The walk includes stops at notable spots like City Creek Center and Gallivan Center.
Guests enjoy trying foods they might not otherwise encounter in Salt Lake City, with a chance to learn about the city’s cultural mosaic. The guide emphasizes the city’s architecture, history, and food culture. Reviewers mention the guide’s knowledge and the memorable food samples, making this a lively, tasty way to explore.
Bottom Line: Ideal for those who want a quick, flavorful taste of Salt Lake’s diverse culinary scene with a side of local history.
7. Walking Tour in Salt Lake City
This free walking tour offers a no-cost way to explore Salt Lake City’s highlights in about 2 hours. Starting at the Brigham Young Monument, it passes sites like City Creek Center, Union Pacific Depot, and the Salt Lake Tabernacle. Because it’s free, it’s a great option for budget travelers wanting a quick overview.
While reviews are currently unavailable, the self-guided format means you can customize the pace. It’s suitable for travelers looking for a low-cost, flexible introduction to Salt Lake’s landmarks. Keep in mind, the tour relies on a guide’s narration, so it’s less detailed than paid options but still worthwhile for a first glance.
Bottom Line: A cost-effective way to see Salt Lake City’s core sights, best suited for independent explorers.
8. Salt Lake City Art Walk Reading Reverence and Revelry
This art-themed walk lasts about 1.5 hours at a modest price of $14.99. It combines self-guided exploration with an app that challenges you with trivia and puzzles at each landmark, turning your walk into an interactive game.
Designed for those who enjoy combining art, culture, and a bit of friendly competition, this experience is suited for casual adventurers or families. While it doesn’t include traditional guided commentary, it’s a fun way to explore Salt Lake’s murals, sculptures, and public art installations. Reviewers mention it’s a “blast for all ages” and a different way to see the city.
Bottom Line: Best for tech-savvy travelers looking for a playful, interactive way to experience Salt Lake’s art scene.
9. Salt Lake City Historical Walking Tour of the City of Zion
For $31.50, this tour lasts 2 to 3 hours and guides you through neighborhoods like Greek Town and Little Italy. Led by a passionate local, it explores stories of early settlers, architectural marvels, and cultural landmarks, making history come alive in a small-group setting.
Stops include the FamilySearch Center, Abravanel Hall, and the Devereaux Mansion. Reviewers highlight the personalized experience and the host’s enthusiasm. It’s perfect for those who want a slower-paced, story-rich exploration of Salt Lake’s diverse neighborhoods.
Bottom Line: Ideal for history enthusiasts wanting an immersive, storytelling walk through Salt Lake’s cultural enclaves.
10. Salt Lake City Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour and Game
This interactive scavenger hunt costs $24.50, lasting about 2.5 hours. It takes you through State Street, the Utah State Capitol Grounds, and Main Street, combining sightseeing with puzzles and challenges. You explore at your own pace, visiting historic sites and shops, making it a fun and active way to see the city.
Perfect for groups, families, or solo travelers who enjoy games, it offers a different perspective than traditional tours. It’s a flexible, engaging experience that feeds your curiosity while providing a lighthearted approach.
Bottom Line: Best for active explorers who want to turn sightseeing into a playful adventure.
11. Shadows of Old Salt Lake Walking Tour
This haunting tour costs $23 and lasts about 2 hours, uncovering Salt Lake’s eerie stories. You’ll visit dark streets, haunted hotels, and landmarks associated with the city’s ghostly legends— perfect for those interested in the spooky, mysterious side of history.
Led by Grimm Ghost Tours, the tour includes tales of vanished lovers, outlaw hideouts, and secret societies. Reviewers say it’s a “captivating” experience for thrill-seekers and history buffs alike who want to explore Salt Lake’s darker past.
Bottom Line: An intriguing choice for curious travelers who enjoy ghost stories and strange tales from the city’s past.
How to Choose Your Perfect Salt Lake City Walking Tour
Picking the right tour depends on your interests, pace, and budget. If you want a quick, thorough overview with lots of landmarks, the Salt Lake City: History & Culture Guided Walking Day Tour is hard to beat. For those who prefer a flavorful, culinary adventure, the Local Food Walking Tour or the Food and Drink Walking Tour offer delicious insights into Salt Lake’s multicultural cuisine.
Budget travelers might enjoy the free Walking Tour in Salt Lake City, while history buffs and culture seekers should consider The City of Zion Tour or the Historical Walking Tour of Zion. Adventure lovers or families with kids may find the Scavenger Hunt a fun change of pace, while fans of the spooky story will love the Shadows of Old Salt Lake.
Plan ahead—most tours operate seasonally, and booking early ensures you won’t miss out, especially in peak summer months.
In summary, Salt Lake City offers an impressive variety of walking tours tailored to different interests and time frames. Whether you prefer a deep dive into history, a culinary stroll, or a fun scavenger hunt, you’ll find a tour that fits your style. For history aficionados, the Salt Lake City: History & Culture Guided Walking Day Tour and The City of Zion Walking Tour stand out.
Food lovers will appreciate the Local Food and Food and Drink experiences, while the spooky Shadows of Old Salt Lake offers something unusual.
No matter your interests, Salt Lake City’s walkable streets are ready for exploration. Just remember to book ahead, dress comfortably, and enjoy discovering this city’s stories one step at a time.