A thriving centre of arts, business, architecture and shopping, Downtown Salt Lake City is also the administrative home of the Mormon Church. You can wander the streets in search of famous squares, tabernacles and genealogy archives interspersed with galleries, parks and performing arts venues.
Things to do in Downtown
Serving as a cultural anchor of downtown, the Temple Square complex covers multiple city streets and harbours the city’s iconic attractions. Visit the majestic Salt Lake Temple before joining crowds of devotees at the Mormon Tabernacle, best known for its Mormon Tabernacle Choir and 11,000-pipe organ.
Take a guided tour of Temple Square district or attractions, such as the 1854 Beehive House, the former family home of Brigham Young. Peruse exhibits at the Museum of Church History & Art, then dive into genealogy at the Family History Library, considered the most extensive library of its type in the world.
Travelling with the family? Visit Clark Planetarium for state-of-the-art star observations or let little ones loose in the Discovery Gateway children’s museum. Have a meal in one of the trendy restaurants downtown, then cross the street to see the Utah Jazz basketball team play at EnergySolutions Arena.
In the evening, snag some tickets to a Broadway-style show or opera performance at Capital Theater, a landmark venue since 1913. You can also enjoy the Utah Symphony at Abravanel Hall.
Getting around Downtown
Public transportation options include buses and light rail routes. For visiting the ski and wilderness areas outside the city, rent a car in town or at Salt Lake City International Airport, about a 15-minute drive away.