Salt Lake City is a surprisingly walkable destination, with a downtown packed with history, culture, and modern attractions. It’s a city that invites exploration on foot, especially if you want to get a genuine feel for its unique character. Whether you’re interested in learning about the Mormon pioneers, tasting local cuisine, or uncovering its haunted past, Salt Lake City offers a variety of walking tours that cater to different interests. We especially enjoy the Salt Lake City: History & Culture Guided Walking Day Tour, which explores iconic sites like Temple Square and Pioneer Park, providing a well-rounded introduction to the city’s roots and modern culture. For a more foodie-focused experience, the Local Food Walking Tours in Salt Lake City offers a delicious way to taste the city’s diverse culinary scene while learning about its history.
If you’re after something quirky or spooky, the Shadows of Old Salt Lake Walking Tour reveals the city’s ghostly stories, while the Salt Lake City Scavenger Hunt turns sightseeing into a fun game. Whatever your style, Salt Lake City’s walk-based tours deliver authentic, engaging experiences that are hard to match with bus or car tours.
1. Salt Lake City: History & Culture Guided Walking Day Tour
At number 1, the Salt Lake City: History & Culture Guided Walking Day Tour offers a comprehensive 3-hour exploration of downtown Salt Lake City. For $39 per person, this guided tour takes you through the core sights that define the city’s identity. You’ll visit Temple Square, a sprawling 10-acre complex owned by the LDS Church, where the impressive Salt Lake Temple and the Tabernacle are highlights. The tour also includes City Creek Center, a lively shopping and dining hub, and Pioneer Park, which pays homage to the city’s frontier roots. A visit to the Vivint Arena rounds out the experience, giving you an insider’s look at the city’s sports and entertainment scene.
What makes this tour stand out is its mix of history, culture, and modern life—all delivered with a friendly guide who can answer questions about everything from the 2002 Winter Olympics to Salt Lake’s artistic scene. With more than 47 reviews averaging 4.7 stars, it’s clear that travelers find this tour engaging and worth the price. If you’re short on time but want a solid introduction to Salt Lake City, this tour hits many of the key highlights in a manageable format.
Bottom line: Perfect for first-timers who want a balanced, insightful overview of Salt Lake City in just three hours.
2. Salt Lake City Walking Tour
Number 2 on our list is the Salt Lake City Walking Tour, which offers a slightly shorter but still comprehensive 2.5-hour stroll for $50. This tour emphasizes the city’s diverse cultural influences, from Mormon pioneers to the 2002 Olympics and the growing international community. Starting at the Visit Salt Lake City Visitors Center at 9:00 AM, you’ll walk through a 3-mile loop that covers Temple Square, City Creek, Pioneer Park, and the Vivint Arena, with plenty of stories along the way.
Highlights include Temple Square’s architecture and history, the Gallivan Center, and the Greek Orthodox Cathedral. The reviews mention the “nice mix of history and modern culture” and praise the “comfortable pace” with a knowledgeable guide. Some travelers note a desire for less political commentary, but overall, it offers a well-rounded look at downtown Salt Lake City.
Bottom line: Great for those who want a moderate-paced, informative tour with a focus on local history and culture in a relaxed 2.5-hour format.
3. Local Food Walking Tours in Salt Lake City
At number 3, the Local Food Walking Tours in Salt Lake City combine culinary delights with cultural insights over 2 to 3 hours. Costing $150 per person, this small-group tour visits three local restaurants, where you taste dishes from different cultures and learn about Salt Lake’s diverse community. Meeting at an easy-to-find location, you’ll explore areas like Beehive House, where Brigham Young once lived, and walk through historic neighborhoods, stopping to savor local foods.
Highlights include tasting food from three restaurants, learning about the city’s history, and experiencing its melting pot of influences. Guests have praised the “variety of tasty food” and the “informative narrative” from guides like Maxwell, who shares both history and culinary secrets. This tour offers excellent value for those wanting a delicious, culturally rich experience. It’s ideal for food lovers eager to combine walking with sampling Salt Lake’s best bites.
Bottom line: Best suited for travelers who want to combine food and history in a relaxed, intimate setting.
4. Salt Lake City Food and Drink Walking Tour
Number 4, the Salt Lake City Food and Drink Walking Tour is a curated culinary walk crafted by a professional chef, priced at $150. It lasts about 2 to 2.5 hours and takes you through downtown Salt Lake City with stops at award-winning cheeses, salamis, chocolates, and chicken sandwiches. Starting at Pioneer Park, the tour explores the city’s development, touching on Native American tribes, Mormon pioneers, and immigrant influences.
The walk includes a visit to City Creek Center for a relaxing snack, with time to explore its shops and see Temple Square from the outside. The highlight for many is tasting a caramel apple and enjoying the expert commentary from guide Ray, who owns a local restaurant. Reviewers appreciate the “knowledgeable host” and the “variety of local flavors,” making this tour perfect for foodies interested in Salt Lake’s culinary scene.
Bottom line: An excellent choice for foodies looking for expert-led tastings and local stories in a two-hour format.
5. Salt Lake City: The City of Zion Walking Tour
Number 5 is the Salt Lake City: The City of Zion Walking Tour, a 3-hour guided experience for $36 that brings you through historic districts and landmarks. This tour emphasizes Salt Lake’s transition from pioneer settlement to modern metropolis, with stops at Temple Square, the Tabernacle, and the rooftop garden offering panoramic views. The guide, with deep local knowledge, shares stories about the early settlers, architectural landmarks, and cultural evolution.
This smaller group setting encourages questions and interaction, making it ideal for travelers who want a personalized, in-depth look at the city’s journey. With a 5-star rating based on one review, it clearly left a positive impression. The focus on history and architecture makes it a good fit for history buffs or those wanting a detailed overview.
Bottom line: Best suited for travelers interested in urban history and landmark architecture in a relaxed, intimate setting.
$36 per person
6. Salt Lake City: Local Food Walking Tour
Coming in at number 6, this Salt Lake City: Local Food Walking Tour offers a 2-hour taste of the city’s diverse culinary offerings. For $150, you’ll visit some of the best local restaurants, sampling Italian, German, and Indian cuisine, all while walking through downtown. This tour also covers the city’s architecture and history, providing context as you enjoy your meals.
Guests enjoy the chance to try a variety of flavors and learn about Salt Lake’s community makeup. The tour is perfect for those who want a short, tasty overview of Salt Lake City’s food scene, with a focus on local favorites and multicultural influences.
Bottom line: A good pick for food lovers interested in cultural diversity and local dining in a quick, engaging walk.
7. Walking Tour in Salt Lake City
Number 7 is a free Walking Tour in Salt Lake City, which offers a 2-hour exploration with no cost. Starting at the Brigham Young Monument, this tour covers City Creek, the Utah Sports Hall of Fame Museum, the Union Pacific Depot, and Salt Lake Tabernacle. The guide shares interesting stories about Salt Lake’s most recognizable sites, making it a great value for budget travelers.
Though reviews are pending, the free nature makes this an appealing option for those on a tight schedule or budget, especially if you’re interested in self-guided or casual sightseeing.
Bottom line: Ideal for budget-conscious travelers wanting a quick overview of key downtown sites.
$20.00 per person
8. Salt Lake City Art Walk Reading Reverence and Revelry
Number 8 is the Salt Lake City Art Walk Reading Reverence and Revelry. For $14.99, this 1.5-hour app-led adventure takes you through public art, landmarks, and hidden spots. It’s designed for those who love interactive, self-guided exploration, combining puzzles, trivia, and discovery. This activity is perfect for small groups or families who want to see Salt Lake’s art in a different way.
While there are no reviews yet, the concept appeals to those who enjoy urban scavenger hunts and cultural puzzles. It’s a flexible, low-cost option for a quick, active experience.
Bottom line: Great for tech-savvy travelers who want a fun, interactive way to explore Salt Lake’s public art.
$14.99 per person
9. Salt Lake City Historical Walking Tour of the City of Zion
Number 9 features the Salt Lake City: Historical Walking Tour of the City of Zion — a 2-3 hour tour for $31.50. It highlights diverse neighborhoods like Greek Town and Little Italy, with stops at FamilySearch Center, Abravanel Hall, and the Devereaux Mansion. The guide shares stories of early settlers, architectural highlights, and cultural landmarks, emphasizing Salt Lake’s evolution.
This intimate group experience is perfect for history lovers interested in local communities and architecture. Its reviews praise the personalized approach and engaging storytelling, making it a well-rounded way to understand Salt Lake’s multicultural roots.
Bottom line: Suitable for those wanting a detailed, neighborhood-focused history tour.
$31.50 per person
10. Salt Lake City Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour and Game
Number 10 is the Salt Lake City Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour and Game, combining sightseeing with fun puzzles. For $24.50, it lasts around 2.5 hours and guides you through State Street, the Utah State Capitol Grounds, Main Street, and other landmarks, with a focus on interactive exploration.
Ideal for families, friends, or active groups, it offers a different way to experience Salt Lake City’s sights at your own pace, with clues leading you to discover the city’s history and modern spots.
Bottom line: Perfect for those who want a playful, engaging tour that mixes sightseeing with games.
$24.50 per person
11. Shadows of Old Salt Lake Walking Tour
Finally, the Shadows of Old Salt Lake Walking Tour offers a 2-hour exploration into the city’s haunted past for $23. This tour navigates downtown streets, revealing stories about haunted hotels, mysterious murders, and secret societies. Led by Grimm Ghost Tours, it’s perfect for thrill-seekers and history buffs interested in Salt Lake’s darker side.
This tour’s unique appeal is its focus on ghost stories and eerie landmarks, making it a fun, spooky contrast to more traditional tours. Reviewers note it’s a “strange side of Salt Lake City” that’s both entertaining and chilling.
Bottom line: Best for travelers who enjoy ghost stories, mysteries, and theatrical storytelling in a compact walk.
$23.00 per person
How to Choose the Right Walking Tour in Salt Lake City
When selecting a walking tour, consider your interests—history, food, art, or spooky stories—and your schedule. If you’re short on time but want a solid overview, the Salt Lake City: History & Culture Guided Walking Day Tour offers a great introduction. For food lovers, the Local Food Walking Tours and Food and Drink Experience provide tasty insights into Salt Lake’s diverse cuisine.
Budget travelers might opt for the free walking tour or the haunted tour for a more niche experience. Those interested in engaging activities or family fun could enjoy the Scavenger Hunt or app-led art walk.
Booking early is recommended, especially during peak tourist seasons or when special events like the winter Olympics are in the city.
Final Thoughts
Salt Lake City’s walking tours cover a broad spectrum—from historic landmarks and cultural districts to culinary adventures and spooky tales. For most visitors, a combination of tours might provide the best overall experience. The guided history tour and the local food tour stand out as the most comprehensive options, while the ghost and scavenger hunts add a playful twist.
If you’re visiting for a weekend, consider pairing a cultural walk with a food tour, or try the haunted tour if you’re looking for something different. Remember to book in advance and choose the experience that best matches your interests and energy level. Salt Lake City is a city best discovered step by step—and these tours make sure you won’t miss a thing.