The 6 Best Walking Tours in Salt Lake City
Salt Lake City is a surprisingly walkable destination, packed with stories, architecture, and flavors that reveal its unique character. Unlike many cities, Salt Lake’s downtown offers a mix of religious sites, modern shopping, and cultural landmarks all within easy strolling distance. For travelers eager to explore on foot, these tours provide intimate, engaging ways to understand the city’s past and present. Whether you’re interested in history, food, or local culture, Salt Lake City’s walking tours deliver authentic experiences that go beyond the typical sightseeing bus.
Walking through Salt Lake City allows you to pause at landmarks like Temple Square, explore the bustling City Creek Center, or sample local flavors in small, curated bites. Each tour listed here offers a different perspective, from guided history walks to food and drink explorations. If you want to get a real feel for the city’s stories and flavors, these options will help you walk away with a deeper understanding of Salt Lake City’s unique identity.
1. Salt Lake City: History & Culture Guided Walking Day Tour
Explore downtown Salt Lake City on this comprehensive 3-hour guided tour that dives into the city’s evolution from Mormon pioneer settlement to Olympic host. The tour stands out for its insightful storytelling about the influence of the Mormon pioneers, modern arts, and iconic sites like Temple Square. Your guide will also highlight the city’s connection to the 2002 Winter Olympics, adding a contemporary touch.
What makes this tour particularly engaging is the detailed commentary supported by multimedia tools, such as documentaries and maps, which help bring Salt Lake’s history to life. Visitors consistently praise guides like Jack, Dimitrov, Michelle, and Rachel for their knowledge and enthusiasm. The tour covers key highlights including Temple Square, City Creek Center, Pioneer Park, and Vivent Arena—a good mix of religious, commercial, and sports venues.
At $39 per person, it offers excellent value given the depth of storytelling and the variety of sites covered. This tour is perfect for history buffs, first-time visitors, or anyone interested in understanding Salt Lake City’s diverse roots. Expect a well-paced walk with plenty of opportunities for questions and photos.
Bottom Line: A solid introduction for those wanting a broad but detailed overview of Salt Lake City’s history and culture in just a few hours.
2. Salt Lake City Walking Tour
At number 2 on our list the Salt Lake City Walking Tour offers a lively 2.5 to 3-hour look at downtown Salt Lake. Starting at the Visit Salt Lake City Visitors Center, the tour hits many of the city’s core sights, including Temple Square, the Gallivan Center, Pioneer Park, and the Delta Center.
What sets this tour apart is its detailed storytelling about the founders, the impact of the Winter Olympics, and the city’s ongoing growth. Guides like Isabelle are praised for their ability to strike a good balance between history, culture, and current events—though some visitors note a minor overemphasis on political commentary. The 3-mile loop makes for a comfortably paced walk, with plenty of time to absorb each site.
Guests love how this tour reveals parts of Salt Lake they wouldn’t stumble upon alone, from the Greek Orthodox Cathedral to the vibrant urban spaces. The inclusion of attractions like Temple Square and Pioneer Park ensures visitors get a well-rounded experience of the city’s development.
Bottom Line: Best suited for those wanting a detailed, story-rich walk that touches on Salt Lake’s past, present, and Olympic history.
3. Local Food Walking Tours in Salt Lake City
For around $150, the Local Food Walking Tours offer a delicious way to explore Salt Lake’s culinary scene over 2 to 3 hours. The tour begins at an easy-to-find meeting point and takes you through downtown to local restaurants, tasting foods from three different establishments.
What makes this tour distinctive is its focus on Salt Lake’s history intertwined with its food. Your guide shares stories about the early pioneers, the silver rush, railroads, and Utah’s emerging tech industry—all while sampling dishes that reflect the city’s diverse population. Highlights include sitting at historic sites like the Beehive House and tasting regional specialties.
Guests rave about the variety of foods—Mexican, Indian, Asian, and American—paired with engaging historical commentary. The tour offers good value, especially since the food is included, and the small group format keeps things intimate. It’s ideal for food lovers, history fans, or anyone wanting a flavorful introduction to Salt Lake.
Bottom Line: A tasty, culturally rich experience perfect for those who love food and stories in equal measure.
4. Salt Lake City Food and Drink Walking Tour
At number 4 the Salt Lake City Food and Drink Walking Tour is curated by a professional chef, ensuring a focus on quality and craftsmanship. Over 2 to 2.5 hours, you’ll sample award-winning cheeses, salamis, chocolates, and chicken sandwiches while walking through downtown.
This tour emphasizes Salt Lake’s food development and public art, with stops at places like Pioneer Park, City Creek Center, and the Gallivan Center. The chef’s expertise shines through in the curated bites, which include a caramel apple and Nashville hot chicken, making this a gourmet experience as much as a cultural one.
Guests appreciate the chef’s insights into craft foods, local history, and the city’s diverse communities. The pace is easy, with a nice mix of tasting and walking. For $150, it offers excellent value for a curated foodie experience that combines local flavors with stories of Utah’s largest city.
Bottom Line: Ideal for foodies seeking a chef-led, in-depth tasting tour that also explores Salt Lake’s cultural landscape.
5. Salt Lake City: Local Food Walking Tour
This shorter Salt Lake City: Local Food Walking Tour is perfect if you’re tight on time but still want a taste of Salt Lake’s culinary scene. Spanning about 2 hours, it focuses on the core area at 80 S Main St, giving you a quick yet flavorful overview.
From Italian and German to Indian cuisine, this tour emphasizes Salt Lake’s diverse food culture and its connection to the city’s architecture and history. It’s suitable for travelers looking for a straightforward, no-nonsense food experience with some cultural context.
While it doesn’t delve as deeply as longer tours, it offers a good snapshot for those who want to combine sightseeing with local bites without a big time commitment.
Bottom Line: Great for a quick, delicious introduction to Salt Lake’s food scene and cultural highlights.
6. Salt Lake City: Chef Curated Food Walking Tour
Rounding out our list is the Chef Curated Food Walking Tour, which offers a personalized, chef-led experience. Over 2 hours, you’ll visit multiple local restaurants, with tasting stops including a special Salt Lake City food tasting at Petunia and other eateries.
This tour emphasizes local foods, craft drinks, and Utah’s development stories. The guide shares insights into Mormon pioneers, local art, and the city’s culinary scene—all at a relaxed pace. The focus on hidden culinary gems makes it ideal for those who want an in-depth, chef’s perspective on Salt Lake’s food scene.
Guests note the in-depth knowledge about local development and culture, combined with excellent food quality. For $150, it’s a sophisticated tasting experience that’s perfect for food lovers wanting an expert’s touch.
Bottom Line: Best suited for travelers seeking a curated, chef-led exploration of Salt Lake’s food and culture.
How to Choose the Right Walking Tour in Salt Lake City
When deciding which tour suits your interests, consider your budget, timeframe, and what aspects of Salt Lake City appeal most. If you’re interested in history and culture, the Salt Lake City: History & Culture Guided Walking Day Tour offers a rundown. For food lovers, the Chef Curated Food Walking Tour or Local Food Walking Tours are excellent choices, especially if you enjoy curated bites and stories. Those seeking a quick intro to Salt Lake’s flavors should pick the shorter Local Food Walking Tour.
Budget-conscious travelers might prefer the 2-hour tours, while those with more time and appetite for culinary detail will appreciate the longer, chef-led options. For planning, check availability and reviews in advance, as popular tours can fill quickly. Booking early is especially wise during peak travel seasons or around special events like the Winter Olympics.
Final Thoughts
Salt Lake City’s walkable core offers a variety of experiences, from deep dives into local history to flavorful bites from diverse cultures. For history lovers, the Salt Lake City: History & Culture Guided Walking Day Tour provides a rich narrative. Food enthusiasts will find the Chef Curated Food Walking Tour or the Local Food Walking Tours rewarding for their curated bites and stories.
Whether you’re in town for a weekend or just an afternoon, these tours help you see Salt Lake City through the eyes of someone who knows its stories intimately. To make the most of your visit, consider booking your preferred tour well in advance, especially if you want to join during peak seasons or special events. That way, you’re sure to walk away with a memorable experience—Salt Lake style.