Salt Lake City: Mormon Tabernacle Choir and Guided City Tour

Travelers heading to Salt Lake City often look for ways to soak up its unique culture, stunning architecture, and lively history—all in a way that feels authentic and convenient. This tour offers a fantastic combination: tickets to see the world-famous Mormon Tabernacle Choir perform live at Temple Square, plus a comprehensive guided bus tour of the city’s top sights. It’s a package that balances the awe of a world-class musical experience with insights into Salt Lake’s scenic and historic neighborhoods.

What we love about this experience? First, the chance to hear the choir live—whether at a Sunday concert or a Thursday rehearsal—delivers a memorable, soul-stirring moment. Second, the expert guides really bring Salt Lake’s story to life with stories and local secrets you won’t find on your own. Third, the comfortable bus ride with panoramic windows means you’re soaking up views without the hassle of navigating traffic or parking.

One potential drawback is that the tour doesn’t include access to the Mormon Temple itself—only the choir’s performance and surrounding grounds. Also, it’s not suited for travelers with large luggage or non-folding wheelchairs. This tour is best suited for visitors craving a mix of music, culture, and sightseeing, especially those who prefer a relaxed, guided experience over DIY exploring.

Key Points

• Live performance of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square adds a spiritually and culturally enriching element.
• Guided city tour features iconic landmarks like the Utah State Capitol, Temple Square, and the Cathedral of the Madeleine.
• Comfortable transport with large panoramic windows offers a scenic, stress-free way to see Salt Lake.
• Expert local guides provide storytelling filled with insider stories and legends.
• Flexible options include attending either the concert on Sunday or rehearsal on Thursday.
• Suitable for most travelers but not for those with large luggage or non-folding wheelchairs.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Salt Lake City Tour Experience

The Musical Highlight: Mormon Tabernacle Choir Performance

The highlight for many is undoubtedly the chance to see and hear the Mormon Tabernacle Choir perform live. On Sundays, you’re treated to a concert, which is more than just a musical show—it’s a chance to experience the choir’s grandeur in the historic Temple Square. On Thursdays, the tour features a rehearsal, giving you a behind-the-scenes feel of this renowned ensemble.

Guests have raved that the guide’s insights add a special touch to the performance. Pamela mentioned, “The guide was fantastic and very knowledgeable,” and reviews consistently praise the vocal talent and the emotion that the choir conveys, making it a must-see for visitors. Interestingly, children under 8 and their guardians are seated in a soundproof room during Sunday performances, which is useful to know if you’re traveling with young kids.

The Guided City Tour: Top Sights from a Scenic Bus

Following or before the choir experience, the city tour explores Salt Lake’s most notable landmarks. Led by local guides with a passion for storytelling, the 2.5-hour loop covers about 20 miles of the city’s highlights. The route includes Utah’s impressive Capitol building, the serene Temple Square, and the historic Mormon Pioneer Trail Monument, along with the glorious Cathedral of the Madeleine.

Guests like Andrea and Deborah have shared that their guides, such as Todd, made the experience fun and informative. Todd, in particular, is praised for being friendly, knowledgeable, and attentive—adding personal anecdotes and local secrets to the sightseeing. The bus’s large panoramic windows allow for unencumbered views, perfect for snapping photos or simply gazing out at the city landscape.

Why the Bus Tour Works Well

Traveling by bus means avoiding the stress of navigation and parking, especially in downtown Salt Lake City. This approach gives you a relaxed pace with plenty of time to absorb the sights and listen to the narrative. Plus, the air-conditioned vehicle ensures comfort, no matter the weather outside.

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What’s Included and What to Expect

Your ticket covers admittance to the choir’s performance or rehearsal along with a fully narrated guided tour. The tour is conducted in English and is suitable for most travelers, excluding those with large luggage or non-folding wheelchairs.

Meeting is arranged curbside at the Radisson Downtown Hotel, with the bus arriving 10-15 minutes early to allow for smooth boarding. If you’re driving, there’s a paid parking lot across the street, and arriving early is recommended to secure a spot and handle payment.

The Authenticity and Value of This Tour

The tour offers a balance of culture and sightseeing, giving visitors a chance to enjoy a world-class musical performance while also learning about Salt Lake City’s history and architecture from local guides. At $89 per person, it’s a fair price considering the cost of individual concert tickets and private tours. The reviews speak to its excellent value — guests often describe it as the best first activity in Salt Lake City, with guides making the experience engaging and memorable.

The Experience for Different Types of Travelers

This tour caters best to those seeking an easy, guided way to see Salt Lake and enjoy a memorable musical event. It’s particularly suitable for culture lovers, families with children, and anyone who prefers to sit back and listen instead of navigating unfamiliar streets and traffic.

It might not be ideal for travelers with significant mobility issues or large luggage, but for most, it’s a hassle-free way to enjoy the city’s highlights and one of its most iconic performances.

Final Thoughts

This Salt Lake City tour blends music, storytelling, and sightseeing into one engaging package, making it ideal for visitors wanting an authentic, relaxed introduction to the city. The combination of a live choir concert or rehearsal with a comprehensive city tour is a smart move that provides both cultural depth and scenic views.

The guides’ local expertise and the comfortable bus make for an enjoyable experience, especially for first-time visitors who want to maximize their time without the stress of self-guided planning. The value for price is clear when considering the quality of the performance and the insights shared during the tour.

While it’s not suited for those with large luggage or mobility restrictions, most travelers will find this experience a perfect way to kickstart their Salt Lake City adventure. It’s especially recommended if you want an authentic taste of local culture coupled with stunning scenery and a soul-stirring musical performance.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, children under 8 can attend, but during the Sunday concert, they will be seated in a soundproof room along with their guardians.

What days does the tour run?
The tour is available on Sundays (for the concert) and Thursdays (for the rehearsal). Check availability for specific times.

How long is the tour?
The entire experience lasts approximately 3.5 hours, including the concert or rehearsal and the city sightseeing.

Where does the tour meet?
It starts curbside in front of the Radisson Downtown Hotel, with the bus arriving 10-15 minutes early.

Is parking available?
Yes, there’s a paid lot directly across the street at 40 John Stockton Drive. Arriving early helps secure parking.

Does the tour include access to the Mormon Temple?
No, it includes the choir performance and a guided tour of surrounding sites but not access to the temple itself.

Is the tour accessible for wheelchairs?
No, it’s not suitable for non-folding wheelchairs or electric wheelchairs.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What’s the price point like?
At $89 per person, it offers good value given the live performance, guided insights, and scenic transportation—all in one package.

This tour is an excellent way to experience the cultural heart of Salt Lake City without the hassle of planning every detail yourself. Whether you’re a music enthusiast, history lover, or simply want a relaxed way to see the city, this experience offers a well-rounded, memorable introduction to Salt Lake’s many charms.

You can check availability for your dates here: