Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Salt Lake City?

Should you spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Salt Lake City?

Many travelers spend two to three days in Salt Lake City during their visit. After all, the notable city has plenty to explore such as the famous sights and museums, scuba diving and snorkeling, and the hiking.

Salt Lake City is the capital of the state of Utah. It's also known as the religious center of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Many visitors find the architectural and religious landmarks around town to be both beautiful and fascinating. The city is also very close to several top ski destinations.

Do you have one or two days to visit Salt Lake City? Here's our comprehensive breakdown of how much time you might need for your trip along with some suggestions for things to do.


Is one day enough time in Salt Lake City?

Salt Lake City, renowned for its numerous sights and attractions, is a major draw for tourists. So with one day, you'll probably feel rushed to see the main attractions around the city. You really need more time to appreciate everything that the notable city has to offer. Many visitors prefer to have two to three days to fully enjoy the city even though it's not huge. If you have one day or less, we still have some great ideas for what to do while you're in town.

How to spend a day in Salt Lake City

When visiting Salt Lake City, you absolutely can't miss Temple Square as it's one of the most famous places in the world. Make sure you allow yourself enough time to fully experience it.

You can't miss out on tasting the fantastic cuisine at one of the best restaurants in town, so make sure you find somewhere special for lunch or dinner. In recent years the food scene has really improved and you'll find a variety of restaurants that serve everything from upscale dishes to more casual fare.

The public transit in Salt Lake City is fast and efficient. Over the course of a few days, you should be able to explore the city quite easily and affordably. There's a surprisingly good public transit system that includes light rail, buses, and commuter trains, but if you want to get out of town you'll need to have a car.

Is a weekend (two to three days) enough time in Salt Lake City?

A weekend trip is usually not enough time to experience the notable city of Salt Lake City, so you may find yourself somewhat rushed. Or, perhaps you'll want to return another time experience everything that this medium sized city has to offer. You don't want to miss the main attractions such as the famous sights and museums, scuba diving and snorkeling, the hiking, and the restaurant scene. Many tourists set aside two to three days for their visit. However, if your schedule only gives you a couple of days, we have a handful of recommendations to make the most of your weekend adventure in Salt Lake City below.

Salt Lake City, Utah Salt Lake City, Utah

How to spend 2 days in Salt Lake City

With a weekend (two to three days) in Salt Lake City, you'll have a bit more time to enjoy everything that the city has to offer.

A number of fantastic museums and famous landmarks are found in Salt Lake City, so spend at least one full day exploring those that look the most appealing to you. Many of the fascinating sights around town are influenced by the city's Mormon culture. Temple Square is a highlight for most visitors. It spans 35 acres and is beautifully landscaped with several fountains. There are also four main churches - The Temple, the Tabernacle, the Temple Annex, and Assembly Hall. The city also has several museums such as the Natural History Museum and the historic Liberty Park.

More Info

If you're looking for more information about Salt Lake City, we have even more advice to help you plan your journey.

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