Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Salt Lake City?

Should you spend 3, 4, or 5 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 3, 4, or 5 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 3 days enough time in Salt Lake City?

Many visitors choose to spend around three days in Salt Lake City. This would give you the chance to experience this medium-sized city's highlights such as the famous sights and museums, scuba diving and snorkeling, and the hiking. Since many visitors prefer to spend around two to three days here, we have a few suggestions of things to do in the notable city.

How to spend 3 days 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.

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.

The surrounding waters are great for scuba diving and snorkeing, so spend some time in the water to see nature up close. There are a number of good ski resorts nearby, making this a good base or starting point for a ski vacation.

Is 4 days enough time in Salt Lake City?

Four days is more than enough time to see pretty much everything in Salt Lake City, as it's not as large as some other cities. You can move at your own pace and relax in your hotel. Wander through the museums, go scuba diving or snorkeling, go hiking, and dine out at amazing restaurants. You could also use Salt Lake City as a base for exploring the nearby destinations. You'll find some great day trips in the region.

Salt Lake City, Utah

How to spend 4 days in Salt Lake City

With 4 days in Salt Lake City, you'll have a bit more time to enjoy everything that the city has to offer.

Known for it's hiking, Salt Lake City sees plenty of visitors looking to get outdoors. Spend a day exploring the natural beauty and scenery on a nearby hike. The city offers easy access to many diverse trails, so if you're a nature enthusiasts, you'll appreciate this destination.

A few tour suggestions include:

Great Salt Lake Wildlife and Sunset Experience ($165)
Ultimate Park City Tour: Olympic Park, Hike, Historic Main Street ($125)

Is 5 days enough time in Salt Lake City?

Five days provides ample opportunity to explore the entirety of Salt Lake City at your own pace to experience the famous sights and museums, scuba diving and snorkeling, the hiking, and the restaurant scene. Then you can use this city as a convenient base for venturing into smaller destinations nearby where you'll discover exciting day trip options.

How to spend 5 days in Salt Lake City

If you have more than 5 days in Salt Lake City, you'll appreciate the added time for everything the city has to offer.

Shopping in Salt Lake City is very popular, and it's easy to see why. Spend time exploring the many shops and boutiques to find the perfect gift, souvenir, or outfit. The city has sprawling outlet malls as well as local stores and craft shops. City Creek Center is a favorite shopping destination, but there are also several large shopping malls that are worth visiting.

More Info

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