Salt Lake City Solo Travel Guide: Ultimate 2025 Tips

Heading to Salt Lake City? This short, sharp guide skips the fluff—get the essentials for an epic trip (top hostels below)!

QUICK FACTS

Utah’s capital and its largest city, with 200,000 inhabitants.
Named after the Great Salt Lake, which stretches out 17 miles west of the city.
Encompasses roughly 110 square miles.
Founded by mormon followers (including Brigham Young and Isaac Morley) in 1847.
Nicknames: SLC, Crossroads of The West, City of the Saints, “Silicon Slopes” due to its growing tech industry.

Currency: U.S. Dollar (USD)
Spoken languages: English.
Best time to visit: from September to November for the best weather. Summers are too hot, spring sees a lot of rain.
Despite winter snow, temperatures are generally warmer than at most ski destinations, making it pleasant year-round.
Wasatch Mountains offer world-class skiing at nearby resorts like Snowbird and Alta.
Great festivals to catch:
– nearby Park City hosts the world-famous Sundance Film Festival every January.
– The Utah Arts Festival (typically held in June) is a great way to interact with local artists.
Arriving via airport: the Salt Lake City International Airport is just 20 minutes west of the city center by bus, taxi or light rail.
– The bus ($2.50) ends early evenings, while light rail service TRAX ($2.50) ends around 11:30pm.
– Taxis going downtown start at $15.

Best hostel for solo travelers in Salt Lake City: Park City Hostel.
– Comfortable and clean beds, lots of space, and plenty of social activities to meet others.
– Right on the bus route with easy access to Park City or Canyons.
Five-star hotels and bed and breakfasts can be found along Main Street and Temple Street, while a handful of hostels dot Central City.

Many downtown attractions (Capitol Building, Temple Square, City Creek Center) are within easy walking distance.
Buses are free in the downtown free fare zone, while rides out to the suburbs or ski resorts in Cottonwood Canyons will cost you $2.25.
The light rail TRAX system has four lines that weave in and out of the suburbs for $2.25, but is free in the downtown area.
Salt Lake City has an extensive network of bike lanes and trails with bike-sharing services available.
Salt Lake City is an easy city to drive in, as the grid system is small, spacious and efficient. You may want to rent a car to get the best out of the city.

Drinking age is 21, and last call is at 2 AM.
As the home of the Mormon Church’s headquarters, Utah’s drinking laws are famously restrictive, but loosened up after 2009. As a result, there are lots of new bars and restaurants opening in the city.
Liquor licenses are difficult to obtain so there aren’t too many bars in town; many have to operate as restaurants that serve drinks too, however, the bars and bartenders must remain hidden; you must order food, show ID and order one drink at a time.
Note: all liquor stores are state-run and close on Sundays.
The bars in nearby Park City are a lot more relaxed.
Great bars in Salt Lake City to meet people: Under Current, Lake Effect, Templin Family Brewing, Craft by Proper, Paxton Pub, and Post Office Place.

Temple Square is a 10-acre complex of religious buildings, forming the symbolic heart of the Church of Latter-Day Saints (LDS). Update: under renovation (limited access) until 2027.
Salt Lake City Public Library is one of the most architecturally-interesting libraries in the world, made up of five stories of curved glass facing a concrete wall.
Salt Lake City has numerous cultural tours related to its history. The Family History Library is one of the largest genealogical repositories in the world.
The Leonardo Museum focuses on the intersection of art, technology, and science..
The Natural History Museum of Utah offers insights into the rich geology and history of the state.
Utah State Capitol: offers tours and impressive valley views, especially at sunset.

Gallivan Center is a public plaza in the heart of downtown SLC that’s been landscaped to perfection, signifying the progressive trend in design in the city.
Liberty Park is a scenic 80-acre urban park with a few trails and a little lake to traverse. Vegetation tends to stay green all year, lending the park a fairy tale-like feeling.
Ensign Peak is a quick hike that offers panoramic views of Salt Lake City.
Check out City Creek Canyon, accessible via paved pedestrian path from Memory Grove.
Stop for a break at Red Butte Garden (adjacent to University of Utah, extensive botanical collections).
Got a vehicle? Head to Little Cottonwood Canyon (scenic drive with mountain views, options for brunch at Alta Lodge).
Need a place to rest your legs and sip something delicious? Head to Three Pines Coffee, The Tea Grotto, or IndieGo Coffee.

Great restaurants in SLC that locals love:
– Osteria Amore (Italian)
– Jang Soo Jang (Korean)
– Trolley Cottage Café
– Takashi (Japanese, sushi)
– The Other Place Restaurant ($ – Greek)
– Red Iguana (popular Mexican restaurant)
Vegan/vegetarian: Yumz Vegan Bakery, Mumbai House (Indian, vegetarian-friendly).
Where to find good cheap eats: Cheap international restaurants can be found all over but the trucks at the Farmer’s Market in Pioneer Park (Saturdays) are the best.
Craving a delicious burger? Head to Crown Burgers and/or Lucky 13.
Fried chicken? Try Chick Queen.
For Asian food on a budget
– One More Noodle House (Chinese)
– Oh Mai Sandwich Kitchen (Vietnamese)
Local food tours (such as Savor Utah) allow travelers to explore different cuisines and meet others

For real local wisdom, talk to a local! Residents of SLC are friendly and often eager to give you advice on how to make the most of your visit.
The East side of Salt Lake City is more conservative, affluent and Mormon than the west, where there’s more ethnic diversity and a thriving arts scene.
Check the schedule for free concerts at Gallivan Center during summer months.
Visiting in the winter? World-class skiing and snowboarding await in nearby resorts such as Snowbird or Park City Mountain Resort.
Dangerous areas: Salt Lake City has relatively low violent crime rates, but robberies do occur. Downtown is generally safe but exercise normal precautions after dark.
The Central and North West areas of the valley should be avoided, as well as some high-crime neighborhoods in South Salt Lake. Exercise caution when walking alone at night.

Recommended trip duration: 1-2 days