Heading to Salt Lake City? This short, sharp guide skips the fluff—get the essentials for an epic trip (top hostels below)!
TL;DR
- Perfect for: 1–2 days
- Best for: Urban hikers, outdoorsy introverts, history fans, solo foodies
- Why visit: Big-city perks and wild nature, both easy and safe solo
SALT LAKE CITY AT A GLANCE
- Population: 200,000; largest city in Utah
- History: Founded by Mormon pioneers in 1847, strong religious roots
- Famous for: Great Salt Lake, Temple Square, thriving tech scene, skiing
- Nicknames: SLC, Crossroads of The West, City of the Saints, Silicon Slopes
- Solo traveler vibe: Friendly, walkable, low hassle, and generally safe; easy to meet locals
ESSENTIAL INFO
- 💰 Currency: U.S. Dollar (USD)
- 🗣 Language: English
- 🌦 Best time to visit: September–November – perfect weather, fewer crowds
- ✈️ From airport:
- Cheapest: TRAX light rail or bus, $2.50, 20 mins to downtown
- Taxis: ~ $15 to downtown
- 🧳 Safety: Downtown is safe, but avoid Central, North West, and some South Salt Lake spots at night
- 🎭 Cultural calendar tip: Utah Arts Festival (June) and Sundance Film Festival in nearby Park City (January)
- 🎦 What to watch on the plane: “Meet the Mormons” (documentary) or “SLC Punk!” (cult comedy)
WHERE TO STAY (FOR SOLO TRAVELERS)
- 🛏️ Best hostel: Park City Hostel. Cozy, rustic vibes with killer ski and bike storage, right near the free bus to slopes and Main Street. Perfect for solo travelers who want a laid-back crew and epic mountain adventures. Books up quickly in ski season — don’t miss out! 🎿
- Area breakdown for hotels/Airbnb:
- 🏘️ Downtown/Central City – Walkable, near bars, restaurants, and Temple Square
- 🧭 Sugar House – Artsy, more local, chill, great for café-hoppers and park lovers
- 💸 Budget option: Hostels and budget motels in Central City, near Main/Temple St
- Tip: Opt for accommodations close to a TRAX line for nighttime transit; always lock hostel lockers
TRANSPORT & NAVIGATION
- 🚶♂️ Walkability: Most major downtown sites walkable; intuitive grid layout
- 🚌 Bus: UTA runs routes, $2.25 per ride; free within downtown free fare zone
- 🚋 TRAX Light Rail: 4 lines, free in downtown, $2.25 outside
- 🚖 Taxi/rideshare: Uber/Lyft, easy to find, metered fare around $15 downtown
- 🚲 Biking: Tons of bike lanes, GREENbike bikeshare is the way to go
TOP 5 THINGS TO DO ALONE
- 🏛️ Family History Library – Discover your ancestry; staff will help you get started
- 🌿 Ensign Peak hike – Short, safe, unbeatable city and sunset views from the top
- 🧠 Natural History Museum of Utah – Fascinating local history, dinosaurs, hands-on exhibits
- 🧭 Liberty Park – Urban oasis for people-watching, reading, or relaxed strolls
- 🎨 Salt Lake City Public Library – Architectural marvel, rooftop views, quiet spaces to recharge
- 🔀 Wildcard: Red Iguana food crawl – Line up solo and sample SLC’s favorite Mexican cuisine (bring a book and chat with fellow diners!)
WHAT TO SKIP
- ❌ Temple Square (until 2027) – Under heavy renovation, very limited access
- ❌ Drive around the Salt Flats – Very far, no public transit; save it for a longer Utah trip
- ❌ Downtown malls (unless shopping is your thing) – More generic brands and less local flavor
EATING & DRINKING
- 🧍♂️ Solo-friendly spot: Trolley Cottage Café – Cozy, retro, locals’ brunch favorite
- 🥃 Quiet pub/bar with character: Lake Effect – Classy cocktails, live music, easy to mingle
- 🍽️ Try these local foods: Crown Burgers (get the “Crown Burger” loaded with pastrami & fry sauce)
- 💸 Best cheap eats: Farmer’s Market food trucks (Saturdays, Pioneer Park) – Loads of $5–10 options
- 🥦 Veg/vegan options: Yumz Vegan Bakery (scrumptious plant-based treats), Mumbai House (veggie Indian)
- 🍸 Cocktails or nightcap: Under Current Bar – Hidden away, inventive cocktails, grown-up vibe
BEST OF SALT LAKE CITY IN 1 DAY – SOLO ITINERARY
- Sunrise: Hike Ensign Peak for city and mountain views
- Morning: Grab coffee at Three Pines, tour Natural History Museum
- Lunch: Chow down at Red Iguana or food trucks at Pioneer Park
- Afternoon: Roam Liberty Park or take in rooftop views at Salt Lake City Public Library
- Evening: Early dinner at Crown Burgers, stroll through Gallivan Center
- Night: Sip a cocktail at Lake Effect, catch free live music if available, or head to Under Current Bar
LOCAL TIPS & INSIDER WISDOM
- 🎉 Festival tip: Utah Arts Festival (June) is lively, easy to meet people, tons of free events
- 📍 Hidden gem: City Creek Canyon – Bike or stroll right from downtown into the mountains
- 📷 Photo spots: Ensign Peak, Utah State Capitol at sunset, SLC Public Library rooftop
- 🧠 Etiquette tip: Don’t assume everyone drinks; ask before ordering a round
- 🚩 Safety reminder: Downtown = safe; avoid Central/NW/South Salt Lake alone after dark
- 👀 One last thing: Don’t just pass through—linger, chat with locals, and get outdoors!