Downtown Salt Lake, like most cities’ downtowns, is a hub for business, arts, entertainment, dining, and nightlife. Young professionals are moving to this neighborhood in droves to be close to transit and occupy dozens of new apartment buildings and condos, a hip new restaurant or bar opens seemingly every day, Greenbikes cruise from shop to shop, and exciting events hit the city center night after night. But amid all the urban action, historic Temple Square remains the most visited attraction in the city, and views of the venerable Wasatch Mountains can be had from almost every street corner, giving downtown Salt Lake a unique feeling of rootedness and ruggedness. When it comes to planning out your day and night downtown, there’s a lot to choose from. Here are a few crowd favorites. Don't miss your chance to check some of the best food and drink in downtown Salt Lake.

Eccles Theater

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Performance at the Downtown Eccles Theater

Right off of Main Street, this five story performing arts theater is quite a sight to see. The Eccles Theater books everything from Broadway musicals to bluegrass bands to big name comedians. Be sure to take in the star-speckled ceiling after finding your seat, and head to Finca Pintxos Bar on Regent Street for Spanish tapas and drinks after the show.

Delta Center (Utah Jazz)

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West entry of the Delta Center showing a skyline view in downtown Salt Lake City

Host site of the 2022 NBA All-Star Game, 2002 Winter Olympics site, and home of the beloved Utah Jazz NBA team. Snag tickets to a Jazz game and experience the loudest fans in the NBA, or check out one of the mega popstars taking the mainstage. For a full event lineup, check out the Delta Center website.

Temple Square

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Temple Square

Please note: Temple Square is currently under renovation, but still has spaces open for the public. See what is still available to visit and tour here.

The grounds are beautifully landscaped, the towering Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints' temple and surrounding architecture are stunning, and the multilingual tour guides are happy to fill you in on the unusual sights, sounds, and texts you’ll encounter in this utterly unique corner of the city. 

City Library

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Salt Lake Public Library

Designed by renowned architect Moshe Safdie, the downtown library is a gorgeous place to read, relax, catch up on emails, browse books and zines, see an art exhibit, and admire sweeping views of the city.

Currently, the main rooftop terrace is being remodeled and will be an even better place to take in views of the city. For updates on construction, visit their website.

City Creek Shopping Center

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Couple at City Creek Center Fountains

This award-winning, state-of-the-art shopping mall has something for everyone, including waterfalls, a fish-stocked stream, and an enormous glass ceiling that opens and closes based on the weather.

Utah State Capitol

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Utah State Capitol during cherry blossom season

Capture a photo op outside this beautiful building, stroll the grounds, or head inside and take in the marble elegance and artwork. Pro tip, go in the spring and see the cherry blossoms bloom. The capitol offers self-guided tours or guided tours that can be scheduled in advance of your visit. 

The Depot

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The Depot

Not too small, not too big, The Depot is a super fun place to see shows. The venue books a good variety of touring bands and musicians, and it’s almost always easy to get a drink and see the stage.

Note: Speaking of shows and other crowd-pleasing happenings, if any of the following events are happening during your visit to downtown Salt Lake, definitely check them out: Twilight Concert Series, Craft Lake City, Utah Arts Festival, Kilby Block Party, Open Streets, Utah Pride Parade, and the Utah Beer Festival.

Locals’ Secrets

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The following are a few places we probably shouldn’t tell you about. Go there only if you’re a genuinely cool person who wants to chat with some Salt Lakers and take a step off the conventional visitors guide path.

Friend's Drinking at Bar

Juniors

This unassuming neighborhood bar is somehow situated right in the heart of downtown. Its curious group of regulars are loyal and close-knit, yet surprisingly diverse—they span a wide range of interests, ages, and backgrounds, from local news anchors to eccentric artists to grumpy old men to tech nerds. There’s always a good conversation to be had here.

Street Tacos in Downtown Salt Lake

Sears Parking Lot Taco Carts

Arguably the best street tacos in town. This is a spot where you come for the food, not the setting.. However, there are some awesome bars nearby that you could hit up afterward, a local favorite is Purgatory.

Brigham Young's Family Cemetery

Brigham Young's Family Cemetery

The burial plot of the second president of the Mormon church, as well as several of his wives and children, is a site of spiritual reflection for some and curiosity for others, but regardless of what draws you to visit, it’s a serene and storied spot in a city that’s quickly growing and changing around it.

Ken Sanders Rare Books

Ken Sanders

If you’re a lover of books, don’t miss this eclectic bookstore. From local owner, Ken Sanders, this is a great spot to find those books you might not be able to snag at your chain bookstores. It has everything from rare collections, to new books, to affordable used titles. 

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