Travel Guide: Salt Lake City
UTAH
Once known mostly for its mountains and Mormon heritage, Salt Lake City has quietly reinvented itself into one of the West’s most dynamic—and delicious—urban escapes. The city’s food scene now mirrors its evolving identity: a blend of old and new, where chefs pair local ingredients with global inspiration and neighborhood bars craft cocktails as thoughtfully as their New York or L.A. counterparts. Fueled by a growing creative community and the energy of “Silicon Slopes,” SLC offers a mix of mountain adventure, modern design, and a culinary scene that punches well above its weight. In just a few days, you can discover the city’s many layers—morning hikes and farmers markets, speakeasies and vintage boutiques, and a dining landscape that proves Salt Lake is far more than a stopover on the way to the slopes.
Can’t Miss
Enjoy the lake effect snow at Powder Mountain, Utah’s best-kept secret for wide-open runs
Sip your way through a downtown brewery crawl showcasing SLC’s craft beer scene
Spot wild bison and take in the Great Salt Lake views on Antelope Island
Catch a live show at The Urban Lounge, the heart of SLC’s indie music scene
Start your day like a local with a laid-back breakfast at The Park Café
Spend a Saturday morning exploring the Downtown Farmer’s Market
Grab a Star Burger and a cold beer at The Shooting Star Saloon, Utah’s oldest bar.
72-Hour SLC Itinerary
Like a perfect three-course meal — each day is a journey of flavor, culture and adventure.
DAY 1 - Friday
Morning
Kick things off with old-fashioned cake donuts from Banbury Cross, then head up Big Cottonwood Canyon for a short, scenic hike to Donut Falls — a sweet start in every sense.
Afternoon
Refuel downtown at The Copper Onion, a local favorite for fresh, New American fare. After lunch, wander Temple Square and City Creek Center, where architecture, history, and shopping blend seamlessly.
Evening
Dig into legendary mole and enchiladas at Red Iguana, followed by creative soft-serve cones at Normal Ice Cream. End the night two-stepping (or just spectating) at The Westerner, SLC’s go-to spot for country dancing and mechanical bull rides.
DAY 2 - Saturday
Morning
Grab a breakfast burrito from Beto’s and head north toward the scenic Ogden Valley.
Afternoon
Winter: Ski deep powder and uncrowded runs at Powder Mountain, then unwind with live music and a pint at The Powder Keg.
Summer: Pick up picnic provisions at the Valley Market, then spend the day swimming or paddle boarding on Pineview Reservoir.
Evening
End your day at Utah’s oldest bar, The Shooting Star Saloon, for cash-only burgers and beers. Then soak beneath the stars in the warm, mineral-rich waters of Crystal Hot Springs.
DAY 3 - Sunday
Morning
Join the locals for breakfast at The Park Café, then stroll the Downtown Farmer’s Market at Pioneer Park for fresh produce, art, and live music.
Afternoon
Grab a spicy fried chicken sandwich at Pretty Bird, then spend some time boutique-hopping through Koo de Ker, The Stockist, and The Land of Salt for locally loved fashion and jewelry.
Evening
Settle in for dinner at Mazza in the charming 15th & 15th neighborhood. Cap off your trip with a craft cocktail at Water Witch or Bar X, and, if you’ve got energy left, catch a live set at The Urban Lounge.
The Travel Edit
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The Park Cafe - Situated next to Liberty Park, this neighborhood spot serves homestyle breakfast and lunch in a small but inviting space, whether you grab a seat at the diner-style counter or opt for a table with friends. If you want to order like a local, complete your meal with a chai latte and add cheese to your grilled park potatoes, a side on many of the dishes.
Sweet Lake Biscuits & Limeade - The menu is inspired by homestyle Texan cuisine from and features local ingredients, hearty salads, and baked-daily biscuits. This popular brunch spot also offers a selection of cocktails that feature spirits from Utah distilleries.
Pretty Bird - Fast-casual dining with a limited menu that includes Nashville-style fried chicken sandwiches, crinkle cut fries, Mexican street corn salad, cider slaw, and a handful of flavorful sauces, like the buttermilk-based Pretty Bird sauce.
Caputo’s Market & Deli - Old-school Italian grocer and deli serving sandwiches, pastas, salads, and desserts, including from-scratch tiramisu made using Italian mascarpone.
The Shooting Star Saloon - Established in 1879, the Star is the oldest continuously operating saloon west of the Mississippi. Located in Huntsville, this Old West joint is about an hour’s drive north from Salt Lake City, situated in the valley between the mountain resorts of Snowbasin and Powder Mountain. It’s perfect for a winter pit stop after a day on the slopes nearby for a burger, chips, and a beer.
Red Iguana - Features a wide variety of Mexican recipes, including many utilizing house-made corn tortillas and moles, at three downtown locations. I love the Enchiladas Suizas and the Puntas De Filete A La Norteña.
Valter’s Osteria - You’ll feel like you’ve stepped right into picturesque Tuscany at this rustic Italian restaurant, where tables are adorned with classic white tablecloths and servers are dressed sharply. Named after late owner and chef Valter Nassi, the place serves rustic Italian dishes inspired by his mother’s cooking.
Copper Onion/Copper Common - Part of the CO Hospitality group alongside neighboring Copper Onion, Copper Common is a new American wine bar and restaurant offering natural wines, craft cocktails, and local beers with a rotating, inventive menu.
Mazza - Middle Eastern restaurant with an expansive menu of specialty entrees prepared from scratch, using fresh, high quality ingredients. Mazza also boasts one of the largest selections of Mediterranean beer and wine in the United States, with selections from Lebanon, Morocco, and Greece, and imports many of the condiments and spices featured on the menu.
Takashi - Located right downtown, this Japanese eatery & sushi bar features signature rolls & a big sake list in hip, contemporary digs.
Bar Nohm - The modern izakaya-style Bar Nohm in Salt Lake City’s Central 9th neighborhood pays homage to Japanese and Korean drinking culture with a menu of creative bites and extensive beverage offerings. With a connecting door to its sibling bar, Water Witch, Bar Nohm creates a lively, communal dining experience that celebrates traditional flavors and cross-cultural influences.
Current Fish & Oyster - Situated in a renovated warehouse complete with high ceilings and exposed brick, this high-quality seafood restaurant boasts a full-service bar with an extensive wine list, sherry flights, and inventive cocktails.
Saffron Valley - This mini-chain prides itself on being the largest Indian buffet in Salt Lake, with a menu that features dishes such as deconstructed samosas, bone-in goat curry, and gulab jamun soaked in aromatic syrup.
Table X - Set in a converted factory, this restaurant serves new American fare in multi-course traditional and vegetarian tasting menus. Table X sources fresh produce from its French potager garden, and the kitchen practices a variety of preservation methods including fermentation, pickling, canning, drying, and aging.
Banbury Cross Donuts - A Salt Lake classic since the ’80s, Banbury Cross keeps it simple: fresh, old-school donuts made daily and coffee that actually hits the spot. The blueberry cake donuts are local legends—go early if you want the best selection.
Normal Ice Cream - Anything but normal, this small-batch ice cream shop is known for its inventive soft serve and playful flavors. Whether it’s a twist in a cone or a dipped bar with wild toppings, it’s creative, nostalgic, and seriously good.
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Beer Bar/Bar X - Co-owned by Modern Family’s Ty Burrell, this connected duo pairs craft cocktails with laid-back beer hall vibes. Bar X channels vintage sophistication with expertly mixed drinks, while Beer Bar next door offers local brews, bratwursts, and communal tables reminiscent of a modern German beer garden.
Under Current - Tucked beneath Current Fish & Oyster, this intimate bar is where SLC’s bartenders go for a proper drink. The cocktails are precise without being fussy, the lighting’s low and warm, and the vibe strikes that perfect balance between polished and relaxed.
The Westerner Club - A classic Utah honkey-tonk where the drinks are strong, the dance floor’s always moving, and the mechanical bull dares you to stay on. It’s equal parts rowdy and welcoming—come for live country music, stay for the people-watching and late-night energy.
Handle Bar - A laid-back neighborhood spot with a biker-meets-mountain-town feel, Handle Bar keeps things simple: good beer, good burgers, and a big patio that’s perfect when the weather’s right. It’s unpretentious, lively, and always full of locals.
Water Witch - Small, unassuming, and consistently one of the best cocktail bars in the city. The bartenders are pros who make serious drinks without taking themselves too seriously—expect creativity, balance, and a fun, welcoming crowd.
Twilite Lounge - A true SLC dive in the best possible way. Dim lights, cheap drinks, pool tables, and no pretense. It’s the kind of place you go to actually relax—and maybe end up staying way longer than planned.
Prohibition - A modern take on the speakeasy, with vintage-inspired décor, live jazz or burlesque nights, and a solid cocktail list. It leans a little theatrical but delivers a fun night out, especially if you’re in the mood for a bit of showmanship with your drink.
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Local
Exploring Temple Square & City Creek Center
Hiking in Big Cottonwood Canyon
Relaxing at Liberty Park & Memory Grove Park
Downtown Farmer’s Market
Craft brewery crawl (Epic, Proper, Uinta, etc.)
The Leonardo Museum & Natural History Museum of Utah
Day on the slopes up Cottonwood Canyon (Snowbird, Brighton, etc.)
Day Trips
Park City - Explore the charming historic Main Street, enjoy world-class skiing or hiking, and indulge in the vibrant arts and dining scene.
Ogden Valley - Enjoy outdoor adventures such as hiking, biking, and water sports amidst stunning mountain landscapes.
Antelope Island - Witness diverse wildlife, including bison herds, and enjoy breathtaking views of the Great Salt Lake.
Uinta Mountains - Immerse yourself in the pristine wilderness, enjoy scenic hiking trails, and experience the tranquility of alpine lakes.
Diamond Fork Hot Springs - Soak in natural geothermal pools surrounded by the picturesque beauty of the canyon.
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Koo de Ker - A longtime 9th & 9th favorite, Koo de Ker nails the effortless-cool aesthetic with a mix of laid-back basics, on-trend pieces, and local jewelry.
The Stockist - Modern, minimal, and perfectly curated, The Stockist focuses on high-quality staples from independent brands. Think elevated denim, well-made basics, and timeless accessories.
The Land of Salt - A local jewelry studio known for its delicate, handmade designs and ethically sourced materials.
Katie Waltman Boutique - Feminine, polished, and approachable, this boutique blends Katie Waltman’s signature jewelry line with clothing and accessories that strike an easy balance between trendy and classic.
Hip & Humble - A playful mix of fashion, home goods, and gifts that feels like browsing your coolest friend’s living room.
Decades Vintage Clothing - A SLC vintage institution packed with curated finds from nearly every era. Whether you’re hunting for a 70s leather jacket or a 50s cocktail dress.
Böhme – A Utah-born boutique that’s grown into a go-to for easy, feminine style. Expect flowy dresses, soft knits, and everyday pieces that feel put-together without trying too hard.
“Fueled by a growing creative community and the energy of “Silicon Slopes,” SLC offers a mix of mountain adventure, modern design, and a culinary scene that punches well above its weight.”