Salt Lake City: Mormon Tabernacle Choir and Guided City Tour

Travelers planning a visit to Salt Lake City often look for a mix of cultural highlights and local flavor. This tour, offered by City Sights, seems to tick those boxes by combining a live performance with a broad overview of the city’s most iconic sights. With a strong reputation—being the original Salt Lake City tour for over four decades—it’s a popular choice for first-time visitors.

We’re particularly fond of the opportunity to hear the Mormon Tabernacle Choir live, which is a rare and memorable experience, and the way the guided tour simplifies navigation and storytelling. The large panoramic windows on the bus make sightseeing relaxed and immersive. On the flip side, some travelers might find the duration (3.5 hours) a bit tight if they want to explore each stop more leisurely, especially with children or mobility concerns.

This experience suits those who want a comfortable, informative introduction to Salt Lake City, especially if they love music, history, and scenic city views. It’s also ideal for travelers short on time but eager to get a comprehensive sense of what Salt Lake has to offer.

Key Points

• Live Music: Experience the Mormon Tabernacle Choir in a live concert or rehearsal, a highlight for music lovers.
• Trusted Tour: This is the original Salt Lake City tour, trusted for 44 years.
• Comfortable Transport: Travel in a well-equipped bus with large panoramic windows for easy sightseeing.
• Expert Guides: Local guides bring history and stories to life with engaging narration.
• Highlights and Hidden Gems: Stops include the Utah Capitol, Temple Square, Mormon Pioneer Trail, and the Cathedral of the Madeleine.
• Flexible and Convenient: Tour durations are typically in the morning or evening, with easy online booking and full cancellation flexibility.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience

The Musical Highlight: Mormon Tabernacle Choir

Starting with the live concert or rehearsal at Temple Square, this is arguably the tour’s most captivating element. On Sundays, you’ll be treated to a live performance, which many reviews describe as “wonderful,” “amazing,” and “a must-do.” The choir’s sound is renowned worldwide, and hearing it live is quite different from listening on recordings.

On Thursdays, instead of a concert, you’ll witness a rehearsal, which offers a more behind-the-scenes feel. A notable perk is that children under age 8 and their guardians are seated in a soundproof room during Sunday’s concert, ensuring the performance remains enjoyable for everyone.

Guests have noted that the presence of choir members sharing insights—like former members explaining recruitment—adds a personal touch, making the experience more authentic and informative. One reviewer mentioned, “Dyana appreciated the surprise of Shelley from the choir hopping on the bus,” which made the visit more personal and memorable.

The Guided City Tour

After the musical experience, the tour switches gears to explore Salt Lake City itself. Led by top-rated local guides, this 20-mile loop covers both the city’s famous landmarks and hidden corners. The route includes the Utah State Capitol, Temple Square, and the Mormon Pioneer Trail Monument, giving a comprehensive context of Salt Lake’s history and development.

Traveling in a fully-narrated, air-conditioned bus with large panoramic windows, you’ll enjoy a relaxed ride with plenty of time to take photos and listen to stories. The guides are praised for their knowledgeable narration—one reviewer called their guide “very personable” and “wealthy in knowledge.” The storytelling approach helps bring Salt Lake’s history, architecture, and legends alive, which is especially helpful for first-time visitors.

Why the Stops Matter

The Utah Capitol offers sweeping views of the city and mountains, making it a favorite for photos. The Temple Square is an iconic symbol of Salt Lake City, and even if you aren’t religious, the architecture and grounds are impressive. The Mormon Pioneer Trail Monument provides insight into the pioneers’ journey, grounding visitors in the city’s origins.

Other stops like the Cathedral of the Madeleine showcase Salt Lake’s religious diversity and architectural beauty. The scenic views from the Pioneer Center and Capitol are often described as stunning, and many reviews note that the guides’ stories add layers of understanding to what you see.

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Comfort, Timing, and Practicalities

The tour lasts about 3.5 hours, usually scheduled in the morning or evening, which fits well into most travel itineraries. The bus is air-conditioned, comfortable, and designed for sightseeing with big windows—no squabbles over seats or crowding.

Meeting points are straightforward, with curbside pickup outside the Radisson Downtown Hotel—an easy spot to find and convenient for most travelers. Parking is available across the street at a paid lot, and arriving 10-15 minutes early ensures smooth boarding.

Cost and Value

At $89 per person, the tour offers good value, especially considering the live concert or rehearsal included, which could cost significantly more if booked separately. The guided narration, transportation, and special access to the choir make it a comprehensive package for first-time visitors or those with limited time. Reviewers often mention that they appreciated the personal insights from guides and the stunning views, making the price feel justified.

What Could Be Better?

Some reviews suggest that the tour might be a bit rushed if you want to spend more time at each site. Plus, those with mobility issues should note that the tour is not suitable for wheelchair users or those with large luggage or strollers, as these aren’t permitted on the bus or inside the venues. A few felt that the value could be clearer if a printed map or museum list was provided to help plan additional exploration afterward.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour?

This experience is perfect for music enthusiasts eager to hear the Mormon Tabernacle Choir live. It’s also well-suited for history buffs and first-time visitors wanting a rundown of Salt Lake City in a single, relaxed outing. Families with children over 8 will find it manageable, especially since children are seated separately during the concert.

Travelers who prefer comfortable transportation with engaging narration will find this tour a solid choice. It’s less ideal for those with mobility limitations or travelers seeking an in-depth, unhurried exploration of each site.

Final Thoughts

This tour offers a well-rounded blend of musical magic and city exploration. The chance to sit back in a comfortable bus while guides fill the windows with stories and insights makes for a very enjoyable experience. The live performance by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir is a genuine highlight, elevating an already informative city tour into a memorable cultural moment.

While it may not be the best choice for travelers with specific accessibility needs or those wanting more time at each stop, it delivers excellent value for most visitors. It’s especially suited for those looking to get a quick, meaningful taste of Salt Lake City with the added thrill of experiencing one of the world’s most renowned choir performances.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
Children under age 8 are allowed but will be seated separately during the Sunday concert in a soundproof room. Overall, children over 8 will enjoy the sights and stories.

Can I cancel or reschedule?
Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility if your plans change.

What should I bring?
Comfortable clothes, a camera, and perhaps a light jacket. The bus is air-conditioned, but if it’s a warm day, staying cool is advisable.

Are large bags or strollers allowed?
No, large bags, non-folding wheelchairs, and strollers aren’t permitted on the bus or inside venues.

What is included in the price?
Your ticket covers the live Mormon Tabernacle Choir concert (or rehearsal) and the fully narrated city tour in a premium bus.

How long is the tour?
It lasts approximately 3.5 hours, typically scheduled in the morning or evening.

Where do I meet the tour?
Pickup is curbside outside the Radisson Downtown Hotel’s main entrance, 10-15 minutes before departure.

Is parking available nearby?
Yes, there’s paid parking across the street at 40 John Stockton Drive. Arriving early helps with parking and boarding.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?
No, it’s not suitable for wheelchair users or those with large luggage or non-folding mobility devices.

Would you recommend this tour?
Absolutely, especially for first-time visitors who want a comfortable, informative introduction to Salt Lake City combined with a special musical experience.

This tour provides a delightful way to encounter Salt Lake City’s sights and sounds in a single, well-organized outing. It pairs the emotional power of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir with a guided narrative of the city’s most important landmarks—an experience that, with its friendly guides and stunning views, many travelers find both enjoyable and worthwhile.

You can check availability for your dates here: