Salt Lake City: Tabernacle Choir Live & Guided City Tour

Summary

Salt Lake’s choir in full voice, pioneer stories and city secrets

You’ll sit beneath the famous Tabernacle dome as 360 choir voices fill the air—then wander Temple Square’s gardens with your guide sharing pioneer stories and secret details most miss. Ride an air-conditioned bus past mansions and monuments with mountain views, pausing for photos and moments that stick with you long after.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is the hush—hundreds of us sitting under that pale dome in the Salt Lake Tabernacle, waiting for the Tabernacle Choir to begin. Our guide, Mark, whispered that you could hear a pin drop from halfway across the hall (I didn’t test it but honestly, I believe him). Then came the first notes—360 voices rising together with that massive organ behind them. It was like feeling music instead of just hearing it. The air felt different somehow—almost charged. I caught myself holding my breath during “Come Thou Fount.” Even if you’re not religious, it’s hard not to feel moved by that sound filling every corner. Mark pointed out how even presidents have sat here for this exact concert. Kind of wild to think about.

Afterwards we spilled out into Temple Square where everything smelled faintly like wet grass and spring flowers (I guess they really do keep those gardens perfect). Mark told us stories about how the pioneers dragged granite down from the mountains to build the Salt Lake Temple—took forty years! He showed us little carvings on the stone I’d never notice alone. We didn’t go inside (not allowed), but just walking around and seeing families taking photos or couples holding hands made it feel alive. There was a moment by the Seagull Monument where a kid tried to climb up for a better view—his mom pretended not to see, which made me laugh.

The city tour part surprised me most—I thought it’d be all churches but we drove past Victorian mansions, up to the Utah State Capitol (those mountain views!), and even stopped outside Abravanel Hall and the Cathedral of the Madeleine. Each spot had its own story; some funny, some kind of heavy. At Fort Douglas, Mark got quiet talking about Civil War soldiers watching over early settlers—he said history here is “complicated,” which stuck with me more than any fact did. The bus was cool and comfy (thankfully), and there wasn’t much walking except at photo stops—my knees appreciated that.

I still think about that moment when everyone went silent before the choir sang—the kind of pause you don’t get often in real life. If you want a day trip from downtown Salt Lake City that mixes music with real stories and a sense of place, this Tabernacle Choir tour is honestly worth it. Not sure I’ll ever hear anything quite like those voices again.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Tabernacle Choir and Salt Lake City tour

• Attend live Tabernacle Choir performance
• Explore Salt Lake Tabernacle interior
• Admire Salt Lake Temple exterior
• Visit LDS Conference Center
• Tour Temple Square grounds
• Visit Utah State Capitol building
• See City and County Building
• View Mormon Battalion Monument
• Marvel at Cathedral of the Madeleine
• See City Creek Center
• Visit This is the Place Heritage Park
• Experience Mormon Pioneer National Historic Trail
• View Salt Lake City Public Library
• See Utah Governor's Mansion
• View Beehive House
• View Council Hall
• Gaze at Olympic Cauldron
• See Delta Center arena
• Admire Joseph Smith Memorial Building
• Explore the Gateway district
• View Family History Library
• Glance at Fort Douglas parade grounds
• Admire Abravanel Hall exterior
• View Church Office Building
• Glance at McCune Mansion
• See Rice-Eccles Stadium
• Admire Kingsbury Hall
• Take in Washington Square park
• Experience Temple Square landmark
• See Assembly Hall at Temple Square
• Pass beneath Eagle Gate
• See Brigham Young Monument and Meridian Marker
• View Salt Lake Masonic Temple exterior
• See Deuel Pioneer Log Home

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included on this Salt Lake City Tabernacle Choir tour?

No, hotel pickup isn’t included—the meeting point is central and public transport options are nearby.

Can children attend the live Tabernacle Choir performance?

Yes, but kids under 8 will be seated separately during Sunday concerts due to sensitive acoustics.

How long does this Salt Lake City guided city tour last?

The full experience lasts about 2.5 hours plus time at the choir performance.

Is there a lot of walking on this day trip?

No, walking is minimal—most sightseeing is from an air-conditioned coach with short stops for photos.

Are there restrooms available during the tour?

Yes, restroom breaks are available at several stops including Temple Square.

What language does the local guide speak?

The guided commentary is in English throughout the tour.

Will we go inside Salt Lake Temple or just see it from outside?

You’ll see Salt Lake Temple from outside only; entry isn’t permitted for non-members.

Is this tour accessible for wheelchairs or walkers?

Folding wheelchairs and walkers can be accommodated if you notify by phone at least 24 hours ahead.

What’s included

Your day includes reserved seating at a live Tabernacle Choir performance (Sunday concert or Thursday rehearsal), expert guided commentary through Salt Lake City’s landmarks like Temple Square and Utah State Capitol aboard an air-conditioned coach—with minimal walking and plenty of photo stops along the way before returning downtown.