Salt Lake City Overview

Salt Lake City is the capital of Utah in the United States, with a population of over 190,000. It was founded by a group of Mormons and it is still the centre of the Mormon church today, which can be seen in the vast temples, cookie-cutter white churches and pretty prayer gardens.

This popular city has also gained a reputation as being one of the cultural hubs of the United States. The iconic Sundance Film Festival is held there every year, and the city has been compared to hipster-central Portland thanks to its love of music, fashion, and funky eateries. There's never a dull moment in this thriving, modern city.

Things to Do

Salt Lake City has enough to keep anyone occupied, with an endless supply of trendy restaurants, quirky shops, museums and awe-inspiring nature. This big, bustling city is ideal for a short break with a focus on cosmopolitan living but which blends with the stunning scenery that is just a short drive away.

A taste of the wilderness

Big Cottonwood Canyon is a beautiful area of prairie land, lakes, canyons and mountains that will thrill any outdoors-enthusiast. It looks like the backdrop of an old Western film and really showcases all that the American landscape has to offer.

A must-see museum

The Natural History Museum of Utah is ideal for knowledge-hungry kids and adults. It has over 5,000 artefacts on display and showcases the fascinating archaeological finds from the area, including a large dinosaur collection.

A religious history

Much of Salt Lake City's history is rooted in religion, and there are many monuments to this in the city. From the pioneer architecture of the Tabernacle to the cathedral-style Salt Lake Temple, no visit to the area is complete without delving into these historic sites.

Calendar of events

Salt Lake City is full to the brim with festivals, with something to occupy almost every weekend. This vibrant area attracts musicians, artists and foodies with recurring cultural events to suit every taste.

• The Sundance Film Festival. The Sundance Film Festival has been in operation since 1978 and is now the largest independent film festival in the United States. It's the ideal way to meet other film buffs and to catch the newest indie cinema offerings.

• The Utah Arts Alliance. The Utah Arts Alliance has to be one of the most diverse festivals in the world. It celebrates a mixture of cultural pursuits, from art to photography and jewellery making. Workshops are held across the city and cover a smorgasbord of topics from gardening to filmmaking and skateboarding. Musicians take part in the event too, playing all genres.

• The Darks Arts Festival. This festival is ideal for tourists and locals who wish to spend their weekend doing something a little different. This festival revolves around goth culture, celebrating their music and fashion. 2015s lineup included live music from bands like Tragic Black and The Gothsicles.