Tabernacle Choir Performance + Salt Lake City Bus Tour

If you’re considering a visit to Salt Lake City, a tour combining sightseeing with a performance by the legendary Mormon Tabernacle Choir offers an appealing way to get to know this high-altitude city. This tour, priced at $89 per person, promises about three and a half hours of rich sights and soulful singing. It’s especially well-suited for those who love history, architecture, and music — and who want an authentic taste of Salt Lake’s spirited culture.

What we really like about this experience is its balance. You’ll get a comprehensive bus tour of the city’s most iconic landmarks, along with the chance to see the Choir in action — whether during a Thursday rehearsal or a Sunday concert. Plus, the tour is generally praised for its knowledgeable guides and good value. One small caveat: the timing can be a bit tight, especially if you’re eager to spend more time inside the historic venues. But overall, it’s a great fit for first-time visitors, music lovers, and anyone keen to experience Salt Lake’s unique blend of history and community spirit.

This tour tends to book out about 46 days in advance, which shows how popular it is. If you’re planning a trip, booking early guarantees you a spot on this well-organized, engaging outing. Now let’s walk through what’s included, what you’ll see, and how you can make the most of this memorable Salt Lake City experience.

Key Points

• Combines Salt Lake City sightseeing with a performance by the renowned Mormon Tabernacle Choir
• Includes stops at major landmarks like the Utah State Capitol, Temple Square, and historic buildings
• Offers a choice between a Thursday rehearsal or a Sunday concert, depending on your schedule
• Guides are generally praised for their knowledge and friendly attitude
• Costs $89, which provides good value considering the quality of the performance and sightseeing
• Tour duration is approximately 3.5 hours, making it a manageable half-day activity
• The tour is suitable for most travelers, with accommodations for children over 8 on Sunday performances
• Group size is limited to 30 travelers, ensuring a more personalized experience

A Detailed Look at the Itinerary

Starting Point: Radisson Hotel Salt Lake City Downtown

Most tours begin here, close to many of downtown Salt Lake’s attractions and public transit. It’s a convenient meeting point that sets the tone for a day filled with history and harmony.

The Salt Lake Tabernacle

The first stop is the historic Salt Lake Tabernacle, built in 1867, famous for its incredible architecture and one of the largest pipe organs in the world. This is the home of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, and the performance here is often the highlight of the tour. You’ll have about an hour to soak in the atmosphere and learn about its significance as a spiritual and cultural landmark.

While many visitors praise this venue, some reviews note that sometimes the choir’s rehearsals or performances are unexpectedly closed off, as happened with a group that was unable to watch the rehearsal. This can be disappointing but is beyond the tour’s control. Still, the guide’s storytelling and the grandeur of the setting often compensate, giving you an idea of its importance.

Pioneers and Historic Homes

Next, the tour moves to sites like the Kearns Mansion, built by a silver mining tycoon and now the governor’s residence. Here, guides share interesting stories about the 70,000 pioneers who arrived in Salt Lake City in 1847 after walking over 1,300 miles — a journey that shaped the city’s identity.

Utah State Capitol

A 20-minute stop at the Utah State Capitol offers sweeping views of the city and Rocky Mountains beyond. Recognized as the second most beautiful capitol building in the country, it’s a place where you can admire impressive architecture and hear stories about Utah’s founding father, Brigham Young.

Salt Lake Utah Temple

This iconic Gothic-style church, constructed in 1893, is Utah’s most photographed building. A quick stop here provides ample photo opportunities and insights into the religious foundations of the city.

City and County Building

Built in 1894, with ornate details and a scenic hilltop setting, this building is the oldest city hall still in use. It symbolizes the city’s evolving governance and its blend of tradition and local pride.

The Mormon Tabernacle Choir Performance

The core of the tour is the choir’s performance, which varies depending on the day. On Sundays, you might catch a full concert, while on Thursdays, you’ll see an intimate rehearsal. Reviewers agree that this is the unforgettable highlight, describing the choir as “fabulous” and “superb.” Some note that the choir’s performances can evoke a Christmas spirit, even outside the holiday season.

A few travelers mentioned they couldn’t attend the rehearsal due to unexpected closures, which was an unfortunate glitch. However, most found the experience moving, with the choir’s voices filling the historic space in a way that’s difficult to forget.

Other Landmarks

The tour also includes stops at the Mother Church of Roman Catholics in Utah, the Salt Lake Olympics Ceremonies site, and the Salt Lake Performing Arts Center, an award-winning modern building used in Hollywood movies. These provide a well-rounded picture of the city’s diverse cultural influences.

Mormon Battalion Monument

The tour concludes with a visit to this historic monument celebrating the only religious unit in the American military, linked to the California Gold Rush. Here, guides share stories about the battalion’s role in American history.

What You Can Expect During the Tour

Transport is by comfortable bus, with small group sizes (max 30 travelers) that make for a friendly, less hurried experience. The tour is well-paced, but the amount of walking is manageable — mainly limited to brief stops at each site. Expect a friendly, knowledgeable guide who will share stories and answer questions, making history and architecture come alive.

Timing is crucial. The tour lasts around three and a half hours, so punctuality helps ensure you get the most out of each stop. The initial part of the day is often spent at the Salt Lake Tabernacle, which, depending on schedule, can include a rehearsal or performance. Reviewers have expressed that arriving early for the rehearsal allows better seating, but it also means spending a longer time inside.

The Performance Experience

Whether you see a rehearsal or a full concert, the choir’s sound is truly stirring. Most travelers say it’s worth every penny, with comments like “fabulous,” “inspirational,” and “a very classy service.” Be aware that Sunday concerts are the only time children under 8 are seated in a different, more acoustically appropriate area, so consider this if traveling with young kids.

The Value of This Tour

At $89, this experience offers a lot for the price. You’re getting a guided city tour with insightful commentary, plus a world-class musical performance in a historic venue. Many reviews describe it as “reasonably priced,” especially considering the quality of the choir and the chance to see Salt Lake’s top sights in one go.

Compared to visiting these landmarks independently, the organized nature of the tour saves time and hassle. The guide’s stories add depth to your understanding, and the limited group size fosters a more personal experience.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This tour is perfect for travelers who want a balanced mix of cultural sights and musical inspiration. It’s great for first-timers wanting an overview of Salt Lake City’s most iconic landmarks, or for music lovers eager to experience the choir’s sound firsthand. It also suits those with limited time who want an efficient, well-organized introduction to Salt Lake’s heritage.

If you’re traveling with children over 8, the Sunday concert offers the best chance for them to experience the choir up close. For visitors more interested in outdoor adventures or extensive sightseeing, this tour might feel a bit limited, but for a cultural and historical snapshot, it hits the mark.

Final Thoughts

This Salt Lake City tour offers a thoughtful blend of sightseeing and music that captures the spirit of the city. The guides are generally praised for their knowledge, and the performance by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir is undeniably the star attraction. It’s a well-curated experience that makes excellent use of the city’s most historic and iconic sites.

The tour’s value lies in its convenience and quality, providing a memorable snapshot of Salt Lake’s religious, cultural, and architectural treasures. While there’s a small risk of missing the choir’s rehearsal or being constrained by time, most travelers find these minor issues are outweighed by the overall experience.

If you want to learn about Salt Lake City’s roots while enjoying a stirring choral performance, this tour is an excellent choice. It’s best suited for those who appreciate history and music, and who prefer a guided, comfortable way to explore a city full of stories waiting to be told.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the tour?
Approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes, including sightseeing and the choir performance.

Where does the tour start?
Most tours begin at the Radisson Hotel Salt Lake City Downtown, located at 215 W S Temple St.

Can children participate?
Yes, children over age 8 can join, though on Sundays they’re seated separately during the concert for better acoustics.

Is the performance included?
Yes, a performance or rehearsal by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir is included, depending on the schedule.

What happens if the choir performance is canceled?
Sometimes, unforeseen circumstances may prevent attendance or participation at the scheduled performance, but the sightseeing part of the tour continues as planned.

How many people are in the group?
The group is limited to 30 travelers, providing a more intimate experience.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, most travelers book about 46 days ahead, as the tour is quite popular.

Are the sites accessible by public transportation?
The meeting point is near public transportation, making it easy to reach without a car.

What’s the tour price worth?
At $89, you get a guided tour, numerous major sites, and a memorable choir performance — generally considered good value for the experience offered.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, full refunds are available if you cancel at least 24 hours in advance.

This tour balances tradition, history, and music in a way that makes Salt Lake City feel welcoming and authentic. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or someone curious about the city’s cultural heartbeat, it’s a memorable way to spend part of your trip.