How can I explain Salt Lake City to someone who has never been there? Well, I will start by saying that it is a modern city that is open and welcoming to visitors while embracing its historic past. Far less expensive to visit than many American cities and most foreign ones, Salt Lake City can offer a nice time for families and for individuals who have a little free time when there on business. Winter is skiing and all winter/snow sports, but in summer there is still a great deal to do. The Trax urban transit system is easy to use and free to use in the heart of downtown. Although the major downtown shopping district is closed for remodeling and not due to reopen until 2010, there is still plenty to shop for a the Gateway Center west of the Salt Palace Convention Center. You can dine as well in Salt Lake City as anywhere in America.... and for less cost. Don't miss Temple Square. It is open during regular hours to all visitors and friendly guides will show you around without giving you a big sales pitch on their relgion. The museums there are excellent, but I prefer to walk around outside and have the experience of seeing the beautiful buildings in the clear sunlight. Above all I enjoy being with the people who live in Salt Lake City which is a big city with small town friendlyness. There is no hussle of tourists by the Great Salt Lake. No one will try to over-sell you on tours of things to do. Find your own pace and enjoy.${QuickSuggestions} I really enjoy eating great meals in Salt Lake City. Doing so at reasonable prices adds to my pleasure. You aren't in New York City! It is an easy city to visit and to get around in. I also enjoy being outdoors even when it is very hot and very dry. Don't miss a chance to go see the Great Salt Lake and the huge copper mine that is nearly inside the city limits. There are parks and children's play areas as well as many things for families to do.

There is a large visitor's center on the east side of the Salt Palace Convention Center. Head there for free maps and great advice. Also very nice and clean rest rooms. The ladies there really know Salt Lake City and they won't try to spend your money for you.

You will find the the prices for meals, hotels and motels are very reasonable and often less that at other locations of the same chains. Take advantage of this! There are a wide variety of lodging choices from the very inexpensive to the very posh. Have someone explain the Salt Lake City grid system to you so that you can read a map and find your way. It is not unusual to have an address that reads: 100 West 300 South and it all makes perfect sense when it is explained that 0/0 is Temple Square. The numbers streets get their names (numbers) for the distance they are from that location. ${BestWay} The Trax unban transportation system along with buses are the easiest way to get around. The airport is close to downtown and the taxi prices are reasonable. In downtown I either take Trax (which is free in the center of downtown) or walk. It is very flat, but be wared that the city streets are extremely wide. I would figure about 6 Salt Lake City blocks to the mile. If you want to go up to the Park Cities, you can take a bus. Your hotel or the Visitor's Center can help you find a tour if you want to get around in an organized manner. Rent a bike, walk, hike, ride a bus or drive your own car. Generally there is plenty of parking at small town prices.
From journal Salt Lake City Blue Sky & Great Food