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Little Cottonwood Canyon: Snowbird and Alta, Salt Lake City

Shopping · Salt Lake City · United States

Shopping in Salt Lake City

Shopping streets, markets and souvenirs worth the suitcase space.

Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team

Photo: Derrellwilliams, CC BY-SA 4.0

Quick answer

Downtown has City Creek Center and The Gateway, while local boutiques cluster in Sugar House and 9th and 9th. Outdoor gear is a speciality, with major retailers and second-hand ski shops. Best souvenirs: Utah honey, Outdoor gear and Salt from the Great Salt Lake.

Key facts

Shopping areas
4
Markets
1
Top souvenir
Utah honey

Where to shop

City Creek Center

Open-air mall opposite Temple Square with department stores, fashion brands and a creek running through it.

Sugar House

Independent boutiques, book and record shops along Highland Drive.

9th and 9th

Small boutiques, a bookstore and gift shops in a neighbourhood setting.

Trolley Square

A shopping centre in former streetcar barns from the early 20th century.

Markets

Downtown Farmers Market

Saturdays in Pioneer Park from about June to October, with Utah produce, crafts and food.

What to buy

Utah honey

Local honey, a nod to Utah's beehive symbol and nickname, the Beehive State.

Outdoor gear

Ski, climbing and hiking equipment from Utah-based brands and big outdoor retailers.

Salt from the Great Salt Lake

Packaged gourmet salt and bath salts harvested from the lake.

Local chocolate

Bars from Salt Lake chocolate makers and long-running confectioners.

Streets and markets worth a wander

City Creek Center, Salt Lake City
Photo: Beneathtimp, CC0

Market · Downtown

City Creek Center

An open-air shopping centre across from Temple Square, with a retractable glass roof, a creek running through it and fountain shows.

Time needed
1–2 hours
Cost
Free
  • Free
  • Shopping
  • Rainy day

Food and drink to take home

Edible souvenirs travel best when they are dry or sealed: consider Fry sauce, Dirty soda, Jell-O salads and Giant cookies. Local burger drive-ins across the valley; ask for it if it does not arrive automatically. Check your home country's rules on bringing food and drink back.

Shopping by neighbourhood

Salt Lake City neighbourhoods for shopping
AreaPrice levelCharacter
Downtown$$$Temple Square, convention hotels and City Creek Center on a wide-street grid
Sugar House$$Walkable district of local shops, breweries and a big park
9th and 9th$$Small neighbourhood crossroads of cafés, bookshops and boutiques
Cottonwood Canyons$$$$Ski villages of Alta, Snowbird, Brighton and Solitude in the Wasatch

Paying and bargaining

Prices are in USD. Tip 18–20% at restaurants, $1–$2 per drink at bars, 15–20% for taxis and ride-hailing, and a few dollars to ski valets and hotel staff.

  • Expect some shops and restaurants to close on Sundays.

When to shop

Shops and markets are quietest in November; the busiest months are the peak holidays.

  • May: Living Traditions Festival — food and folk arts (usually May)
  • June: Utah Pride Festival (usually early June)
  • June: Utah Arts Festival at Library Square (usually late June)
  • September: Greek Festival at the Holy Trinity Cathedral (usually September)
  • November: Temple Square Christmas lights (usually from late November)
  • December: Temple Square Christmas lights (through the end of December)

Staying near the shops

$$$ · Best for first-timers, families, shopping and nightlife

Downtown

Temple Square, convention hotels and City Creek Center on a wide-street grid

Questions travellers ask

+What should I buy in Salt Lake City?

Utah honey, Outdoor gear, Salt from the Great Salt Lake and Local chocolate.

+Where is the best shopping in Salt Lake City?

City Creek Center: Open-air mall opposite Temple Square with department stores, fashion brands and a creek running through it.

+What are the best markets in Salt Lake City?

Downtown Farmers Market.