- Question: What makes Utrecht a unique city to visit?
- Answer: Quaint, quirky and full of quality activities to enjoy, it’s easy to fall in love with Utrecht. This busy and hip university city in the Netherlands is one of the country’s most historically rich urban centers.
- Question: What is Utrecht known for historically?
- Answer: In fact, it has been known throughout the centuries for being deeply religious, with many iconic religious landmarks to explore.
- Question: What is Utrecht's modern cultural scene like?
- Answer: Apart from its medieval history, Utrecht is also home to a thriving cultural scene. Trendy cafes and eateries are popping up left and right to cater to the ever changing student population, while a busy concert schedule regularly draws large crowds from all over the country.
- Question: Where should visitors start their Utrecht vacation?
- Answer: Not sure where to start your Utrecht vacation? Check out some of the city’s most popular draws below.
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1. The Dom Tower
Famous for being the tallest church tower in all of the Netherlands, The Dom Tower is more than just a Gothic-style structure, it’s an icon of the city. The Dom Tower is part of the St. Martin’s Cathedral and was built sometime between 1321 and 1382 by John of Hainaut. Standing at 112.5 meters tall, the tower is the pride of the city and many guided tours are available for visitors who want to learn more about the tower's history. Guests will be guided up all 465 steps of the tower, while stopping along notable characteristics of the structure as you go. See the huge church bells ringing in the attic, or drop by the chapel to appreciate its architecture in addition to many other eye-catching features.
Domplein 21, 3512, JC Utrecht, Netherlands, Phone: +31-3-02-36-00-10
2. St. Martin’s Cathedral
Dedicated to Saint Martin of Tours, the St. Martin’s Cathedral was first opened in 1254 and has a storied past as one of the two pre-Reformation cathedrals in the country. It was once the cathedral of the Diocese of Utretch before it converted into a protestant church in 1580. Visitors to the cathedral ought to make time for its three main highlights: the interior, the cloister and the tower. Though St. Martin’s Cathedral actually has rather simple interiors, it is known for being the home of several tombs that house the internal organs of Emperors Conrad II and Henry IV. Meanwhile, the ambulatory is home to fragments of a Holy Spulcher by Gherit Splintersz. The cloister, circa 14th or 15 century, features windows with gorgeous scenes of Saint Martin, while the tower is known for being a symbol of the city.
Achter de Dom 1, 3512 JN Utrecht, Netherlands, Phone: +31-3-02-31-04-03
3. Rietveld Schroder House
Visit one of Urtrecht’s iconic landmarks and an architectural highlight of De Stijl when you stop by the Rietveld Schroder House. Commission by Truus Schroder in 1924 and designed by Gerrit Rietveld, the Rietveld Schroder House was born out of Truus’ desire to have a home that was completely attuned to her personality. Her unconventional past and eccentric ideas birthed this eye-catching home, which was one of the De Stijl art movements leading proponents. Visitors at the Rietveld Schroder House can examine the fluid transitions between interior and exterior spaces, see the clean horizontal and vertical lines of its design, while enjoying the lovely primary colors dotted around the space.
Prins Hendriklaan 50, 3583 EP Utrecht, Netherlands, Phone: +31-3-02-36-23-10
4. De Haar Castle
There are many reasons to take a trip to the De Haar Castle. Whether it’s to soak up the castle’s rich history, admire the many exhibitions on display within the castle walls, or to walk through the beautiful gardens, the De Haar Castle will ultimately transport every visitor to another world. Few castles can equal De Haar in beauty, which paints the perfect picture of what an ideal medieval fortress ought to look like. From a tower and ramparts to its sizeable moat and intimidating gates, De Haar has everything one would expect from a castle. De Haar is the largest castle in Holland to date, and is, without a doubt, one of the most luxurious ones in all of Europe.
Kasteellaan 1, 3455 RR Utrecht, Netherlands, Phone: +31-3-06-77-85-15
5. Oudegracht
The Oudegracht, also known as the Old Canal, runs through the middle of the city and is a beloved and scenic icon of Utrecht. Locals love spending time by the Old Canal not just because it’s peaceful and relaxing to walk along the river, but also because of the many restaurants, stores and lovely Dutch houses that stand along the canal. What’s peculiar about Oudegracht is that it actually has two levels to it. At the street level, travelers will find stunning examples of Dutch architecture, curious shops to visit and comb through, or relaxing cafes to sit at and people watch. Meanwhile, on the water level of the Old Canal, there are incredible restaurants to have a mouthwatering meal at.
Utrecht, Netherlands
6. Museum Speelklok
For travelers looking for one of the most culturally rich and enjoyable activities in the heart of Utrecht, it’s hard to go wrong with the Museum Speelklok. The museum is housed in what was formerly known as Buurkerk and was established in 1984. Today, it’s home to a curious collection of old but functioning automatically playing instruments that date back to the 16th century, as well as moving dolls and puppets. While the museum is indeed made for children, even adults are bound to find something enjoyable and entertaining to do. When you’re done exploring all of the exhibits, make sure to stop by the Museum Expedition, the newest addition to the Speelklok.
Steenweg 6, 3511, JP Utrecht, Netherlands, Phone: +31-3-02-31-27-89
7. Miffy Traffic Light
People all around the world have grown up listening to stories of Nijntje, a white rabbit created and illustrated by the illustrator, Dick Bruna in 1955. Nijntje, or Miffy as she is known to the rest of the world, has touched many lives around the world and has brought fame to Utrecht in such a way that she even has several landmarks around the city dedicated to her. The Miffy Traffic Light is one such landmark. In fact, there are several Miffy Traffic Lights situated around the city featuring lights in the shape of this cute white rabbit herself, but the best one is light that features a rainbow colored crosswalk in front of the Bijenkorf department store.
Lange Viestraat 1-669, 3511 BK Utrecht, Netherlands
8. Centraal Museum
As the main museum in Utrecht, it would be a mistake to leave the Centraal Museum off of your vacation itinerary. It’s wide-ranging collection that features almost exclusively locally produced works of art has drawn visitors from near and far since the museum was first opened in 1838. One of the key features of the Centraal Museum is its collection of paintings by Joachim Wtewael, a famed Northern Mannerist, which is by far the largest in the world. Another is the thousand-year-old Utrecht Ship, a part of the Stadsgeschiedenis collection, which was found in the 1930s near the Van Hoornekade.
Agnietenstraat 1, 3512 XA Utrecht, Netherlands, Phone: +31-3-02-36-23-62
9. Miffy Museum
Believe it or not, you actually learn a ton while playing. Just ask the kids at the Miffy Museum! Between crawling, exploring, dancing and singing along to different tunes, children and adults alike can learn a thing or two at the Miffy Museum. Inside the Miffy Museum, visitors will find a series of engaging and vibrant miniature worlds. There are 10 rooms total, each of which are dedicated to a different subject that will invite visitors to discover amazing things about the world around them. Some stops to see along the way include Miffy’s house, and even a trip to the zoo or the doctor as it would happen in Miffy’s world.
Agnietenstraat 2, 3512 XB, Utrecht, Netherlands, Phone: +31-3-02-36-23-99
10. Museum Catharijne Convent
There’s no better place to visit in Utrecht for medieval religious art than the St. Catherine’s Convent Museum. At this museum, visitors can sink deep into a captivating and rich story of Netherland’s Christian history and current state. Although the Netherlands is a Protestant country, the St. Catherine’s Convent Museum features both Protestant and Catholic art as well as religious relics. Some of the gorgeous pieces to see include altarpieces, magnificently illustrated manuscripts, book-bindings set with precious stones, ecclesiastical objects of gold and silver, as well as clothing. Aside from the objects on display, the museum gives visitors insight into the impact that religion has had on Dutch society.
Museum Catharijne Convent, Lange Nieuwstraat 38, 3512 PH Utrecht, Netherlands, Phone: +31-3-02-31-38-35
Best Time to Visit
Places to Stay
Tips for Visiting
Spring (March-May) – Mild temperatures and blooming tulips.
Grand Hotel Karel V – A historic and luxurious stay in the city center.
Visit the Utrecht Botanic Gardens – See beautiful spring flowers in full bloom.
Summer (June-August) – Warm weather, perfect for canal-side dining.
Mother Goose Hotel – A stylish and modern boutique hotel.
Take a Boat Tour on Utrecht’s Canals – Explore the city’s unique split-level wharf system.
Fall (September-November) – Crisp air and vibrant autumn colors.
Hotel Beijers – A charming and historic boutique hotel.
Climb the Dom Tower – Enjoy breathtaking views of Utrecht in fall colors.
Winter (December-February) – Cool and festive with Christmas markets.
Mary K Hotel – A cozy and eco-friendly boutique hotel.
Experience the Winter Utrecht Light Route – Walk through beautifully illuminated streets and canals.
Plan Your Trip
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