12 great things to do in Utrecht

Utrecht is becoming more popular, but the city is still underrated a tourist destination in Holland. And that might be a good thing. Because while Amsterdam is dealing with over-tourism, Utrecht is still very authentic.

Herman and I love to spend time here. It's so close to Amsterdam (30 minutes), and from where we live (in Amersfoort) Utrecht is even closer.

This article contains affiliate links to products and services we love, which we may make a commission from at no cost to you.

Introduction:

But it's not just its central location that makes it unique. Utrecht is also beautiful. It has everything you expect from an old Dutch city. Canals, beautiful architecture, and a pleasant atmosphere. Plus more. It's a city of hidden restaurants on the canals, unique small stores in picturesque little streets, and of course, the famous eye-catching Dom tower.

If tourists come to visit, they tend to go for a short visit only. They take a look at the "Oudegracht canal, the Dom tower, and then leave. This is doing the city a complete injustice. There is so much to see and do here, let us tell you more...

Utrecht is a lively university city full of sun-filled outside terraces (you’ve hit the jackpot if you can visit this gorgeous city on a sunny spring or summer day). Lively wine bars, unique lunch cafes on every street corner, music venues, hip stores, and beautiful parks all make this city such a treat to visit. And did you know Utrecht has the most festivals in the country?

How to pronounce Utrecht?

Our top recommendations for things to do in Utrecht

Table of content:

The Cellar Wharves at the Oudegracht

The "Oudegracht," which means the old Canal is the beating heart of the city. You might think, well Holland is full of canals, why come to Utrecht? Because the Oudegracht is something extra special. The water is below street level, and it has wharves with cellars (storage units) that are restaurants today.

In the Middle Ages, these wharves were the epicenter of trade in the city. Ships full of goods docked here. It's fun to experience a meal inside one of these cellars. It's even more fun to enjoy a drink or a meal on the outside terraces. You'll have a unique angle from here on city life—both on the water and above on the streets.

At the street level, you'll find many shops and the Utrecht main library. The Oudegracht is also the departure point for a canal tour, or if you want to be more active, hire a pedal boat. We would choose the latter. But only if Hermans comes with me so he can paddle. No, I am just kidding. It's a fun activity, trust us!

An authentic city castle: Oudaen

Along the Oudegracht is another unique structure: the Oudaen city castle. It's an authentic castle built on the most important canal in the city. It was constructed in 1276 and was one of the first stone buildings in the city. It's still standing tall and beautiful almost 750 years later.

For centuries it has been a private residence, but now it's open for us all to enjoy. And it's not a museum either. The main hall with an 8 meter (26 feet) tall ceiling now houses a grand cafe. If you ever wanted to dine or have a drink inside a castle at a reasonable price, this is your chance!

The cellar of the castle is home to a beer brewery. It's a perfect place to enjoy a drink and sample the housemade beers. They also offer tours and tasting sessions! The castle also serves as an event location for weddings and business events. But the grand cafe and the brewery are always open to the public.

Oudegracht 99, Utrecht - website.

The iconic Dom tower

Paushuize - The popes house

Another unique and beautiful building is the Paushuize. The Pope's house. Quite literally. The house was built for the only ever Dutch Pope Adrian VI. He had the house build before he became the Pope while living abroad.

But before the house was finished, he became Pope and died in Rome. He never got a chance to live in this house. The renaissance building has gothic influences and is already beautiful on the outside.

The building is usually closed for the public as it serves as an event location for the city, but every last Sunday of the month, there is a free tour at 10:45 am. A unique opportunity to take a look inside if you are in town.

Kromme Nieuwegracht 49, Utrecht - Website.

The beloved Lepelenburg Park

You'll find this enchanting park on the edge of the city center, near the spectacular Railway Museum (see below). When the sun is out, the park flocks full of people. It's lovely to take a stroll along the winding paths and the canal. Or just sit down and watch the city pass by with the old town and the Sonnenborgh observatory as your backdrop.

The Sonnenborgh Observatory

And speaking of the Sonnenborgh observatory, it's worth to make stop here. It's a museum during the day and an observatory at night. During the day (closed on Mondays), the museum tells the story about our solar system. If you visit on a Sunday, you can even take a peek at the sun through a special solar telescope.

Every Friday night (for adults) and Saturday night (for kids), you can visit and view the stars through the telescopes. Quite an experience. One we highly recommend.

Zonnenburg 2, Utrecht - website.

The Dutch Railway Museum

The Dutch Railway Museum (Spoorwegmuseum) is genuinely the favorite museum of both Herman and me. We might have to admit here we're train geeks (just a little). However, this museum is not only loved by us. It's one of the most popular museums in the country.

The museum is inside a former train station. It includes the royal waiting rooms (one is now a cafe). You can see (and enter) Dutch trains for many decades. They even have a former Royal train.

The museum also has a few amusement park type of attractions, a playground, and restaurants. It's fun for all ages.

And did you know there is a special train that runs between Utrecht central station and the museum (you need a regular ticket or use an OV chipcard.) Trains run hourly during museum opening hours. And it drops you off inside the museum. It's not time efficient but a great way to enter! Expect train geeks, and just overly excited grandfathers with grandkids onboard. Or us.

Maliebaanstation 16, Utrecht - website.

The Rietveld Schröder house (Unesco World Heritage site)

The Miffy Museum (Nijntje museum)

Ok for this reason alone, I (Gerjo) want to have a kid. I'm a TRUE fan of Dick Bruna's character: Miffy (Nijntje). Did you know the first book is from 1955? We all know and grew up with this iconic rabbit, didn't we?

The museum opened in 2016 is designed for toddlers and children (why wasn't it there 35 years ago :-)? But if you have kids, make sure you take them there. It will be a blast! Plus truly Dutch.

Agnietenstraat 2, Utrecht - website.

The Central Museum

The Central Museum has another unique location. We use that word quite a lot in this text, don't we? But that is because this city is a special place. It has so many unique places to visit. This museum is no exception, housed in a former convent. The outside garden is lovely and great for a cup of tea from the cafe. And while you’re here, try to find the Miffy statue.

Inside the museum is a permanent exhibition from the architect Rietveld. It’s the most extensive collection in the world, and it includes the famous red-blue chair. You'll also find Dick Bruna's studio here. They moved it in its entirety from its original location to the Central Museum.

Inside the studio, you can experience in exact details how the master worked and created Miffy. There are also other temporary exhibitions and models of the dom tower, the Rietveld Schröder house, and a large dollhouse.

Agnietenstraat 1, Utrecht - website.

Buy a great gift from Utrecht

Of course, Utrecht also has its fair share of made in China "local" souvenirs. But why not get yourself something unique from this city, and enjoy it with your friends when you get back home. If that sounds good, we highly recommend the following two places:

1. The Peek & Van Beurden specialty deli store

This store is a feast for the eye and the soul. The owner has beautiful stories about every product he sells. The assortment is carefully curated, and you can find all kinds of tasteful gifts, from tea to Balsamico (loved by star chefs) but also chocolates and more. It's a beautiful place to get yourself, or a loved one, a wonderful gift.

Nachtegaalstraat 56, Utrecht

2. De Bierverteller (The beer story teller)

If you love beer, “De Bierverteller” is another excellent place to visit. You can find a wide assortment of beers here, including a whole section of locally brewed beer. The staff is exceptionally knowledgable. And they love to guide you in your decision making. "The Bierverteller" has over 600 different beers in stock in their beautiful store. A great place to get a special gift for the people at home.

Twijnstraat 47, Utrecht

PS just down the street at number 62 you'll find Meneer Smakers, a great burger bar!

Hotels in Utrecht - Where to stay:

You can easily visit Utrecht on a day trip from Amsterdam since it's only 30 minutes away by a direct train. However, there is plenty of reason to stay overnight.

For one, the city has way more to offer then you can do in a single day. And that's just in the city. The surroundings of the Utrecht area is also full of activities. Whether you want to visit the natural beauty of "'t Groene Hart" (The green heart), enjoy the Vecht river and its beautiful villages, the Amelisweerd estate, the cheese city of Woerden or visit a fort.

Another great reason to stay in Utrecht is its central location. Utrecht is geographically more central than Amsterdam for many destinations in the country. From Utrecht, there are many great destinations in Holland you can reach within 30 minutes on a direct train connection: Amersfoort, Amsterdam, Arnhem, Den Bosch, Leiden, Rotterdam, Schiphol Airport, and The Hague.

Here are three select hotels that we can highly recommend. One in every price range:

All links are affiliate links with our partner Booking.com. We are grateful if you book through these links since we get a small commission at no extra cost to you. The hotel choices are our own. Hotels did not sponsor us.

Budget hotel in Utrecht:

Hotel BUNK: What can we say, this hotel is pretty remarkable. It's inside a converted church. You can still admire the pipes of the organ. Combined with its warm contemporary design, this hotel makes for a comfortable place to stay.

Midrange hotel in Utrecht:

Inntel Hotels Utrecht Center: One thing we like about Inntel hotels is that they're a local Dutch hotel brand. And we love to support local. Also, Inntel hotels offer a unique concept, always in select locations. Their slogan is: You'll be surprised.

High-end hotel in Utrecht:

There is only one hotel we can recommend in this price range, and it's the Grand hotel Karel V. It's a 14th-century convent around a beautiful and peaceful inner garden. It almost feels like a village within the city.

How to get from Amsterdam to Utrecht by train:

The quickest and easiest way to travel from Amsterdam to Utrecht is by train. Every 10 minutes, a direct intercity train departs Amsterdam Central Station for Utrecht Central Station, from early morning to late at night, seven days a week. Travel time is just 30 minutes. Both stations are right in the middle of the city centers.

How to get from Utrecht to Amsterdam Airport Schiphol?

There is a direct intercity train between Utrecht to Amsterdam airport. It’s the most convenient way to travel between Utrecht and the airport. Trains stop right under the terminal building at the airport. Travel time is 30 minutes, and they depart every 15 minutes, from early morning to late at night, seven days a week.