Things to do in Utrecht: Holland’s Coziest City (For Now)

Utrecht gives you a lot of what Amsterdam also promises—canals, history, culture, but now without the crowds. Just 30 minutes from Amsterdam by train, this university city feels authentically Dutch.

When you get there, you’ll find unique two-level canals, a 700-year-old Dom Tower, world-class museums, and the kind of canal-side cafes where tables are filled with locals, not just tourists.

I’ve spent countless days here, and it never gets old. Here’s what you need to know to make the most of your time in Utrecht.

The Oudegracht: Utrecht’s Crown Jewel

The Oudegracht (Old Canal) is unlike any canal you’ll see in Holland. The water runs below street level, creating unique cellar wharves that once stored medieval trade goods. Today, these cellars house restaurants and cafes with canal-side terraces.

Grab a table at one of the wharf restaurants for lunch. You’ll watch boats passing by while street life happens above you—it’s a perspective you won’t get anywhere else. And it feels very relaxing.

Quick bite option: skip the tourist restaurants and head to Broodje Mario for their famous Italian sandwiches. This place really is part of Utrecht. Every locals knows them. They’ve been serving locals since 1977, and the Mario sandwich is still their signature sandwich. The shop is for sale now, because the owners can’t find replacement so get one as long as you can.

Castle Living: Oudaen

The “Oude Gracht” has some pretty exciting buildings. For example: Oudaen, an authentic 1276 city castle that’s now a cafe and brewery.

The main hall, with its 8-meter-high ceiling, serves reasonably priced food and drinks. The cellar houses a working brewery where you can sample housemade beers.

Book a table and enjoy a great background and some pretty good beers.

See Utrecht from the Water

Sitting on the Oudegracht is quite fantastic, but seeing it from the water is also a great and relaxing way to see Utrecht.

Book a canal cruise or rent a pedal boat to see the city from water level. I recommend a canal cruise for most people, the pedal boats can be stressful with steering, especially if there are many other boats on the canal.

Dom Tower: Climb Above the City

Utrecht’s 700-year-old Dom Tower dominates the skyline at 112 meters tall—the Netherlands’ tallest church tower. After recent restoration, it’s more beautiful than ever. The climb up is 465 steps so it’s not for everyone, but I promise the views are worth every step.

The 360-degree views from the top showcase Utrecht’s medieval old town and the surrounding Dutch countryside.

Instead of just getting a ticket to go up there, for just a bit more you can also get a guided tour (ticket for tower included). The human element adds a lot. You get the history, stories, and the ability to ask questions.

PS: yes the guide makes stops along the way to pause.

The Dom might be Utrecht’s most famous tower and Domplein might be Utrecht’s most famous square, but there’s far more behind that impressive tower and ancient stones than meets the eye.

Did you know…

Utrecht was born right here on Domplein. Nowhere else in the Netherlands will you find 2,000 years of history packed so close together. This makes Domplein the place where old and new Utrecht meet. You can see this yourself at DOMunder, where you go down into the remains of an actual Roman fort.

The Dom Tower was once connected to the cathedral. Until the fierce storm of 1674, the Dom Tower linked directly to the Dom Church through a central nave. That section collapsed, leaving behind the open square you see today.

The square now serves as the city’s festival stage. From May 4th memorial services to cultural festivals and outdoor concerts, Domplein hosts events year-round. Isn’t it weird to think you’re dancing on 2,000 years of history. But I like it best when the square is quiet and to just look around at the buildings.

A medieval herb garden sits right next to the square. From Domplein, you can walk straight into the Pandhof, the monastery garden of the Dom Church. Medieval munks used this space as their herb garden centuries ago. Today, dozens of herbs, flowers, and plants still grow here—some once used for medicine or cooking. Walking through feels like stepping into a scene from Harry Potter (at least to me, I am a fan).

A hidden city palace lies beneath your feet. Few people know that the remains of a medieval bishop’s palace from 1122 rest under the square. At “Paleis Lofen”, you can go down below the square and see Palace Lofen for yourself and explore the traces and remarkable story of this buried palace.

The Paushuize: A Pope’s Unfinished Dream

This Renaissance building was constructed for Holland’s only Pope, Adrian VI, who died before he could move in. This building is usually closed to the public but it’s still great to walk by, and have a look.

Utrecht Museums That Are Worth Your Time

Speelklok Museum

The Speelklok Museum is one of my favorite museums in Utrecht—a magical world of self-playing musical instruments that will transport you back in time. You’ll hear centuries-old music boxes, street organs, and fairground orchestrions come to life.

If you’re lucky you can catch an enthusiastic guide who will bring each instrument to life with stories and music that fills the entire museum. But even if not, it’s amazing to explore on your own. It’s housed in a medieval church, adding to the atmosphere.

The Railway Museum Utrecht

Another museum I absolutely love. Utrecht is the rail capital of the country. About every line connects here. So it makes sense Utrecht is the city that is home to the national railway museum.

The museum is housed in a former royal train station. Here you’ll explore Dutch trains spanning decades, including the actual Royal Train which is no longer in use.

The museum even has its own train service from Utrecht Central Station—take it for the full experience (regular fares applies) you can pay contactless with your debit or credit card.

You need a time slot reservation to visit. Book yours here.

Rietveld Schröder House

This UNESCO World Heritage site represents the famous De Stijl art movement. Built in 1924, it’s the most architecturally significant house in Utrecht. Tours are limited to 12 people and book up quickly, so reserve your Rietveld Schröder Houde tickets ahead here. The house is closed Mondays.

Central Museum

The central museum is located in a former convent, and it houses the world’s largest Rietveld collection and Dick Bruna’s complete Miffy studio, moved here in its entirety. Miffy is very popular in the Netherlands, the UK, Asia, and to a lesser extent the USA.

I personally love Miffy, I always joke that I would have taken kids just for the excuse I can read Miffy books myself.

The garden cafe is perfect for a coffee break.

Night Sky at Sonnenborgh Observatory

This is a museum about the solar system, every sunday afternoon you can gaze at the sun through a real solar telescope. And they offer nightly viewings (but you have to book ahead for that).

English tours are available if you book them ahead. Every last friday night of the month the star gazing sessions are in English.

Traveling with Kids: The Miffy Museum

Dick Bruna created Miffy in Utrecht in 1955, and the city celebrates its most famous rabbit. The Nijntje Museum is designed for toddlers and young children—they’ll love the interactive exhibits and familiar characters.

Even I feel too old without small kids. But if you’re traveling with little ones make sure to stop by.

Authentic Utrecht Souvenirs

Skip the generic Dutch souvenirs you see all over the country, that are made in China. Instead get something original. Here are some ideas.

Miffy/Nijntje books: they are for sale all around Utrecht (and the Netherlands in fact) at most museums and bookstores. The funny thing with museums is that they often sell a special edition created just for the museum. They’re also available in English. It’s a great original gift/souvenir to bring home.

Ellen de Bruijn’s artwork: Colorful Utrecht posters and postcards available at local bookshops and the Dom Tower gift shop.

De Bierverteller: Over 600 beers including local Utrecht brews. The knowledgeable staff will help you choose the perfect bottle to take home. Located at Twijnstraat 47.

Where to Eat in Utrecht

Oudaen Castle Restaurant & Brewery: Remember that medieval castle I mentioned earlier? The main hall serves excellent food at reasonable prices, while the cellar brewery offers housemade beers and guided tastings.

De Zwarte Vosch brings authentic Spanish tapas right to the Oudegracht. You can dine in their wharf cellar or on the canal-side terrace.

Just want coffee?

TKoffieboontje has two locations, but I prefer the cozy Oudegracht spot. They serve Bocca coffee (Netherlands’ pioneering specialty roaster) in a zen atmosphere and a great view on the canal.

Another great spot in the former department store “Winkel van Sinkel” just take a look around inside before you sit down.

Getting There and Around

Utrecht is only 30 minutes from Amsterdam by direct train, with departures every 10 minutes.

⤷ Here is my complete article on how to get from Amsterdam to Utrecht, including other modes of transportation.

The city center is completely walkable, though a canal tour gives you a different perspective and it’s a nice break for your feet.

Final Notes

Utrecht captured my heart the first time I walked along those canal-level terraces and I am sure the same thing will happen to you too. There’s something about this city—maybe it’s the way students and locals mingle at canal-side cafes, I don’t know, but this city feels a lot more relaxed and local than Amsterdam.

If this article helped you planning your trip consider buying me a coffee. It helps me to keep creating these guides for you. Thank you so much and enjoy Utrecht!

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