• buildings along a canal in Utrecht

    Netherlands

    Utrecht

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Do & See
Utrecht, renowned for its picturesque canals and beautiful streets, presents a great opportunity to explore the historic city centre on foot. Stroll down the Oudegracht, the old canal that provides breathtaking views of the city. Along Oudegracht there are numerous bars and restaurants, which offer a perfect setting by the water. Apart from its beauty, Utrecht is also famous for its cheese shops, where visitors can indulge in freshly cut Gouda, sausages and marmalade. All of this in the numerous bars and restaurants, which offer a perfect setting by the water. You can also explore a wide array of ethnic restaurants and eateries for all palates in the area for a reasonable price. Whether you just want to walk around, chill by the canal or join one of the many guided tours around the city, Utrecht is undeniably one of the best options to visit in the Netherlands.
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Centraal Museum

Centraal Museum

The Centraal Museum stands as the oldest municipal museum in the Netherlands, offering the most captivating exploration of Utrecht's history through art and design. The museum showcases remarkable works by various local and international artists, including furniture designed by Gerrit Rietveld, a renowned local designer. The Centraal Museum also hosts temporary exhibitions frequently, which attract both locals and tourists. Located in the MuseumQuarter, the building itself is noteworthy, featuring a beautiful garden, a restaurant and a delightful museum store. If you want to avoid big tourist crowds, it is best to visit the museum on weekdays.
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Utrecht Botanic Gardens

Utrecht Botanic Gardens

Located at Fort Hoofddijk, The Botanical Gardens boast an exceptional assortment of plant species gathered from across the globe. These gardens are part of Utrecht University, and they serve as a captivating natural sanctuary, which is open to visitors who want to explore the beauty of nature. The gardens consist of various sections, allowing visitors to go seamlessly from enchanting rock gardens to bird-watching in the woods or vibrant butterflies in the tropical greenhouse. The Botanic Gardens' location might not be best, as they are situated in the outskirts of the city, however, if you are seeking a tranquil escape and breathtaking landscapes, make sure you make time to visit them.
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Utrecht Lumen Walking Tour

Utrecht Lumen Walking Tour

Utrecht Lumen is the best way to explore the city at night with a light show that brings the city to life through illuminated art installations. The artworks are on display seven days a week, from sunset to midnight. To enhance this experience, join the guided tour of Utrecht Lumen's light installations. These walking tours provide a nighttime exploration of the inner city, showcasing light artworks strategically placed in unexpected and often overlooked spots during the day.
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Free Walking Tour Utrecht

Free Walking Tour Utrecht

Utrecht's convenient location, a mere 20-minute journey from Amsterdam, provides an escape from all the capital's tourist hustle- It offers the essence of a quintessential Dutch town with a fascinating narrative. Utrecht boasts a charming city centre, famous for its narrow alleys and concealed streets that create an ideal setting for a walking tour. In fact, it is because of its narrow, car-free streets that this free walking tour will take you to places that cars, buses or boats don't have access to. It's not just a history lesson, but an experience narrated from a local perspective. The Dutch guides will give you insights into the daily life of Utrecht residents, including their preferred dining spots, shopping destinations and advice on avoiding tourist traps.
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Railway Museum

Railway Museum

This railway museum is a captivating site that promises to take its visitors through 175 years of Dutch railway history. It features a lifelike station, engaging exhibitions, thrilling attractions, and a theatre, all conveniently accessible by train. The restored 19th-century Maliebaan station serves as the entrance to a fascinating world of trains. If you visit the museum with the kids, there's outdoor playground, featuring the Jumbo Express, a small train which provides a delightful journey through the Railway Museum's hidden corners. Also, The Fire Trial, an award-winning 4D simulation allows participants to take the reins of a train and experience the thrill of driving it themselves.
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Domtoren

Domtoren

Your visit to Utrecht won't be complete without the iconic Dom Tower in your itinerary. Dating back to 1382, this monumental Gothic tower is visible from across the city, hence it stands as Utrecht's symbol and a must-visit attraction. Soaring to a height of 112 metres, it holds the distinction of being both the tallest structure in Utrecht and the tallest church tower in the Netherlands. The tower was originally connected to the Dom Church, however, after collapsing in 1674 due to a summer storm, both tower and church were rebuilt separately. Currently, there are various guided tour options available at the ticket shop.
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Kaaspakhuis

Kaaspakhuis

Just a 40-minute train ride away from Utrecht, Kaaspakhuis offers the best cheese experience tours in the Netherlands. For those eager to savour cheese, the tours conclude with a tasting board featuring four types of farmer's cheese, complemented by a glass of wine or port. If you are planning to visit Kaaspakhuis, it's recommended to make a reservation in advance via phone or email to secure your spot in the tours. If you pay them a visit on Saturday, you'll witness live trading at the market, as well as the cheese warehouse where the knowledgeable guides will share insights into the art of cheese making.
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Sint Willibrordkerk

Sint Willibrordkerk

Regarded as one of the most beautiful neo-Gothic churches in the Netherlands, the Sint-Willibrordkerk is home to a remarkable collection of art and wood carvings. Contrary to what everyone might expect, the interior of the church is adorned with a giant LED halo (artwork by Titia Ex, part of Utrecht Lumen) on the roof. The church also boasts intricate decorations and stunning stained glass windows. To top it all off, the church hosts concerts regularly, given its ideal setup for choir singing.
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Wilhelmina Park

Wilhelmina Park

Wilhelmina Park is one of the Netherlands' most picturesque parks. Its innate beauty, abundance of old trees, well-kept lawns and a graceful fountain make it a must-visit in Utrecht. This iconic park is encircled by mansions and historic villas, featuring a spacious sunbathing area in the southern part and a broad promenade. The park setting will definitely make you feel like cycling, exercising or simply having a picnic on a sunny day. Last but not least, within Wilhelmina park, visitors can explore the EXbunker exhibition space, and a charming restaurant by the lake, which offers classic French cuisine.
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Miffy's Traffic Light

Miffy's Traffic Light

If you think there's nothing exciting about traffic lights, the city of Utrecht might make you reconsider. This unique traffic light is one of several Nijntje spots all around Utrecht. Located at a rainbow crossing in the city centre, Miffy, a small white rabbit from a series of picture books created by the Dutch artist Dick Bruna, takes on the role of regulating traffic, adding a charming touch to Utrecht's streets. This will be by far the cutest way to cross the street during your visit to Utrecht.
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