Login
Facebook
YouTube
WhatsApp
Twitter
Utrecht is a charming city in the Netherlands and was once one of the main hubs in medieval times, especially during the Dutch Era. This city has a history which is preserved to date. This city all with its beautiful architecture, canals and lively cafes, offers a cherishing and cosy vibe. Whether visitors want to indulge in Utrecht’s local cuisine or visit famed historic landmarks, things to do in Utrecht cater to everyone’s preferences. From cycling and biking on the cobblestone streets to exploring the world-class museum, Utrecht offers an unforgettable experience.
10 Interesting Things To Do In Utrecht
From visiting ancient landmarks to exploring the historic museums, Utrecht offers every kind of experience. Below is a list of amazing things to do in Utrecht, each promising a unique experience.
1. Take A Cruise Tour On Utrecht Canals
Photo: FrDr / Wikimedia Commons
Tourists can enjoy the medieval town of Utrecht by sailing on the boats and cruises which run through a few of the canals in Utrecht. The most recommended boat tour here begins from the Oudegracht Canal. On the boat, tourists are provided with audio guides. There are private cruise options given to groups of tourists, and are provided with lunch or dinner. Exploring the canals with a self-paddled boat is one of the interesting things to do here. Individuals come across the view of the majestic Dom Tower, churches and mansions.
Location: The Oudegracht Canal, City Centre of Utrecht, Netherlands
Average Time Required: 1 – 2 Hours
2. Visit The Famous Miffy’s Traffic Lights
Photo: Riccardo Parretti / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Miffy’s Traffic Lights, also known as Miffy’s Traffic Signal, is a cute sight in Utrecht. This place’s story dates back to Dutch’s children’s book. On this signal, an animated character called Nijntje helps people cross the road. This animated figure is a beloved character in the animated book series, and instead of the usual red and green lights, these figures appear on the signal and offer a helping hand to all. The zebra crossing at this place is rainbow-coloured and looks attractive.
Location: Miffy’s Traffic Lights, Vredenburg Viaduct, 3511 BK Utrecht, Netherlands
Average Time Required: 30 minutes to 1 Hour
3. Explore The Utrecht’s Botanic Garden
Photo: Hanno Lans / Wikimedia Commons
The Utrecht Botanic Gardens have two locations, the most-visited one being the Botanical Garden Fort. A major highlight of this botanical garden is a new Butterfly House, which was recently installed. Visitors find plenty of plants to see and admire, despite the season they are visiting. Some of the major attractions here are the Greenhouse, where multiple species of Orchids grow, offering a lovely sight to behold, the lawns to relax, the outdoor gardens, the meandering paths, a rock garden and a lovely terrace cafe offering homemade dishes of pasta for Lunch.
Location: Botanic Gardens, Utrecht University, Budapestlaan 17, Utrecht, Netherlands
Average Time Required: 2 hours
4. Join A Walking Tour In The City
Photo: Donald Trung Quoc Don / Wikimedia Commons
A walking tour in the city lets everyone have a detailed view of Utrecht and offers a very unique experience. This tour is suitable for individuals of all ages and offers wheelchairs to elderly people, too. A private guide is allotted to the tour group, who takes the group through designated routes. At the end, the walking tour ends at Dom Toren, a historical landmark. There are multiple slots beginning from 10:30 AM to 1:30 PM.
Location: Begins at Vredenburgplein, a square near Utrecht Central Station and The Mall.
Average Time Required: 3 – 4 hours
5. Admire Applied And Fashion Art At Centraal Museum
Photo: Vincent Zedelius / Wikimedia Commons
Centraal Museum is the most-visited museum and the main museum in Utrecht. The collection at this museum includes a variety of paintings made by Utrecht Caravaggisti, a group of artists including Gerard van Honthorst and Hendrick ter Brugghen. Earlier, the collection on the top floor of this museum was limited only to the artworks belonging to Utrecht City. Later, private collections made their way to a new centralised museum, hence the name, Centraal Museum of Utrecht. Besides the painting, the collection here also showcases pre-1850 art, modern art, applied art, fashion art, and displays which depict the history of Utrecht.
Location: Centraal Museum, Agnietenstraat 1, Utrecht, Netherlands
Average Time Required: 1 hour
6. Enjoy Panoramic Views By Climbing The Famous Dom Tower
Photo: Michielverbeek / Wikimedia Commons
The Dom Tower in Utrecht is the tallest church and tower not only in the city of Utrecht but the entire Netherlands. This tower stands tall at a height of 112.32 metres. Today, this tower is considered the symbol of Utrecht and is among the most-visited tourist attractions, which reflect the city’s history and the Dutch Era. Previously, this tower was a part of a church, the Cathedral of St. Martin, which is also known as the Dom Church, hence the name Dom Tower. Visitors can climb to the top of the tower only with a guide and enjoy the panoramic views of the city.
Location: Dom Tower, Domplein 9, 3512 JE Utrecht, Netherlands
Average Time Required: 1 hour
7. Rent A Cycle And Explore The Streets Of Utrecht
Photo: inyucho / Wikimedia Commons
Utrecht has a strong culture of cycling and lets visitors admire the view of the city while cycling through its vibrant and a few cobblestone streets. Cycling is an interesting mode of transport here, and many use it for recreation purposes as well. Tourists also opt for beer bikes and enjoy while admiring the view of sunset, ancient buildings and historic landmarks. Visitors can cycle through the city’s charming streets and green spaces, stop for clicking photographs and indulge in the local street food scene.
Location: Starts from Utrecht Centraal Train Station
Average Time Required: 2 – 3 hours
8. Know About Dutch History At Museum Catharijneconvent
Photo: FaceMePLS / Wikimedia Commons
This museum primarily focuses on the Dutch Christian Experience and showcases several master paintings and modern exhibits. Some of the collections here belong to the Museum of Religious Art, which was located in the premises of St. Catherine Convent, the site where Museum Catharijneconvent is currently located. The collection also has Protestant and Catholic Art, art describing the cultural history of the Netherlands, richly-illustrated manuscripts, altar pieces, book bindings, pieces of clothes, gold jewellery, richly-worked images and paintings which reflect the impact of the Dutch Society. Recent Dutch artworks by Jan Toorop and Shinkichi Tajiri are also displayed.
Location: Museum Catharijneconvent, Lange Nieuwstraat 38, Utrecht, Netherlands
Average Time Required: 45 minutes to 1 hour
9. Shop Flowers At Janskerkhof Bloemenmarkt
Photo: Noelle Otto / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Janskerkhof Bloemenmarkt is a pretty flower market in Utrecht and a go-to place for all. This place sells fresh flowers and lush plants right in the centre of the city and is a must-visit for all flower and plant lovers. This market is organised only on Saturdays from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. People get ample choices to choose from, bright meadow flights to aesthetic bulbs. The vendors are very friendly, and the entire place offers a cute vibe. Some vendors here sell fabrics too. The prices for flowers are nominal, too.
Location: Janskerkhof Bloemenmarkt, 3512 BN Utrecht, Netherlands
Average Time Required: 30 minutes
10. Shop At Hoog Catharijne
Photo: Steven Lek / Wikimedia Commons
Hoog Catharijne is a huge shopping and retail mall in Utrecht and is among the interesting places to visit. The mall has over 125 shops and offers exquisite services to all. There are nearly 30 quick-serve eateries and multi-cuisine restaurants in the mall. It also has ample parking space for nearly 3500 vehicles. This tourist destination is known for its traditional Dutch products, which are sold in multiple showrooms. Hoog Catharijne gained fame as it is the only mall in the world which can be reached via a canal besides travelling via rail or road. The mall houses everything from high-end fashion brands to local ones.
Location: Hoog Catharijne, Godebaldkwartier 54, DW Utrecht, Netherlands
Average Time Required: 2 – 3 hours
Utrecht is a blend of a relaxing experience and an adventurous time. This city has extravagant places and exciting things to do. Whether individuals want to gain insights of the history of the city by exploring the museums or simply cycle and explore the lively street culture, things to do in Utrecht are meant for all! Now that you know what to do here, book a trip with TripXL to this exciting destination, enhance your travel experience and make a million memories just to take back home.
Cover Photo: Kattenkruid / Wikimedia Commons
