Best Things To Do In Utrecht

Utrecht is a vibrant and bustling city located in the Netherlands. It is the fourth largest city in the country, behind Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and The Hague. Utrecht was founded in 482 A.D., making it one of the oldest cities in the Netherlands. It is known for its historical architecture and its vibrant nightlife, making it a popular tourist destination.

Overview

Utrecht is a city full of history and culture. The city is home to a number of historical buildings and monuments, including the Dom Tower and the St. Martin’s Cathedral. The city also has a lively nightlife scene, with a variety of bars and clubs to explore. There are also a number of parks and gardens to explore, as well as a number of museums and art galleries.

Utrecht is also known for its canals, which are lined with colorful buildings and houseboats. The canals are a popular spot for boat tours, which offer a unique and interesting way to explore the city. Utrecht is also home to a number of festivals throughout the year, such as the annual Utrecht Summer Festival and the Utrecht Light Festival.

Things to Do

Explore the Dom Tower

The Dom Tower, or Cathedral Tower, is one of the most iconic landmarks in Utrecht. The tower was built between 1321 and 1382 and stands at 112.5 meters (368 feet) tall. The tower is open to visitors, and those who climb the 465 steps to the top are rewarded with stunning views of the city. At the top of the tower is an observation deck, where visitors can get an up close look at the bells in the belfry.

Take a Boat Tour

One of the best ways to explore Utrecht’s canals is by taking a boat tour. There are a variety of boat tours available, ranging from sightseeing tours to dinner cruises. Most boat tours depart from Oudegracht, or Old Canal, which is one of the most picturesque parts of the city. On the boat tour, visitors can admire the colorful buildings that line the canals and get an up close look at the houseboats that call Utrecht home.

Visit Museums and Art Galleries

Utrecht is home to a number of museums and art galleries, making it a great destination for art lovers. The Centraal Museum is one of the most popular museums in Utrecht, with a wide range of exhibits on Dutch art and culture. The museum also hosts a variety of events throughout the year. Other notable art galleries and museums include Museum Speelklok, Dick Bruna Huis, and Museum Catharijneconvent.

Go Shopping

Utrecht is a great destination for shopping, with a variety of shops and boutiques located throughout the city. Oudegracht, or Old Canal, is one of the most popular shopping areas in Utrecht. Here, visitors will find a range of independent shops selling everything from antiques to clothes and jewelry. Other popular shopping areas include Lombok and Hoog Catharijne, both of which offer a variety of shops, restaurants, and cafés.

Explore Parks and Gardens

Utrecht is home to a number of parks and gardens, making it a great destination for outdoor lovers. One of the most popular parks in Utrecht is Wilhelminapark, which offers stunning views of the city as well as a variety of activities such as hiking, biking, and boating. Other parks worth visiting include Beatrixpark, Griftpark, and Amelisweerd.

Popular Tours

Utrecht Canal Cruise

The Utrecht Canal Cruise is one of the most popular tours in Utrecht. During this 1-hour tour, visitors can admire views of the city from the water as they cruise along the canals. The tour also stops at some of Utrecht’s most picturesque spots such as Oudegracht, or Old Canal. The tour also includes live commentary by an experienced guide. Book a canal cruise here.

Utrecht City Tour

The Utrecht City Tour is a 3-hour tour that takes visitors on a journey through Utrecht’s history. On this tour, visitors will explore some of the city’s most famous landmarks such as the Dom Tower and St Martin’s Cathedral. The tour also includes stops at some of Utrecht’s most picturesque spots such as Oudegracht, or Old Canal. Book a city tour here.

Utrecht Bike Tour

The Utrecht Bike Tour is a 2-hour tour that takes visitors on a journey through Utrecht’s history by bike. On this tour, visitors will explore some of the city’s most famous landmarks such as the Dom Tower and St Martin’s Cathedral while learning about their history from an experienced guide. The tour also includes stops at some of Utrecht’s most picturesque spots such as Oudegracht, or Old Canal. Book a bike tour here.

Conclusion

Utrecht is a vibrant and bustling city full of history and culture. There are plenty of things to do in Utrecht for people of all ages, from exploring historical monuments to taking boat tours on the city’s canals or even going on bike tours around the city. Whether you’re looking for culture or nightlife, Utrecht has something for everyone.