What Are the Best Things to Do in Utrecht, the Netherlands?

Situated in the Dutch province of Utrecht, Utrecht is a picturesque city with plenty to offer people of all ages. From its vibrant nightlife and cultural attractions to its museums and nature escapes, it’s the perfect place for an unforgettable trip.Famed for its canal-lined centre, historical monuments, canals, and cobbled streets, Utrecht offers many things to do for both locals and foreigners alike. Whether you’re looking for a great experience in the city centre or in the nearby countryside, Utrecht is sure to have something for everyone.

1. Visit Utrecht Cathedral

Utrecht Cathedral is a 12th century Gothic cathedral and its Bell Tower is the tallest church tower in the Netherlands at 112 metres high. It is an incredible architectural wonder, with outstanding views of the city. On your visit, don’t forget to see the beautiful frescoes and the stained glass windows. There are regular tours, which will give you an educational insight into the history and art of the Cathedral.

2. Enjoy a Canalside Walk

Utrecht is home to a wonderful network of canals that offer a pleasant respite from busy city life. Wind your way through narrow lanes and rivers to explore some of the best views and architecture of the city. This canalside walk can be done either solo or with a guide to learn more about the history of Utrecht. Visitors should try the nighttime canal walk from Webblustbrug to Vogelenpootbrug for the most magical experience of all.

3. Take a Bicycle Tour

Called “fietsen” in Dutch, cycling is an important aspect of Dutch culture. As such, taking a cycle tour around the city is one of the best ways to explore Utrecht. With its flat countryside, you can pick from a range of tourist cycling tours that take you through various hidden lanes and picturesque villages of Utrecht province. There are a variety of organised tour suppliers, such as Bicast Tours and Bike Tour Netherlands, who provide tourists with bikes, guides and transport to help them get around.

4. Visit The Rhone Museum

The Rhone Museum is one of the main attractions of Utrecht. It looks at the city’s past, present and future and was founded by the Rhone family. This museum includes various artworks, artefacts and photographic records that intricately tell the story of Utrecht from pre-Roman times through to the present day. There are also special exhibitions which explore the dynamic history behind Utrecht’s diverse culture, traditions, architecture and lifestyle.

5. Go Shopping at Hoog Catharijne

The largest shopping centre in The Netherlands is located in Utrecht’s historical city centre: Hoog Catharijne. This massive shopping stalwart has more than 180 stores, ranging from international chains to independent boutiques, including cosmetics, fashion and lifestyle stores for all budgets. There’s also a variety of dining options spread throughout several floors. Even if its main purpose isn’t shopping, it’s an exciting place to wander around, check out the people or even just grab a bite to eat!

6. Step into Utrecht’s Brewery Scene

Utrecht succeeds in providing its residents with an ever-expanding brewery scene. Brewery ‘t IJ, or De Prael Brewery, founded in 1985 by two young entrepreneurs, is one of the most popular spots as it combines two passions: beer and music. One you enter this traditional styled microbrewery you will find yourself surrounded by books covering beer topics such as history, methods and recipes for brewing beer along with live music performances hosted by their popular resident jazz band.

7. Explore Botanical Gardens

The Botanical Gardens of Utrecht are home to more than 8,000 species of plants from various corners of the world. From tropical rainforests and cactus fields to an orchid exhibition, this large park has something for everyone. For visitors interested in discovering the natural beauty of the area, join one of the exclusive guided tours that cover anything from day trips along the canals to bicycle trips across the forests and meadows around the garden.

8. Canal Cruise

One of the best ways to take in Utrecht’s stunning streetscapes is on a canal cruise. Hop on one of many boats and admire iconic buildings such as Dom Tower, salvaged bridges and ancient churches whilst hearing stories from your guide about their rich past. Cruise companies such as Stromma Netherlands offer tours with audio commentary in multiple languages to provide you with a better insight into life in the city.

9. Discover Street Art

Utrecht has become one of The Netherlands’ main cities for street art. Many alleys around town are adorned with colourful murals thanks to dozens of talented painters who have taken this unique form of art onto new heights. You can find works of art all around central stations, but some distircts such as Kanaleneiland are a great hotspot for discovering street artwork which showcases a variety of talents who have left their mark on the city’s walls.

10. Take a Walking Tour

If you love learning about culture and history, taking a walking tour through Utrecht is an excellent way to discover its oldest churches, most beautiful views and hidden corners. Popular walking tour companies like Tours by Locals give tourists access to personalised routes with informative guides who specialise in exploring Utrecht’s monumental monuments like Dom Tower and Wittevrouwenstraat Tourism Utrect website . Whether you are travelling alone or with family, you are sure to find something exciting to do in Utrecht this holiday season. From canalside walks and brewery visits to street art cruises and botanical gardens tours – this city has it all! So why not plan a trip to Utrecht today?