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What are the most interesting places to visit in Utrecht?
Utrecht is a beautiful and unique destination in the Netherlands offering plenty of interesting places for all sorts of travelers. From expansive and historic city parks to remarkable cultural venues, there are countless attractions that should not be missed during your visit. If you’re looking for a memorable trip to Utrecht, here are some of the most interesting places to visit while in town.
1. Dom Tower of Utrecht
Towering 120 meters above the city streets, the Dom Tower is one of the most iconic attractions in all of Utrecht. During your visit, you can take the winding staircase to the top of the tower for stunning 360-degree views of the city. The Gothic style tower was built in the 14th century and stands as a lasting symbol of the city’s flourishing medieval era.
2. Rietveld Schröder House
Originally designed to be an innovative home back in 1924 by creative architect Gerrit Rietveld, this house is now classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and open to visitors every day. Inside, you’ll find a modern museum generously housing a permanent collection that celebrates Dutch art, design, and culture.
3. Utrecht Science Park
If you love exploring remarkable feats of science and technology, then you should check out the Utrecht Science Park Campus. Here, you’ll find three impressive science centers, a botanical garden and plenty of interactive displays. It’s a great place for families, as there’s something for everyone at every age.
4. Hollands Diep
The Hollands Diep river port is one of the largest natural ports in the world, offering plenty of activities for the adventurous traveler. You can take a boat tour through the watery meadows or a canal boat tour to see some of Utrecht’s best attractions from a unique perspective. On sunny days, the large grassy banks are a favorite amongst locals and tourists alike, with picnic spots and relaxation spots scattered throughout.
5. Vredesplein
No trip to Utrecht would be complete without visiting the iconic Vredesplein ( Peace Square). Located near the city center, this square is popular amongst locals and tourists alike, featuring beautiful manicured gardens and plenty of outdoor seating. During warm evenings, locals gather to socialize in one of the many cafes that ring around the square, making Vredesplein one of the best places to experience everyday Dutch life.
6. Haarzuilens Castle
Home to a large collection of works from Dutch painter Cornelis Springer and impressive 17th-century gardens, Haarzuilens Castle offers a unique opportunity to learn more about the history and culture of Utrecht. Besides its vast art collection, visitors can also explore parts of its original castle grounds with dozens of scenic walking paths leading to several outdoor terraces with gorgeous views of the area.
7. Museum Speelklok
The Museum Speelklok (Museum of Mechanical Music) in Utrecht is one of the most interesting places in town. This fascinating museum houses an impressive collection of musical instruments ranging from centuries-old musical boxes to baroque-era organs and even some modern interactive instruments. It’s an absolute must-see attraction for music lovers.
8. Dutch Railway Museum
Another great place to visit during your stay in Utrecht is the Dutch Railway Museum. Here, you can explore over 150 years worth of steam locomotives and carriages before learning about how modern rail transport is revolutionizing Dutch infrastructure in 2019. There’s also a cafe onsite as well as lots of shops with unique train items you won’t find anywhere else.
9. Soestdijk Palace
Soestdijk Palace (Koninklijk Paleis Soestdijk) was built by wealthy aristocrats in 1937 and offers a unique look into Dutch history during one of its most artistic periods. You can explore 12 hectares of historic gardens that offer plenty of things to do,including biking trails and horseback riding paths. Inside, you’ll find an extensive collection of artwork from prominent Dutch artists from the past centuries.
10. Centraal Museum
Last but certainly not least, Centraal Museum is another must-see when visiting Utrecht. This expansive art museum houses over 40,000 objects ranging from museum fine art to historical artifacts, offering something for everyone no matter their interests in art. This is also where you’ll find the world’s biggest collection of works by famous Dutch artist Jan Steen. Utrecht is truly full of diverse and interesting places to explore and learn more about Dutch culture and history. From iconic monuments to remarkable museums and attractions, there are plenty of activities that will satisfy any type of traveler in search of an unforgettable experience in city with a long history and remarkable charm. With these 10 places providing an ample start for your exploration, you have plenty of options to discover exactly what Utrecht has in store for you! More information about all these places can be found on Visit utrecht website , which offers a full list of all attractions available in Utrecht as well as various tours and activities that can be done during your stay.
