I’ve just returned from another trip to Utrecht and it never fails to amaze me. I’m excited to share with you my top picks of the best things to do in Utrecht this weekend or any day of the week, including some lovely trips which you can make from the city. Take a look at this guide to get a glimpse of this fabulous Dutch city and get inspired to create your own perfect Utrecht weekend or day trip itinerary.
Utrecht is quite possibly my favourite city in all of the Netherlands. It’s only a half-hour train ride south of its better-known neighbour, Amsterdam.
Obviously, Utrecht doesn’t match the capital, Amsterdam in terms of tourist attractions, but it’s an attractive city with a modern, lively vibe which has without a doubt been helped by having one of the largest universities in the Netherlands. It’s also the fourth largest city in the Netherlands with a population of about 360,000.
Prior to the Dutch Golden Age in the 17th century, Utrecht was the most important trading city and cultural centre in the Netherlands until it was overtaken by Amsterdam. Countless magnificent medieval buildings, Gothic churches and myriad museums dotted around Utrecht’s historic city centre are indeed a testament to this flourishing past.
In addition, Utrecht’s old town is built around a unique picturesque network of canals which in my view are the most gorgeous in the Netherlands.
There are so many awesome reasons which make Utrecht worth visiting.
Keep reading for my top picks of the best things to do in Utrecht.
What to do Do in Utrecht
1. Wander Utrecht’s Historic City Centre
Start your tour of Utrecht by taking a walking tour of the Old Town. It’s one of my favourite things to do in Utrecht for free!
Utrecht is a compact city perfect to just wander enjoying its charming pedestrianised streets which are filled with architecturally marvellous buildings, friendly locals, and a lively vibe.
Check out the independent boutiques and pop-ups, attractive courtyards and gardens, museums and galleries as well as cosy cafes which Utrecht is widely known for. My favourite, De Ontdekking on Voorstraat, is worth a stop for a quick bite and a really good coffee.
2. Take a Stroll Along the Oudegracht
A stroll along the Oudegracht, old canal in english, is perhaps the highlight of a tour of Utrecht. Similar to other Dutch cities, Utrecht’s historic city centre is built around a network of beautiful canals with the Oudegracht being the most gorgeous of them all.
The Oudegracht is quite a unique and picturesque canal which rivals those found in other popular Dutch cities.
The cellars of the buildings along the Oudegracht are lined with walkways adorned with terraced restaurants and bars, independent shops and galleries, all at water level, creating a two-level street connected by staircases with the pedestrian streets above.
It’s an atmospheric and amusing spot in the city centre which is also easy on the eyes.
I recommend exploring Utrecht’s food and drink scene by visiting some of Oudegracht’s terraced restaurants and bars while also absorbing the city’s magical atmosphere.
Spending some time along the Oudegracht is one of the best things to do in Utrecht at night and one you should certainly try not to miss. The area becomes alive at night and is always beautifully lit with mesmerising lights.
3. Kayak Utrecht Canals
Price: Adult – €35 Child – €25 Utours
Kayaking through Utrecht’s canals is a fantastic way to add a bit of adventure to your tour of Utrecht while soaking up gorgeous views of its city centre from the water.
There are few places to rent a kayak if you’d prefer to go alone or to join group tours, however, advanced booking is highly recommended as kayaking is a popular activity in Utrecht both with the locals and tourists.
Canal cruises and boat tours are also popular and another awesome way to experience Utrecht’s canals and surrounding stunning landscapes.
Popular Utrecht Tours
4. Stop by the Dom Church
Free Admission
The Dom Church (St Martin’s Cathedral) is renowned for its incredible bell tower, Dom Tower, which is the oldest and tallest church tower in the Netherlands. Construction of the Dom Church began during the 13th century in the classic Gothic style and lasted until the 16th century.
Sadly, the Dom Church’s central nave collapsed during a severe storm in 1674 separating it from the tower. The nave was never rebuilt, so up to this day, the Dom Church and the Dom Tower are detached.
Visit the Dom Church, especially for its remarkably high vaulted ceiling, lovely stained glass windows, well-preserved choir and quaint mediaeval, Pandhof garden.
The area that was once the central nave created what is now the Dom Square (Domplein). Dom Square is a must-see place in Utrecht where you can explore architecturally significant buildings in Utrecht such as the Neo-Renaissance Utrecht University Academy building and the Dom Tower.
Pandhof is a real hidden gem in the Utrecht city center. I stumbled upon this marvellous, true Gothic-styled monastic garden by chance and fell in love with it so much.
The garden is located between the Dom Church and Utrecht University Academy building. Both are in my view some of the best free things to do in Utrecht which you shouldn’t miss.
5. Climb the Dom Tower
Price: 1 Hour Tour by Stairs (Adult €12.50, Child €7.50)
The Dom Tower is a famous landmark in Utrecht. It’s probably one of the most popular Utrecht attractions which should certainly make it to your must-see list. At 112 metres, the 14th century Dom Tower is the oldest and tallest church tower in Utrecht as well as the whole of the Netherlands, so it’s quite a domineering structure.
If you’re up for the challenge and have powerful legs, climb the tower’s 465 narrow winding steps. You’ll be rewarded with an up-close look at the tower’s stunning architecture, the tower’s 13 massive bells, and of course, incredible views of Utrecht and on a clear day, views of Rotterdam and Amsterdam.
Don’t be put off if climbing the tower feels like a lot of work. A lift which makes the Dom Tower accessible, getting you to the top in 3 minutes, was recently fitted into the tower.
The Dom Tower is currently undergoing exterior restorative works until 2024, but it’s still open to visitors. Plan your visit here.
6. Visit Rietveld Schröder House
Price: Online Tickets (Adults – €19, Child – €10.50)
A visit to the Rietveld Schröder House is a great stop for anyone with a fondness for modern architecture. The Rietveld Schroder House was designed in 1924 by renowned Dutch architect Gerrit Rietveld.
Rietveld was a proponent of the Dutch De Stijl “Style” modern artistic movement from the early 20th century. Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam and the Red and Blue Chair are Rietveld’s other design masterpieces well-known by most people.
De Stijl’s art style was expressed through paintings and architecture. It favoured abstraction and simplicity and was marked by clean lines, right angles, and primary colours. The Rietveld Schröder House features on the UNESCO World Heritage Site as it’s considered one of the finest examples of De Stijl architecture.
Book yourself a guided tour of this architectural gem to learn about all the key aspects of De Stijl. Plan your visit here.
7. Visit the Central Museum
Price: Adults – €13.50 Child – €6.50
The Centraal Museum Utrecht is set within a stunning, former medieval cloister on Nicolaaskerkhof in the city centre. This is one of the most highly regarded city museums in the Netherlands and across the world. The museum’s collection spans multiple periods and offers something for everyone.
It contains a wealth of artefacts pertaining to the history of the city, pre-1850 art, modern and contemporary art, fashion and design, all mostly by great Utrecht artists such as Dick Bruna, Gerrit Rietveld and Utrecht Caravaggists.
The museum is widely celebrated for its extensive collection of Gerrit Rietveld’s works, so this is one place not to miss if you’re a fan of De Stijl and modern design.
While it’s impossible to view the entire Rietveld collection, you sure can’t miss his masterpiece, the Red and Blue Chair, which is displayed in the museum. The Red and Blue chair is regarded as a fine example of De Stijl.
Dick Bruna’s original studio is displayed at the Centraal Museum, so be sure to check it out if you’re a fan of Miffy the Rabbit.
A whole museum dedicated to Miffy and her family and friends, Miffy Museum (NijntjeMuseum), is located along the Oudegracht. It’s a fun place to add to your list of things to see in Utrecht especially if you’ve got the kids with you.
Good to Know
Looking for where to go in Utrecht with kids? You’ll be pleased to know that Utrecht is home to the Sonnenborgh Observatory, one of the astronomical centres in the Netherlands. The observatory is conveniently located within a short walking distance from Utrecht’s centre.
Visiting the Sonnenborgh Observatory for a star gazing session through its giant size telescopes is a guaranteed exciting experience for kids and grown-ups. It’s one of the unusual things to do in Utrecht worth a quick look.
8. Visit the Museum Speelklok
Price: Adults – €14 Child – €7.50
Museum Speelklok is interestingly housed in a former medieval church in Utrecht’s old town. The museum is one of the most fun things to do in Utrecht especially if you’re in the city with children.
Museum Speelklok showcases a wide collection of self playing musical instruments dating back to the 16th century. Its highly reviewed guided tour entails admiring as well as listening to amusing tunes from century-old church carillons, musical clocks and boxes (some with royal roots), self-playing orchestras as well as traditional Dutch street organs.
Museum Speelklok markets itself as offering the most cheerful activity in the whole of the Netherlands, so this is one of Utrecht’s tourist attractions not to miss if you’re down to have fun.
9. Stop by Market Vredenburg
Market Opens All Day: Wed, Friday & Sat
Market Vredenburg is Utrecht’s largest general market which sits on Vredenburg Square in the city centre, just outside the Hoog Catharijne Shopping Mall.
It’s a worthwhile stop while exploring Utrecht attractions though it’s incomparable to the markets found in the capital Amsterdam. However, if you appreciate local markets and are keen to fill up on Dutch delicacies, then, don’t miss it. See also, Gouda Cheese Market.
I’m such a foodie, I find it hard to resist crispy kibbeling and fresh stroopwafels from Dutch food markets.
Market Vredenburg is a market of all things where you can also shop for fresh produce such as fruits and vegetables, cheese, and flowers as well as electronics, accessories and clothing.
Plan your Utrecht sightseeing itinerary around the market days if you plan to visit.
If you’re in Utrecht on a Saturday and flowers are your kind of thing, don’t miss the flower market on Janskerhof. It’s said to outdo the ones found in Amsterdam!
10. Stop by the Oude Hortus Botanical Gardens
Price: Adults – €8, Child – €4.50
Utrecht is packed with fine parks and botanical gardens which are real pleasure grounds ideal for a brief attractive retreat from the city’s bustling streets. I recommend the pretty Oude Hortus (old university garden), Utrecht University’s former botanical garden, which lies behind the University Museum in the historic city centre.
The garden was created in 1723 as a learning resource for University students. It’s surrounded by places filled with a rich history, an extensive collection of various unique plants and tree species as well as medicinal herbs from across the globe.
A 250-year-old Ginkgo biloba, ancient greenhouses, an orangery housing giant water lilies as well as lush dwarf coffers, are some of the garden’s treasures to marvel at whilst taking a peaceful stroll, relaxing by the pond or just enjoying a good coffee.
If you’re in Utrecht for some time, we recommend dropping by the University’s larger botanic garden located in its Science Park Campus in Uithof. The garden is a real horticultural gem offering a wide range of pleasant experiences which include a variety of themed gardens, fascinating and interactive exhibits fun for children as well as large green spaces.
Utrecht University Botanic Gardens are one of the most popular places to visit in Utrecht with children so if there are some among you, be sure to visit.
10. Drop by the Convent Museum
Price: Adults – €15, Child – €7
A short distance away from the Oude Hortus, the Convent Museum (St Catherine’s Convent Museum), which is set in an atmospheric, former medieval monastery, is devoted to old and modern religious art and artefacts from Catholic and Protestant faiths.
The museum’s three floors boast numerous paintings by renowned Dutch Golden Age painters such as Rembrandt, Cranach and Jan Steen, statues of saints, a rich treasury with dazzling gold and silver artefacts as well as fascinating stories that will help you understand the history of the different religious movements in the Netherlands.
One of the most precious exhibits at the museum is the magnificent Ecce Homo Altarpiece by Dutch Renaissance painter, Maerten van Heemskerck. Also noteworthy is the colossal stained glass window by Renowned Dutch Painter and stained glass artist Marc Mulders.
The Convent Museum is certainly a pleasant experience, especially if you’re a fan of Christian art and architecture. However, many of the temporary exhibitions that are also held there make it a worthwhile stop regardless of your faith or beliefs.
I love museums! They’re certainly some of the best things to do in Utrecht on a rainy day.
11. Visit the National Railway Museum
Price: Adults – €17.50, Under 3 years – Free
The National Railway Museum (Het Spoorwegmuseum), located about a 20-minute walk from Utrecht’s historic city centre, is housed in the former, tastefully renovated 19th-century Maliebaan Station. It’s one of the best fun day trips to take with children in Utrecht, rail enthusiasts, and anyone who just loves to discover.
On display at the museum are countless railway objects that demonstrate how the world of rail travel has evolved over the centuries.
You can admire some giant 19th-20th century steam engines including the oldest preserved steam locomotive in the Netherlands, the SS 13 or “de Brill” as well as countless carriages such as luxurious Orient Express carriages, all of which previously operated on the railways of Dutch Railways (NS).
Along the exhibition route, you can marvel and grab a seat in some of the oldest trains in Dutch rail history as well as real-life models of futuristic trains. I’m sure if you’re a fan of all things rail, you’ll definitely find a visit to the National Railway Museum quite enthralling.
Tip – A shuttle train service runs every hour from Utrecht Central Station to Maliebaan Station. View details here.
13. Spend a Day at Haar Castle
Price: Adults – €18, Child – €12.50
If you’re in search of an easy and awesome day trip from Utrecht, Haar Castle (Castle De Haar) is an excellent choice. The castle is located about 12 km west of Utrecht and is easily reached by public transport from Utrecht Centraal. Haar Castle is a monolith in terms of castles, undeniably the most impressive of all castles in the Netherlands.
Celebrated Dutch architect Pierre Cuypers, whose other famous works include the Rijksmuseum and Amsterdam Central Station, was commissioned to rebuild the castle in 1892 on the site of a former 14th-century castle belonging to a wealthy family from the area.
Cuypers managed to successfully recreate an imposing medieval structure styled with a Neo-Gothic facade decorated with opulent interiors and surrounded by 55 hectares of magnificent gardens of various themes, a large lake, and a long canal as well as a church.
There is a lot to do at Haar Castle, but make sure not to miss booking yourself into one of the guided tours of the castle’s room. Plan your visit here.
Utrecht Travel Tips
Travelling by train is the easiest and most cost-efficient way to get around in the Netherlands. Utrecht Central Station is the NS (Dutch Railway) central hub in the Netherlands where a comprehensive local, national and international rail connection service is offered.
This makes Utrecht one of the best day trips from nearby cities in the Netherlands, such as Rotterdam, and several cities in nearby countries, like Brussels, Cologne, and Frankfurt.
- Train Details – Inter-city rail runs every 10 minutes from Amsterdam Central Station to Utrecht Central Station The journey takes about 27 minutes and Utrecht’s historic city centre is just a 5-minute stroll from the train station. A one-way ticket costs €9.40 (2nd class) and €14.80 (1st class).
- Getting around Utrecht – Utrecht historic centre is very walkable. Like most Dutch cities, Utrecht is an exceptional cycling city, so biking is another great option, but make sure you’re competent as it can be dangerous. Public transport, trams and buses are quite extensive and affordable (Day Ticket €6.20).
- Where to Stay – Booking.com and Tripadvisor are great resources for finding accommodation in Utrecht. I recently stayed at the Crowne Plaza Utrecht, located in Hoog Catharijne Mall. It’s modern, clean, cozy and conveniently located near Utrecht Railway Station and the historic city centre.
I hope you enjoy Utrecht! Let me know if you have any questions, I will be glad to help.
Related: Netherlands Travel Guide – Things to Do in Rotterdam
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