Utrecht

Netherlands

Utrecht

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PDF Guide

Our travel guides are free to read and explore online. If you want to get your own copy, the full travel guide for this destination is available to you offline* to bring along anywhere or print for your trip.

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Price

€4,95

Do & See

Utrecht, renowned for its picturesque canals and beautiful streets, presents a great opportunity to explore the historic city centre on foot. Stroll down the Oudegracht, the old canal that provides breathtaking views of the city. Along Oudegracht there are numerous bars and restaurants, which offer a perfect setting by the water. Apart from its beauty, Utrecht is also famous for its cheese shops, where visitors can indulge in freshly cut Gouda, sausages and marmalade. You can also explore a wide array of ethnic restaurants and eateries for all palates in the area for a reasonable price. Whether you just want to walk around, chill by the canal or join one of the many guided tours around the city, Utrecht is undeniably one of the best options to visit in the Netherlands.
Centraal Museum

Centraal Museum

The Centraal Museum stands as the oldest municipal museum in the Netherlands, offering the most captivating exploration of Utrecht's history through art and design. The museum showcases remarkable works by various local and international artists, including furniture designed by Gerrit Rietveld, a renowned local designer. The Centraal Museum also hosts temporary exhibitions frequently, which attract both locals and tourists. Located in the MuseumQuarter, the building itself is noteworthy, featuring a beautiful garden, a restaurant and a delightful museum store. If you want to avoid big tourist crowds, it is best to visit the museum on weekdays.

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Utrecht Botanic Gardens

Utrecht Botanic Gardens

Located at Fort Hoofddijk, The Botanical Gardens boast an exceptional assortment of plant species gathered from across the globe. These gardens are part of Utrecht University, and they serve as a captivating natural sanctuary, which is open to visitors who want to explore the beauty of nature. The gardens consist of various sections, allowing you to go seamlessly from enchanting rock gardens to bird-watching in the woods or vibrant butterflies in the tropical greenhouse. The Botanic Gardens' location might not be the best, as they are situated in the outskirts of the city; however, if you are seeking a tranquil escape and breathtaking landscapes, make sure you make time to visit them.

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Utrecht Lumen Walking Tour

Utrecht Lumen Walking Tour

Utrecht Lumen is the best way to explore the city at night with a light show that brings the city to life through illuminated art installations. The artworks are on display seven days a week, from sunset to midnight. To enhance this experience, join the guided tour of Utrecht Lumen's light installations. These walking tours provide a nighttime exploration of the inner city, showcasing light artworks strategically placed in unexpected and often overlooked spots during the day.

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Free Walking Tour Utrecht

Free Walking Tour Utrecht

Utrecht's convenient location, a mere 20-minute journey from Amsterdam, provides an escape from all the capital's tourist hustle. It offers the essence of a quintessential Dutch town with a fascinating narrative. Utrecht boasts a charming city centre, famous for its narrow alleys and concealed streets that create an ideal setting for a walking tour. In fact, it is because of its narrow, car-free streets that this free walking tour will take you to places that cars, buses or boats don't have access to. It's not just a history lesson, but an experience narrated from a local perspective. The Dutch guides will give you insights into the daily life of Utrecht residents, including their preferred dining spots, shopping destinations and advice on avoiding tourist traps.

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Railway Museum

Railway Museum

This railway museum is a captivating site that promises to take you through 175 years of Dutch railway history. It features a lifelike station, engaging exhibitions, thrilling attractions, and a theatre, all conveniently accessible by train. The restored 19th-century Maliebaan station serves as the entrance to a fascinating world of trains. If you visit the museum with kids, there's an outdoor playground, featuring the Jumbo Express, a small train, which provides a delightful journey through the Railway Museum's hidden corners. Also, The Fire Trial, an award-winning 4D simulation allows participants to take the reins of a train and experience the thrill of driving it themselves.

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