Location: Utrecht
Top Things to do in Utrecht
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10 Things to Do in Utrecht That You Shouldn't Miss
This ancient and historic city houses many buildings going back to the early Middle Ages. Until it was overtaken by Amsterdam in the Dutch Golden age, Utrecht was the most important city in the Netherlands. It was and still is the See of the Archbishop of Utrecht, the most important Catholic leader in the Netherlands. The University of Utrecht is the largest in the Netherlands. One of the unique features of the city is the wharf system in its inner canals. Before the city was fully canalized, parts of the Rhine River flowed through the city center. Most prominent of the historic buildings is the Gothic Cathedral of Saint Martin, the construction of which lasted for almost 200 year, beginning in 1254.
Restaurants in Utrecht
1. Canals area
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
Reviewed By Rallie S - Stirling, United Kingdom
There are lots of cafes, bars and shops of all types (incl. antiques) along the canals, as well as more quiet areas, so there is something for everyone. Mostly it's less crowded than Amsterdam although in the centre it could get quite busy (beware of the cyclists). The old houses along the canals are beautiful. It's definitely a lovely walk.
2. Rietveld Schroder House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 303 reviews
Reviewed By bonsi7 - Bardolino
One-of-a-kind Rietveld house. All of the downstairs rooms have an external door. The panels that closed at the end of the day are fantastic, cutting off part of the external light. A 30 minutes' walk from the center of town should not put you off. Entrance is a bit expensive, but includes the entrance fee to the Central Museum (on the same day). The tour includes an audio guide backed up by a well informed live guide.
3. Dom Tower
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
Reviewed By Antonija R
There is no better way to see Utrecht other than the Don Tower. I don’t get visitors from my home country frequently but as soon as someone comes I take him/her there. The Dom Tower has a history spread through several centuries but moreover it has a culture represented through 14 bells and old organ. It allows a great view over Utrecht and when the weather allows it Amsterdam can be seen.
4. Botanic Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 161 reviews
Reviewed By ChockaLife - Denver, Colorado
This is not a very large or extensive garden but it's lovely. Located over by the university science area it's not the best looking part of town. I would give this a kind of average because if you go out into the Dutch countryside you'll see far lovelier areas. Hint: Museum Oud Amelisweerd or Fort Rhijnauwen offers far more lovely Gardens.
5. Bloemenmarkt, Janskerkhof, Utrecht
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 135 reviews
Reviewed By TJX05 - Singapore, Singapore
The flowers here were very pretty. We wanted to buy some tulips home. The vendors were selling 50 pieces for 5 euro. Unfortunately, we still had 2 more days to spend in the Netherlands so we didn't buy them here. We bought them in Amsterdam paying double the price.
6. Museum Speelklok
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 642 reviews
Museum Speelklok, the most cheerful museum in the Netherlands! During a visit to the typical Dutch Museum Speelklok, cheerful live music will surround you from centuries-old self-playing musical instruments. The history of these instruments started back in 16th century the Netherlands with the use of church carillons. Over the centuries, the general desire of people to be surrounded by music, led to the invention of all sorts of self-playing musical instruments: musical clocks, musical boxes, orchestrions (self-playing orchestras) and the traditional Dutch street organs. All of these instruments, including the famous street organ named Arabier and the so-called 8th world wonder the Violina, can be admired and heard during the lively museum tour. Thanks to the highly skilled Restoration Workshop, the collection is kept playing and this craft can be passed on from this generation to the next.
Reviewed By springlering - Marietta, Georgia
I love this wonderful museum, which is housed in a beautiful old vaulted church. I have the CDs. I plot to visit it whenever we go within a few hundred miles. It must date back to my childhood fascination with Grimm’s fairy tales describing the emperor’s tiny mechanical singing bird, but I just love seeing the tiny and the the big mechanical music devices. I’m amazed at the genius and craftsmanship it took to build them. And I never tire of hearing the music. The idea of a dance hall with an orchestrion just fans my imagination. It all just speaks of “happy” to my heart.
However, this time we were given a plastic key card with no instructions other than to insert it to hear the song a device would play. Although we tried to ask several people, we finally gave up, and it wasn’t til after we left that we realized there was a second floor. I am bitterly regretful we missed that, but on the plus side, I guess it’s an excuse for visit #5!
7. Railway Museum (Het Spoorwegmuseum)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
Reviewed By ChristineLuzA - The Netherlands
We went here recently, we were quite surprised by the dimensions of the place. Although, this museum is more oriented towards children it is also a nice visit for adults. The admission price is very expensive, so I only advice the visit for those who truly are interested in trains and railroad history.
8. Wilhelminapark
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 131 reviews
Reviewed By AlexGrima
On halfway between the City centre and The Uithof we find this lovely green area. Students and families choose thise place to spend weekends for picnics and chilling nearby the lake. The park is also perfect for sports, people practice yoga, tai-chi and train here. Also yo find here one of the Best restaurants in the city.
9. DOMunder
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 282 reviews
Discover 2000 years of Utrecht history underneath the Domplein square. Explore the archaeological findings, that date back up to the Roman Castellum ‘Trajectum’, with an interactive flashlight. Walking through the huge pillar foundations of the medieval Gothic Dom Cathedral, history literally Springs to life. Experience the destructive tornado of 1674. Daily tours on regular departure times (closed on Monday)
Reviewed By Bruno T - Geneva, Switzerland
Well organised and thought out attraction. It explains Utrecht and its history well and makes you see Utrecht differently afterwards and understand it better. Great guides and super friendly! Very much recommended.
10. Museum Catharijneconvent
Overall Ratings
4 based on 227 reviews
Reviewed By LolaGo1 - Washington DC, District of Columbia
My answer is YES! Worth every pennies I paid. The exhibits are interesting and unique, covering religious statues, paintings, sculptures, items used during mass, etc.!
Also included are exhibits related to Martin Luther: short video, old, antique bibles, personal items belonging to Luther, paintings,etc.
Amenities: Lockers, Elevator, Gift Shop, small area for snacks and drinks.
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