Things to Do in Utrecht, Netherlands

Utrecht, one of the Netherlands’ most charming cities, offers a perfect blend of historic architecture, picturesque canals, and vibrant culture. Often overlooked in favor of Amsterdam, this university town delivers a more authentic Dutch experience with fewer crowds. Whether you’re planning a day trip from Amsterdam or a longer stay, Utrecht rewards visitors with its unique two-level canal system, medieval landmarks, and cozy cafés. In this guide, we’ll explore the 15 best things to do in Utrecht that showcase why this city deserves a prominent spot on your Netherlands itinerary.

Located in the heart of the Netherlands, Utrecht is easily accessible from major Dutch cities. From Amsterdam Central Station, direct trains run every 15 minutes and take just 26 minutes to reach Utrecht Central Station. If you’re coming from Schiphol Airport, the journey takes approximately 35 minutes. For those traveling from Rotterdam or The Hague, direct train connections are available with journey times of 37 and 40 minutes respectively.

Standing at 112.5 meters tall, the Dom Tower (Domtoren) is Utrecht’s most iconic landmark and the tallest church tower in the Netherlands. Built between 1321 and 1382, this Gothic masterpiece once formed part of St. Martin’s Cathedral until a devastating storm in 1674 destroyed the nave, leaving the tower standing alone.

The only way to visit the interior is through a guided tour, which takes you up 465 steps to reach the top. Along the way, you’ll learn about the tower’s fascinating history, see the massive bells in the ringing chamber, and finally be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of Utrecht and beyond—on clear days, you can even see Amsterdam!

After your descent, take time to visit the adjacent Dom Church (Domkerk) and the beautiful cloister garden (Pandhof) behind it. The church interior features stunning stained glass windows and an impressive organ, while the peaceful garden offers a quiet retreat from the bustling city.

Utrecht’s canal system is truly one-of-a-kind. Unlike Amsterdam’s canals, Utrecht features a distinctive two-level structure along the Oudegracht (Old Canal) and Nieuwegracht (New Canal). The upper level consists of streets and bridges, while the lower level houses the historic wharf cellars that once served as storage spaces for goods transported via the canals.

Today, these wharf cellars have been transformed into cozy restaurants, cafés, and shops, creating a vibrant atmosphere along the waterfront. During warm weather, the terraces fill with locals and visitors enjoying drinks and meals right at water level, making it one of the most charming spots in the city.

The best way to experience Utrecht’s canals is from the water itself. Canal cruises offer informative tours that provide historical context while you glide under ancient bridges and past medieval buildings. For a more active experience, consider renting a kayak or stand-up paddleboard to explore at your own pace.

For a truly unique perspective on Utrecht’s history, head underground at DOMunder. Located beneath Domplein (Dom Square), this archaeological site takes you on a journey through 2,000 years of history buried beneath the city’s streets.

Equipped with a special interactive flashlight and audio guide, you’ll explore the foundations of the Roman fortress that once stood here, medieval structures, and the dramatic remains of the cathedral nave that collapsed during the 1674 storm. The innovative presentation makes history come alive as you literally shine a light on different artifacts and trigger audio explanations.

DOMunder offers a fascinating glimpse into Utrecht’s layered past and helps you understand how the city evolved over the centuries. The tour lasts approximately one hour and runs with limited group sizes, creating an intimate and engaging experience.

Utrecht boasts an impressive array of museums catering to diverse interests. The Centraal Museum, founded in 1838, is the oldest municipal museum in the Netherlands and houses an extensive collection spanning art, design, and local history. Don’t miss the works by Utrecht Caravaggists and the recreated studio of Dick Bruna, creator of the beloved Miffy (Nijntje) character.

For something truly unique, visit Museum Speelklok (Musical Clock Museum), housed in a former church. This delightful museum showcases self-playing musical instruments from tiny music boxes to massive street organs. Join one of the regular guided tours to hear these fascinating instruments in action.

Train enthusiasts shouldn’t miss the Railway Museum (Spoorwegmuseum), located in the beautifully restored Maliebaan Station. Interactive exhibits bring the golden age of rail travel to life, with vintage locomotives, luxurious carriages, and engaging displays about the past, present, and future of railways.

Other notable museums include the University Museum with its scientific collections and the Museum Catharijneconvent, which houses an impressive collection of religious art and artifacts in a former monastery.

Utrecht is the hometown of Dick Bruna, creator of the world-famous rabbit character Miffy (known as Nijntje in Dutch). This beloved character has become an icon of Utrecht, and fans can follow a delightful Miffy trail throughout the city.

Start your Miffy adventure at the dedicated Miffy Museum (Nijntje Museum), designed especially for young children. This interactive museum brings Bruna’s storybooks to life through playful, hands-on exhibits where children can explore Miffy’s world. Each room represents a different aspect of everyday life as seen through Miffy’s eyes.

Even if you’re not visiting with children, you can spot Miffy throughout Utrecht. Look for the Miffy traffic light near Hoog Catharijne shopping center, the small Miffy Square (Nijntje Pleintje) with its Miffy statue, and the sculpture of Dick Bruna with his famous rabbit on Mariaplaats. The Centraal Museum also houses a permanent collection of Bruna’s work, including original Miffy drawings.

Architecture enthusiasts shouldn’t miss the opportunity to visit the Rietveld Schröder House, a UNESCO World Heritage site located just outside Utrecht’s city center. Designed in 1924 by Dutch architect Gerrit Rietveld for Mrs. Truus Schröder-Schräder, this revolutionary building is considered the only complete example of De Stijl architecture.

The house embodies the principles of the De Stijl movement with its geometric forms, primary colors, and innovative use of space. Inside, movable walls and built-in furniture demonstrate Rietveld’s forward-thinking approach to flexible living spaces—a concept that was revolutionary for its time and continues to influence modern architecture.

Visits are by guided tour only and must be booked in advance. The tour provides fascinating insights into the house’s design philosophy, its place in architectural history, and the lives of its original inhabitants. While it’s located slightly outside the city center, it’s easily accessible by bus or bicycle and well worth the short journey.

One of Utrecht’s most impressive modern attractions is actually housed in a historic building. The Utrecht Public Library (Bibliotheek Neude) opened in 2020 inside the former main post office on Neude Square, and it’s quickly become one of the city’s must-visit destinations.

The building itself is a magnificent example of Dutch Art Deco architecture, with its imposing façade and stunning main hall featuring high arched ceilings and intricate brickwork. The renovation masterfully preserves these historic elements while introducing modern library facilities.

Beyond being a functioning library, it’s a cultural and community hub with a café, exhibition spaces, and comfortable reading areas. The children’s section features a large Miffy statue, connecting to Utrecht’s famous rabbit resident. Even if you’re not planning to borrow books, it’s worth visiting just to admire the architecture and soak in the atmosphere.

Entrance to the library is free, making it one of the best free things to do in Utrecht. It’s open seven days a week, though hours vary, so check the website before visiting.

When darkness falls, Utrecht reveals another dimension through the Utrecht Lumen light art route. This free, self-guided trail takes you past illuminated artworks that transform the city’s historic buildings, bridges, and canals into magical nighttime displays.

Highlights include the colorful Ganzenmarkt tunnel, the illuminated bridges near Dom Tower, and projections that bring facades to life. The complete route takes about an hour to walk, though you can easily customize your path to focus on specific installations.

For the best experience, visit after 8 PM when it’s fully dark, especially during winter months. You can pick up a free map from the Tourist Information Center or download the route to your phone. For deeper insights into the artworks and their creators, consider joining one of the occasional guided tours.

Just a short 10-minute walk from Utrecht’s city center stands Molen De Ster (The Star Windmill), a beautifully preserved 18th-century sawmill that offers a glimpse into the Netherlands’ industrial heritage.

Built in 1739, this windmill was once crucial to Utrecht’s timber industry, using wind power to saw wood for construction and shipbuilding. Today, it’s one of the few remaining sawmills in the Netherlands and has been carefully restored to working condition.

On Saturdays, you can join a free guided tour between 1 PM and 4 PM to see the impressive machinery in action and learn about traditional milling techniques. The site also houses a cozy café that’s open from Wednesday to Sunday, offering a perfect spot to relax with a coffee or local beer after your tour.

The windmill is beautifully situated alongside a canal lined with houseboats, creating a quintessentially Dutch scene that’s perfect for photography. Even if you can’t make it for a tour, the exterior is worth seeing and makes for a pleasant detour from the city center.

For a peaceful retreat from the city, head to the Utrecht University Botanic Gardens (Botanische Tuinen Universiteit Utrecht). Located in the Utrecht Science Park about 4 kilometers from the city center, these extensive gardens showcase plant collections from around the world.

Spread across 9 hectares, the gardens feature several distinct areas including tropical greenhouses, a rock garden (one of Europe’s largest), an evolutionary garden tracing plant development, and themed collections focusing on plants from different global regions. The gardens also incorporate the historic Fort Hoofddijk, adding an interesting architectural element to your visit.

The gardens are open daily from March through November, with a small entrance fee. They’re easily accessible by bus from the city center, and bicycle parking is available if you prefer to cycle. Allow at least two hours to fully explore the different sections and greenhouses.

Just outside Utrecht lies Castle De Haar (Kasteel De Haar), the largest and most luxurious castle in the Netherlands. This fairytale-like structure, with its towers, ramparts, and moats, looks like it stepped straight out of a medieval romance—though it was actually reconstructed in its current form in the late 19th century.

The castle’s interior is equally impressive, featuring opulent rooms filled with antiques, tapestries, and art collected by the Van Zuylen family who owned it. The surrounding park spans 135 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens, including formal French designs, English landscape sections, and a romantic rose garden.

Castle De Haar is easily accessible from Utrecht by public transportation. Take the train to Vleuten station, then bus 127 to the castle entrance, with the journey taking about 30 minutes in total. Alternatively, it makes for a pleasant bicycle ride through the Dutch countryside if you’re comfortable cycling.

Utrecht has a vibrant street art scene that adds color and creativity to the city’s historic architecture. Throughout the city, you’ll find impressive murals, clever stencil work, and artistic interventions that transform ordinary spaces into open-air galleries.

Some of the most impressive works can be found along Amsterdamsestraatweg, including a massive bookshelf mural that’s become an Instagram favorite. The Werkspoorkwartier industrial area is another hotspot for street art, featuring large-scale works by both Dutch and international artists.

While you can discover many pieces simply by keeping your eyes open as you explore the city, joining a guided street art tour offers deeper insights into the artists, their techniques, and the stories behind the works. These tours typically last about two hours and take you to both well-known murals and hidden gems off the tourist track.

Utrecht’s food scene offers everything from traditional Dutch cuisine to international flavors, with many restaurants taking advantage of the unique canalside settings. The city is particularly known for its cozy cafés, craft beer bars, and innovative dining concepts.

For a quintessential Utrecht dining experience, head to the restaurants along the Oudegracht canal. Many occupy the former wharf cellars, allowing you to dine right at water level with unique views of passing boats. Belgisch Biercafé Olivier, housed in a former church, offers Belgian beers and hearty food in a spectacular setting with stained glass windows.

Don’t miss the chance to try Dutch specialties like stroopwafels (syrup waffles), poffertjes (mini pancakes), or a traditional cheese platter featuring local Utrecht cheeses. For cheese lovers, Kaasbar Utrecht offers an innovative dining concept where different cheeses come past you on a conveyor belt, similar to a sushi restaurant.

For a special experience, book a table at Restaurant de Watertoren, located in a converted water tower offering panoramic views of the city. The menu features contemporary European cuisine with a focus on seasonal ingredients.

Utrecht offers diverse shopping experiences, from major international brands to unique independent boutiques. The compact city center makes it easy to explore different shopping areas on foot, with most concentrated within the canal ring.

Start at Hoog Catharijne, one of the Netherlands’ largest shopping malls, connected directly to Utrecht Central Station. With over 150 stores, it’s perfect for rainy days or finding major international brands. For a more authentic experience, head to the historic city center where you’ll find charming shopping streets like Lijnmarkt, Zadelstraat, and Twijnstraat.

Utrecht is known for its independent boutiques and concept stores. The Voorstraat and Wittevrouwenstraat areas are particularly good for unique fashion, vintage clothing, and design shops. Book lovers should visit Broese bookstore, housed in part of the former post office building adjacent to the library.

Don’t miss the opportunity to browse specialty food shops like cheese stores, where you can sample and purchase authentic Dutch cheeses. On Saturdays, the Vredenburg square hosts a large market where you can find everything from fresh produce to clothing and flowers.

Utrecht offers accommodation options for every budget and preference, from luxury hotels in historic buildings to affordable hostels. Staying within or near the canal ring puts you within walking distance of most attractions, though properties slightly further out often offer better value.

For a truly special experience, consider the Grand Hotel Karel V, housed in a 14th-century monastery in the city center. This five-star property offers luxurious rooms, a spa, and a Michelin-starred restaurant. The Eye Hotel, located in a former eye hospital, provides stylish boutique accommodation with nods to the building’s medical history.

Budget-conscious travelers have excellent options too. The BUNK Hotel Utrecht offers both private rooms and dormitory beds in a converted church near the station, combining hotel comfort with hostel prices. The Mother Goose Hotel provides stylish rooms in a historic building just off Neude Square.

Utrecht offers the perfect blend of historic charm and modern vitality that makes for an unforgettable Dutch experience. Whether you’re climbing the Dom Tower for panoramic views, exploring the unique two-level canal system, or discovering hidden gems like the Miffy Museum or Rietveld Schröder House, this compact city rewards visitors with authentic experiences away from the tourist crowds of Amsterdam.

With excellent train connections to other major Dutch cities, Utrecht works equally well as a day trip or as a base for exploring the Netherlands. Consider spending at least one night to experience the city’s evening atmosphere, when the Utrecht Lumen light installations transform the historic center and canalside restaurants come alive with locals and visitors.

Utrecht’s combination of medieval architecture, cultural attractions, and vibrant urban life makes it one of the Netherlands’ most rewarding destinations. By including it in your Dutch itinerary, you’ll discover a side of the Netherlands that many visitors miss—and you might just find yourself planning a return visit to explore even more of what this charming city has to offer.