What to see in Utrecht in a weekend, what to do and where to cycle in the university town of the Netherlands, read what why to visit the town of Holland.
Here is what to do and see in Utrecht for an original weekend to spend in the young and dynamic Dutch university city nestled in the heart of the most authentic Europe.
Utrecht, perhaps less known to mass tourism, is a splendid medieval city located in the center of the Netherlands, a short distance from Amsterdam, and is renowned for being one of the main university centers of Holland.
And it is in fact the presence of the university that makes it a very young, dynamic and full of life city, ideal for spending a fun and sparkling weekend in a more authentic and “European” atmosphere, far from the stereotypes that are often associated with trips to Holland and especially to Amsterdam.
Although Utrecht is, in fact, a quiet and human-sized city, the quantity (and quality) of things to do and see is actually surprising. The city is really rich in interesting attractions from a historical, archaeological and architectural point of view and, at the same time, offers extraordinary opportunities for fun and leisure to live happy and carefree moments.
In short, there is something for all tastes!
What to do and see in Utrecht
The most characteristic aspect of this splendid city is certainly represented by the typical Dutch water channels that cross it and of which the main one is the central channel called Oudegracht.
Along the banks of this ancient canal of medieval origin there are the old quays located below the street level where today the city stroll is concentrated and where it is possible to find many restaurants, bars, nice and fun hangouts.
Certainly, one of the coolest things to do in Utrecht is right the tour of the canals with the typical wooden boats, but also a nice bike ride, perhaps in the morning, along the banks of the canal and the neighboring streets it is absolutely not to be missed!
An experience that I particularly highlight is the night tour of the canals organized by Trajectum Lumen which consists in reliving the history of the city, since its Roman origins, starting from the center and passing, through the various canals, for artistic installations based on plays of light ... really an interesting and original idea that allows you to spend a different evening ! For more information you can visit the trajectumlumen.nl website
History, culture and archeology
Along the Oudegracht canal you reach the Old Town of the city where the main square is located, the Domplein, and where there are the university building, the gothic Domkerk church and, above all, the beautiful Cathedral Tower, the Domturen, famous for being the tallest bell tower in all of Holland. From the top of the tower, in fact, you can enjoy a wonderful panorama from which, it is said, it is even possible to see Amsterdam. But now, from the top of the bell tower we go down… underground!
In fact, below the central square is another interesting historical attraction, called Sun Under, which consists in visiting the underground excavations rich in archaeological finds from the history of the city. More information on the domunder.com website
In the area adjacent to the beautiful Domplein, a real medieval jewel and nerve center of the city, it is also possible to visit the Church of St. Williboard which is considered the most beautiful neo-gothic church in Holland.
On the opposite bank of the main channel, there is the Oudaen Castle, famous for the old brewery located in the building. And in fact, here it is also possible to dine or have an aperitif, but above all you cannot fail to taste the excellent traditional beer of the city!
Continuing further along the Oudegracht you arrive in the museum district, the Museumkwartier, a young and lively area where, as the name implies, there is the Central Museum in which there is the largest collection in the world of the works of the Utrecht architect Gerrit Rietveld, including his famous chair.
And it is to this artist that we owe it Rietveld Schröder House, the small house that is located beyond the historic center and which represents an authentic masterpiece of contemporary architecture, UNESCO heritage.
Still for architecture lovers, the futuristic structure of the Stadskantoor, the town hall building which is located near the central station. The structure has been designed in order to reduce carbon emissions by installing solar panels and thanks to an efficient air conditioning and heating system of the building.
Outside the city limits, just over 10 km from the center, there is the sumptuous Haar Castle, the largest in the country, dating back to the fourteenth century. This huge medieval fortress reveals an infinite number of rooms and private spaces that were once the luxurious home of the Van Zuylen family. Even the outdoor spaces, with the large garden and huge trees, are definitely worth a visit. The castle is easily accessible by car, but sports enthusiasts can rent a bicycle and get there by pedaling!
Utrecht, in fact, has one large network of cycle paths and, as I said above, cycling is certainly one of the most pleasant and fun things to do in the city.
Shopping, entertainment and music
Utrecht really surprises for the incredible opportunities for fun and entertainment thanks to the multitude of pubs, bars and clubs located mainly in the historic center area.
But the extraordinary musical offer of the city is not far behind, with numerous and interesting festivals and performances. The beautiful auditorium deserves a mention TivoliVredenburg, which is located not far from the center, where concerts of various genres such as pop, jazz and dance are held.
Go out in Utrecht the evening actually means immersing yourself in the dynamic and young university dimension of the city where it is really easy to meet and chat with the residents and the numerous university students. For a rich list of clubs and events in the city I point out the useful site visit-utrecht.com
Finally, the city does not disappoint fans of either Shopping: in the streets of the center, in fact, there are several "neighborhood" markets among which there is Bloemenmarkt, the traditional flower market held every Saturday and where you can buy typical Dutch tulips.
For the more "aggressive" shopping lovers, I recommend the shopping center "The Wall“, Which is located outside the city near the“ A2 ”motorway. The center has an elongated futuristic structure that seems to follow the motorway route and inside which there is also a whole series of entertainment and attractions for young and old.
In conclusion
Utrecht is easily accessible from Amsterdam Airport, Schiphol, where direct trains depart which take about 15 minutes.
Moreover, thanks to its geographical position, it is also easily reachable by car from some important nearby cities, so not only Amsterdam, but also Rotterdam and The Hague (about 60 km), Antwerp and Brussels (about 150 km) and Cologne in Germany. (about 230 km).
Therefore, Utrecht is truly one perfect destination also for an itinerant trip in car in the heart of Europe!
In short, in conclusion, Utrecht is truly a fascinating and interesting city which, with a low cost, represents a great idea to spend a weekend, or perhaps a bridge, abroad.
If you have already been to Utrecht, tell us your experience in the comments.
