Netherlands · City Guide
Utrecht
Utrecht is the Netherlands' fourth largest city and most youthful major university city, a beautiful canal town with a unique double-level canal system, the magnificent Dom Tower, excellent museums, outstanding restaurants and a vibrant cultural scene shaped by 75,000 students. Just 30 minutes from Amsterdam but with its own distinct and in many ways more authentic Dutch character, Utrecht consistently rewards visitors who make the journey.
Elect's take
"Utrecht has a character that I find more immediately appealing than Amsterdam for everyday Dutch life. The double-level canals with their unique wharf cellars converted into restaurants, the Dom Tower and the university atmosphere create something genuinely enjoyable."
The Dom Tower is the tallest church tower in the Netherlands at 112 metres, providing outstanding views across Utrecht and the surrounding countryside. The unique feature of Utrecht's canals is the two-level wharf system where the lower level, originally used for unloading goods from barges, has been converted into restaurants, cafés and bars creating one of the most atmospheric outdoor dining environments in the Netherlands. The Rietveld Schröder House, designed by Gerrit Rietveld in 1924, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the definitive expression of De Stijl design. The Museum Speelklok houses an extraordinary collection of self-playing musical instruments. Hoog Catharijne is one of the Netherlands' largest shopping centres.
Best time to visit
How to get there
What to expect
Dom Tower
The Netherlands' tallest church tower with panoramic views across Utrecht.
Double-Level Canals
A unique canal system with wharf cellars converted into outstanding restaurants and bars.
Rietveld Schröder House
A UNESCO World Heritage Site and the definitive expression of De Stijl design.
Museum Speelklok
An extraordinary collection of self-playing musical instruments from street organs to orchestrions.
University Atmosphere
75,000 students creating a vibrant cultural scene of cafés, bars and independent restaurants.
Oudegracht Dining
Outstanding restaurants along the famous double-level canal system.
