Utrecht Attractions: 10 Things to see and Do in Utrecht + Restaurant Guide
The Best Utrecht Things to See, Attractions, Tips & Highlights [+ Restaurant & Hotel Recommendations]
Utrecht offers a delightful mix of a vibrant city filled with numerous cafés, restaurants, and cool little shops, alongside architectural highlights featuring charming canals and historic sites—from the Oudegracht with its unique wharf cellars to the tallest church tower in the Netherlands. And did you know that it is only half an hour away from Amsterdam?!
We present the city’s highlights and the best Utrecht things to see and do. Additionally, we provide tips for restaurants and cafés. Let’s get started!
Transparency: This article contains advertising links with our recommendations. By booking/purchasing via one of the links, we receive a commission that you use to support our work. Of course it costs you nothing extra! Thank you for your support!
1. Dom Tower – Utrecht things to see
The highest church tower in the Netherlands rises 112 meters into the air and offers you a breathtaking view over Utrecht after climbing 465 steps. The guided tour up the tower is a real experience as you learn exciting stories about the tower’s eventful past.
Book the Dom Tower online in advance
➜ Domtoren: admission and guided tour
2. Utrecht Cathedral & Pandhof of the Dom
The imposing Gothic cathedral is the city’s landmark. The adjoining Pandhof van de Dom monastery garden is particularly worth a visit, a green oasis with picturesque arches, fragrant herbs and a touch of medieval mysticism.
3. DOMunder – Utrecht things to do
If you want to immerse yourself in the history of Utrecht, you shouldn’t miss this interactive museum. Below the Dom Square, you can explore archaeological remains and experience a fascinating journey through 2,000 years of the city’s history.
Book your DOMunder ticket online in advance
➜ Utrecht history at your fingertips: DOMunder ticket with guide
4. Utrecht Lumen – Utrecht attractions
After dark, works of light art transform the city into a fascinating open-air gallery. The installations tell stories about Utrecht and create a magical atmosphere along the canals and historic buildings.
5. Oudegracht – Utrecht things to see
This famous canal with its characteristic shipyard cellars is the heart of Utrecht. Cafés, restaurants and small boutiques line the waterfront, perfectly capturing the charm of the city. A boat trip on the Oudegracht is a special highlight.
Want to find out more about Utrecht?
➜ Book a city tour online in advance: Highlights and hidden corners
6. Oude Hortus Utrecht
This botanical garden is a hidden gem and is part of the university museum. The lovingly laid out beds and historic greenhouse exude a very special charm – ideal for a little break from the hustle and bustle of the city.
7. Centraal Museum Utrecht – Utrecht highlights
From classical art to contemporary exhibitions, this eclectic museum offers an impressive collection of Dutch works and is a must for art lovers in particular. Here you will find the largest Rietveld collection in the world!
Book your ticket online in advance
➜ Discover the oldest city museum in the Netherlands: admission ticket to the Centraal Museum
8. Museum Catharijneconvent – Things to see in Utrecht
Here you can immerse yourself in the religious history of the Netherlands. In addition to historical treasures and sacred art, there are interactive exhibitions that make the museum exciting even for non-art historians.
9. Rietveld-Schröder House
A masterpiece of the Dutch De Stijl style and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The house was designed by Gerrit Rietveld in 1924 and impresses with its innovative architecture, which still looks modern today. You can only visit the house as part of a guided tour. This offers exciting insights into the history, architecture and philosophy of the house. During the tour, there are also demonstrations on how to use the multifunctional designs – much of which is still in its original state.
ATTENTION: You must book a time slot in advance
Book a guided tour online in advance
➜ Secure your timeslot: Tickets for the Rietveld-Schröder House
10. Kasteel de Haar – Utrecht must see
Just outside Utrecht lies this fairytale castle with impressive towers, magnificent halls and extensive gardens. It is the largest castle in the Netherlands and looks like something out of a fairytale book. We highly recommend visiting the castle from the inside.
Book your Kasteel de Haar ticket online in advance
➜ Park & castle combined ticket: Kasteel de Haar *recommendation*
Restaurants & Cafés in Utrecht
Utrecht has a large selection of very good restaurants and cafés. You can find all the places below on the Google Maps map.
Belgian Beer Café Olivier Utrecht
A former church that now offers an impressive selection of beers.
Kaasbar Utrecht
Perfect for cheese lovers with a large selection of Dutch specialties.
Gys
A trendy organic restaurant with many vegetarian and vegan options.
Ruby Rose
A stylish restaurant with exquisite food and exceptional interior design.
O’Panuozzo Neapolitan Pizzeri
Authentic Neapolitan pizza in a relaxed atmosphere.
Anne&Max Utrecht Domkwartier
A cozy café with great breakfast and coffee.
De Zakkendrager
A traditional Dutch restaurant with regional specialties.
Stadskasteel Oudaen
A historic brewery with delicious beer and hearty dishes.
De Utrechtse Boekenbar
A combination of bookshop and café, perfect for browsing.
Meneer Potter
Modern bar with creative cocktails and a relaxed atmosphere.
Shopping in Utrecht
Hoog Catharijne
A large shopping center with international brands and boutiques.
E&co Warenhuis
A concept store with sustainable and local products.
Twijnstraat
Utrecht’s oldest shopping street with individual boutiques.
It all starts with a postcard
A unique store for postcards and stationery.
Swan Market Store Utrecht
Creative designs and products by local artists.
Hotels in Utrecht
The Nox Hotel Utrecht
A stylish boutique hotel with beautiful rooms and a delicious breakfast – our recommendation.
Mother Goose Hotel
Charming, individually designed rooms with a great view.
Eye Hotel
Historic building with modern comfort and unique design.
Optional excursion: Amersfoort
If you have time, Amersfoort is well worth a visit. The medieval town offers charming canals and a beautiful medieval gate called Koppelpoort dating back to 1425. You can climb the imposing Onze Lieve Vrouwetoren tower. You’re sure to have a great view of the city from the top.
But if, like us, you’ve already climbed the tower in Utrecht, you probably won’t feel like it anymore. And that’s okay. The Mondriaanhuis, the birthplace of the famous painter Piet Mondrian, is also worth a visit.
With this list, you have the perfect basis for your Utrecht trip! Which places have particularly inspired you? Write it in the comments and share your experiences!
Photo: Rietveld-Schröder house by “Wirestock” on depositphotos.com
Merke dir den Beitrag jetzt auf Pinterest:
More articles
Florence in 3 days - The ultimate city guide with 27 great attractions and must sees [+map, restaurants, hotels]
BONN in one day: The perfect guide to the 7 most beautiful attractions (+ hotels, restaurants)
Rome in 3 days: City Guide with 17 great attractions everyone should visit
The 19 most beautiful Athens sights in two days [+map, restaurants, hotels]
0 Kommentare
Your email address will be treated confidentially in accordance with our privacy-policy. Required fields are marked with *.