If you follow the canal and street ‘Oudegracht’ all the way from top to bottom, you’ll already find so many stunning places. Even better, you can walk around the entire old city center in under an hour, making it an incredible thing to do in Utrecht.
Here are all your hotel options in Utrecht.
3. Relax at Oude Gracht
The 2-kilometer-long ‘Oude Gracht’ (Old Canal) of Utrecht, with a lower-level quay and warehouses, is unique in the Netherlands. Many of these warehouses have been transformed into restaurants and bars with a terrace along the waterside. Either grab a terrace seat or simply sit down at the water where there are no restaurants. (Plenty of spots available!)
Here are all your hotel options in Utrecht.
Hire a canoe or electric boat to discover the serene canal waters just as if you are in Venice, Italy. Bring some drinks and snacks for your trip, but never leave trash behind! All companies offer a map and route instructions for even better explorations!
Expect to pay around €30 per hour for an electric boat in Utrecht.
No time to read now?No worries! Save on Pinterest to read it later.Saveto Pinterest4. Shopping and Vintage Shopping
Utrecht’s old city center is the place to go shopping. Throughout the entire center are small boutiques and great vintage stores. And don’t skip the Hoog Catharijne Mall, one of the biggest indoor shopping centers in the Netherlands.
Tours of the tower are in Dutch and English, and admission is €9 for adults and €5 for kids aged 4-12.
Please note: The tower is currently undergoing restoration work. However, it is still open for tours.
6. Best Places to Eat in Utrecht
When visiting Utrecht, you won’t be disappointed when it comes down to the food. The city is, just like Rotterdam, filled with fantastic food hot spots and trendy cafes with something for everyone. Three days will not be enough to try them all, really! These are some of our favorite spots:
- O’Panuozzo Neapolitan Pizzeria
- Ruby Rose
- Rabarber
- Karibu Cafe
- The Street Food Club
7. Miffy (Nijntje)
Dick Bruna is a famous children’s book author born in Utrecht. His books of the white rabbit named Miffy (Nijntje in Dutch) are known all over the world. For that reason, you can find Miffy throughout the entire city with a statue at Miffy Square, a Miffy Museum, and possibly the coolest feature: a Miffy traffic light.
9. Castle de Haar, Utrecht
Fairytales come to life at Castle de Haar, located just outside of Utrecht. De Haar is the largest castle in the Netherlands, featuring beautiful gardens and a truly stunning castle that you can explore on the inside, too! An admission ticket is needed in order to visit the castle, which you can buy on location or online in advance.
10. Day Trip to Amsterdam
Utrecht is a fantastic alternative to Amsterdam. Plus, from Utrecht, you can easily visit Amsterdam on a day trip because the journey is only 30 minutes by train! Another advantage is that hotels in Utrecht are slightly more affordable. Rent a bike for the day in Amsterdam and explore the city at its best.
Read: Complete Amsterdam Guide – Best Things to do
11. Oude Hortus
Oude Hortus is the former botanical garden of Utrecht. Inside the garden, you will find a wide variety of medicinal herbs, centuries-old trees, and greenhouses full of exotic plants and flowers. Oude Hortus in Utrecht is part of the University Museum and has a wonderful garden cafe on site.
Entrance tickets to the University Museum + Oude Hortus are 8 EUR.
Where to Stay in Utrecht?
Utrecht has a good selection of accommodations throughout the entire city. It is recommended to stay near to the old city center where most of the things to do in Utrecht are located.
Hotels in Utrecht 😴
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How to Get to Utrecht
Visiting Utrecht from Amsterdam couldn’t be easier. The train from Amsterdam Central Station or Schiphol International Airport only takes about 30 minutes and it runs throughout the entire day.
We recommend to rent a car in Netherlands through Sunny Cars with free cancellation and insurance included. Book your rental car here.
Getting Around
Utrecht has a small city center and is very easy to get around on foot. This is also the only way recommended since there is no tram or metro available in the old city center.
Costs of traveling in Utrecht
Utrecht is slightly cheaper compared to Amsterdam when it comes down to accommodation and restaurants.
Costs of Traveling in Utrecht
Travel on a budget in Utrecht, from $440 − $880 USD weekly per person, mid-range $840 − $1950 USD, and high-end from $1870 − $2900 USD. However, costs depend on factors like accommodation, transportation, and activities. We did not include flights. Check flight prices here
* Average daily costs
Hotels:$50−$250 USD
Check available hotels
Hostels:$30−$90 USD
Check available hostels
Transport:$10−$30 USD
Book public transport
Car Rental:$35−$80 USD
Book a rental car
Food:$10−$45 USD
Activities:$10−$30 USD
Sim:$1−$3 USD
Travel Insurance:$2−$6 USD
Budget tip!
Traveling to a country with a different currency? Avoid ATM transaction fees and pay in local currency with a Wise Card. Having used it for over 5 years, we've saved loads on fees.
Get a Wise CardBest Time to Visit
April to September is the best time to visit Utrecht weather-wise. Spring in the Netherlands is usually the ideal timing with rays of spring sunshine, fewer tourists, and temperatures between 10 – 20 degrees.
Best
Good
Mixed
Poor
🌧️
5°C
Jan
🌧️
7°C
Feb
☁️
9°C
Mar
⛅
12°C
Apr
🌦️
16°C
May
🌦️
20°C
Jun
🌦️
22°C
Jul
🌦️
21°C
Aug
⛅
17°C
Sep
🌦️
14°C
Oct
🌧️
9°C
Nov
☁️
6°C
Dec
Did you know that …
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Thank you for your support. ♥️
- Find Hotels via Booking.com
- Find a Rental Car via Sunny Cars
- Find Flights to Utrecht via Skyscanner
- Get a Travel Insurance via Heymondo
- Book a Bus/Train/Transfer via 12Go
Salt in our Hair16/10/2023https://www.saltinourhair.com/netherlands/utrecht/
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Last updated: October 16, 2023