Utrecht is a chill college town in the central Netherlands with more than 2000 years of history. The iconic Dom Tower and the Gothic Cathedral of St. Martin in Domplein square trace back to medieval times.
Dubbed Europe’s most beautiful canal city, Utrecht boasts a gorgeous tree-lined canal. On weeknights, locals chill at the beer houses along the canal. The Dutch sail their boat there on weekends with beer on their hands.
The fourth-largest city in the country is well connected to other Dutch cities via train and canal. Inevitably, Utrecht makes an excellent day trip from Amsterdam, Rotterdam, or The Hague. But if you can spare extra days, Utrecht is also an ideal base to take day trips from.
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How to Get to Utrecht
Utrecht from Amsterdam
By Train: Take an intercity train from Amsterdam Centraal to Utrecht Centraal (€8.40), which takes about 30 minutes.
By Bicycle: Pedal 41.5km. According to Google Map, it takes about 2.25 hours.
By Private Car: Hire a private tour anywhere in the Netherlands.
Amsterdam Day Trips to Utrecht
>> If you are taking a day trip to Utrecht from Amsterdam, consider joining these tours:
- This Utrecht Day Tour with an expert guide plans your customized itinerary by train.
- A private day trip from Amsterdam takes you to the two most critical Dutch castles with a rich history: Muidenslot and De Haar Castle (#7 below).
- Discover a stunning canal city Utrecht and swing by a 700-year-old medieval castle (Muidenslot) on the way from Amsterdam.
Utrecht from Rotterdam
By Train: Take an intercity train from Rotterdam Centraal to Utrecht Centraal (€11.50). The journey takes about 40 minutes.
By Bicycle: Ride about 60km, which takes about 3.5 hours.
By Private Car: Hire a private tour anywhere in the Netherlands.
Utrecht from The Hague
By Train: Take an intercity train from Den Haag Centraal to Utrecht Centraal (€12.30). It takes about 40 minutes.
By Bicycle: Pedal about 70km. It takes about 4 hours.
By Private Car: Hire a private tour anywhere in the Netherlands.
What to Do in Utrecht in One Day
#1. Dom Tower (Domtoren)
The Dom Tower (Domtoren) is Utrecht’s must-visit attraction. The 112-meter-high medieval church tower is the tallest in the Netherlands.
Take the tour of an iconic cultural landmark in the city center. (It is only accessible by a guided tour.) You would have to climb up 465 steps, but the reward is the best panoramic view of Utrecht. And you also receive a postcard as your keepsake for your accomplishment. But the tower is also wheelchair accessible by the lift.
Inside the tower, you will also learn about the history and see its famous bells (at 40 meters) and 17th-century carillon (at 80 meters). Every Saturday around 11 am, a live bell play by a professional player takes place. (Otherwise, it is recorded and automated.)
Tickets are sold at the tourist information center. Be sure to sign up for the tour. All bags must be stored in the locker inside the information center. (Don’t forget to take the ticket out of your bag.) And be there on time for the tour.
Optional: take DOMunder tour (€12.50) if interested in seeing the underground Utrecht from 2000 years ago.
Admission: €10, Children age 4-12 €5, age 0-3 free, Students/65+ €7.50
Location: [Open Google Map]
Hours: 10 am – 5 pm
#2. St. Martin’s Cathedral (Dom Kerk)
St. Martin’s Cathedral is also known as the Dom Church (Dom Kerk). In Domplein Square, the medieval cathedral stands next to the Dom Tower. Step into this peaceful church and you will be awed by fabulous stained glass windows, pointed arches and vaulted ceilings. A music concert is regularly held every Saturday at 3:30 pm.
Location: [Open Google Map]
Hours: May – Sept. 10 am – 5 pm | Oct. – April 11 am – 4 pm | Sun. 12:30-4 pm
#3. Pandhof Domkerk
Pandhof Domkerk is a lovely courtyard on the church ground. This square garden is an excellent place to rest or stroll. The entrance is closed at 4 pm; Unfortunately, I only got to see it from the tower (see it in the photo above).
Location: [Open Google Map]
Hours: 10 am – 4 pm
>> Joining Utrecht Walking Tours (off-the-beaten-path and city tour) is an excellent way to learn about the city’s 2000-year-old history with an expert. Explore the medieval Domplein in the heart of the town.
#4. Utrecht Canal
Are you canaled out yet? I mean, where can you not find canals in the Netherlands, right? However, since Utrecht has won the title “Europe’s most beautiful canal city,” taking time to appreciate its stunning canal is a must.
I noticed that Utrecht canals have what-I-would-call a basement area. Basically, you go down from the street to reach the terrace of restaurants and beer houses along the water. It is nice to grab a terrace seat here and watch the Dutch chill on their boat in the water.
A few places of my recommendations:
- Beers & Barrels [Google Map]: A relaxed bar & grill with a great selection of beers and food.
- Stadskasteel Oudaen [Google Map]: Built in 1276 for the Zoudenbalch family, one of the first stone buildings in Utrecht had turned into a restaurant. It has its own brewery.
>> You don’t have a Dutch friend to invite you to a boat party? Hop on a canal cruise to see the highlights of the medieval city from the water.