Plan the BEST day in the city of Utrecht
Utrecht is one of the most beautiful cities in the Netherlands and it is no wonder that it is a popular destination for tourists. The city has a rich history and many interesting attractions to offer visitors. From the charming canals to the trendy cafes and restaurants, Utrecht is a city with something for everyone. Let's take a look at some of the most popular things to do in Utrecht: the beautiful canals, cute cafes and delicious restaurants.
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A Little History of Utrecht
Utrecht is one of the oldest cities in the Netherlands. It was founded by the Romans in 47 AD. It was then called Traiectum (later known to the locals as Utrecht) and served as a bridgehead over the Rhine. The city quickly grew into an important commercial centre and became an important stronghold of the Catholic Church. In the 16th century, Utrecht played a leading role in the Dutch Revolt against Spanish rule. The city was finally captured by the Dutch troops in 1579.
Utrecht continued to prosper in the following centuries and became an important centre of trade and industry. The city went through a period of decline in the 19th century but experienced a revival in the early 20th century.
What to do in Utrecht
Dom tower
The Dom Tower is not just a 112 meter (and 32 centimetre) high church tower in the city that at some point got separated from the main church building because of a hurricane. It is the symbol of the city and the highest church tower of the country. If you are up for the challenge, climb the 465 steps to the top and enjoy the best vantage point of the city.
Rotsoord
This former industrial area is now like a second living heart of the city where a lot of different restaurants and bars are located. Enjoy a drink on the terrace and bask in the sun like the locals do while enjoying a spectacular view of the city.
Castle De Haar
The Haar Castle is located near the city and is also the biggest castle in the country. Dating back to the 13th century this castle is a beautiful piece of local history and a favourite place for a lot of local events that include the elf fantasy fair and is also a popular location for wedding events.
Canal cruise
The canals of Utrecht are unique and full of life. Back in the day supplies would be transported throughout the city by boat, some of the bars and restaurants still get their supply deliveries like that even today. But what used to be waterfront storage basements are now restaurants that are a pleasure to pass by boat. You can take a cruise or rent a boat and enjoy the water while passing under the countless bridges throughout the city.
Where to eat in Utrecht
We’ve made a small list of our favourite restaurants that will give you a unique surprise and will be a great experience with good food and a great interior!
Goesting
This restaurant may not seem like much from the outside, but it holds a surprise at the back where the restaurant opens up into a large and lush green garden where you can eat and enjoy the weather. Located in the old dog stable of the Veterinary School Goesting has been an oasis in the city since 2001.
Tiger Mama
Located on de Voorstraat in Utrecht, Tiger Mama is an Asian restaurant that will wrap you up in a lush green interior while you enjoy delicious sushi and dim sum. They also have an amazing varying ten-course menu to share that will blow you away for less than 30 euros a person.
The wharf cellars on the canal
There is no one great restaurant we can choose from here, there are just too many but if you want to dine at one of the most unforgettable and Idyllic locations of the city during summer and watch boats go by all day, find a kitchen of your choosing along the canal. There are over 50 restaurants located there all within a 1km range of each other.
We will leave you with the recommendation of Kimmade for Vietnamese food and Gauchos if you are in the mood for the best meat in the city.
Nature in Utrecht
The city of Utrecht is filled with parks. You’d be surprised at just how many there are and just how important they are in the lives of the locals because most residents don’t have a garden themselves. If you grow up in this city, you grow up hanging out in them all the time. During school breaks, after school, the weekends. Utrechters love their parks.
Visit Park Lepelenburg with its cute red and white music tent where there is always live music in the summer. Another great and unique park is the Rosarium Oudwijk. This rose garden is situated right in between the Hogelandsepark and the Wilhelminapark and has been a public park since 1913 that holds more than 150 different species of roses.
Apart from the various parks Utrecht offers, the locals are also very fond of the canals. Which are often hugged on at least one side of the bank by a strip of grass intended for leisure activities like picnics and sunbathing. On sunny days you will find groups of people simply lying in the grass, having fun, studying and listening to music.
An unknown gem amidst the city
The Pandhof Sinte Marie is located on the Mariaplaats in Utrecht right across the street from Bison Bowling. It may not look like much when you pass it across the street but take a peek inside and you will be astonished. This small inner city garden belongs to the Mediaeval Saint Mary’s church and still has a part of the cloister that is kept in good condition to preserve its history. This beautiful but small garden is open to visitors every day and it’s a great spot to take a breath or enjoy a take-away coffee. You’d forget you are in such a big city when you’re enjoying the scenery of this small mediaeval garden.