Canals in Utrecht, what else?

Canals in Utrecht what else

Utrecht’s unique canals

Everybody knows Amsterdam, everybody wants to be there at least once, this is an absolute must-see-place-before-I-die in every bucket list. However, there is another place in the Netherlands as beautiful as Amsterdam and as vibrant as the Dutch capital. And…. this is Utrecht with its unique canals.

Utrecht is the 4th biggest city in the Netherlands and is situated in the middle of the country. This is the reason why Utrecht central station became a kind of a train hub. A lot of expats prefer to live here rather than in Amsterdam and easily commute to their workplaces.

So, if you plan to visit the Netherlands and Utrecht is on your list, I am going to give you some tips on what to do, to see and to try in Utrecht. And of course, not miss out the canals…

How to get to Utrecht?

Even if your accommodation is not in Utrecht, you can easily get here by public transport – in 20 minutes by train from Amsterdam you’ll arrive at Utrecht Cetraal. Utrecht central station is located in the centre and is connected to Hoog Catharijne mall, which was recently renovated and is a great place for shopping.

Utrecht Central Station
Utrecht Central Station

Hang out at the Market

If you visit Utrecht from Wednesday to Saturday, you’ll definitely see the Market. It takes place at the Market place located at the exit of Hoog Catharijne. Here you can try delicious Dutch specialities: herring, cheese, stroopwafels, and others. The market is a great place to buy fresh fruit, vegetables, fresh fish and seafood. Mmmmm Yummmyyyyy.

Saturday Market in Utrecht
Saturday Market in Utrecht

Tivoli Vredenburg concert hall

TivoliVredenburg is Utrecht concert hall and is just 2 minutes walk from the Market. On Friday there are free lunch concerts starting at 12.30. If you are a music addict, don’t miss this out!

Tivoli Vredenburg concert hall
Tivoli Vredenburg concert hall

Het Melkmeisje (The Milkmaid), a chef-d’oeuvre by the Dutch artist Johannes Vermeer

No matter which little street you’ll take to reach the canals or the main shopping street known as Oudegracht, you’ll feel the vibrant atmosphere coming from all the little cafes, restaurants and shops. On Zakkendragerssteeg street, you can admire a wall-painting of Het Melkmeisje (The Milkmaid), a chef-d’oeuvre by the Dutch artist Johannes Vermeer.

Het Melkmeisje (The Milkmaid) by the Dutch artist Johannes Vermeer
Het Melkmeisje (The Milkmaid) by the Dutch artist Johannes Vermeer

Oudegracht and the beautiful canals of Utrecht

Once arrived at Oudegracht, you’ll be surprised how busy it is! It feels like Amsterdam! This is a great spot to take some awesome photoshoots with all the bikes, the beautiful canals and the imposing Dom Tower. Before continuing your city tour, take a moment to marvel at the view…It’s just breathtaking…

Oudegracht and the beautiful canals of Utrecht
Oudegracht and the beautiful canals of Utrecht

Get some French fries at the Frietwinkel

Before embarking on a cultural exploration of the city, let’s have a break and take some French fries at the Frietwinkel! This is the best place to eat French fries in the whole country! They are bio and all the sauces are homemade. So delicious….

Get some French fries at the Frietwinkel
Get some French fries at the Frietwinkel

Now, it’s time to explore all the highlights of Utrecht…

Utrecht by night
Utrecht by night

Dom Tower and the Dom Church

Let’s start with the Dom Tower and the Dom Church. You can walk around the Dom place and visit the Dom church (also known as Cathedral Saint Martin) or you can climb at the top of Dom Tour. You can check the guided tours here. The tourist information office is also nearby, so if you want to buy souvenirs, you can stop by there as there are not many souvenir shops in Utrecht.

 Dom Tower and the Dom Church
Dom Tower and the Dom Church

Next stop: Utrecht Central Museum

For those of you who adore art, this a good spot to check. You’ll find a very rich painting collection and a significant Dutch design collection. At the attic of the museum is hidden the cosy studio of Dick Bruna – the creator of the rabbit Miffy. You’ll discover a piece of his world as well the huge Miffy book collection. So keep calm and buy a Miffy rabbit as a souvenir…

Utrecht Central Museum
Utrecht Central Museum

Museum Speelklok

If you are passionate about museums, you should check the Museum Speelklok. It’s a very cool place where you can see an outstanding collection of self-playing instruments like music boxes, musical clocks, as well as the typically Dutch large street organs and a turret clock with a carillon. The word speelklok means musical clock.

Finally, it’s time to come back to the canals and have a drink in one of the numerous restaurants there.

Miffy by Dick Bruna
Miffy by Dick Bruna

Is Utrecht on your travel radar? For more information about The Netherlands, check out my Travel page.

Thanks for reading!