Utrecht, one of my favorite cities in the Netherlands. Although it is not my hometown, I have visited Utrecht already so many times due to my parents and all my family being born here. Utrecht feels like a second home, and then it’s amazing that Utrecht is such a nice place. This Dutch city, reminiscent of Amsterdam, has its own unique history and appeal. The city with a big shopping center, lot’s of culture like different museums and delicious food places.

Utrecht’s unique structure includes split-level canals, where the Oudegracht’s shipyards have transformed into shops, restaurants, and homes, creating a distinctive ‘split-level’ canal formation. In this blog we will explore Utrecht and make sure that you are prepared for your visit to the ‘Dom stad’.

Meeting Utrecht

Utrecht is located in the center of the Netherlands, although it isn’t the capital city it could easily could have. Utrecht has around 360.000 citizens, sometimes also known as ”Utrechter”. Besides that the city is mostly famous for the highest Church of the Netherlands: de Domtoren. The Dom Tower, standing at an impressive 112 meters, is known for its great views and historical significance. The last few years the building has been in reconstruction but the Church will be fully visible in 2024 again.

Dom Square is a historical and cultural center featuring the tallest church tower in the Netherlands and a new cultural center called DOMUnder, offering visitors the opportunity to uncover 2,000 years of Dutch history through underground archeological exploration and interactive experiences.

Besides the high building, there is one other thing you definitely can’t miss while walking around the city center. The big canal system, just like Amsterdam, Utrecht has some incredible canals walking through the city. One difference? In Utrecht you can even choose to enjoy some food near the water or stay in a hotel beside the canals. So of course when you are traveling to the Netherlands, you wouldn’t want to miss out on Amsterdam, but in my opinion, Utrecht has so much more to offer. Utrecht also offers a bit more of a local experience and less tourist vibes.

Utrecht University, the largest university in the Netherlands, is located in the city and contributes significantly to its status as a major hub for both rail and road transport.

---

Where to stay?

Although less touristy than Amsterdam, Utrecht is still a very big city. What also means that they have more than enough hotel options. These are the ones that I would recommend to someone who would want to enjoy a few days in the city:

• Bunk Hotel Utrecht: Stay in a beautiful renovated church, right in the city center. The hotel looks truly amazing and besides the inside views you also watch over a canal. What makes it the perfect option the stay during your visit.
• Hotel Oudegracht: Earlier in the blog, I was telling you about staying besides the canals. Well with Hotel Oudegracht you can stay inside the wharf cellar room. This is something that will complete your visit to Utrecht completely.
• House Boat: For this option I unfortunately don’t have a specific recommendations, but I still wanted to tell you about it. Near the waterfronts of Utrecht you will also find ‘Woonboten’ also known as a house boat. The house boats actually don’t move locations but are still on the water. You can check out Airbnb if you would like to stay in a boat!

---

Where to eat?

Utrecht has some amazing places to eat. In all the times I have visited the city center, I have had quite a few opportunities to explore the best food options, so here come my favorites:

‘T Koffieboontje: Looking to start your day with a nice cup of coffee? Consider visiting the cafe called ‘T Koffieboontje (Coffee bean). With it’s location right in the shopping area makes is great for an easy visit to start your day of right. The cafe has a no laptop policy rule, so you can really enjoy your time alone or with your loved ones. Personal favorite? The Latte Macchiato has an amazing taste! Maybe that’s because they have their very own coffee beans.

Broodje Ben: Although not a restaurant but more of a food stand near the canals, ‘Broodje Ben‘ is the perfect place to get a nice lunch. They only serve fresh products and have more than 50 different options, also including many vegan options. After you got your lunch, I would definitely take the stairs besides the stand to down below and sit besides the canals.

Boslust Cafe Restaurant: This place was actually just added to my favorites list, as I visited the restaurant last December. We enjoyed a nice lunch here with some typical Utrecht hospitality. The restaurant has already been in Utrecht for quite some time, so if you are looking for a local experience, you should visit Boslust!

De Kaasbar: Looking for a unique experience? Have a visit at the restaurant called the ‘Kaasbar‘ or ‘Cheesebar’. Although I would only consider this restaurant if you are a big cheese lover. At this restaurant you won’t see a conveyor belt with sushi but with cheese! Enjoy a lovely lunch or dinner while tasting many different cheeses.

The Streetfood Club: Not in for cheese? Consider enjoying some dinner of lunch at The Streetfood Club in Utrecht. This trendy place is the spot if you want to enjoy some asian inspired food. I would definitely recommend the Streetfood basket. As the basket serves some amazing asian snacks for lunch in a cute way. Besides the food, the Streetfood Club also has delicious cocktails, what makes it also perfect for a drink later in the evening.

---

What to do?

Well, no wonder that I would say, consider visiting the ‘Domtoren’ and other historical places. But besides the highest church, Utrecht also has some amazing other activities. These are my favorites:

Museum Galore: Utrecht has a few different museums that are all worth visiting. The ‘Central Museum‘ is the biggest one and has many different collections. Utrecht has the biggest trainstation of the Netherlands, no wonder that a museum dedicated to the trains is located in Utrecht. Spoorwegmuseum is perfect for all ages. All around the world is ‘Miffy’ a popular character. Did you know that Miffy was created in the Netherlands? The Utrechter Dick Bruna is the creator of the character in Dutch called ‘Nijntje’. In Utrecht you will then also find the ‘Nijntje Museum‘, that is mostly focussing on children.

Take a walk through the city and its charming neighborhoods to fully experience Utrecht’s unique atmosphere.

Shopping city: Utrecht is an amazing shopping city. Not only has it many different shops besides the canals, it also has its own big shopping mall connected to the train station. You can easily shop for a full day in Utrecht. The city is then also my go to place to do some shopping and exploring.

Utrecht is one of the greenest cities in the country, offering plenty of parks and green spaces to enjoy.

Explore the canals: Of course you can walk beside the canals and take some amazing pictures, but if you want to do a bit extra and a nice activity. You should definitely consider the canals and city on the water. How? Well you can easily rent a kayak or a small boat to explore the waters. Besides those option you could also go for a bit more and explore the waters on a sup board!

---

Utrecht will always hold a special place in my heart. Although we are leaving for the digital nomad life, I’m happy that I have had the pleasure to visit this special city as many times as I did. Hope you are also going to have just as an amazing time in Utrecht as I did!