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While traveling in Netherlands you are bound to come across the beautiful Utrecht. Whether you’re coming for business or pleasure, there’s always something to do and places to see in Utrecht.
Amble along with me as my Utrecht blog will help you find some of the top things to do in Utrecht.
An itinerary of 4 days is good to see the most popular tourist attractions in Utrecht. But if you can add 2-3 days more you’d be able to experience rather than ‘see’ that an ordinary tourist does. Here are the best things to see in Utrecht along with a list of the most interesting things to do in Utrecht:
1. Dom Tower of Utrecht
With hundreds of years of history, Dom Tower of Utrecht stands as a landmark of Utrecht.
Quick Facts:
- This 112 m tall structure was designed by John of Hainaut, Cornelis de Wael.
- Take a total of 465 steps to get to the top.
Address: Domplein 21, 3512 JC Utrecht, Netherlands
2. Castle De Haar
Castle De Haar is an age-old fortified structure sitting on a hilltop.
The Castle De Haar has borne witness to some of the most important events of the city’s history. Start with the visitor center, and grab the free map!
Quick Facts:
- Some of the things Castle De Haar features include beautiful landscaped gardens.
- The castle is located near Haarzuilens village.
- The castle was built somewhere around 19th-century.
A natural crowd puller, Castle De Haar is right up there in the list of best things to do in Utrecht.
Address: Kasteellaan 1, 3455 RR Utrecht, Netherlands
3. St Martin’s Cathedral
St Martin’s Cathedral is an old Cathedral located in the Utrecht city.
The Basilica’s front façade looks stunning, adorned with sculptures of the twelve Apostles and Jesus. The cathedral’s importance is further underscored by the presence of the tomb of the patron saint.
Quick Facts:
- The cathedral was opened on 1254.
- Built in Gothic architecture style, it is eye pleasingly pretty site to look at.
Address: Achter de Dom 1, 3512 JN Utrecht, Netherlands
4. Centraal Museum
The Centraal Museum in the centre of Utrecht is a wonderful place to learn about the history of the city.
Quick Facts:
- The highlight of the place includes artworks by Caravaggist.
- Centraal Museum is housed in the historic pittoresk building.
With so much to offer, no wonder Centraal Museum is one of the top things to do in Utrecht.
Address: Agnietenstraat 1, 3512 XA Utrecht, Netherlands
5. Railway Museum
An interesting railroad museum, Railway Museum showcases the history of railway in the region.
On display in the museum are various historical locomotives & passenger cars, as well as railroad and signalling equipments.
In my opinion the rustic steam engines are the highlight of the museum.
Quick Facts:
- Railway Museum is housed in the historical train station from 19th-century.
Address: Maliebaanstation 16, 3581 XW Utrecht, Netherlands
6. Rietveld Schröder House
Rietveld Schröder House is a house turned museum established in the honor of Netherlands’s one of the top cultural icons.
This house museum is an excellent place to learn more about the person and his works. And even if are clueless about the person, you can still appreciate the magnificent house and its garden.
Quick Facts:
- Brought to life by the architect Gerrit Rietveld, house museum is a classic example of fine De Stijl.
- The house museum is dedicated to the popular Dutch architect.
Without a doubt this wonderful house museum is one amongst the top things to do in Utrecht.
Address: Prins Hendriklaan 50, 3583 EP Utrecht, Netherlands
7. Utrecht Botanic Gardens
Utrecht Botanic Gardens is a large expanse of green located in the very heart of Utrecht.
The Utrecht Botanic Gardens is divided into several section, with each having its own importance.
The arboretum is something to be seen, with thousands of species arranged scientifically. Including both indoor and outdoor displays there are thousand of species in this botanical garden.
Quick Facts:
- It was in 1639 when it was established.
Address: Budapestlaan 17, 3584 CD Utrecht, Netherlands
8. Oudegracht
The canal weaves through different part of Utrecht, hopping you effortlessly from one neighborhood to another.
The canal’s banks are lined with buildings going back to hundreds of years.
Add it to your Utrecht trip if you have time.
9. Zuylen Castle
Zuylen Castle is a grand mansion with an expansive central courtyard.
Quick Facts:
- The mansion was built somewhere around 18th-century.
Address: Tournooiveld 1, 3611 AS Oud Zuilen, Netherlands
10. Amelisweerd
Quick Facts:
- The highlight of the place includes tranquil forests, walking trails.
If you have time, it makes for a nice addition to your Utrecht trip.
11. Loosdrechtse Plassen
But since its construction, villa has changed ownership several times and currently functions as a living museum. Take a liesurely stroll on the villa grounds, where you will find a well-maintained garden, a calm pond, and a colorful ensemble of flower beds.
12. Griftpark
Griftpark is a beautifully landscaped park spread over a large area in Utrecht.
It is a good way to reconnect with nature – relax under the shady trees, watch the kids play.
Sit on a bench and meditate or bring your favorite book or simply sit and enjoy a relaxing afternoon. The gardens are beautiful in nearly every season, but if there’s one time of year to visit, it’s around spring season..
Add it to your Utrecht trip if you have time.
Address: 3572 KC Utrecht, Netherlands
13. Sonnenborgh Observatory
Sonnenborgh Observatory is an astronomical observatory owned and operated by nation’s scientific institute.
A visit to Sonnenborgh Observatory is truly a treat for the amateur astronomers.
Quick Facts:
- The observatory was built somewhere around 19th-century.
- The observatory houses numerous astronomy exhibitions.
Address: Zonnenburg 2, 3512 NL Utrecht, Netherlands
14. De Ster
Quick Facts:
- The windmill was built somewhere around 18th-century.
If you have time, it makes for a nice addition to your Utrecht trip.
Address: Molenpark 3, ingang via de Floresstraat, 3531 ET Utrecht, Netherlands
But beyond the famous attractions in Utrecht, there is something that pulls you back again and again, perhaps it’s the city’s charm. All in all, whether you are a backpacker, a solo traveler, slow traveler, a female traveler or a couple there are plenty of interesting things to do in Utrecht for everyone.
And it’s not difficult to create an itinerary that includes some of the best tourist attractions in Utrecht. So what are Utrecht sights to see or you have already been here? Let me know in the comments along with your tips and experiences.
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