Utrecht: Top Things to Do & Insider Tips Worth Knowing

Things to Do in Utrecht

Utrecht has about 300,000 residents. The city center is manageable, but not so small that you’ll see everything in an hour. Utrecht is a genuine off-the-beaten-path destination!

It’s a perfect city for a weekend trip. In two days you can see the highlights and still have time to enjoy the city, mingle with the locals, sit by the water, and have a drink.

Utrecht is also seriously worth it for a day trip from Amsterdam. You can cover most of the city’s highlights in a single day, though you’ll probably have to skip the leisurely canal-side wandering that makes Utrecht so special.

Canals in Utrecht

If you love the canals in Amsterdam, you’ll absolutely love the ones in Utrecht. On warm summer days, life in the city revolves around the water, on the water, and even in the water.

The lifeblood of Utrecht is the Oudegracht, which curves through the historic center. Countless restaurants and bars line the banks, packed to the brim on warm evenings.

In summer, it feels like all of Utrecht gathers along the canals. Families and friends come together, bring tables and chairs, and simply move their dinners right down to the water’s edge. Kids splash around on inflatable boats and in the water, and everyone is just having a completely carefree time. That’s Holland for you!

You can also explore the Oudegracht from the water yourself. Your best bet is to rent a kayak and paddle your way through the city. Pedal boats are available too, and if you’re feeling lazy, you can hop aboard a motorized boat.

Churches in Utrecht

The Utrecht Cathedral towers high above the old quarter. The tallest church tower in the Netherlands is visible from almost everywhere — a great landmark to keep you oriented.

You can only go up the tower as part of a one-hour guided tour, bookable at the tourist information office right next to the cathedral. We’d recommend booking your time slot directly online so you can choose your preferred time and avoid waiting in line.

The Janskerk is really lovely too. From the outside it looks relatively unspectacular, and the interior isn’t richly decorated either. But that’s exactly what makes it so appealing — it’s bright and welcoming, and doesn’t feel as heavy as many other churches.

The relaxed attitude the Dutch have toward their churches is honestly wonderful. One church in the city center was converted into an apartment building, while another now houses a pub. You really have to see it to believe it.

Cool Shops in Utrecht

Along the Oudegracht between Hamburgerstraat and Vrouwjuttenstraat you’ll find Utrecht’s antiques and second-hand strip. If you love browsing through thrift stores or flea markets, this corner of the city is your paradise.

From clothing to books to genuine antiques, the many shops here have something for every taste.

Speaking of books: independent bookstores are everywhere in Utrecht. Small indie shops have sadly all but disappeared from many European cities, but in the Netherlands the business of printed books still seems to be thriving.

Utrecht Insider Tip: Korte Smeestraat

The Korte Smeestraat isn’t a major highlight, but it’s a well-hidden local favorite in Utrecht.

In the early 1990s, signs were put up on the doorways as part of an art project. On one side it reads “Evening Time is reading time,” with the shutter on each sign pulled down a little further. On the other side is a note about the profession of the person who used to live in that house.

The story behind these signs was told to us by an older woman who was delighted that we were photographing them. We probably never would have figured it out on our own.

Staying in Utrecht: Our Hotel Recommendations

Utrecht has many small, personally run boutique hotels tucked inside historic buildings in the center. There are also a few hotel chains around the center where you can stay for a bit less.

Getting to Utrecht

Utrecht is super easy to reach by train. The rail network in the Netherlands is excellent, and you can get quickly and easily from one city to another.

Trains run from Amsterdam to Utrecht roughly every 10–20 minutes. The journey takes only about 30 minutes and costs €7.50 — making it a no-brainer as a day trip from Amsterdam.

Rotterdam is also close by, and that city has quite a few great attractions of its own worth checking out.

You can check current schedules on the Dutch rail website. Note that you can only buy tickets online with a Dutch bank account — but at the ticket machines in the station, getting a ticket is very straightforward. Just make sure to validate your ticket at the turnstiles before entering the platform.