Location: Utrecht
Top Things to do in Utrecht
10 Sights & Landmarks in Utrecht That You Shouldn't Miss
This ancient and historic city houses many buildings going back to the early Middle Ages. Until it was overtaken by Amsterdam in the Dutch Golden age, Utrecht was the most important city in the Netherlands. It was and still is the See of the Archbishop of Utrecht, the most important Catholic leader in the Netherlands. The University of Utrecht is the largest in the Netherlands. One of the unique features of the city is the wharf system in its inner canals. Before the city was fully canalized, parts of the Rhine River flowed through the city center. Most prominent of the historic buildings is the Gothic Cathedral of Saint Martin, the construction of which lasted for almost 200 year, beginning in 1254.
Restaurants in Utrecht
1. Oud-Katholieke Gertrudiskathedraal
2. Van Schijndelhuis
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 24 reviews
The house that architect Mart van Schijndel designed for himself in 1992 is an urban oasis hidden away in the heart of the city. Since 1999 – the year in which the architect passed away – the Van Schijndel House was listed as youngest monument. It is still a private home. Since it is a true signature masterpiece, his wife, architecture historian, offers small-scale personal tours by appointment.
3. Rietveld Schroder House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 383 reviews
Reviewed By EmmaE1974 - Utrecht, The Netherlands
Hubby is a huge fan of the architect's furniture and I love modern art so this was always going to be a win for us. Normally visits are in tours of 20 but during covid only 8 people are allowed at a time - 4 people on each floor. It makes for a more personalized experience as you can ask for cupboards to be opened and walls moved. I strongly suggest you ask about the history of the bathroom and to see the bathroom wall be closed. It's fascinating.
4. Dom Tower
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,983 reviews
When you visit Utrecht you will notice the Domtoren almost immediately. The 14th century tower is the heart of the old city centre. At 112 metres, it remains the highest church tower in the Netherlands. The Domtoren is open all year round, and the view of Utrecht is worth seeing in every season. The tower can only be visited as part of a guided tour, during which our expert guides will take you on a historical journey. The tour starts in the Tourist Information Centre on Dom Square and takes about an hour. The Domtoren is in need of extensive restoration work on the exterior and the restoration will take about 5 years (2019-2024) The Domtoren is open for visitors as normal. No work will be done on the inside of the tower so you can visit the chapels and belfry. When you come outside on the galleries at 70 meters and 95 meters you will see some scaffolding but the view is unchanged and as impressive as always. And you get the unique opportunity to see the work up close!
Reviewed By AmirFDM - Nahariya, Israel
A church tower at an altitude of over 100 meters in the center of Utrecht. The tower was adjacent to the church, but today it is separated by a small square. You can take a guided tour of the tower, climb about 480 steps and visit the different floors of the tower. From the top terrace there is a spectacular view of the city of Utrecht. The tour starts at the nearby tourist office. Reservations are recommended.
5. Gallery Rob Rademaker
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3 reviews
6. Weerdsluis
7. Canals area
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,284 reviews
Reviewed By cwtravelgirl - Cardiff, United Kingdom
One of the few cities that I've been to in the Netherlands where there are restaurants/bars right down at canal level, where lots of people rent kayaks or small boats. Stunning!
8. Sint Willibrordkerk
9. Houtzaagmolen De Ster
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 52 reviews
The old mill yard of the ‘Molen de Ster’ sawmill forms a unique industrial heritage site, dating back to the eighteenth century. After several renovations, the site is currently used in a versatile manner – reflecting both its historical roots and the lively neighbourhood of Lombok, in which it is situated in Utrecht. Molen de Ster is only an 6 minute walk from Utrecht Central Station (Jaarbeursplein exit) and close to Utrecht’s medieval city centre. Our cafe is open from Wednesdays till Sundays, on Saturdays we are open for free guided tours, and we regularly organise or host events in our saw barn or on the mill yard. Have a look at our diary to see when our next events are taking place. Furthermore, the mill can be hired for private or business-related occasions.
10. Pandhof Domkerk
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 90 reviews
Reviewed By PierreBMalta - San Gwann, Malta
This is something that is easily missed. Situated on the side of the Cathedral, this garden / cloister is beautiful, peaceful and serene. So spend some time here to relax and get back your energy.
