The City of Utrecht, with its inextricable combination of rich past and dynamic present, is a truly unique place. This 2000-year-old city teems with a wide range of interesting museums and cultural events with programs full of theater, dance, art and more. Stroll down the quaint streets and along the canals in the Utrecht Museum Quarter and sample the pleasant, intimate atmosphere for which Utrecht is famous. 70,000 students enhance the character of this lively city of creative young people. Welcome to Utrecht!
There is plenty to discover in Utrecht. Explore hidden inner courtyards, beautiful gardens and narrow alleys with an interesting history. Here are a few must-see Utrecht attractions:
Dom Tower
The Dom District, featuring the Dom Tower, lies at the heart of the historic city center. Climbing the Dom Tower is a wonderful opportunity to explore the city of Utrecht in an entirely different way! Via 465 steps, a guide will take you to the top of the tallest church spire in the Netherlands.
Contact Info:
Tourist Information Centre Domplein
Domplein 9, 3512 JJ Utrecht
Plan your visit
Opening Hours:
Every day from 10.00 – 17.00
Domkerk
The gothic Dom Church was built as a cathedral for the bishop of Utrecht and dedicated to St. Maarten.
The interior with many lavishly decorated tombs is impressive. The Dom church draws many people daily for a guided tour or a moment of silence and peace. The free Saturday afternoon concerts (3.30 pm) have been a household word in Utrecht for over thirty years.
Opening Hours:
Monday – Friday | 10am – 5pm
Saturday | 11am – 3.15pm
Sunday | 12.30pm – 4pm
Admission:
No admission applicable, though donations are appreciated
Utrecht from the water
The Utrecht canals with their wharves and wharf cellars are unique in the world.
The 12th Century Oudegracht was built to change the course of the Oude Rijn river. Connecting the river Vecht in the north to the Vaartsche Rijn in the south, the Oudegracht was destined to become an elongated harbour. Large city castles were built along the canal and in the 13th Century, shipyards were built as second streets at water level. The deep cellars, serving as storage spaces, ran through to below the houses. Today, the canals and shipyards are home to shops, restaurants and private residences.
To get a truly up close sense of the pulse of the city, its terraces, unique lively wharf cellars and beautiful architecture, you have boat tours, pedal boats and canoes at your disposal.
