This City Boasts All the Charm of Amsterdam, Minus the Crowds

With its vibrant university atmosphere, lively nightlife, and picturesque canals, Utrecht captures much of what makes nearby Amsterdam appealing, but without the throngs of tourists. It also features unique attractions of its own, such as the recently renovated Miffy Museum, celebrating the beloved cartoon rabbit created by Dutch artist Dick Bruna. Alongside classic landmarks like the Rietveld Schröder House, Centraal Museum, and Van Schijndel House, these should be on every traveler's agenda.

Things to Do in Utrecht

Domtoren

Utrecht's most prominent landmark, this 14th-century Gothic bell tower soars 369 feet into the sky without an elevator, making it both a physical challenge and a historical gem. The remains of two Holy Roman emperors are reportedly buried here. This is Utrecht's rich history in its purest form.

De Stijl Bike Tour

To celebrate the 100th anniversary of De Stijl in 2017, the Utrecht tourism board partnered with the Centraal Museum to create a bicycle route that showcases the movement's key locations in the area. The route includes the historic mansion where Gerrit Rietveld first crafted his furniture, Robert van’t Hoff’s modernist Villa Henny, a full-scale replica of Piet Mondrian’s studio, and more. Spanning 26 miles from Utrecht to Amersfoort, this leisurely ride serves as a picturesque exploration of the countryside.

Máximapark

As Utrecht expanded westward, this urban oasis was created. Opened in 2013, Máximapark spans 741 stunning acres filled with bike paths, canals, gardens, wetlands, art installations, and farms, making it an ideal spot for a picnic or a full-day excursion.

Art Walk

The artistic spirit continued beyond De Stijl. Modern Utrecht is bursting with creative street art. Join a local operator, Greetings from Utrecht, for a 1.5- to 2.5-hour walking tour to explore the literary, romantic, notable, and 3D artworks, or download a map from the company for a self-guided exploration of the city.

Accommodations in Utrecht

The Nox Hotel Utrecht

Just a short walk from Domtoren, this 23-room hotel, located on a tranquil side street, combines modern aesthetics with historic elegance: picture trendy globe lights in a 17th-century setting. Exceptional dining options abound, including the French restaurant Hemel & Aarde located downstairs.

Moxy Utrecht

Situated just outside the historic center, this 172-room hotel boasts a canalside terrace and features an Instagram-worthy model of Gerrit Rietveld’s iconic chair. For more De Stijl inspiration, the Centraal Museum is a short bike ride away.

Dining Options in Utrecht

Watertoren

• Location: Heuveloord 25A 3523 CK | Locate on Google Maps

Occupying the top two floors of a historic 1907 brick water tower, Watertoren combines stunning views with exquisite dining. The menu features dishes like haddock with sea buckthorn and beetroot garnished with furikake and elderflower. Guests can savor their meals while taking in the panoramic sights from the 10th-floor terrace or watching the chefs at work from tables that circle the open kitchen on the ninth floor, creating an upscale culinary experience.

Ruby Rose

• Location: Korte Jansstraat 23, 3512 GM | Find on Google Maps

Once a flower shop in a stunning 1904 art nouveau building, Ruby Rose is a wonderfully extravagant tribute to all things floral. Its vibrant decor sets the stage for exceptional charcuterie and salads—be sure to try the burrata. The café is situated on Korte Jansstraat, close to the sea of tulips and roses at the Saturday Bloemenmarkt.