Last Updated on March 31, 2020 by admin
Am I allowed to say Utrecht is better than Amsterdam? Don’t cringe on that statement but I honestly feel Amsterdam was probably like Utrecht before the tourism boost happened. You will not need maps or an itinerary to visit Utrecht as the pretty cobbled streets will lead you to beautiful corners all over the city. This beautiful Dutch city with a lot of history and marvelous architecture is worth visiting and here is my recommendation for one day in Utrecht.
One day in Utrecht: Why choose visiting Utrecht?
Imagine Amsterdam with only 20% tourists! That’s Utrecht for you!
Utrecht has canals that are double storied; so on the lower story there is a narrow walkway beside the edge of the canal and the upper story is the main road.
Utrecht is a university town that dates back to medieval times and screams Europe in all directions!
It is bike friendly but you won’t have to dodge people if you are on bike and dodge bikes if you are walking.
Shopping is cheaper than Amsterdam and you will find souvenirs and garments at 40% less cost.
Does this convince you to go to Utrecht?
I arrived by train, a short 35 minutes ride from Rotterdam. With almost 70 train connections between the two stations every day, you can decide to go to Utrecht for the whole day or just spend a morning or evening.
As soon as I got down at Utrecht Centraal station I was overwhelmed with this huge shopping mall connected. Known as the largest indoor shopping mall in the Netherlands, it is designed in such a way that one has to cross the entire mall having a few 100 outlets (and the urge to shop) to outside to the old urban center. If you do give in to the urge, there are shops selling everything you need – tulips, cheese, bread, souvenirs clothes; and cafes selling Stroopwafels. I bought a couple of souvenirs which were dirt cheap here than Rotterdam and Amsterdam and I was on my way out.
Table of Contents
One day in Utrecht: What to do in Utrecht
Dom Tower, Utrecht
Dom Tower (Dutch: Domtoren) is not only Utrecht’s notable landmark but of the whole Netherlands. Built between 1321 and 1382, the Dom Tower is the main attraction in the middle of the historic town center. It is the highest and oldest church tower in the Netherlands, soaring at 112 meters (or 367 feet). The tower was originally part of a 14th to 15th century cathedral complex, but due to a hurricane in 1674 it was blown down and never rebuilt. There are 465 steps to the top for a small entrance fee in case one wants to see the entire town for unbeatable views, which on a clear day stretch as far as Amsterdam. The tower features 13 bells that weigh between 880 and 18,000 pounds. I decided to give a miss to climbing tower as it was super cloudy which meant I wouldn’t have good city views.
It is here that I came to know about the rich and interesting history of Utrecht dating back to the Medieval Ages. Historians believe that the first inhabitants date back to the Stone Age, earlier than 2000 BC. For many centuries, Utrecht was considered the heart and capital of the Netherlands but was replaced by Amsterdam in the 17th century, during the Dutch Golden Age.
St Martin’s Cathedral
Right behind the Dom Tower is the St. Martin’s Cathedral also known as Dom Church. It is a Gothic church dedicated to Saint Martin of Tours. The building is the one church in the Netherlands that closely resembles the style of classic Gothic architecture as developed in France. What remains of St. Martin’s today are the choir, the transept and the Dom Tower.
Pandhof Domkerk
I walked around the Dom square and came across the medieval monastery courtyard called Pandhof. The garden here is scrupulously designed and in the center features a fountain with a bronze statue of priest Hugo Wstinc, sitting and writing. It is extremely peaceful and you can spend some quality time here.
The 15th century courtyard was built to connect the Dom tower to the rest of the buildings. The courtyard was abused in the 16th century wherein locals stored their chicken and wagons. In the 17th century it was used as a meat market and gun powder storage. In the 18th century it was used at a cemetery for university students.
Academiegebouw
Next to Pandhof is the beautiful building of Universiteit Utrecht which is hard to miss! Academiegebouw or the Academy building was donated to the Utrecht University in the later part of the 18th century. It serves as a ceremonial centre in which major academic functions are held. The hustle and bustle of students was quite evident here.
Stadhuis Quarter
I walked around Dom square and reached the Stadhuis Quarter selling Tulips. The Stadhuis Quarter is located here which is one of the most popular and lively part of Utrecht. This quarter has numerous shopping streets and plenty of bars, cafes and restaurants. Besides the canal that runs through it, you’ll find beautiful landmarks worth checking out.
Oudegracht Canal
Also known as the old canal, Oudegracht passes through the centre of the city, and through Utrecht’s most scenic spots. Utrecht’s canals have a different vibe than Amsterdam and you just can’t help but fall in love with them. Along the canals there outdoor seating areas as well as the city’s signature wharf cellars. These water-level cellars are basically built under street level and open out to the city’s waterfront. Inside them you’ll find everything from restaurants and bars, to art galleries and even people’s homes.
Museums of Utrecht
Just like Amsterdam, Utrecht has many museums to choose from. Most popular amongst the lot is the Centraal Museum which is near the Dom square which showcases arts. Other museums worth visiting are musical Speelklok Museum, the Nijntje Museum, the adventurous Railroad Museum (Spoorwegmuseum), the University Museum and the Sonnenborgh Observatory and Astronomy Museum. I am not a museum person and did not visit any of them, instead chose to stroll around the town on foot.
Where to stay in Utrecht
Although my post specifies One day in Utrecht, the town has a lot to offer and I would highly recommend you to stay overnight or for a weekend. The plus point of accommodation in Utrecht is that hotels in Utrecht are considerably cheaper than those in Amsterdam. Those on a budget will love the clean and affordable hostels in Utrecht.
Luxury: Grand Hotel Karel V , Dom Tower Suites II by VGW, Mother Goose Hotel
Mid range: Daen’s Room One, Cozy pillow, Ibis Utrecht
Hostels: Stone Hostel, Stayokay Utrecht Centrum, Stowis Hostel
Bike Rental Utrecht
Just like any other Dutch city, Utrecht is bike friendly and if you are visiting you may be tempted to explore the city on bike. Renting a bike is easy and relatively inexpensive. There are many rental services to choose from – app based or pick up from spots and have flexibility to rent for
a couple of hours, a day, or even several weeks. To rent a bike you will need to show a valid identification document and have to pay a deposit, which you will get back when you safely return the bike.
How to reach Utrecht from Amsterdam
There is a direct train from Amsterdam Centraal to Utrecht Centraal which takes about twenty-five minutes.
Sustainable tips for One day in Utrecht
- Utrecht is an extremely bike friendly city so use the bike or efficient public transportation to get around.
- Try the local items on streets – stroopwafels, rather than going to the chain restaurants. It gives a fair chance of earning for the locals.
- Do not litter in market/palace squares. Dispose plastics in the designated waste bins.
- Respect the churches, museums, walls and old architectural buildings by not sitting on them.
28 comments
Nice. I’ve not heard of Utrecht thanks for putting it on the travel map 🗺️
Yes, it’s a gem generally overpowered and hidden because of Amsterdam. I hope this inspired you to visit it someday 🙂
I love Utrecht! It’s such an underrated city! I haven’t been to Amsterdam yet, and I want to give it a chance one day, but I still think that Utrecht is well worth a visit of its own.
Absolutely, at least for a day, just the way I did. Hopefully, you can go next year 🙂
This is a really nice idea for a day trip! We should visit Amsterdam this spring to see our friends, but the current situation changed plans, obviously 🙁 Will surely keep in mind for when we’re able to go!
Late spring or early summer is the perfect time to visit the Netherlands and enjoy the tulips around canals.
With lovely pictures like yours, of course you’re allowed to say that Utrecht is better than Amsterdam! The Stadhuis Quarter looks exactly like some place I’d love to have a coffee and cake in. The Netherlands is a country I must try to discover more of. Thanks for reminding me how lovely it is.
I hope you are able to go there someday, Hazel 🙂
I’ve heard only wonderful things about Utrecht! I was set to visit a friend there this summer sadly. Hopefully next year! Thanks for the great tips!!
I am sure you will be able to visit next year and guaranteed to have a great time 🙂
Utrecht is such a lovely AND lively city! The perfect getaway from Amsterdam for sure!
It sure is. Have you ever been to Utrecht?
Yes, you’ve convinced me to visit Utrecht over Amsterdam! 40% cheaper products, half the amount of people – that sounds more my style. I’m in love with the old gothic medieval style buildings edged with canals. You could easily spend the days wondering, discovering and sipping on lattes.
Haha glad I could help. Honestly, I thought it was a gem. Do visit if you ever get a chance.
I had never heard of this place before but I would definitely love to go now! 😁 great post!
Thanks Jen. Yes, it is pleasantly beautiful.
We visited Amsterdam a few years ago and you’re right: it has become very touristy. I first visited in 2002 and the city was completely different. I can’t remember if I went to Utrecht back in 2002 (it was a trip with my class back in highschool), but I’d love to explore it again now. The Academiegebouw will be the first place I’d visit. By the way, do you know any great restaurants in Utrecht?
Hey Mei, unfortunately, I was there for the day and did not want to spend time in cafes or restaurants. Also finding an all-vegetarian restaurant is always a task so I pack my own sandwich to such day trips and make do with some local snacks. In this case Stroopwafel 🙂
465 steps to the top of Dom Tower may be worth it to catch all the amazing views of Utrecht from just the look of your pics. I have been to Amsterdam for short stints but never have spent much time exploring it and definitely have had no time outside of town. So we have been talking about a trip just to explore all of the Netherlands. Utrecht will definitely be added to the list cause I think Darcee would love to explore the Church & the University! I personally would also love riding bikes around the Stadhuis Quarter! There is just something about riding bikes around canals in the Netherlands that is just iconic!
Totally agree about riding around the canals, it’s just surreal! I hope you can make it to Utrecht after the pandemic is over.
I’ve only been to Amsterdam in the Netherlands so Utrecht needs to go on my wishlist. It look like there’s loads to see and do – I’d love to take in the views from the Dom Tower. Rotterdam’s on the list too…
Whenever you are in Amsterdam next, do plan one-day trips to Rotterdam and Utrecht. The best part about it is, it is non-touristy.
We recently visited Amsterdam and Utrecht definitely sounds like a great alternative with fewer tourists. Everything looks quite similar to the architecture to bikes everywhere. I loved visiting the museums in Amsterdam and would love to visit the church and university you visited here.
I am sure you will love it. I wish I could stay over the weekend to explore more things in the city.
Never knew Utrecht was as attractive as Amsterdam. I had been only to Amsterdam for a day. Love the concept of double storeyed canals. A walk along the side of canals should be a great experience. Inhabited since 2000BC – that is rich history! I wish I could travel back in time to revisit Netherlands!
I hope you are able to go back Indrani. Utrecht needs to be n the tourist map as compared to Amsterdam.
Utrecht seems like Amsterdam and those canal walk seems beautiful experience away from crowds of Amsterdam.I have read somewhere in Print that Utretch is famous for its Cheese, isn’t it?? This place is perfect as day trip from Amsterdam.
The entire Netherlands is popular for amazing cheese. No wonder I came back with few extra kilos. Lol