Things to do & places to visit in Utrecht, Utrecht Province, The Netherlands

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.

Utrecht city in , Utrecht Province, The Netherlands. Timezone: Europe/Amsterdam, current date and time: Tuesday, May 14, 2024, 1:08.

Top things to do (20)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Van Schijndelhuis (24 reviews)
- Interesting visit to a great piece of architecture in the heart of Utrecht
Tuesday: Spent 1-2 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks

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. See more..
4.5 Canals area (2.333 reviews)
- Lovely area with lots to do and great atmosphere
Historic Walking Areas

The canals area is a must see when in Utrecht. The area has lots of photo opportunities and are busy with pleasure boats and paddle boarders. There a lots of pubs and restaurants to choose from along the banks from ordinary pubs to really high class restaurants and cocktail bars. Mr H and I loved the atmosphere although we did find it difficult to get a table on a Saturday night so would advise to book early if wanting to eat in any of restaurants in this area. See more..
4.5 Dom Tower (2.003 reviews)
- Don’t be put off by the scaffolding.
Tuesday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • Observation Decks & Towers • Religious Sites

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! See more..
4.5 Railway Museum (Het Spoorwegmuseum) (1.376 reviews)
- A fantastic exhibition of Dutch railway history
Tuesday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Speciality Museums

Just so many varied exhibits, trains and memorabilia from different generations. Intersting to see a train there that was only on service earlier in the year, that shows commitment to preservation of all generations of vehicles. There is also an interesting sideshow about Hyperloop as well, looking to the future. There is plenty of space to explore everything, some interactive stuff for the youngsters, and everything also really well explained on the info plaques for each exhibit. Also a reasonably priced cafe in there where snacks and coffee are available when you want a break from walking around! Was an easily spent 3 or more hours and I thought very good value for the entry fee, and would definitely recommend it to anyone with an interest in transport and railways. See more..
4.5 Museum Speelklok (868 reviews)
- Hear magical music devices play
Tuesday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Speciality Museums • Children's Museums

Museum Speelklok, the most cheerful museum in the Netherlands! During a visit to the typical Dutch Museum Speelklok, cheerful live music will surround you from centuries-old self-playing musical instruments. The history of these instruments started back in 16th century the Netherlands with the use of church carillons. Over the centuries, the general desire of people to be surrounded by music, led to the invention of all sorts of self-playing musical instruments: musical clocks, musical boxes, orchestrions (self-playing orchestras) and the traditional Dutch street organs. All of these instruments, including the famous street organ named Arabier and the so-called 8th world wonder the Violina, can be admired and heard during the lively museum tour. Thanks to the highly skilled Restoration Workshop, the collection is kept playing and this craft can be passed on from this generation to the next. See more..
4.5 DOMunder (402 reviews)
- Underground exploration
Tuesday: 10:30 AM - 3:30 PM Spent 1-2 hours Rides & Activities • History Museums

Discover 2000 years of Utrecht history underneath the Domplein square. Explore the archaeological findings, that date back up to the Roman Castellum ‘Trajectum’, with an interactive flashlight. Walking through the huge pillar foundations of the medieval Gothic Dom Cathedral, history literally springs to life. Experience the destructive tornado of 1674. Daily tours on regular departure times (closed on Monday) See more..
4.5 Rietveld Schroder House (393 reviews)
- Amazing place - book in advance!!
Tuesday: 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM Architectural Buildings

What an incredible time capsule. The architecture of this home is inspiring, and it’s been kept extraordinarily well by the trust. You need to book well in advance as it’s very popular and tour groups are a limited size. This UNESCO site is a must see in Utrecht. Easy to walk to from Utrecht centre - about 40mins. See more..
4.5 Botanic Gardens (262 reviews)
- A very complete botanical garden!
Gardens

This is a must-see in Utrecht. A weel-design and pleasant garden with plenty to see! You just don't get bored in this place, since there is so many things to discover. Of course, different plants are the main issue, but the way the plants are exhibited is very interesting (either divided but types, or by uses, or by locations). You also have a marvellous butterfly greenhouse that is just amazing! See more..
4.5 Bloemenmarkt, Janskerkhof, Utrecht (201 reviews)
- Unique must see!
Spent 1-2 hours Gardens

No matter if you visit Utrecht in spring, summer or autumn - do not miss out on this wonderful, amazing flower market! Takes place each Saturday on Janskerkhof. This is so much more original and beautiful than the flowermarkets in Amsterdam. And what you buy here is good quality. That goes especially for the flower bulbs. See more..
4.5 Wilhelminapark (171 reviews)
- Beautiful park
Parks

This is a beautiful park to bike or walk outside of the city center. Lots of grass and benches to relax on. It’s a beautiful sight in late April. If you need a break from the city center try coming here. See more..
4.5 Pandhof Domkerk (99 reviews)
- Exquisite
Tuesday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Churches & Cathedrals

This medieval herb garden right next to the cathedral is surrounded on the other three sides by cloisters. The story of St. Martin (the patron saint of Utrecht) is depicted in old stone sculptures above the cloisters. This place is the spiritual centre of the City of Utrecht - you can feel it. See more..
4.5 Sint Willibrordkerk (87 reviews)
- A beautiful, beautiful catholic church in a protestant Utrecht..
Points of Interest & Landmarks

You wouldn't expect a catholic church to be built in such a grand style in Utrecht, in the Netherlands. This after all - is majority protestant in the lands "above the river", and yet, here we are.. I lived in the neighbourhood of Utrecht for years, and never knew. It was - as are all catholic churches - "well hidden in plain view". Such churches were also called "Schuilkerken" - or hidden churches. They were designed to look like villas on the outside, but were churches on the inside.. So too this church. It's been recently purchased by a French order, and mass is celebrated in the traditional latin. So if you'd like to see mass as it used to be celebrated in the 14th century, head down here. its quite an experience See more..
4.5 Griftpark (79 reviews)
- a great place to hang out
Tuesday: 12:00 PM - 10:00 PM Parks

The Griftpark is a park created on an old factory. It has been intensily cleaned and turned into a city park, with a park, a dogpark, a pettingzoo, a good sized playground, a skatepark and restaurants. It's a popular place to hang out, especially in the summer. See more..
4.5 Nederlands Volksbuurtmuseum (65 reviews)
- A fascinating dive in Utrecht's working class history
Tuesday: 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums

A very nice museum with very friendly hosts. Very interesting, with a variety of interactive possibilities. One can see much of how life in the work-class districts was (and even smell it!). Much of the museum is in dutch, but we were provided with english text sheets at the entrance and there was some info and videos given in english (one can also use the google lens app and translate everything quickly if you really dont want to miss anything). Overall a very a nice place to spend a couple of hours, very cozy and interesting <3 See more..
4.5 Houtzaagmolen De Ster (56 reviews)
- Thank you Trip Advisor!
Tuesday: Spent 1-2 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks • Convention Centers • Monuments & Statues

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. See more..
4.5 Kruideniers Museum (50 reviews)
- Old nice candy shop
Spent < 1 hour Speciality Museums

We visited this place at March 2018. This shop is situated at old city of Utrecht and ha s 2 floors. At the ground floor they sell handy made candies and at the upper floor some tools from 17 centuries are collected to visit. It is recommended to visit this nice and nostalgic place. See more..
4.0 Station Utrecht Centraal (903 reviews)
- Big Station
Spent < 1 hour Public Transportation Systems

Utrecht Centraal station is well served by NS trains to many diferent parts of the country including Amsterdam, Eindhoven, Maastricht, Den Haag, Rotterdam and more. There are staircases, lifts and escalators to take you from the platform to the concourse. On the concourse there are alot of different shops including Hema, Albert Heijn, Starbucks and more. Passing through the ticket barriers there are buses and trams to different parts of the city and also across the square is Hoog Katharijne which is a large shopping centre. One thing I liked was a small stand with books where you can swap your books for free. The station is easy to navigate and with light high ceilings has a nice atmosphere. See more..
4.0 Nijntje Museum (417 reviews)
- A good place to escape from busy city life
Tuesday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Speciality Museums

Miffy Museum is located opposite to the Central Museum where you can buy the entrance tickets to the Miffy Museum. I think miffy museum is for little kids or kidults or miffy fans. There is a big miffy soft toy sitting at the entrance lounge room of the 'miffy house' and it has turned a little grey and black, which I can tell how popular she is! I personally think it is a good place to escape from a busy, stressful city life. You will find your innocent childhood memory there and it doesn't cost much to enter. I think it is 4 euros (March-2017) on top of my head. See more..
4.0 Centraal Museum (406 reviews)
- My favorite museum in Utrecht, Netherlands
Tuesday: 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums • Art Museums • History Museums

From the world’s largest Rietveld collection to Dick Bruna. From the Utrecht Caravaggists to Pyke Koch and Marlene Dumas. From fabulous fashion and a wondrous seventeenth century doll’s house to a famous, centuries-old ship. A visit to the Netherlands’ oldest civic museum is a unique experience and guaranteed to inspire. See more..
4.0 Museum Catharijneconvent (326 reviews)
- Would recommend
Tuesday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM History Museums

Museum is great for lovers of christian art. You will learn a lot through out the 3 floors. They offer free audio guides in english. Not all of the displayed art has signs in english. When we visited the rooms were really cold so I wouldn't recommend wearing just a tank top. The staff was very very nice. See more..
4.0 Miffy's Traffic Light (197 reviews)
- So adorable
Spent < 1 hour Points of Interest & Landmarks

This Miffy idea is so adorable and funny. It creates a really happy atmosphere in the center of the city. Love Utrecht and all those little cute things. See more..
4.0 Beatrix Theater (182 reviews)
- Amazing place
Spent 2-3 hours Theaters

Its nice place for listening to great amazing. music. I enjoyed the time I spend it here. The staff was friendly and welcoming especially "yeild" special thanks for her .the place worth all the tickets price . I do dialy vlogs arround utrecht now so if you have any recommendations please him me up Snap chat //dr.mehsen Instagram//mehsenn See more..
4.0 Tourist Information Utrecht (159 reviews)
- Superb
Tuesday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Visitor Centers

Our goal is to help visitors having a great experience in Utrecht Region. In our store you will also find unique products made by local entrepreneurs. See more..
4.0 Neude (153 reviews)
- Great square
Points of Interest & Landmarks

Everyone visiting Utrecht, should sit down on a terrace here and have a drink and enjoy the business from people moving around. See more..
4.0 Universiteitsmuseum Utrecht (122 reviews)
- Interesting collection, nice cafe
Temporarily closed - Closed until further notice Spent 2-3 hours Speciality Museums

At the Utrecht University Museum we are working on being the research museum of the Netherlands: a family museum where you will be actively introduced to the scientific research of Utrecht University, past and present. Where you will be inspired to ask questions about yourself and the world around you. And where you as a visitor can become a real researcher yourself. The UMU will be open for visits in 2022. Until we reopen, you can visit our online museum on our site, including fun activities in the city of Utrecht. See more..
4.0 St. Martin's Cathedral Domkerk (121 reviews)
- Restful place in the city
Spent < 1 hour Churches & Cathedrals

We visited the church on Saturday afternoon and attended a 'free' concert. Every Saturday there is a 'free' classical concert. This time we listened to music from Bach played beautifully on the impressive organ. Had an hour to look around while enjoying the special music. Note that during that time it is not really appropriate to walk around or leave the church. Pretty serious audience. At the end there is an offering for the organisation who organises the concerts. Suggested donation is 10 Euro a person. You can leave cash or use their pin machine. A great restful place in this beautiful city. See more..
4.0 Trajectum Lumen (115 reviews)
- Lovely app-guided tour through Utrecht
Points of Interest & Landmarks

Trajectum Lumen is a light art trail, which is free for all to enjoy 365 nights a year. You can get guided tours, but the is also a app available or a map. It's a nice walk through the center of Utrecht. An other way to explore the city center. See more..
4.0 Anne Frank Standbeeld (57 reviews)
- Anne Frank in Utrecht
Spent < 1 hour Points of Interest & Landmarks • Monuments & Statues

This we'll known statue of Anne Frank was a gift of the children of Utrecht. They collected old paper and iron to pay for the statue. It was a gift on April 30th 1959, the day former Queen Julia celebrated her birthday. Utrecht artist Pieter d'Hont is the artist. I like the self assured posture of Anne Frank here. For me she represents here "strenght" &"hope". Her diary being translated in more then 70 languages, being present in the centre of Utrecht (near the flower market) is a symbol of just that. Head up and giving the people something to remember; you go girl! See more..
4.0 Inktpot (55 reviews)
- Huge building being visited by Aliens
Spent < 1 hour Architectural Buildings

A little out of the way but a short walk from the big shopping s mall in front of the station - worth going to see for the fun of it and the impressive Dutch C20th brick building. See more..
4.0 Sonnenborgh Museum and Observatory (46 reviews)
- Nice authentic museum with friendly staff
Tuesday: 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM Observatories & Planetariums

We really enjoyed our visit, the staff is very helpful and friendly and we found it informative and nice. There is a nice sticker search game for small kids. Nowadays lots of museums are loud noisy and full of screens and this one isnt. Lovely atmosphere that we really enjoyed! See more..