In this article, I present Utrechtthe 4e city in the Netherlands!
Here you'll find
- An introduction to the beautiful city of Utrecht
- What you can see and do on site
- Practical information: access, opening hours, reservations
- My thoughts on visiting Utrecht from Amsterdam
- And much more!
If you're looking for information about Utrecht, you'll love this article.
Follow the guide!
Utrecht: article summary
Utrecht, 4e city of the country and designated as the little Amsterdam
The city of Utrecht boasts almost 370,000 inhabitantsand is located in the center of the Netherlands, only 30 minutes by public transport fromAmsterdam.
4e the country's largest city, it is well worth a visit its natural charmand its museums and monuments.
Introducing Utrecht
In the Middle Ages, Utrecht was a thriving city and was even the capital of the Kingdom of Friesland, which included the present-day Netherlands and part of Germany.
It became an episcopal see and the Mecca of Catholic institutions for several centuries, allowing it to develop and welcome the middle classes of the 15th century. However, the following period was turbulent, with the arrival of the Reformation (Protestant) and the rise of neighboring cities such as Rotterdam, Leiden and Amsterdam.
Invaded by French troops and occupied (between 1810 and 1813), then liberated by the Russo-Prussian army in 1813Utrecht regained its calm and prominence in the middle of the 19th century, with the opening of the railway which links Amsterdam and Arnhem and crosses the city.
From then on, she occupied a central position in the country, in front of an important crossroads for the Dutch rail network.
Utrecht is not the first Dutch city to spring to mind when visiting the country. And yet, it has a lot to offer. tourists the most curious!
Facts and figures about the city
- It's the 3rd most bike-friendly city in the world!
- You'll find the busiest bicycle path in the world and the largest bicycle parking !
- Famous contemporary personalities born in Utrecht include footballers Marco Van Basten and Wesley Sneijder, violinist Janine Jansen and journalist/director Bregtje van der Haak.
What can you see and do in Utrecht?
If you choose to take a short tour of Utrecht, you won't be bored. Whether it's outdoors, for charming strolls, or indoors to visit the city's renowned museums and buildings, there's plenty to do.
Visit a selection of the city's must-seesfor an overview of Utrecht.
Utrecht's Saint-Martin cathedral and tower
We call it Dom van Utrecht in Dutch, and is one of the country's most important Gothic churches. Ravaged by a hurricane in 1967, it suffered serious damage and only part of the original building remains.
However, its 112.32-metre tower - the highest church tower in the country - has become a symbol of the city, and a must-see. Built between 1321 and 1382, it features 465 steps which you can climb to admire the view from the summit.
- Address: Domplein 9, 3512JC Utrecht
- Times: guided tour by prior arrangement / visit the tourist office opposite to book a slot
- Rates: adults - 12.50 euros / children - 7.50 euros / free for children under 3 years of age
The canals of Utrecht
Utrecht is often referred to as La Petite Amsterdam and this is partly due to its canals and pretty facades. The medieval historic center is charming, and you can tuck in on the water, or opt for a cruise on the main Oudegracht and Nieuwegracht canals.
In the morning, it's calm and relaxing, in the evening much livelier !
The Schröder house
Visit Schröder house by Rietveld has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000, as one of the first modern-style houses, designed in 1920. It was conceived as a piece of furniture, and its interior is as impressive for its fascinating ergonomics colors and decoration.
A must for architecture enthusiastsA visit full of anecdotes (with audio guide) for the more curious! It's on the same site as the Centraal Museum, shown below.
- Address: Prins Hendriklaan 50, 3583 EP Utrecht
- Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Rates: adults - 19 euros / young people aged 13 to 17 - 10.50 euros / children aged 0 to 12 - 3 euros
Centraal Museum
Utrecht's main museum, it is housed in the heart of a former monastery and houses a vast collection of local works of art. On display are paintings by Joachim Wtewael, the Utrecht Caravaggesque school and the portrait painter Paulus Moreelse.
There are a permanent collection and many temporary exhibitions to look out for on your visit.
Among the most adorable exhibits is one dedicated to the character of Miffythe most famous rabbit in the Netherlands!
- Address: Agnietenstraat 1, 3512 XA Utrecht
- Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Rates: adults - 13.5 euros / young people aged 13 to 17 - 6.50 euros / free for children aged 6 and under
Van Speelklok Museum
It's a highly original museum dedicated to automated musical instruments. Discover century-old, still-functioning parts, in a space that's as entertaining as it is instructive.
Here you can discover impressive mechanisms (all the more so as they date back to the 17th century!), incredible sounds and adventure trails for children and adults alike make for a truly awesome experience.
Visit 45 minutes for the guided tour, but visits in English and Dutch only.
- Address: Steenweg 6, 3511 JP Utrecht
- Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Rates: adults - 14 euros / children aged 4 to 12 - 7.50 euros / free for children aged 4 and under
The Dutch Railway Museum
Visit Spoorwegmuseum (as it's known locally!) retraces the history of the country's railroads via vintage trains, scale models and a host of interactive experiences designed to appeal to both children and playful parents.
A French audio guide is 100 %, and you can have lunch on site if you want to take your time and discover this museum/theme park without hurrying.
- Address: Maliebaanstation 16, 3581 XW Utrecht
- Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Price: 17.50 euros / free for under-3s
Utrecht's green spaces
If you want to enjoy nature, Utrecht is home to several pleasant parksfor walking or by bike. Among them, the Park Transwijkthe Julianapark or the Park Wilhelminapark. They are all well laid out for walks in the fresh air or family picnics.
How do I get to Utrecht easily from Amsterdam?
Utrecht is exactly 50 km from Amsterdam.
Count between 35 and 50 minutes to reach the city from Amsterdam, by choosing one of the following means of transport:
- From Amsterdam Central StationTake an Intercity train to Utrecht in 38 minutes. The round trip should cost you around 15 euros.
- By car, via the A2 or A1 and A27 motorways, for a journey of around 50 minutes
Should you visit Utrecht during your stay in Amsterdam?
Utrecht is a city worth seeing, whether for its canals and facades or for its pleasant atmosphere. From Amsterdam, the tour is fast and you can easily spend the day there.
But is it essential for a stay in Amsterdam? It all depends on the length of your stay. If you're only spending 2 or 3 days in Amsterdam, I advise you to concentrate on the capital and its attractions. There are plenty of things to see and do in Amsterdam and Utrecht is not a priority.
If you stay longer, then consider an out-of-town excursion is a good idea. However, there are several charming villages to discover in the area, and you may have to choose between :
- The Haguethe administrative capital and home to the miniature village of Madurodam
- Volendama charming fishing town known for its port, traditional costumes and Cheese Museum
- The peninsula of Markenjust opposite Volendam. For its unmissable lighthouse and a true immersion in Dutch folklore.
Make the choice that suits you best, and don't worry: none of these places will disappoint you!
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