Dubbed the “most beautiful European canal city” and a “laidback alternative to Amsterdam”, known for its “quirks”, “picturesque streets and sleepy canals”, Utrecht is finally internationally recognized as “the hidden gem in Amsterdam’s shadow”. And we heartily agree! Utrecht is the fourth largest city and home to the second largest university in the Netherlands. It’s beautiful and unique, cozy as well as lively and innovative, with a strong historic character permeating its winding streets and characteristic canals.
Utrecht is easily accessible by public transport, due to its central location within the Netherlands: it forms the main hub of the national rail network and is also directly connected to the international ICE high speed rail network. From Amsterdam or Schiphol Airport, it’s only a quick 30 minute train ride for about €8. At arrival, Utrecht Central station extends into the shopping mall Hoog Catharijne, which leads you to the breathtaking historic city center strewn with architectural beauties such as the Dom Tower: our usergroup and conference’s namesake.
If you’re new to town, here’s some local attractions that we highly recommend you visit while here, including restaurants and cafés to eat and drink to your heart’s content. Enjoy your stay in Utrecht!
At 112 meters, the Dom Tower is the tallest church tower in the Netherlands. Its distinctive figure is clearly visible from anywhere in the city and provides a magnificent view of the surrounding area. On a clear day, you can see Amsterdam and further. This does require a steep climb on narrow stairs to the very top. Feel up to this challenge? Accessible only by guided tour, open Tue-Sat from 10AM-5PM and Sun-Mon from 12-5PM, €9.
Before 1674, the Dom Church and Dom Tower were actually one: unfortunately, a tornado collapsed the connecting nave, forever separating the two. The Dom Church remains an impressive Gothic building with a beautiful cloister garden, providing a moment of peace and quiet in the otherwise bustling city. The Church and its garden can be visited free of admission Mon-Fri 11AM-4PM, Sat 10AM-3.30PM, Sun 12.30-4PM.
Like Amsterdam, Utrecht has its very own canal running through its midst. Unlike Amsterdam, the Oudegracht is characterized by the many picturesque cellars along the water (“werfkelders”), unique in the world. Most werfkelders are now homes to many restaurants and pubs. Take acanal tourto see the city from the waters and learn more about its colorful history.
hip burgers incl. veg(eteri)an, average menu: €10
Wood oven pizza, average menu: €15
aged meat, grill and burgers, average menu: €20
pub food, average menu: €15
Thai, average menu: €22
Sandwiches, hot dogs and drinks, average menu: €10
Greek, average menu: €30
French, average menu: €33
Mediterranean, average menu: €35
Vegetarian, average menu: €12.50
International, menu changes monthly, average menu: €30
French, average menu: €35
International food in wharf cellar, average menu: €25
Thai, average menu: €30
Greek, average menu: €17
Syrian, average menu: €25
Take-away/sit&eat: Thai, average menu: €12
Take-away: sushi, average menu: €10-20
Take-away: Italian, average menu: €10
Take-away: authentic Italian food, average menu: €12
Museum (conference venue): culture, art, history
Children's Museum: explore Miffy's miniature world
Museum: science of old and modern times
Observatory: 16th century bastion and telescopes
Museum: self-playing musical instruments
Museum: railways and trains through the ages
Museum: former prison (1hr tour €4 on Sat Nov 5th 2 and 3PM, book: bezoekwolvenburg@gmail.com)
Museum: waterfront bastion
Belgian special beers and pubfood, average menu: €30
French in old city castle, average menu: €32
pancakes in wharf cellar, average menu: €20
burger/steaks and beers in wharf cellar, average menu: €22
American steakhouse, average menu: €20
mediterranean fish and wine, average menu: €30
steakhouse, average menu: €30
fish and seafood, average menu: €29
hog dogs, average menu: €25
Chinese/Surinam, average menu: €20
fish and seafood bistro, average menu: €25
Chinese dim sum (think tapas), average menu: €15
Asian fusion, average menu: €31
international food and cocktails, average menu: €29
Asian, in old metalshop, average menu: €18
Cafe: Belgian special beers, average drink €4
Cocktailbar: high-end cocktails in relaxed setting, average drink €9
Characteristic Italian sandwich (famous in Utrecht)
Biological fries
Fries with wide choice of sauces (3 locations)
Fries with wide choice of sauces (3 locations)
Fries with wide choice of sauces (3 locations)
Vietnamese street food
Italian sandwiches
Burgers
Sandwiches and sweet baked goods
Sandwiches
Sandwiches
Chocolates, icecream, lunch
Swedish sandwiches and baked goods
Sandwiches and baked goods
Bagels and baked goods, coffee/tea and juice
Fresh yoghurt with various toppings and smoothies
Coffee and music
Sandwiches, soup and high-tea
Sandwiches, scones, baked goods
Store: cheese, wine, delicacies
Store: coffee, tea, chocolate
Store: wide range of international beers
Store: fresh fish (inside Hoog Catharijne mall connected to Utrecht Central train station)
Store: take-away sandwiches/meals, baked goods, drinks (3 locations)
Store: take-away sandwiches/meals, baked goods, drinks (3 locations)
Store: take-away sandwiches/meals, baked goods, drinks (3 locations)
Store: UK/US imported goods
Bakery: cakes, chocolates, bread
Bakery: cakes and chocolates (inside Hoog Catharijne mall connected to Utrecht Central train station)
Rock, pop, jazz, classical
Alternative/punk
Jazz (also food & drinks)
Alternative/dance
Alternative/dance
Vinyl
CD & Vinyl
Vinyl
Boardgame store with escape room and LARP specialty
Boardgame store
Boardgame store
Boardgame store (incl. secondhand games)
