Utrecht is like a mini version of Amsterdam but without the red light district. Canals, bikes, bulbs and street food abound along with the (unfortunately) gloomy weather typical in that part of the world. Utrecht is a university city so even though it’s fairly small it’s bustling with young bike-riding people from around The Netherlands.
The canals are lined with cafes and little boutiques and of course more bikes.
Utrecht has a mixture of architectural styles including Medieval, Art Nouveau and Brutalist architecture. It’s an odd mix but the centre of the city is mostly made up of pretty medieval buildings.
Getting Around
The small Medieval centre of Utrecht is pedestrian friendly and perfect for wandering on foot. If that’s not your thing you could rent a bike and travel like the locals do, just don’t forget where you parked it.
What to Eat
Utrechters seem to love their street food but most of the cafes I passed at lunch time were full too so no one is shying away from eating out. If you’re feeling brave you could try a snack from one of the fast food vending machines but I doubt it will be the foodie highlight of your trip.
For something more civilised, head to Bond en Smolders for their delicious Dutch desserts, chocolates and breads. The specialty is the appelbollen which is kind of like an apple pie but in a ball of pastry or I can recommend the berry cake.
This part of The Netherlands is well known for its dairy products so anything with lots of butter, cream or cheese is sure to be good.
Not surprisingly, the drink of choice in Utrecht is beer but for something different try the egg liqueur Advocaat. It’s often served as an aperitif but is also used in desserts or topped with cream and chocolate.
I haven’t spent much time in The Netherlands but I find cities like Utrecht to be adorable so I hope I’ll have the chance to visit more of the country in the future. Where are your favourite places to visit in The Netherlands?
About Andrea
To think that I once stayed at a hotel in Utrecht without visiting it! I went to Amsterdam instead, but next time, I’ll make sure I go to Utrecht. I also enjoyed Delft and Harlem. It was in Amsterdam that I decided that I wanted a Dutch bike and rode it for years until I graduated from 3 to 18 gears! Makes the hills easier in France, particularly the coast of Brittany. I still have it though.
How great that you had a real Dutch bike, I love them. Thanks for the recs on other places to visit, hopefully I’ll be able to do a more thorough tour of the country in the future.
I love the red shutters!
I loved them too!
Love biking! Too bad my city’s not bike-friendly. Reading this makes me wanna visit the Netherlands more.. Haha.. TY! And keep it up!
The Netherlands is fun to visit. Where are you located now?
In the currently very hot Manila, Philippines! Haha.. Well, I’m pretty sure it’s fun to visit. It feels like I’ve been there myself (though I know being there for real’s gonna be a whole lot different) reading your posts!
I hope to go back to the Netherlands sometime soon. I’ve only been to Amsterdam, so this seems like a great place to hit as well/1
This was my first trip outside of Amsterdam and I was surprised how much I liked the smaller cities. I can’t wait to go back to the Netherlands.
My brother lived three years in Amsterdam. The combination of his pictures and stories has put it near the top of my travel destinations. What a progressive society! I am sure it has its own share of problems. In fact, I have som Dutch people staying at the Hostel I own as we speak, and they have sited some political issues, but I still feel it is miles ahead of a lot of other “westernized” countries. Great pictures. I want to be there NOW!
Ryan