Fun in Utrecht

Utrecht is big enough to have some interesting museums and sights but small enough that it's easy to get around on foot. One of the Netherland's largest and most prestigious universities is located here so the city has a lively, upbeat atmosphere and there are some fun and funky stores along Oudegracht.

One of Utrecht's top attractions is Oudegracht, the main canal in town. It is located one level below the street and the cellars of many of the buildings and warehouses that line the canal have been turned into shops, restaurants and bars. You have to walk down a flight of stone steps to get to them but it is a peaceful spot to relax with a drink since you're away from the noise of the traffic and the crowds of people.

I made Utrecht a day trip from Amsterdam but once I got there, I wished I'd allowed more time in my itinerary to really explore.

Utrecht is a major transportation hub so it's easy to get a bus or train connecting to and from most of the cities in the Netherlands and neighbouring countries. The train trip from Amsterdam to Utrecht took about an half hour.

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Utrecht is pretty compact & easy to get around by foot. If you have time, take a boat ride on the canals for a relaxing sightseeing tour.

I don't usually go to malls when on holidays but Hoog Catherijne was unavoidable because the train station is right in the mall. Utrecht's train station is a major hub for the country so that means lots of people and the mall was really busy - it felt like rush hour with everyone hurrying to their destination and me just ambling along, checking out the stores.

The mall is the largest indoor shopping mall in Holland and covers about 6 blocks. Like malls everywhere, there were lots of shoe stores, music stores, book stores, clothing stores, etc., etc. and fashions and prices were similar to home. Little kiosks were set up to sell candy and food, including waffles and pancakes and there was a number of restaurants as well. The window displays of the stores were quite eyecatching with mannequins sporting rings through their nose, eyebrow or other body parts.

The Utrecht Tourist Information Centre is located in the mall and that was handy since I could get directions, a map and suggestions on what to see from the helpful guides. They will also book accommodations if you haven't got something lined up.

The mall also contains an exhibition & concert hall.

The main tourist areas like Domplein and Oudegracht are about a 10 minute walk away.

This is a great place for train buffs of all ages. There are lots of train cars to look at as well as models, paintings & videos. The gift shop has good quality souvenirs in many price ranges. Check out the red garbage cans in front of the museum with the train logos on them.

The museum is outside of the city centre, in a 19th century rail terminal but it's a pleasant walk through a little park and lots of tree lined streets. There is also a bus from the city core. Cost is DF 15 for adults.

This tiny museum,on the 2nd floor of a little shop in a small square, isn't all that easy to find but it's worth a visit if you're in the area. It is set up like the original grocer's store and is free to visit. It's pretty crowded and much of the original tins and grocery packaging are behind glass but there are lots of different items to look at. Downstairs, ladies in old fashioned aprons and caps sell candy, tea & other foodstuffs. Many of the items are in decorative containers so make nice souvenirs (check out the little cardboard canal houses filled with candy). One of my more interesting purchases was a square block of white sugar candy that tasted like licorice. The saleslady said to break it into little pieces and add it to hot milk for a mild licorice taste. Good advice - if you're into steamed milk, it adds a nice flavour!

This cathederal is right in the centre of the city and the tower is visible throughout the city. You can get to the top of the tower by climbing 450+ stairs on a guided tour. There is a small, well laid out garden with a central fountain near the cloisters. On the day I visited, there weren't many people and it was an extremely pleasant, quiet spot to relax and reflect.