discover utrecht

ENG
DISCOVER UTRECHT
DISCOVER
UTRECHT
in 24 hours
in 24 hours
Planning a day trip to Utrecht? This 24-hour guide contains all of the city’s must-sees that can be visited during a short
visit – the absolute highlights that should not be missed. Get to know this vibrant university town with its youthful
population, thriving creative sector and magnificent historical treasures.
NEDERLANDS
VOLKSBUURT
MUSEUM
JACOBIKERK
UNIVERSITEITS
KWARTIER
VREDENBURG
KWARTIER
Utrecht has a mediaeval town
centre, which is ideal to explore
on foot. The town’s five ‘subareas’
are home not only to impressive
historical architecture, but also to
interesting museums, boutiques
and restaurants. And with
the tallest bell tower in the
Netherlands – the Dom Tower –
as a landmark, finding your way
around is no trouble at all.
UTRECHT HIGHLIGHTS
Domplein square
1
Every tour of Utrecht should
include a visit to its magnificent
Gothic cathedral, the Domkerk.
After that, climb the Netherlands’
tallest bell tower, ascending 465
steps to the top of the Dom Tower
and enjoy the spectacular view.
And if you are interested in Utrecht’s
past, travel 2000 years back in
time and descend to DOMunder,
an underground voyage of discovery full of archaeological treasures.
Oudegracht canal
and wharves
2
Stroll along Utrecht’s stately
canals and discover why some
call it ‘Europe’s most beautiful
canal city’. The historical wharves
lend character to the canals
and give the city added charm.
Stadskasteel Oudaen
3
This old city castle, built in 1276
for the Zoudenbalch family, is a
unique structure, being one of the
first stone buildings in Utrecht.
Nowadays it is a heritage building
and restaurant, and even has its
own brewery.
TivoliVredenburg
4
TivoliVredenburg is Utrecht’s largest music venue, hosting regular
concerts and festivals. It is a feat of
modern architecture and interior
design. In addition to its five concert halls, it also offers a cosy café,
perfect for lunch or a drink.
Museum Speelklok
5
Step into the wonderful world
of mechanical instruments, and
let your ears and eyes be amazed.
Listen and learn all about these
auditory automatons, from
the tiniest music boxes to the
most stupendous hall organs.
Recommended for children
especially!
Paushuize
6
Lepelenburg park
8
NEUDE
JANSKERK
Of Utrecht’s many public parks,
this one stands out. Nice weather
attracts hordes of students and
families, who come to enjoy the
sun, a barbecue, or simply each
other’s company. Musical and
theatrical events are staged in
the pavilion at the park’s edge.
JANSKERKHOF
KASTEEL OUDAEN
STADHUIS
KWARTIER
SINT WILLIBRORD
KERK
2
10 MIN.
STADHUIS
DOM UNDER
9
MUSEUM SPEELKLOK
In February 2016, famous Utrecht
celebrity ‘Miffy’ was given her
own museum, where children
and toddlers can playfully explore
the world, hand-in-hand with
the quirky bunny created by
Dick Bruna. Crawl, search, smell
and dance your way through a
journey of discovery!
Rietveld Schröder House
Het Spoorwegmuseum
7
TIVOLIVREDENBURG
5
1
DOMKWARTIER
DOMTOREN
A
STADSKANTOOR
B
CENTRAAL
STATION
PAUSHUIZE
6
ACADEMIEGEBOUW
AAMU
LEPELENBURG
CONSERVATORIUM
SINTGERTRUDISKERK
10
JAARBEURS
10
ST. CATHARINA
KATHEDRAAL
CATHARIJNECONVENT
DE INKTPOT
STERRENWACHT
UNIVERSITEITSMUSEUM
MUSEUM
KWARTIER
NIJNTJE MUSEUM
9
CENTRAAL MUSEUM
The historical Oudegracht canal
NICOLAÏKERK
Numbers and
letters on the map
These provide an easy
reference to locations
mentioned in the text.
12
Get connected, 24/7
The entire city centre
has a free WiFi network!
8
UTRECHTS ARCHIEF
ZEVEN STEEGJES
More tips?
Check out visit-utrecht.com for even more fun ideas for your perfect trip to Utrecht.
If you have any tips of your own, feel free to leave them on our website!
7
PIETERSKERK
DOMKERK
This interactive museum housed
in the former Maliebaan station
is dedicated entirely to the world
of trains. View the extensive collection of historical wagons, wander
through the old railway station
and learn a thing or two at the
interactive exhibits. An experience
for young and old alike!
visit-utrecht.com
MALIEKWARTIER
STADSSCHOUWBURG
KRUIDE
NIERS
MUSEUM
BIBLIOTHEEK NEUDE
HOOG CATHARIJNE
Miffy Museum
This stately home was built for the
only Dutch pope: Pope Adrian VI.
The renaissance building features
Gothic influences and regularly
provides a setting for various
events. There is a free guided tour
of the house every last Sunday of
the month, starting at 10:45 am.
This is the most famous house
in Utrecht, designed entirely in
keeping with the Dutch De Stijl
art movement. The residence was
built in 1924 by Utrecht architect
Gerrit Rietveld and is on the
UNESCO World Heritage list.
Bookings to visit the house can be
made at centraalmuseum.nl/en.
4
3
LOUIS HARTLOOPER
COMPLEX
SPOORWEGMUSEUM
ENG
DISCOVER UTRECHT
DISCOVER
UTRECHT
ASK THE LOCALS!
Looking for hidden gems in and around the city? We asked Utrecht
locals to share their favourite tips with us, so you can get to know the
city even better.
in 48 hours
in 48 hours
Staying the night? The 48-hour guide offers tips for exploring more of the surroundings during a
longer stay in Utrecht. Local residents also reveal their favourite haunts, so you can get to know the
city even better!
Of course, Utrecht has much
more to offer than just a bustling
city centre. If you have the time,
it is well worth the trouble to
travel further afield and discover
the region. Visit one of the
many castles and forts or hit the
local nature trails or stunning
cycle routes.
REGIONAL HIGHLIGHTS
Botanic Gardens
1
For a relaxing break from the hustle and bustle of the city, why not
pay a visit to the splendid gardens
at Utrecht Science Park? Discover
unusual flowers and plants from all
over the world, backed by a chorus
of murmuring streams and buzzing
insects. Tip! Take a good look
around Utrecht Science Park to
discover some unique architecture.
Waterline Museum:
Fort Vechten
2
The Utrecht region is home to an
interesting piece of history: a fort
from 1869 that is part of the New
Hollandic Waterline. Made up of
around 22 buildings, it includes
watchtowers, a bomb shelter and
an outer fort. For those interested
in this history, there is a museum
on the site where you can learn all
there is to know about waterlines,
the Romans and the local habitat.
Mondrian House
4
3
4
Take a look at the former royal
residence of Prince Bernhard
and Princess Juliana. The original
ambience of the rooms has been
preserved as much as possible,
giving visitors an authentic impression of their lives here from 1937.
The surrounding park is also open
for visitors to walk through.
visit-utrecht.com
Enjoy the Botanic Gardens
Bram (33)
“Utrecht has tonnes of hidden courtyards
and gardens. Just wander around, turn
into the small alleyways, and you’ll discover
the most beautiful patches of greenery.
Take a look behind the cathedral, for example, where the Pandhof gardens A await.
7
9
6
1
10
5
2
8
3
The nearby town of Amersfoort
is home to a unique piece of art
history: the house in which Piet
Mondrian was born. This abstract
painter became world famous as
one of the founders of abstract
art. The house now has works by
Mondrian on display, as well as
temporary exhibitions by artists
who have been inspired by him.
Soestdijk Palace
Annick (28)
“If you have some time to spare after sundown, discover Utrecht via this wonderful
artistic light-themed route that leads
past beautifully-lit sites in the city centre.
The map is available at the Utrecht Tourist
Information Centre (VVV), where you can
also make a booking if you prefer a guided
tour.” trajectumlumen.com
Museum Oud Amelisweerd
5
This historical estate is located
on the city’s outskirts in the
Amelisweerd nature reserve.
A castle that was rebuilt after
its devastation in 1672 by the
French, nowadays the estate
is open to visitors and houses
unique collections by various
artists, including Armando.
Hoge Woerd Castellum
6
Visit this modern interpretation
of a centuries-old Roman fort,
just beyond Utrecht’s city limits.
Its high walls conceal an archaeological museum, a theatre stage
and a restaurant and café. Nearby,
enjoy a long walk in nearby
Maxima Park, a peaceful part of
Utrecht that is as big as the city
centre itself. In need of refreshment? Then head to the Rare
Jongens restaurant and café or
the Maximus brewery.
National Military Museum
7
This interactive museum offers
an impressive introduction to
the history of the Netherlands
and its military forces, where past,
present and future come to life.
The site of the NMM is where
the Dutch Royal Air Force was
founded in 1913. Since 2013 it
has been possible to stroll at
leisure among cannons, tanks,
aircraft and more.
Utrechtse Heuvelrug
8
Located only 15 minutes from
Utrecht, this beautiful hilly area is
perfect for hiking or cycling amid
a fairytale setting of undulating
woods and impressive castles
and estates. Bicycles can be hired
seven days a week at the Utrecht
Tourist Information Centre (VVV),
which can also advise you on the
best cycle routes.
The biggest castle in the Netherlands
Explore Utrecht by water
De Haar Castle
Boating
9
Be enchanted by this fairytale
castle, surrounded by elegant
styled gardens and a landscaped
park. The largest castle in the
Netherlands, this historical edifice
was built for a wealthy baron
between 1892 and 1912. These
days, you can take a guided tour of
the castle or simply walk through
the gardens, followed by a drink
and a snack at the Tuynhuis café.
10
If you feel like discovering Utrecht
by water but don’t want an
organised tour, simply hire your
own boat! Various companies rent
boats (with or without a steersman), so you can explore the city
completely at your leisure. A list of
rental companies can be found at
visit-utrecht.com.
MORE UTRECHT?
Utrecht by category
Want to get to know Utrecht even better? Take a look at
our other brochures. Discover restaurants and evening
entertainments in our By Night brochure, or plan the perfect
day on the town with Shopping and Lunch, with tips on
all the best places to shop. If you prefer museums and art,
take along our Museums and Galleries brochure.
Utrecht by subareas
Did you know that Utrecht city centre is divided up into
several distinct subareas? Each one is unique, with its own
hidden gems. Go to visit-utrecht.com/subareas to read all
about the events, food, drinks, nightlife and accommodation
that each subarea has to offer.
Peter (53)
“One of the best little spots in Utrecht is the
intersection called ‘t Wed B . Turn up early
in the morning for breakfast, or drop by for a
drink in the evening. There is always plenty of
atmosphere. Perhaps that’s why Dick Bruna
regularly came here for his cup of coffee.”
2017: MONDRIAAN TO DUTCH DESIGN
In 2017, Utrecht and Amersfoort will
be celebrating 100 years of the Dutch
De Stijl art movement. Featuring
famous De Stijl artists such as Gerrit
Rietveld and Piet Mondrian, there will
be plenty to see and do in Utrecht!
destijl100.com
visit-utrecht.com
/BezoekUtrecht
/VVVUtrecht
VVV Utrecht Information Centre
Domplein 9
© Tourism Utrecht - Design: Creative Beards - Layout: HaasDesign - Photography: Tourism Utrecht.
Info: marketing@toerisme-utrecht.nl