I’ve been to Amsterdam countless times, always drawn in by the energy, the museums, the canals, but this time I decided to see beyond the Netherland’s most touristy hotspot, with a visit to Rotterdam, Gouda, The Hague — and finally, Utrecht.
It felt like discovering the more relaxed sibling of Amsterdam: less flash, quieter, and deeply charming.
For a weekend trip, Utrecht is the perfect weekend escape (and very quick to get to from Amsterdam) and the kind of place that absolutely leaves you wondering why you didn’t visit sooner.
With that said, how to spend a lovely weekend here — from someone who’s done it!
About the Author
Hi, I’m Candace — a London-based travel writer and content creator who traded the East Coast of the US for the charm of the UK back in 2016. London’s been my home ever since.
On this blog, you’ll find hundreds of thoughtfully crafted London, UK, Europe and Worldwide travel guides alongside lots of insider London tips, honest hotel and restaurant reviews and advice for content creators.
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🗞️📺 As featured on the BBC, USA Today & Recipe.TV.
It’s housed in a beautiful 19th century building with original stained glass windows, perfectly in the city centre and puts you in walking distance to everything I recommend in this article.
Why Visit Utrecht (& A Little History)
Utrecht is one of the Netherlands’ most underrated cities — with canals as pretty as Amsterdam’s, a city centre you can easy walk end to end, medieval history and an incredible café & market culture.
The city has been around since Roman times, but it was the Middle Ages that shaped much of what you’ll see today when you visit.
In that time it was the religious centre of the country. The city was filled with churches, monasteries, and trading hubs, many of which still shape the streets you walk today.
What’s left is its distinctly medieval core — alongside its university town which keeps the city young and cool, so truly the best of both worlds!
Getting to Utrecht (& Getting Around)
From Amsterdam Centraal, Utrecht is only 25–26 minutes (with some trains as fast at 17 minutes!) by direct train (around €9.40 one-way), with multiple departures every hour.
Coming from Rotterdam or The Hague, you’re looking at 35–40 minutes.
Tickets are easy to buy from Trainline, NS machines or via the NS app, but the easiest is tapping in and out with your contactless card at the transport gates.
Once you’re there, Utrecht is very walkable. The old town is compact, with everything clustered around the canals and Domplein.
You’ll rarely need more than 15 minutes on foot, though there are buses, trams (which you can also pay for with your contactless card) and of course bikes everywhere.
Things to Do for a Weekend in Utrecht
Friendly disclaimer that I am not a local (but explored based on lots of local recommendations) — this is just what I got up to and recommend for a weekend trip!
Wander Utrecht’s Canals
You can’t talk about Utrecht without talking about its canals.
The city has four main ones running through the centre — the Oudegracht (The Old Canal), Nieuwegracht, Catharijnesingel, and Vaartsche Rijn — but it’s the way they’re built that makes them stand out.
Unlike Amsterdam, the canals here sit lower, with old wharf cellars converted into bars, restaurants, and shops right at water level.
The Oudegracht — Utrecht’s main canal — is where the city comes alive, and it’ll be hard to miss on your list.
No visit to Utrecht feels complete without stepping into the Domkerk.
Built in the 13th century, it was once the largest church in the Netherlands, and even now its gothic arches and stained glass give you a sense of just how important Utrecht was in the Middle Ages.
A tornado in 1674 destroyed the nave, leaving a gap between the cathedral and its tower — an unusual sight that makes Domplein one of the city’s most distinctive squares.
Step inside for a look at the vaulted ceilings and quiet cloisters, then head back out to see the Dom Tower rising just across the square for a great photo op!
Nearby you’ll also find Sint Willibrordkerk – a lesser-known gothic revival church. Worth popping in if you love hidden architectural gems.
Eating, Drink (& Read Perhaps) on The Old Canal
Spending time on The Old Canal (Oudegracht) — is one of the best things to do in Utrecht, especially on your first night for an intro to the city.
Its wharf terraces come alive in the evening, with tables spilling right down to the water.
I grabbed a seat, ordered a glass of wine, and ended up lingering over dinner with a book in hand, an experience I highly recommend!
Here’s a few restaurants on the canal to check out:
Stadskasteel Oudaen A former castle turned brewery and restaurant right on the canal, great if you want hearty food or a local beer in a setting you definitely won’t find back home. (📍Oudegracht 99, 3511 AE Utrecht, Netherlands)
De Zwarte Vosch Pinchobar & Tapas One of the city’s most popular spots for tapas by the water — ideal for a relaxed evening of small plates and wine along the Oudegracht. (📍Oudegracht 48, 3511 AR Utrecht, Netherlands)
Emilia’s OsteriaA cosy Italian tucked into one of Utrecht’s canal wharves, serving fresh pasta and proper comfort food with a view. (📍Oudegracht aan de Werf 121, 3511 AL Utrecht, Netherlands)
P.S. – Looking for more restaurants outside The Old Canal? I highly recommend the cool Street Food Club, Tijm, and Humprey’s.
It’s been a tradition here for decades, with stalls spilling across the square selling everything from tulips and roses to seasonal plants and bulbs you can take home (or simply admire).
Here you’ll see more locals than tourists, and the square itself is ringed with cafés where you can sit with a coffee after your flower browsing.
On par with its coolness, Utrecht is a gem for pre-loved finds.
The city’s quietly built a reputation as one of the Netherlands’ best cities for vintage shopping with its student population keeping demand high, and many of the stores are within walking distance of each other — so it’s easy to shop and not drop!
Voorstraat in particular is lined with second-hand boutiques where you’ll find everything from retro denim to curated designer pieces.
In particular, I found some great pieces from Vintage Island, but here’s a few more city favourites to check out:
Utrecht’s café scene is one of the liveliest in the Netherlands, thanks in large part to its huge student population.
With the university at its core, you’ll find no shortage of spots buzzing with people studying, working, or just catching up over coffee.
My particular favourite on this trip was Bagels & Beans, a Dutch staple, but there are plenty of independent cafés to choose from, have a wander around Utrecht and find your favourite!
📍 Jacques – A sleek little spot perfect for a Utrecht morning flat white and people-watching.
📍 Keen Coffee Bar – One of Utrecht’s most respected coffee spots, with their own roastery nearby too!
P.S. – Don’t confuse Utrecht’s cafés with Amsterdam’s “coffee shops.” In the Netherlands, a coffee shop usually means somewhere that sells cannabis, while a café is where you actually go for coffee. In Utrecht, it’s all about the latter…
Miffy Stops & Centraal Museum
If you didn’t know, Utrecht is also home to Miffy (or Nijntje, as she’s known in Dutch) — the little white rabbit created by local illustrator Dick Bruna.
You’ll spot her all over the city, from the Miffy Museum (ticketed), which is perfect if you’re travelling with kids (or just a fan!), to the quirky Miffy traffic light just around the corner.
There’s also a small Miffy’s Square near the traffic light for an extra photo op, and a Miffy statue outside the museum, too!
Right across the street from the Miffy Museum, you’ll find the Centraal Museum (ticketed as well), Utrecht’s main cultural museum, housing everything from medieval religious art to contemporary exhibitions.
Worth the visit if you’re keen on Dutch art, and there’s a lovely cafe here too.
Cocktails & Bites at The Streetfood Club
One of the best things about staying at the NH Centre Hotel was being in walking distance to all things city centre Utrecht, including what quickly became one of my favourite late-night spots — The Streetfood Club.
It’s an effortlessly cool local spot for cocktails and street food and is amazing for soaking up the vibes and people-watching in Utrecht.
After cocktails, it’s time to settle into a music night for your last night in Utrecht.
‘t Oude Pothuys is the city’s underground local gem for live music, tucked into a cellar right on the Oudegracht.
The music here was fantastic and they’re open every evening until 1 am or 3am come the weekend.
There’s no fixed cover charge listed for most nights and if you come early you can easily snag a spot near the stage. See what’s on for your visit here!
📍 Find them at Oudegracht 279, 3511 PA Utrecht.
Utrecht FAQs
💭 Do they speak English in Utrecht?
Yes, almost everyone does.
💭 What’s the currency in Utrecht?
Euro (€).
💭 What’s the weather like in Utrecht?
Very changeable (like London!) Bring layers and a light raincoat, even in summer.
💭 Is Utrecht walkable?
Very! The centre is compact and easy to cover on foot. But outside of walking you can bike, or use buses and trams with your contactless card.
💭 How far is Utrecht from Amsterdam?
About 25 minutes by train. From Rotterdam, about 40 minutes. Book your tickets in advance or pay with your contactless at the ticket barriers!
Final Thoughts on Utrecht
Utrecht may not shout the loudest, but that’s exactly why it works so well for a weekend escape.
Its cobbled lanes, canal-side cafés, historic towers, and smaller crowds make it the perfect Amsterdam alternative (or addition) for your Netherlands trip.
And proof that sometimes the smaller cities leave the biggest impression.
Time to start planning your trip!
Thanks for reading my Weekend Guide to Utrecht. If you enjoyed it, let me know on Instagram!
