I arrived by train, a short 35 minutes ride from Rotterdam. With almost 70 train connections between the two stations every day, you can decide to go to Utrecht for the whole day or just spend a morning or evening. 

As soon as I got down at Utrecht Centraal station, I was overwhelmed by this huge shopping mall connected. Known as the largest indoor shopping mall in the Netherlands, it is designed in such a way that one has to cross the entire mall having a few 100 outlets (and the urge to shop) to outside to the old urban center. If you do give in to the urge, there are shops selling everything you need – tulips, cheese, bread, souvenirs, clothes, and cafes selling Stroopwafels. I bought a couple of souvenirs which were dirt cheaper here than in Rotterdam and Amsterdam, and I was on my way out.

One day in Utrecht: What to do in Utrecht

Dom Tower, Utrecht

Dom Tower (Dutch: Domtoren) is not only Utrecht’s notable landmark but also of the whole Netherlands. Built between 1321 and 1382, the Dom Tower is the main attraction in the middle of the historic town centre. It is the highest and oldest church tower in the Netherlands, soaring at 112 meters (or 367 feet). The tower was originally part of a 14th to 15th-century cathedral complex, but due to a hurricane in 1674, it was blown down and never rebuilt. There are 465 steps to the top for a small entrance fee in case one wants to see the entire town for unbeatable views, which on a clear day stretch as far as Amsterdam. The tower features 13 bells that weigh between 880 and 18,000 pounds. I decided to give-a-miss to the climbing tower as it was super cloudy, which meant I wouldn’t have good city views. 

It is here that I came to know about the rich and interesting history of Utrecht dating back to the Medieval Ages. Historians believe that the first inhabitants date back to the Stone Age, earlier than 2000 BC. For many centuries, Utrecht was considered the heart and capital of the Netherlands but was replaced by Amsterdam in the 17th century, during the Dutch Golden Age.

St Martin’s Cathedral

Right behind the Dom Tower is the St. Martin’s Cathedral also known as Dom Church. It is a Gothic church dedicated to Saint Martin of Tours. The building is the one church in the Netherlands that closely resembles the style of classic Gothic architecture as developed in France. What remains of St. Martin’s today are the choir, the transept and the Dom Tower.

Pandhof Domkerk

I walked around the Dom square and came across the medieval monastery courtyard called Pandhof. The garden here is scrupulously designed and in the center features a fountain with a bronze statue of priest Hugo Wstinc, sitting and writing. It is extremely peaceful and you can spend some quality time here.

The 15th-century courtyard was built to connect the Dom tower to the rest of the buildings. The courtyard was abused in the 16th century wherein locals stored their chicken and wagons. In the 17th century, it was used as a meat market and gunpowder storage. In the 18th century, it was used as a cemetery for university students.

Academiegebouw

Next to Pandhof is the beautiful building of Universiteit Utrecht which is hard to miss! Academiegebouw or the Academy building was donated to Utrecht University in the later part of the 18th century. It serves as a ceremonial centre in which major academic functions are held. The hustle and bustle of students was quite evident here.

Stadhuis Quarter 

I walked around Dom square and reached the Stadhuis Quarter selling Tulips. The Stadhuis Quarter is located here which is one of the most popular and lively part of Utrecht. This quarter has numerous shopping streets and plenty of bars, cafes and restaurants. Besides the canal that runs through it, you’ll find beautiful landmarks worth checking out.

Oudegracht Canal 

Also known as the old canal, Oudegracht passes through the centre of the city and Utrecht’s most scenic spots. Utrecht’s canals have a different vibe than Amsterdam and you just can’t help but fall in love with them. Along the canals, there are outdoor seating areas as well as the city’s signature wharf cellars. These water-level cellars are built under street level and open out to the city’s waterfront. Inside them, you’ll find everything from restaurants and bars to art galleries and even people’s homes.

Museums of Utrecht

Just like Amsterdam, Utrecht has many museums to choose from. Most popular amongst the lot is the Centraal Museum, which is near Dom Square, and showcases art. Other museums worth visiting are Musical Speelklok Museum, the Nijntje Museum, the Adventurous Railroad Museum (Spoorwegmuseum), the University Museum and the Sonnenborgh Observatory and Astronomy Museum. I am not a museum person and did not visit any of them, instead chose to stroll around the town on foot.

Where to stay in Utrecht 

Although my post specifies One day in Utrecht, the town has a lot to offer and I would highly recommend you to stay overnight or for a weekend. The plus point of accommodation in Utrecht is that hotels in Utrecht are considerably cheaper than those in Amsterdam. Those on a budget will love the clean and affordable hostels in Utrecht.

Luxury: Grand Hotel Karel V , Dom Tower Suites II by VGW, Mother Goose Hotel 

Mid range: Daen’s Room One, Cozy pillow, Ibis Utrecht 

Hostels: Stone Hostel, Stayokay Utrecht Centrum, Stowis Hostel 

Bike Rental Utrecht

Just like any other Dutch city, Utrecht is bike-friendly, and if you are visiting, you may be tempted to explore the city on a bike. Renting a bike is easy and relatively inexpensive. There are many rental services to choose from – app-based or pick up from spots and have flexibility to rent for

a couple of hours, a day, or even several weeks. To rent a bike you will need to show a valid identification document and have to pay a deposit, which you will get back when you safely return the bike. 

How to reach Utrecht from Amsterdam

There is a direct train from Amsterdam Centraal to Utrecht Centraal which takes about twenty-five minutes. 

Sustainable tips for One day in Utrecht

• Utrecht is an extremely bike-friendly city, so use the bike or efficient public transportation to get around.
• Try the local items on the streets – stroopwafels, rather than going to the chain restaurants. It gives a fair chance of earning for the locals.
• Do not litter in market/palace squares. Dispose of plastics in the designated waste bins.
• Respect the churches, museums, walls and old architectural buildings by not sitting on them.