Utrecht

The Centraal Museum stands as the oldest municipal museum in the Netherlands, offering the most captivating exploration of Utrecht's history through art and design. The museum showcases remarkable works by various local and international artists, including furniture designed by Gerrit Rietveld, a renowned local designer. The Centraal Museum also hosts temporary exhibitions frequently, which attract both locals and tourists. Located in the MuseumQuarter, the building itself is noteworthy, featuring a beautiful garden, a restaurant and a delightful museum store. If you want to avoid big tourist crowds, it is best to visit the museum on weekdays.

Located at Fort Hoofddijk, The Botanical Gardens boast an exceptional assortment of plant species gathered from across the globe. These gardens are part of Utrecht University, and they serve as a captivating natural sanctuary, which is open to visitors who want to explore the beauty of nature. The gardens consist of various sections, allowing visitors to go seamlessly from enchanting rock gardens to bird-watching in the woods or vibrant butterflies in the tropical greenhouse. The Botanic Gardens' location might not be best, as they are situated in the outskirts of the city, however, if you are seeking a tranquil escape and breathtaking landscapes, make sure you make time to visit them.

Utrecht Lumen is the best way to explore the city at night with a light show that brings the city to life through illuminated art installations. The artworks are on display seven days a week, from sunset to midnight. To enhance this experience, join the guided tour of Utrecht Lumen's light installations. These walking tours provide a nighttime exploration of the inner city, showcasing light artworks strategically placed in unexpected and often overlooked spots during the day.

Utrecht's convenient location, a mere 20-minute journey from Amsterdam, provides an escape from all the capital's tourist hustle- It offers the essence of a quintessential Dutch town with a fascinating narrative. Utrecht boasts a charming city centre, famous for its narrow alleys and concealed streets that create an ideal setting for a walking tour. In fact, it is because of its narrow, car-free streets that this free walking tour will take you to places that cars, buses or boats don't have access to. It's not just a history lesson, but an experience narrated from a local perspective. The Dutch guides will give you insights into the daily life of Utrecht residents, including their preferred dining spots, shopping destinations and advice on avoiding tourist traps.

The canal tour is the best way to explore Utrecht's rich history. As you cruise, marvel at the old wharf cellars, bridges and statues along the Oudegracht canal. Utrecht's houses along the canal are also something to admire, not to mention the iconic Dom Tower. The tour provides a comprehensive exploration of the city's history in multiple languages during the 1.5-hour sail. Children and pets are welcome on board when accompanied by an adult.

Just a 40-minute train ride away from Utrecht, Kaaspakhuis offers the best cheese experience tours in the Netherlands. For those eager to savour cheese, the tours conclude with a tasting board featuring four types of farmer's cheese, complemented by a glass of wine or port. If you are planning to visit Kaaspakhuis, it's recommended to make a reservation in advance via phone or email to secure your spot in the tours. If you pay them a visit on Saturday, you'll witness live trading at the market, as well as the cheese warehouse where the knowledgeable guides will share insights into the art of cheese making.

If you are a fan of architectural design, you simply must visit the Rietveld Schröderhuis. This outstanding single-family house embodies the design principles of the De Stijl movement, and the restoration of its interiors to the 1920s aligns with this significance. Today, the entire house is a museum that has been meticulously restored and maintained to retain its authenticity.

Regarded as one of the most beautiful neo-Gothic churches in the Netherlands, the Sint-Willibrordkerk is home to a remarkable collection of art and wood carvings. Contrary to what everyone might expect, the interior of the church is adorned with a giant LED halo (artwork by Titia Ex, part of Utrecht Lumen) on the roof. The church also boasts intricate decorations and stunning stained glass windows. To top it all off, the church hosts concerts regularly, given its ideal setup for choir singing.

The Museum Speelklok immerses visitors in self-playing musical instruments, treating them to delightful tunes from various corners of the establishment. You can join a free Musical guided tour, where enthusiastic guides share insights into the world of musical automata. The museum offers other tours to unveil the museum's treasures and marvel at the Royal Chamber.

With a capacity of 1,500 guests, the Beatrix Theatre in Utrecht promises a delightful range of successful musicals, concerts and theatrical performances. Beatrix Theatre also hosts conferences and events, providing an excellent setting for guests 365 days a year. Whether you want to attend a performance or simply admire its impressive architecture, the Beatrix Theatre will leave a lasting impression.

Miffy's traffic light is just a piece of the puzzle in this Dutch rabbit's world. To take a look at the whole picture, Miffy has her own dedicated museum in Utrecht since 2016. If you are visiting the city with kids, more specifically, toddlers and pre-schoolers, the Nijntje Museum is what you need. The museum consists of ten thematic spaces inspired by Dick Bruna's picture books, allowing children to interact with the world around them in an educational manner.