10 Must-See Attractions in Utrecht

My ongoing look at terrific city destinations in the Netherlands shines the spotlight on Utrecht. The capital of the province of Utrecht is one of the premier urban areas of the country, with well over 300,000 people and plenty of  visual history in store.

While far from small, Utrecht is nonetheless quite manageable at close to 100 km². The city has several notable claims to fame. First and foremost, Utrecht is home to Utrecht University, with 30,000 plus students. The academic institution ranks as one of the best in Europe on a fairly consistent basis. Student life permeates the cityscape and all in all, makes Utrecht a lively place to visit.

Tourists to Utrecht may want to focus their time on the city’s heritage architecture. Though immediate points of interest outside the central train station scream modern, avant-garde Dutch all the way, medieval landmarks in and around Utrecht remind visitors that the city is indeed one of the oldest on the continent. The future European Capital of Culture is a veritable gem, with these ten must-see attractions to explore.

10. Pieterskerk

At close to a millennium old, the Pieterskerk is a significant and still active church. The landmark was a focal point in Utrecht’s initial kerkenkruis layout, or cross-shaped town plan.

9. Museum voor het Kruideniersbedrijf

Part throwback relic, part museum and all confectionery, the Museum voor het Kruideniersbedrijf is a rather unusual yet worthwhile point of interest in Utrecht. A good place to score Dutch treats and sweet souvenirs in a typical, old-school backdrop.

8. Centraal Museum

The dean of municipal museums in the Netherlands was established on the top floor of Utrecht’s town hall in the early 19th century. The Centraal Museum has since grown in size and scope and today, is one of the most important museums in the country. A vast collection of Dutch art and artifacts spans every era of the nation’s history.

7. Rietveld-Schröder-Huis

The Rietveld Schröder House is easily one of the most eccentric UNESCO World Heritage Sites to ever earn inscription. The indefatigable Utrecht landmark is a brilliant beacon of that iconic Dutch design style known throughout the world simply as De Stijl. UNESCO and indeed, architects everywhere, consider the house a model icon of the Modern Movement.

6. Utrecht University Botanic Gardens

As the nerve centre of city life in Utrecht, a visit to the university campus is a must. This includes a stop in the historic Utrecht University Botanic Gardens, which is not only one of the best in Europe but has a history that dates back to the 17th century.

5. De Uithof

The main campus of the university is known as De Uithof and is a notable district of Utrecht. Not only is it a hub of student life but perhaps most importantly, De Uithof displays the unusual design ethos that so many of us associate with the avant-garde Dutch. With that in mind, it should come as no surprise that the campus’s Educatorium is a product of Rotterdam native and Pritzker Prize laureate Rem Koolhaas (see Casa da Musica, Porto and Seattle Central Library).

4. Stadion Galgenwaard

If you visit Utrecht, you simply must attend a football match at Stadion Galgenwaard, where home side FC Utrecht sells out every time.

3. Dick Bruna Huis

The creator of “Miffy” is perhaps the most famous Utrecht native of all. While many may not recognize illustrator Dick Bruna by name or face, they certainly know his body of work. The Dick Bruna Huis is a wonderful tribute to the artist.

2. Oudegracht

Utrecht’s Oudegracht, or “old canal”, is the ideal spot for a bicycle ride or stroll through the city.

1. Domtoren

The most conspicuous landmark in Utrecht offers views of Rotterdam and Amsterdam on clear, cloudless days.

Check out terrific deals on hotels in Utrecht.

Photo credits: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10