In just a 27-minute train from Amsterdam to Utrecht, you are transported into the adorable town of Utrecht. Tucked away in the heart of the Netherlands, Utrecht is a unique blend of charm, history, and culture, with half the crowds of Amsterdam. If you have only one day in Utrecht you can still experience a little bit of everything the city has to offer:
- Scenic canals
- Unique museums
- A charming city dating back to the Romans
- A thriving food scene
One Day in Utrecht
It is only 27 minutes from Amsterdam so it is perfect to add onto any Amsterdam Itinerary. If you’ve only got one day in Utrecht, here’s how to make the most of it:
- Morning – Arrival, Brunch, and wandering the canals
- Climb the Dom Tower and Check out DOMunder
- Afternoon – Either Speelklok Museum or Kayak through the canals
- Rooftop Drinks at The Anthony Hotel
- Dinner on the canals at Beers & Barrels
Morning: Start with Coffee & Canals
You will likely arrive at Utrecht Central, one of the Netherlands’ biggest train stations. Go to Oudegracht through the modern shopping mall and slowly stroll through the canals until you reach the Oudegracht (Old Canal). Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at Ted’s All Day Brunch Oudegracht.
Ted’s is located on the Oudegracht, with a great terrace outside where you can sit and enjoy the oldest canal in Utrecht. Ted’s is a perfect spot for fueling up before hitting the cobblestone streets. Once you’ve had your caffeine fix, take a short stroll along Oudegracht, Utrecht’s picturesque old canal. The unique split-level canalside houses create a charming backdrop for your walk. Watch as the city slowly comes to life with cyclists and pedestrians, and take in the relaxed, local vibe.
Must-Do: Climb the Dom Tower
No visit to Utrecht is complete without visiting Dom Tower, the tallest church tower in the Netherlands. Standing at 112 meters, it’s a 465-step climb to the top, but the panoramic view of the city and surrounding countryside is well worth the effort. Along the way, you’ll pass through centuries of history, from medieval times to modern day. Dom Tower is over 700 years old. In 1674, a tornado came through town and damaged the unfinished church. The tower was left undamaged, but the church and tower remain separate even today!
Click here to book your ticket ahead of time, especially if you only have one day in Utrecht.
Midday: A Walk Through History
After descending the tower, make your way to Domplein, the square surrounding the cathedral. There is a small garden off to the side; take a moment to sit and enjoy the 700-year history of this square. After exploring the garden, head to DOMunder, an underground archaeological site that offers an immersive journey through 2,000 years of history. The interactive tour takes you beneath the Dom Tower to explore the Roman ruins of Utrecht, medieval cellars, and the remains of a Gothic cathedral destroyed in the 17th century. Click here to book your ticket ahead of time, as they do go quickly.
Lunch: A Bite in the Heart of the City
By now, you’ve worked up an appetite: Head to India Port, a great Indian Restaurant with tables overlooking the canal.
Afternoon Option 1: Discover Utrecht’s Hidden Gem – Speelklok Museum
Next, wander towards the Speelklok Museum, one of the city’s quirkiest attractions. It’s a museum dedicated to self-playing musical instruments, including clocks, music boxes, and automated organs. Imagine the wonder the first time you heard an instrument playing without a musician playing it! The museum is lovely and takes you back to a time before it was normal to have music playing in your home! Even if you’re not a massive fan of museums, this one is playful and engaging. Click here to book your ticket ahead of time.
Afternoon Option 2: Kayak through Utrecht Canals
If the Utrecht weather is nice, rent a kayak and explore the Utrecht canals by boat! Short loops and long loops take you farther out of the city. It is my favorite way to spend a sunny afternoon in Utrecht. Seeing the city from a kayak is a beautiful way to enjoy the city from a completely different view. Many places rent along the canal; every one will give you a map to guide your journey. It is very easy to follow the route, so you can really relax and enjoy the canal houses slowly passing by.
Evening: Drinks by the Canal
As the day winds down, head back to the canalside for an early dinner. One of the best places to soak in the evening atmosphere is Beers & Barrels. This former warehouse has been converted into a modern bar-restaurant, where you can enjoy craft beers and juicy burgers right by the water. Try to grab a table on the terrace to appreciate the beauty of Utrecht’s canals at dusk fully.
Nightcap: Rooftop Views at The Anthony Hotel
End your day with a nightcap at The Anthony Hotel Rooftop Bar (Kanaalstraat 197). With panoramic city views and a chic, relaxed vibe, this rooftop bar is the perfect spot to toast to a day well spent. Sip on a cocktail or Dutch gin while reflecting on the charming hidden gem that is Utrecht.
One day in Utrecht with Kids
If you are going to Utrecht with kids, the excellent Central museum displays the history of Miffy (the Dutch Mickey Mouse). The museum is colorful and has many activities for small children. It is best to go on a weekday as it can get crowded on the weekends. Click here to book your ticket.
Getting to Utrecht
Due to its central location, Utrecht has one of the biggest train stations in the Netherlands, so it is very easy to get there from anywhere in the Netherlands. Buy your ticket using the machines at the train station. There is no discount for purchasing your tickets in advance, so you can buy them at the time of your departure. Scan or tap your ticket both the way into the train and the way out of the train. If you have time at the station, follow the signs to the bicycle garage. One fun fact about Dutch Bikes – Utrecht has the biggest bicycle garage in the world, with 13,500 bicycle parking stations.
Staying overnight
If you decide to stay over night in this charming city, Logement Petit Beijers is in the perfect location. This 3-star hotel is in the perfect location in the heart of the city but also a short walk from Utrecht Central Station. Click here to see the latest rates and here to see the reviews of this hotel.
Final Thoughts
One day in Utrecht is just enough to scratch the surface of this lovely city. It is a great hub connecting you to the rest of the Netherlands, so it also makes for a calmer stay than Amsterdam. I lived in both Utrecht and Amsterdam, and my parents always preferred to stay in Utrecht since the city is much calmer than Amsterdam. The charming city is my favorite recommendation for a day trip from Amsterdam or a longer stay.
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