Discover Utrecht by bike
Before leaving the carriage, you hear – “Welcome to Utrecht Centraal, the final stop of this train.” You then step onto the platform in the Netherlands’ largest train station. Leaving the station at the exit near platform 1, you head towards the historic city centre. To pass through the gates, you scan the QR code on your train ticket. The journey of discovery begins.
Using the handy cycling guide, we will take you on a fun and environment-friendly bike ride to explore Utrecht.
Cycle like a local
Spotted the train station’s iconic bulbous roof yet? The world’s largest bicycle parking facility is located below your feet with enough space for 12,500 bikes! After walking through Hoog Catharijne shopping mall, you begin to realise why the city needs such a massive bike facility. The locals ride everywhere on their bikes – to work, to get back home or to pop out to their favourite café. The city’s residents each cycle on average 1,242 km per year! You check in to your hotel and collect the two bikes that you have reserved. For the next few days, these sturdy bikes with strong locks will be your means of transport.
Below, check out our guide to bike-friendly city centre hotels where you can rent a bike. There are also numerous bike hire companies throughout the city that offer bike rentals for one or more days.
After a short break at the hotel, you jump on your bikes and cycle towards the vibrant city centre.
Bicycle infrastructure
There’s a reason why Utrecht has been named the Netherlands’ best city for cycling – its dedicated network of cycle lanes, transit routes and special bicycle bridges allows you to explore all corners of the city. Whether it’s a modern suburb or a picturesque, cobbled street in the historic centre, you can get there by bike. Make sure you park your bikes at one of the specially provided indoor or outdoor bike parking facilities. Your bikes will be safe and sound there and it’s free. You can, of course, explore on your own, but why not book a guided bike tour and discover the city’s hidden gems? From vegan bike tours to a route that takes in the city’s architectural highlights, they are all listed here.
An overview of bicycle parking facilities in the city centre can be found here. We have also listed our favourite places to grab a bite to eat or a drink.
Cycling is ideal not only for looking around and enjoying everything in the city centre but also for venturing further afield and exploring the surrounding area with its castles, historic country houses and fortresses. Want to join us on a bike ride?
Freewheeling in the region
The following day, why not swap the excitement of city life for the tranquillity of the countryside? You can be out in nature in no time at all – just follow the handy cycle junction network. Cycling from the city centre, you can reach the Amelisweerd country estate in 30 minutes. Cycle for half an hour more, and you are in Utrechtse Heuvelrug National Park. Pedal along the wide paths and fall in love with this peaceful, green paradise while taking in the magnificent castles and fortresses. Along the way, you may want to stop off at one of the museums, cosy cafés or restaurants. Get to know the region close up and unwind with a cold, refreshing drink in hand.
After returning to the city, devour a well-earned dinner at one of the excellent waterside restaurants along the canal.
Museum hopping
Time for a spot of art and culture! In the historic centre, there are 10 museums within a 10-minute bike ride of each other. Park your bike right outside Centraal Museum, take an audio tour and wander through the halls admiring the exhibition of artworks by the 17th-century Bentvueghels art society. Cycle for five minutes from Centraal Museum and find yourself at the iconic Rietveld Schröder House – a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After an interesting and informative audio tour of the building, peddle towards Wilhelmina Park, a listed Dutch heritage site, where you can lie down by the large pond, sink into the soft green grass and reflect on the day’s adventures. The city centre is full of fine restaurants and fun places to have a drink – the perfect way to round off a great cycling weekend in Utrecht. Trrrrrrring!
