Top 10 sights in Utrecht
Whether you’re visiting Utrecht for the first time or rediscovering it all over again, there are a few places you just don’t want to miss. Looking for the city’s most iconic highlights? Here are 10 must-see spots to add to your list.
1. Dom Tower
There’s really only one place to start: the Dom Tower. At 112 metres, it’s the tallest church tower in the Netherlands and a true Utrecht icon. Join a guided tour and climb all 465 steps while discovering the fascinating history of the tower along the way. At the top, you’ll be rewarded with spectacular views across the city.
Tip: be sure to book your tickets in advance, as the tours are popular!
2. Oudegracht and its wharf cellars
Oudegracht might just be the most beautiful street—or, rather, the most beautiful canal—in Utrecht. The cellars were once used for storage and trade, but today they’re home to bustling cafés, restaurants and specialty shops. Grab a table at a waterside dining spot or hop on a boat tour to admire the historic city centre from the water.
3. Discover Dom Square
Fancy a bit of history? Dom Square is well worth a visit. This is where the story of Utrecht began 2,000 years ago. Lying beneath the square are the remains of a Roman castellum, part of the Lower German Limes, a UNESCO World Heritage site. An underground trip to DOMunder brings you face-to-face with its captivating history. Dom Square is also home to the Gothic Dom Church (including the cloister gardens—both are free to visit) and Lofen Palace. Together, they make up the city’s historic heart: the perfect starting point for exploring Utrecht.
4. The Railway Museum
The Railway Museum is a great day out for all ages. Vintage locomotives, interactive attractions and fascinating stories bring the history of train travel well and truly to life. And even if you’re not a rail enthusiast, it’s easily one of the most enjoyable museums in the Netherlands.
5. Rietveld Schröder House
The Rietveld Schröder House is a must-visit for architecture lovers. Renowned globally for Gerrit Rietveld’s groundbreaking design, this UNESCO World Heritage site is a lasting reminder of Utrecht’s progressive spirit almost a century on.
6. Utrecht’s Singel canal
Utrecht is very proud of its Singel, the historic ring canal surrounding the medieval city centre, and with good reason. A listed heritage site in its own right, the lush canal park is a popular local hangout. Take a leisurely boat tour around town or dig into the history beneath Hoog Catharijne shopping centre, where you’ll find the remains of Vredenburg Castle. Well worth a visit.
7. De Haar Castle
Just under half an hour from the city centre lies the largest castle in the Netherlands. With its turrets, moat and sprawling grounds, De Haar Castle looks like something straight out of a fairytale.
8. Neude Library
This former post office on De Neude square is one of Utrecht’s most iconic buildings. Join a free guided tour to discover this listed building’s history and take in remarkable artwork through the ages—or simply pop inside to admire the grand, historic hall.
9. miffy museum
Meet one of Utrecht’s icons: miffy! The miffy museum is a joyous, miniature world and a wonderful museum for toddlers and preschoolers. Become acquainted with Dick Bruna’s art, get hands-on with shapes and colours or even create your very own artwork.
10. Máximapark
Located in the Leidsche Rijn district, Máximapark is a unique park the same size as Utrecht’s city centre and a peaceful yet vibrant part of town. It’s a welcoming place where you can exercise, play, walk, cycle, relax, have a picnic or take to the water to your heart’s content. It was voted the country’s favourite park in 2014.
Fancy discovering the highlights Utrecht has to offer? Come along on our guided city tour and uncover the stories behind the city centre’s most famous spots.