Utrecht, Netherlands
Utrecht is a charming Dutch city known for its picturesque canals, ancient churches, lively cultural scene, and vibrant student population. It offers a perfect blend of history, modernity, and green spaces, making it the perfect destination for visitors.
Trip to Utrecht, Netherlands
Day 1: Arrival and exploring Utrecht
Upon arrival in Utrecht, take a moment to settle in before taking a stroll around the city. Begin with a walk along the beautiful canals, where you can see typical Dutch buildings while enjoying the scenic atmosphere. From there, head to the Dom Tower of Utrecht. Climbing the 465 steps of the tower presents a beautiful panoramic view of the city. End the day by wandering around Vredenburg square, the central square of Utrecht, where you find shops, restaurants, and some of the best nightlife in the city.
Day 2: Kröller-Müller Museum
Located in the peaceful countryside, the Kröller-Müller Museum is home to one of the most extensive collections of Van Gogh’s masterpieces in the world. See iconic works such as The Potato Eaters, Vincent’s most extensive work, as well as works by leading artists such as Claude Monet and Piet Mondrian. Explore the beautiful sculpture garden, designed by landscape architect Piet Oudolf. Sculptures by renowned artists can be found throughout the garden.
Day 3: Day trip to Amsterdam
Take a day trip to Amsterdam, which is about a 30-minute train ride from Utrecht. Start off with a visit to the Anne Frank House to learn about the tragic story of Anne Frank and her family during World War II. Afterwards, spend some time learning about the Dutch Golden Age at the Rijksmuseum, where you can find paintings by Rembrandt and Vermeer. End the day by taking a boat tour through the canals of Amsterdam, with beautiful views of the city.
Day 4: Utrecht Botanic Gardens and the Museum Catharijneconvent
Start the day by heading to the Botanic Gardens, which has over six thousand different kinds of plants from different parts of the world. Take a stroll around the gardens, which are full of beautiful flowers and plants. For lunch, head to the Museum Catharijneconvent to enjoy food in the striking garden, which is surrounded by medieval chapels. The museum is home to one of the largest collections of cathartic history, and you can learn about the religious culture of the Netherlands in the past and present.
Day 5: Shopping tour of Utrecht
Utrecht is known for its great shopping streets, and Exploring the shops is an excellent way to learn about the city’s traditions and culture. Begin with a visit to Hoog Catharijne, the largest indoor shopping center in the Netherlands. From there, head to Twijnstraat Street, the oldest street in Utrecht, where you can find independent boutiques and shops selling local goods. End the shopping tour with a visit to the Lapjesmarkt Utrecht, which is a fabric market with over a hundred different stalls, selling an array of colorful fabrics.
Day 6: Castle De Haar
Today head out to Castle De Haar, which is located to the west of Utrecht. This castle was rebuilt in the nineteenth century in a medieval style, using contemporary building techniques. The castle has a beautiful park and gardens, where you can enjoy a stroll while learning about the history of the castle. The castle has been visited by many famous people, including Coco Chanel and Roger Moore, who shot a James Bond film at the castle.
Day 7: Stadsschouwburg theatre
End your trip by seeing a Broadway-style show at the Stadsschouwburg theatre. This theatre has been a cultural center in Utrecht since the 19th century and hosts many stage performances, concerts, and other events throughout the year. The theatre architecture is aesthetically captivating, and the show would be the perfect way to conclude your time in Utrecht.