Utrecht is a picturesque city located just outside of Amsterdam. 

The city is an hour away from Amsterdam and looks very similar with beautiful canals and greenery spread throughout its streets. It is widely seen as a mini Amsterdam but with less tourists.

You’ll feel like a local walking around its streets which are quiet and peaceful – the city has a cosy neighbourhood feel and is loved by many who live there.

There are a number of places to visit while in Utecht such as the Dom Tower, the Miffy museum, and the inner city’s sunken canals.

Lining the streets you’ll find old traditional style housing which adds to the homely atmosphere of the city. It’s a dynamic city which is full of life and is definitely worth visiting.

To get there, flying to Amsterdam is the best option as Utretch doesn’t have its own airport but it’s easy to get there via train.

The city is one of the Netherlands’ oldest and has a religious history. Today, you can see remnants of its rich history which is enhanced by the contrast with modern life. 

Cafe culture is a large part of the neighbourhoods in Utrecht and stopping off for a canal side coffee or bite to eat is the best way to absorb the feel of the area.

If you’re looking for somewhere to stay, the Holiday Inn Express Utrecht is a perfect place to explore the city from, according to visitors. The contemporary building can’t be missed and it won Tripadvisors ‘travellers choice award’. 

One guest said: “We had an exceptional stay at this hotel, marked by its polite staff and outstanding service. Our room on the fourth floor offered a fantastic view, which we thoroughly enjoyed. The large windows in the room framed the stunning scenery perfectly, providing a serene backdrop throughout our stay. The room itself was impeccably clean, spacious, and well-maintained.”

For dinner, stop off at Bunk Restaurant Utrecht which offers a range of cuisines including Dutch, European and other international dishes. The restaurant also has a gastropub and bar. 

One guest on Tripadvisor said: “We had a fantastic dinner here while on a hiking trip in the Netherlands. I love that the menu is locally sourced and focused on sustainability. I also loved the numerous vegetarian options. The menu included very creative choices, everyone at the table really liked their meals.”