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Utrecht Sights and Landmarks Guide, Netherlands

Utrecht Sights – The Tallest Church Tower

Utrecht has many sights to display, from medieval churches and creepy canal cellars to impressive modern constructions and shopping districts. It is a city that has it all and is very vivid and culturally active. The most imposing building in the city that is 112 meters tall and is supposed to remain the tallest one for as long as Utrecht shall exist is the 14th century Dom Tower from the Dom Church. This gothic style tower is the tallest church tower in the Netherlands and it attracts more than 220.000 visitors each year. Its uniqueness will soon be challenged, as there are plans to build a 262 meter skyscraper in one of Utrecht’s neighborhoods. The whole city centre is very compact and has largely retained its aspect from medieval times, with the canal structure and the inner city ring. However, as the skyscraper plans show, when you go outside the old city there are lots of new and interesting architectural and cultural challenges.

Utrecht Sights – The Cultural Centre

One of the main reasons that make Utrecht such a great destination is its incredibly busy cultural life that places Utrecht second to the capital Amsterdam and in front of Rotterdam. It will become the European Cultural Capital in 2018 and it has plenty of programs and festivals that keep the activity going throughout the year. Its most important theatre was built by Dudok in 1941, but Utrecht also features a large number of cinemas (especially art cinemas) and art galleries. Very well known in Utrecht are the cultural Sundays, when thematic programs are organized and everyone is welcome into the museums and at temporary exhibitions to admire and learn about different arts. There are also several important museums, among which the most visited is the Railway Museum, with over 335.000 visitors a year. The Central Museum is home to the city’s main art collection and the National Museum “From Musical Clock to Street Organ” hosts a centuries’ history of musical instruments.

Utrecht Sights – Exploring the City

There are quite a few unique Utrecht sights that you absolutely can’t miss, so here are some of them: start with Kastel de Haar, the largest castle in the Netherlands, which offers activities all year round. Check out Utrecht’s most famous art work, Dick Bruna’s “Miffy” at the Dick Bruna Huis or visit the University Museum to see science come to life! The Botanische Tuinen will be a really special experience and offers a few hours’ walk between plants from all over the world. If visiting in April, the Springdance Festival will take you through two weeks of contemporary dance and discussions in various locations throughout the city. And if you really want to feel how it is to get lost between the Utrecht sights you should either rent a bike and explore the city while cycling or take a boat trip on the canals and feel some of the old medieval shivers.

Utrecht has it, the choice is yours!

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