Utrecht

Located at Fort Hoofddijk, The Botanical Gardens boast an exceptional assortment of plant species gathered from across the globe. These gardens are part of Utrecht University, and they serve as a captivating natural sanctuary, which is open to visitors who want to explore the beauty of nature. The gardens consist of various sections, allowing visitors to go seamlessly from enchanting rock gardens to bird-watching in the woods or vibrant butterflies in the tropical greenhouse. The Botanic Gardens' location might not be best, as they are situated in the outskirts of the city, however, if you are seeking a tranquil escape and breathtaking landscapes, make sure you make time to visit them.

Utrecht Lumen is the best way to explore the city at night with a light show that brings the city to life through illuminated art installations. The artworks are on display seven days a week, from sunset to midnight. To enhance this experience, join the guided tour of Utrecht Lumen's light installations. These walking tours provide a nighttime exploration of the inner city, showcasing light artworks strategically placed in unexpected and often overlooked spots during the day.

Utrecht's convenient location, a mere 20-minute journey from Amsterdam, provides an escape from all the capital's tourist hustle- It offers the essence of a quintessential Dutch town with a fascinating narrative. Utrecht boasts a charming city centre, famous for its narrow alleys and concealed streets that create an ideal setting for a walking tour. In fact, it is because of its narrow, car-free streets that this free walking tour will take you to places that cars, buses or boats don't have access to. It's not just a history lesson, but an experience narrated from a local perspective. The Dutch guides will give you insights into the daily life of Utrecht residents, including their preferred dining spots, shopping destinations and advice on avoiding tourist traps.

Located near Utrecht, De Haar Castle stands as the largest and most opulent castle in the Netherlands, ranking among Europe's iconic historic residences. Visit this castle to get a glimpse into its glorious past and the breathtaking grandeur that enveloped the international elite in the early 20th century. The castle is also is a rare example of a medieval fortress, complete with towers, ramparts, canals, gates and drawbridges.

If you are a fan of architectural design, you simply must visit the Rietveld Schröderhuis. This outstanding single-family house embodies the design principles of the De Stijl movement, and the restoration of its interiors to the 1920s aligns with this significance. Today, the entire house is a museum that has been meticulously restored and maintained to retain its authenticity.

Regarded as one of the most beautiful neo-Gothic churches in the Netherlands, the Sint-Willibrordkerk is home to a remarkable collection of art and wood carvings. Contrary to what everyone might expect, the interior of the church is adorned with a giant LED halo (artwork by Titia Ex, part of Utrecht Lumen) on the roof. The church also boasts intricate decorations and stunning stained glass windows. To top it all off, the church hosts concerts regularly, given its ideal setup for choir singing.

Wilhelmina Park is one of the Netherlands' most picturesque parks. Its innate beauty, abundance of old trees, well-kept lawns and a graceful fountain make it a must-visit in Utrecht. This iconic park is encircled by mansions and historic villas, featuring a spacious sunbathing area in the southern part and a broad promenade. The park setting will definitely make you feel like cycling, exercising or simply having a picnic on a sunny day. Last but not least, within Wilhelmina park, visitors can explore the EXbunker exhibition space, and a charming restaurant by the lake, which offers classic French cuisine.

The Museum Speelklok immerses visitors in self-playing musical instruments, treating them to delightful tunes from various corners of the establishment. You can join a free Musical guided tour, where enthusiastic guides share insights into the world of musical automata. The museum offers other tours to unveil the museum's treasures and marvel at the Royal Chamber.

Henschotermeer recreational area is located in the heart of the Utrechtse Heuvelrug forests, just 30 minutes by car or an hour's cycling from Utrecht. Come here for serene walks in the fall and winter, or for a swim in the summer. The area also offers food trucks and a restaurant for those who want to grab a bite and chill by the lake. In addition, there's an island connected to the beach by two wooden bridges. If you want to escape the hustle and bustle of Utrecht for a day, there's no better place to be.

Dating back to 1390-1440, the Pandhof Domkerk is nestled between the Dom Church and the Academy Building. This idyllic spot serves as the cloister garden of the Dom Church, featuring a delightful array of flowers and herbs, as well as a captivating view of the Dom Tower. Labelled as one of the most beautiful courtyards in the Netherlands, Pandhof Domkerk is a serene space that offers visitors tranquillity and fresh air at no cost.

Van Schijndelhuis is a masterpiece of modern architecture. The house attracts a large number of enthusiasts of modern architecture who want to witness its stunning geometric patterns and the designer's creative vision. The house is open for visits the first Sunday of each month. However, all guided tours have to be scheduled ahead of time with a limited number of 10 participants per tour. A few times a year, the house hosts lectures related to the architect's ideas and work and architecture or design.

The Sonnenborgh Observatory is housed in a historical building that traces back to a 17th-century laboratory on a 16th-century bulwark. Its lush greenery and water around it present it as an impressive sight even from a distance. Visitors are welcomed by friendly staff who provide a tablet with information, and engaging assignments that allow them to conduct their own research. The top of the observatory is accessible for everyone who wants to check out the telescope domes and gaze at the stars. Don't miss this chance to learn all about this unique building, the constellations and the weather in their exhibitions, tours or lectures.

The Griftpark is a fantastic place where you can have a refreshing break from the city. The park features a small pool, a petting zoo with handwashing stations and a café. In the summer, the locals use designated picnic areas by the water to enjoy Utrecht's sunny days, whereas in the fall or winter, they enjoy the serene atmosphere of the gardens and the lawns near the pond. For the younger crowd, there's a skating rink, a basketball court and a playground.