If you ever find yourself in the Netherlands and want a beautiful, historic city that’s not as crowded as Amsterdam, Utrecht is a perfect pick — especially if you’re short on time.
We spent about half a day exploring Utrecht, and even in just a few hours, we were hooked. Here’s how we made the most of a simple, walkable, laid-back afternoon.
We drove to Utrecht in our rental car and parked right next to the Central Station / Hoog Catharijne (a shopping mall connected to the train station).
We parked in a small lot in front of what was apparently the headquarters for the Dutch train system. You take any spot, go to the parking machine, enter your license plate, how much time, use a credit card and you’re done. Like everything in The Netherlands, it was very convenient.
Utrecht’s city center feels like a storybook. Cobbled streets, beautiful canals, cozy cafes, and the towering Dom Tower guiding you through the streets.
We didn’t have an exact plan — we just wandered.
That’s the magic of Utrecht: you don’t need an itinerary.
We stopped for lunch at a small café in the heart of the old town, Ubica Utrecht.
The food was simple, fresh, and exactly what we needed — sandwiches, a salad, and of course, great coffee.
Utrecht has a lot of outdoor seating when the weather’s good, and the vibe is relaxed, with lots of locals and students around.
After eating, we continued exploring on foot.
Some highlights:
- Dom Tower — Utrecht’s iconic centerpiece (even if you don’t go up, it’s a stunning sight)
- Oudegracht Canal — With cafes and shops lining the water’s edge
- Hidden Courtyards — If you duck down small side streets, you’ll stumble onto beautiful quiet corners
We only spent about half a day in Utrecht, but it easily became one of our favorite memories.
It’s charming without feeling staged, busy without feeling overwhelming, and packed with those little travel moments that stick with you long after.
Next time, we’d love to stay longer — maybe an overnight trip to see the city at sunset and in the morning light.
Utrecht was a city we knew basically nothing about until we visited and we were blown away. That is a theme across all our travels, the less you know about something going into it, the more magical it is as you explore it!