If you are spending some days in Amsterdam and looking for an easy day trip, I can’t recommend spending 1 day in Utrecht enough.
This charming Dutch city is just a short train ride from Amsterdam, and its picturesque canal, historic tower, and unique neighborhoods make visiting Utrecht an easy choice.
I recently visited as part of an Amsterdam-based itinerary, and I’m so excited to share my experience. Let’s get into how to enjoy a day trip to Utrecht.
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Is Utrecht worth visiting?
Before you decide to go, you may be asking yourself “Is Utrecht worth visiting?” I can speak for myself and say that it definitely is! I actually thought it was lovelier than Amsterdam.
The main canal guides you through the city, and it’s extremely picturesque with two levels (there are more homes and restaurants right on water level). It’s like Amsterdam with canals and bridges, but so much calmer.
Beyond the main canal, there’s a lot of places to go shopping, take in historical sites like the country’s tallest church tower, and enjoy some drinks and dining as well. There is a lot of rich history in Utrecht.
It’s also a university town, home to Utrecht University, so it has a youthful energy that brings along fantastic coffee shops, fun bars, and good places to go shopping.
Besides, being a half hour away from Amsterdam, it’s easy to visit. You don’t have to feel pressured to spend the entire day here because you’ll be just a short train ride away from the big city.
Utrecht at a Glance
Before we get into the itinerary, here’s a quick look at Utrecht. Use this to help plan your trip and decide if visiting is right for you.
Where it is: Utrecht is located in the heart of the Netherlands, about 30 minutes by train from Amsterdam.
Best for: Travelers looking for a charming Dutch city with canals, history, and fewer crowds than Amsterdam. It’s a bit more of a “real” Dutch city experience.
How long to stay: 1–3 days is perfect for exploring the historic center, canals, museums, and nearby day trips. It can be used as a base alternative to Amsterdam.
Top things to do: Walking along the Domgracht canals, climbing the Dom Tower, visiting museums, café hopping, shopping, and exploring the old town by bike.
Getting there: Utrecht Centraal is the largest train station in the Netherlands and is easily reached by direct train from Amsterdam Schiphol Airport and major Dutch cities.
Getting around: Extremely walkable city center, but biking is the most popular way to get around.
Vibe: Historic, youthful, and relaxed. It’s a lived-in city with a strong local feel due to its large student population.
Good for solo travel: Yep! Utrecht is safe, easy to navigate, and welcoming for solo travelers who enjoy wandering at their own pace.
How to Get to Utrecht
The best way is to take the train from Amsterdam to Utrecht. The trips is only 30 minutes. Trains run frequently, so you can easily visit late morning or afternoon until the evening.
Take the train from Amsterdam Centraal, and if I remember correctly, it is a direct train with no other stops before arriving in Utrecht.
You could also cycle there, if you were using an electric bike particularly. It’s a unique way to enjoy a day trip from Amsterdam and see more of the country along the way.
Where to Stay in Utrecht
If you are doing a full day in Utrecht, here are some of the best places to spend the night.
- Inntel Hotel Utrecht: Modern hotel with a pool and city
- BUNK Hotel Utrecht: Set in converted church from the 1800s with a laidback feel; budget friendly
- Stayokay Hostel Utrecht: Vibrant hostel in the city centre; most budget friendly
1 Day in Utrecht Itinerary
If you’d like to easily aquaint yourself to the city, you have the option of doing a Utrecht audio guided walking tour. This will help you get to know the beautiful old center with stories and historical details.
You can use it as sparingly as you want, but I think it adds a nice touch to the trip. You can still follow the itinerary below. Just select the option on the audio tour when you arrive to that point of interest.
Keep in mind the tour I’ve recommended is an AUDIO tour, so there is no physical guide. You’ll need to bring your headphones to make the most of the itinerary.
Oudegracht
If you don’t do the audio tour, then you can begin with a walk along Oudegracht, the main canal in Utrecht. Focus on the area where you see lots of name-brand shops.
If you want a quick coffee, Darras Coffee Roasters is a nice place to stop after the train ride. It’s right in this little hub.
Your 1 day Utrecht itinerary will take you further along the canal, so just enjoy a leisurely walk through this area for now.
There are also a lot of upper and lower portions accessible by stairs (like some homes/restaurants are closer to the water’s edge) so you can get some really nice photos and perspectives of Utrecht.
Lunch in Utrecht
Continue your walk and head toward a lunch spot in the area. I was surprised by all the unique options that Utrecht has! Below I’m mentioning a few local lunch recommendations for a memorable 1 day in Utrecht.
- Dogma Hotdogbar: Delicious, unique hotdog joint with meat/vegetarian & vegan options
- Gys: Cozy vegetarian restaurant with health-focused menu
- Kimmade Vietnamese Street Food: Laidback spot for excellent Vietnamese cuisine
Dom Tower
One of the best reasons to do a day trip to Utrecht is to visit the Dom Tower, which is the tallest church tower in the Netherlands at 112 meters. It dates back to the 1300s and is a rich part of Dutch history.
Up until 1674, the tower was part of St. Martin’s Cathedral. However, it was separated when a tornado ripped through Utrecht on August 1st that year.
Anywho, you can visit the top of the tower during your 1 day in Utrecht. There are 465 steps to the top and you’ll get some excellent views of the city from thet top. You will have to opt for a guided tour (available in Dutch and English) to explore the tower.
And if you visit on a Sunday or during a special holiday, you will be able to hear the 14 tolling bells hanging in the Utrecht Bell Tower (7 of them dating back to the early 16th century).
DOMunder
An alternative to climbing the tower (or in addition to!), you can go down under the Dom Square for a look at 2,000 years of Dutch history.
Go beneath the surface of the square using torch lights to see centuries of archaeological findings. You’ll even learn about that catastrophic storm that separated Dom Tower from the church.
The tour is super interactive and it’s easily one of the coolest things to do during your Utrecht day trip.
Grab your DOMunder tickets in advance for €14.50.
St. Martin’s Cathedral (Domkerk)
I loved visiting St. Martin’s Cathedral during my day trip to Utrecht. The courtyard is a little relaxing oasis in the city and the Gothic exterior makes the church very picturesque.
As you walk through the church, you’ll see some stained glass windows, old world chandeliers, sculptures, and all the other pretties you’d expect from a 13th century cathedral.
The church is free to visit and is open most days from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. It’s only open in the afternoon from 2pm to 4pm on Sunday.
Seven Alleys (De 7 Straatjes)
This is more of a hidden gem to discover on your visit! It’s a small neighborhood built on the edge of the canal for Utrecht’s working class of the 1800s.
As the name suggests, it is made up of 7 different streets, but none of them have a dead end. The local government set requirements on the way new streets were built as a way to combat diseases that were spreading rapidly in the region.The design was meant to allow for better air flow.
Now the neighborhood has a really cozy atmosphere. It was sunny when I walked through it and there were family’s sitting out on plastic chairs talking to each other, kids running through the streets, doors wide open; everyone felt really comfortable to be themselves.
Café Ledig Erf or Brothers In Law Taphouse
Toward the end of the canal, furthest from where you began your Utrecht itinerary, you’ll find some cool places for drinks before ending the day trip.
I enjoyed Café Ledig Erf and their selection of craft beers. They have a huge terrace as well as indoor seating. I definitely recommend the terrace so you can watch the city move around you. However, they didn’t seem to have food, so if you’re hungry cross the bridge to Brothers In Law Taphouse.
The Taphouse has a fantastic pub-style food menu with burgers (veggie-friendly options), main dishes like ribs or jambalaya, as well starters like loaded fries, nachos, and crunchy cabbage.
Others Things to Do with 1 Day in Utrecht
If you still have time and want to discover more parts of the city, here are a few other things you can get into.
Rietveld Schröder House: Artistic Dutch house designed in the early 1920s with modernist features. It’s considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site and you can get tickets here to explore it.
Museum Speelklok: This museum is all about self-playing musical instruments and it’s perfect if you are visiting Utrecht as a family. Grab tickets in advance here!
FAQ
Here are some of the most common questions about visiting Utrecht. Use these to prepare for a successful travel experience in the city.
Is Utrecht a walkable city?
Very much so! It’s also a cycle-friendly city, like all of the Netherlands.
What is special in Utrecht?
The DOMunder, the archaeological site beneath Dom Square, is a unique place to visit in the Netherlands. It holds 2,000 years of Dutch history. Beyond that, the Dom Tower is the tallest church tower in the country.
Is Utrecht safe?
Crime rates are low in Utrecht. It’s a university city with a fun, safe energy. However, when visiting any new place or city, always use your best judgment and be aware of your surroundings at all times.
Is 1 day in Utrecht enough?
While I think it could be a beautiful base for a trip to the Netherlands, one day is enough to see the main highlights and get a sense of the city’s energy.
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