"Utrecht...A Charming City with Class" Utrecht by sargentjeff

Utrecht Travel Guide: 624 reviews and 1,484 photos

A Rainy Day in December...

...turned out to be quite a nice time. We set out for Utrecht, not knowing what to expect, as nobody in our group had been there previously. It's easily overshawdowed by the more popular, and likely more crowded Amsterdam. Amsterdam is one place I haven't been to, but it has already given me an impression by so many people I know that have been.

Utrecht, on the other hand, is big enough to stand on its own as a tourist destination, but we never felt it was overcrowded. It is the fourth largest town in the Netherlands, and of the four it is the oldest. The pubs and restaurants were easy to enter and get tables, and the Dom tower tour was interesting, but slightly overpriced.

The city has three main canals, which were used to bring goods into the city in earlier days, but now serve as a beautiful enhancement to the city's ambience. It's a romantic place, that should be savoured like good wine.

A City of Canals

A Canal View

There are three primary canals in Utrecht; The Singel, Oudegracht, and Nieuwegracht. the Singel surrounds the old city centre of Utrecht. Utrecht's long struggle with water also gives it prominence as having the oldest lock in the world. There are terrace levels of the street around the canals. The upper levels are appropriately called the "Upper Roadway", and the lower levels are called "The Yards". Down on the yards there are terraces for various restaurants, which I'm sure are buzzing during good weather. Be sure to walk down there for the best views from below.

A City of Statues

Happy or Sad?

There are interesting statues all over the city. This one, outside the theater is an artists rendition of the "Tragedy & Comedy" masque.

Pros and Cons

Pros:A fine city worth visiting
Cons:...Food from a vending machine? Yuck.
In a nutshell:Go see Utrecht

Last visit to Utrecht: Dec 2003
Intro Updated Jan 6, 2004
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Reviews (11)

Take a Boat Ride Things to Do (8)

During good weather you can take a boat ride in the canals in Utrecht. Make sure to take advantage of this, as it's far... more travel advice

The Gothic Architecture is Marvelous! Things to Do (8)

I loved taking photos from atop of the Dom Tower. The spires are beautiful more travel advice

The Dom...A Survivor Things to Do (8)

The Dom was nearly destroyed by a Tornado/Hurricane (depending on what version you hear), in the 1600's, and it is quite... more travel advice

The Metal Statues are Beautiful Things to Do (8)

Be sure to catch some photos of the beautiful statues. They are best photographed with nice backdrops. more travel advice

Local Customs (1)
Food from behind a Glass Door
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Comments (5)

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diocletianvs Jan 5, 2007 at 12:11 AM

I think I have just found my destination for one-day trip from Amsterdam. Thanks for the good tips!
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diamonddog Mar 16, 2004 at 3:45 AM

Great opening pic Jeff !! a pity we had some rain there....
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Paul2001 Mar 1, 2004 at 8:26 AM

I loved Utrecht. It's an easy daytrip from Amsterdam. Great page.
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suvaa003 Jan 9, 2004 at 4:28 AM

very good start!! wel done
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b1bob Jan 6, 2004 at 11:50 AM

Nice job so far, Jeff.