Utrecht Uncovered: Canals, Castles, and Cupcakes

Unleash the joy of discovery with your family in Utrecht, Netherlands!

19 July 2023

Utrecht, Netherlands is a fantastic destination for a family-friendly trip. With its charming canals, historic buildings, and numerous parks, there is plenty to explore and enjoy. Families can visit popular attractions like the Dom Tower, stroll along the picturesque Oudegracht, or have fun at the interactive Railway Museum, making it a memorable trip for everyone.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Canals, Castles, and Cupcakes

  • Start your day exploring Utrecht's canal-laced streets, feeling like a character in a Dutch fairytale.
  • Take a boat tour to marvel at the stunning medieval castles dotting the city.
  • Head to the Miffy Museum, a whimsical world of the beloved bunny created by Utrecht's own Dick Bruna.
  • Treat the family to a delicious Dutch lunch at Broodje Mario, a local institution offering mouthwatering sandwiches.
  • Indulge your sweet tooth at De Bakkerswinkel, a charming bakery known for their delectable cupcakes.
Day 2

Whirlwind of Waffles and Wheels

  • Visit the Railway Museum, where kids can lose themselves in the world of trains, exploring exhibits and even hopping on a real steam locomotive.
  • Explore the enchanting Haarstraat, where cozy shops sell chocolate-covered waffles (stroopwafels) that will make your taste buds jump for joy.
  • Grab lunch at Olivier, a converted church-turned-belgian-beer-pub offering a diverse menu of delicious bites for the whole family.
  • Rent bicycles and pedal through Utrecht's bike-friendly streets, feeling like local adventurers.
  • End the day with a visit to the Dom Tower, climbing its 465 steps for panoramic city views that will leave you breathless.
Day 3

Art, Appeltaart, and Amusement

  • Begin the day at the Centraal Museum, housing a vast collection of art and artifacts, including works by Utrecht's most famous son, Piet Mondrian.
  • Satisfy your cravings with a stop at the Artichoke Cafe, renowned for its mouthwatering Dutch apple pie (appeltaart).
  • Let loose at Amersfoort Zoo, a short train ride away, where you can get up close and personal with animals from all over the world.
  • Enjoy a delectable dinner at Zussen, a trendy restaurant with a warm, family-friendly atmosphere and a menu that'll please all taste buds.
  • End the trip with a stroll through Griftpark, where the kids can roam freely while you take in the serene green surroundings.

Length of stay

1 day 2 days 3 days 4 days 5 days

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

How to get there

Plane

The easiest way to get to Utrecht by plane is to fly into Amsterdam Airport Schiphol and take a direct train from the airport to Utrecht Centraal Station, which takes around 30 minutes.

Car

Utrecht is easily accessible by car, with several major highways passing through the city and ample parking available. However, traffic can be heavy during peak hours and in the city center.

Train

Utrecht is well-connected by train, with Utrecht Centraal Station being one of the largest and busiest in the country. Direct trains run from major cities such as Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and The Hague.

Boat

While not a practical way to reach Utrecht, it is possible to reach the city via the Amsterdam-Rhine Canal which passes through the city. Private boat charters are available, but the journey can be lengthy and not recommended for those with time constraints.

Bus

There are several bus companies that offer direct connections to Utrecht from other Dutch cities and neighboring countries. Flixbus and Eurolines are two popular options with frequent departures.

Destination

Utrecht

Welcome to the city that's so small you can walk from one end to the other in one commercial break, but so charming you'll need a lifetime to explore it all. Utrecht: where bikes outnumber people and cheese is considered a food group.

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Number of days

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Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

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Utrecht Unplugged: A 3-Day Budget Adventure

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4 Days of Fun: Exploring Utrecht, Netherlands

Utrecht, a charming city in the Netherlands, is full of cultural experiences, stunning architecture, and lively vibes. Visitors can explore the historic city center lined with charming cafes and shops, stroll along the picturesque canals or take a boat tour. Must-sees include the iconic Dom Tower and the Rietveld Schröder House, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.