Utrecht Unveiled: The Ultimate 4-Day Budget Trip

Discover Utrecht's beauty on a budget, without compromising on adventure and experiences.

21 June 2023

A trip to Utrecht, Netherlands on a limited budget is still possible and enjoyable. Take advantage of affordable accommodations in hostels or Airbnb rentals and explore the city on foot or by bike. Enjoy budget-friendly street food, visit free museums and parks, and soak in the charm of this picturesque Dutch city.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Arrival and Exploring

  • Check in at Stayokay Utrecht, a clean and friendly budget hostel located in the heart of the city.
  • Walk to the Dom Tower, the tallest church tower in the Netherlands, for a stunning aerial view of the city from 465 steps up.
  • Stroll around the lively Oudegracht canal and enjoy picturesque views of shops, cafes, and unique bridges.
  • Have a picnic at Griftpark, a beautiful green space with a lake and playground, perfect for relaxing and people watching.
  • Visit the Rietveld Schröder House, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the best examples of De Stijl architecture.
Day 2

Museums and Markets

  • Start your day with a Dutch breakfast at Broodnodig, an organic bakery with delicious bread and pastries.
  • The Miffy Museum is a must-visit for fans of Dick Bruna's iconic rabbit character, suitable for both kids and adults alike.
  • The Centraal Museum offers various collections of art, fashion, and history exhibitions, including the works of Utrecht painter Joachim Wtewael.
  • Buy fresh groceries and souvenirs from the famous Utrecht Saturday Market at Janskerkhof.
  • Relax with a beer at 30ML Coffee & Wine, a trendy cafe with a unique industrial interior design.
Day 3

Gardens and Castles

  • Enjoy brunch at Barn47, an all-you-can-eat buffet restaurant with international cuisine and a cozy atmosphere.
  • Visit the beautiful Botanic Gardens, a peaceful oasis with diverse plant species, a rock garden, and a tropical greenhouse.
  • Take a bus to De Haar Castle, an impressive medieval castle with stunning gardens and lots of hidden rooms.
  • Have a drink at Kargadoor, a cultural center with live music, comedy, and debates.
  • Get dinner at Gys, a vegan restaurant with organic ingredients and tasty dishes like cauliflower steak and pulled jackfruit burger.
Day 4

Canals and Culture

  • Grab breakfast at The Village Coffee & Music, a hipster cafe with live music and a bicycle-themed decor.
  • Take a boat tour on Utrecht's canals, a cozy and unique way to see the city and learn about its history.
  • Visit the Netherlands Railroad Museum, an interactive exhibition with vintage trains and locomotives.
  • Climb up to the roof terrace of the Library, an impressive modern building with panoramic views of the city skyline.
  • End your day with dinner at LOOF, a cozy restaurant with a seasonal menu and a warm ambiance.

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

1 2 3 4 5

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

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