Cities aren’t usually places that you’d associate with slowing down and taking stock, but the city of Utrecht in the Netherlands positively encourages it. Having the time to look up and around you, even for a few days, can be the breath of fresh air we all need now and again. The wharf-lined canals, bustling waterside cafes and historic streets make the perfect backdrop to a relaxed city break.
Why visit Utrecht?
Having made it onto the Lonely Planet’s top 25 places to visit
in 2026, a Utrecht city break will soon be on everyone’s list. It lies within easy reach of the UK by the Eurostar or by plane, and is just over half an hour from Amsterdam or Rotterdam by train if you want to make it a multi-centred trip.
Utrecht is the fourth-largest city in the Netherlands, dating back to the Medieval period. Much of that history is still visible around the city, from remnants of the ancient city walls to the ever-present Dom Tower (a great aid for navigating the city) and the beautiful Cathedral of Saint Martin.
While the city’s boundaries have expanded over the centuries, the heart of the city, shaped by its canals, remains easily walkable. The ancient streets are scattered with vibrant cafes and independent retailers, where you can enjoy a lazy lunch watching the world go by, or browse the shops to your heart’s content.
Restricting motor vehicles in the centre has made Utrecht a genuinely pleasant place to wander, while keeping an eye out for bicycles, of course. This began in the mid-1960s when pedestrianised areas and car-free shopping streets became the norm. Over the decades, this move has continued, creating a quiet, relaxing, and environmentally friendly city without the constant hum of traffic and the belch of emissions.
Take a trip on the Oudegracht
No Dutch city would be complete without its canals, and a trip along the Oudegracht lets you see the city from a different perspective. These important waterways date back to the Middle Ages and were key to making Utrecht a prosperous trading hub.
Lining the canal at the heart of the city are the unique wharf cellars. Found at water level below the main street, they’ve now been repurposed, housing well-frequented bars and restaurants, and some have even been converted to one-of-a-kind homes.
The hour-long canal tour will take you past these unusual wharfs and dwellings, the original city crane used to unload precious cargo, and under the shadow of the Dom Tower.
Where to stay in Utrecht
There are plenty of hotel options for a Utrecht city break, but we stayed at Conscious Hotels’ Utrecht Oudegracht. This historic building has, over its 750-year history, been used as a monastery, an orphanage, a trade union building, and, most recently, the home to the renowned Dutch music venue, Tivoli Oudegracht.
The reuse and evolution of the building make it a very apt choice for Conscious Hotels, which has sustainability at its heart. From recycled furniture and water-saving showers, to fully organic food and drink choices, this cosy, comfortable hotel aims to make your stay as sustainable as possible.
Where to eat in Utrecht
One of the greatest parts of a city break is often the food scene. For me, the highlight of the trip was the V for Food vegan food tour. With a city that leans so strongly towards sustainability, it was impossible to come and not check out the vegan options, and I’m very pleased that I did.
Our host, Patrick, was incredibly knowledgeable about the city and not only guided us to some delicious food stops but also wove in the place’s history. I won’t give away all of Patrick’s stops, but I fell in love with the Dutch snack Bitterballen last time I was in the Netherlands, and the vegan version from Last Vegas was outstanding.
Lunch at Le Jardin was not only great value at €29 for a two-course meal, but also utterly delicious. The restaurant, which takes inspiration from French cuisine, was selected for the Michelin Guide Netherlands in 2024, and I can see why. The menu is created daily using ingredients sourced from the local area. There are some meat or fish options available, but the veg is always the star of the show.
After a morning of sightseeing, I’d earned a bit of a snack break, so I headed to the cosy and colourful cafe, Life’s a Peach. The owner, Vanessa, combines everything she loves – food, art and furniture design – in one fabulous place, and creates the most amazing veggie-topped focaccias, pastries and cakes for her customers to enjoy.
For dinner, Broei is an excellent choice. It started out as a cafe, but has now evolved into a vegan restaurant serving a varied menu for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The restaurant is very popular with locals, giving it a warm and buzzing atmosphere. The fresh, seasonal dishes feature local produce, beautifully prepared.
Alternatively, for something with a more sophisticated atmosphere, Kasvio offers a plant-based seasonal menu with Nordic influences. The dishes are created using ingredients sourced from organic farmers and foraged from a local food forest. Paired with organic wines or fermentations and kombuchas made in-house, you’re in for a flavour-filled evening.
For a mid-afternoon cocktail (come on, we all do it on holiday…) or a nightcap after dinner, head to the 5-star Karel V Grand Hotel bar and lounge. Surrounded by historic charm and decadent decor, you can live the high life, even if it’s only for a glass or two. The bar and lounge offer lunch, small plates, drinks and cocktails in a luxurious setting for guests and non-guests alike, at prices that don’t make your eyes water too hard, either. And, it’s not every day you have to go down into a cave cellar to find the toilets…
Utrecht: The verdict
A Utrecht city break has so much to offer visitors, from the stunning views atop the 112-metre-tall Dom Tower to the Miffy Museum (yes, Miffy was from Utrecht and statues can be found across the city).
This university city is vibrant and engaging, and packed with history, culture and just a little eccentricity (I’m looking at you, Fish Doorbell
). But it’s also relaxed and friendly, with bars and cafes that gently hum with the chat and laughter from within, drawing you in like a warm hug.
Utrecht has all the excitement, personality and charm of Amsterdam, but without the overwhelming number of tourists. Let’s keep this one between ourselves, for now at least…
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