Welcome to Utrecht, the beating heart of the Netherlands 🇳🇱! A city where canals curve like lazy scribbles on a map, church towers reach for the sky, and bicycles? Oh, they outnumber people. No, seriously—Utrecht has about 350,000 residents and over 400,000 bikes. That’s more bikes than humans. It’s basically a real-life version of Mario Kart—except with more coffee stops and fewer banana peels.
Located smack dab in the middle of the Netherlands, Utrecht is like Amsterdam’s cooler, less touristy cousin. It’s got medieval charm, vibrant nightlife, and an obsession with cheese that I fully intend to embrace. My plan? To soak in the city’s laid-back vibes, try all the Dutch delicacies my stomach can handle, and, of course, visit Kasteel de Haar—the ultimate fairytale castle.
So, grab your bike and hop on—this is my adventure in Utrecht! 🚴♂️✨
Bunk, Beer & First Steps in Utrecht 🍻🚶♂️
Flying in from Zagreb in the early hours of the morning, I touched down in Eindhoven—gateway to my Dutch adventure. No time to waste! With my train ticket pre-booked via the Omio app (because efficiency is key), I made my way to the station and hopped on for the ride to Utrecht. Smooth, hassle-free, and exactly as punctual as you’d expect from the Netherlands.
As the train glided through the flat, green landscapes dotted with windmills (yes, they really do exist!), I settled in, watching the Dutch countryside wake up. Before long, Utrecht was calling—a city of canals, history, and, as I was about to discover, more bicycles than I had ever seen in my life. 🚲
After a smooth 40-minute train ride from Eindhoven, I arrived in Utrecht at around 10:45 AM, ready to dive into my adventure. Since check-in at my stay wasn’t until 3 PM, I had some time to kill. But first, I made a quick stop at my new residence—the funky and fabulous Bunk. This wasn’t just any hotel; it was a repurposed church, adding a unique twist to my stay. Naturally, I kicked things off with a late “breakfast” and a good Dutch beer. Because why not?
With my stomach happily filled and my energy levels back up, I set off on an aimless stroll—sometimes the best way to get a real feel for a city. I simply let the canals guide me, meandering along the water until I found myself at the famous Oudegracht. This picturesque canal, lined with wharf cellars turned into charming cafes and boutiques, was like something out of a postcard.
Before long, I reached the iconic Dom Tower—the tallest church tower in the Netherlands and an absolute must-see in Utrecht. Towering above the city at 112 meters, it’s impossible to miss. Figuring I should probably have some sense of direction, I popped into the Tourist Information Center (TIC) nearby and grabbed a city map. Sure, I had Google Maps, but there’s something satisfying about navigating the old-school way. Plus, it gave me a chance to plan my next move while soaking up the atmosphere of Utrecht’s historic heart.
With the city map in hand and no strict itinerary, I was free to wander, explore, and let Utrecht surprise me at every turn. And surprise me, it did.
Winds, Waves, and City Views
The next morning, I started my day with a delicious breakfast at my “home,” Bunk. I indulged in some Dutch bitterballen paired with fresh orange juice—after all, it’s best not to start the day with beer… immediately, at least, right?
While perusing the city map, I noticed an authentic windmill not far from my stay: Molen de Ster. Intrigued, I decided to visit. A pleasant walk led me to this charming 18th-century sawmill, nestled in a serene park setting. The mill’s yard was lively with animals, including sheep, pigs, goats, runner ducks, chickens, rabbits, and even a resident cat named Moses. The on-site café provided a cozy spot to relax and soak in the historic atmosphere. After capturing some photos and enjoying the tranquil surroundings, it was time for the highlight of the day: a canal cruise through Utrecht’s picturesque waterways. I’ll let the pictures speak for themselves…
At 16:00, I had a tour booked for the iconic Dom Tower. To fuel up beforehand, I grabbed a meal at FLFL, a nearby vegan restaurant renowned for its fresh, self-made falafel.
The Dom Tower stands as the tallest church tower in the Netherlands, reaching 112.5 meters. The climb to the top involves 465 steps—a workout that felt like a thousand! However, the panoramic views of Utrecht from the summit made every step worthwhile.
After the descent, some rest was in order. I also took the opportunity to pick up my customary souvenirs: a magnet, a postcard, and, of course, a 30ML shot glass.
Exploring Kasteel de Haar and Taking It Easy
The next day was a bit more relaxed, with just one main plan: visiting the fairytale-like Kasteel de Haar. Since I wasn’t exactly in the “cycling mood” (sorry, Utrecht!), I lazily booked a ride instead. No regrets there. My ticket for the castle was already prepaid via GetYourGuide, just like my canal cruise and Dom Tower tour. And for only €8, quite the steal!
Wow, what a stunning castle! 🏰 The moment I arrived, the weather decided to cooperate, clearing up just in time for some postcard-worthy scenery. The castle grounds, the gardens, the moats—everything looked straight out of a medieval dream, just waiting to be captured by my camera.
By the time I had explored enough to feel like a lost noble from the past, hunger kicked in. Luckily, the castle restaurant had me covered. I went for a true Dutch classic: beef kroketten, paired with an Affligem Tripel beer. 🍺🥖 A perfect combo, if you ask me—crispy, savory goodness alongside a strong Belgian brew.
Relaxed, full, and feeling just a bit like royalty, I wrapped up my visit. Kasteel de Haar? Absolutely worth it.
Wrapping Up: Utrecht in a Nutshell
If I had to sum up Utrecht in one word? Effortless. The city moves at its own pace—bicycles whizzing past, people lounging by the canals, and a general feeling that nobody here is in a rush. It’s the kind of place where you can wander without a plan and still stumble upon something amazing.
As my time in Utrecht was wrapping up, I knew one thing for sure: I’d be back. But first—onto the next stop. Brugge 🇧🇪, here I come!
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