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Most people only visit Amsterdam when they visit the Netherlands; however, there are many other amazing cities in the vicinity. Utrecht is only a 26-minute train ride away from Amsterdam, so make sure to visit it as well. Here are some of the best things to do in Utrecht!
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1. Visit the flower market in Utrecht
Every Saturday, there is a flower market on the Janskerkhof square in the city centre. It opens at 8 am and is usually there until the afternoon. So make sure to visit the flower market if you are in Utrecht on a Saturday.
2. Visit Slot Zuylen and the windmills
Zuylen Castle is an 18th-century mansion and now a museum that can be visited. It’s around a 20-minute bike ride away from the city centre. From the castle, it’s about another kilometre to reach two windmills (Molen van de Polder Westbroek), which makes for a nice quick trip outside the city centre.
Interested in exploring more places in the Netherlands? Check out the best day trips from Utrecht!
3. Standup paddleboarding
With all the canals in the city, standup paddleboarding (or SUPing) is a popular activity in Utrecht. And while you probably do not want to fall into a canal in the city centre, there are some nicer places to try out standup paddleboarding.
You can rent SUP boards in multiple places throughout the city, but I would recommend SUP SUP CLUB Utrecht – Het Oude Tolhuys, as there is a delightful restaurant next to it. You can end the trip on the paddle board with eating some loaded fries right after.
4. Visit the outdoor climbing park
About a 25-minute cycle away from the city centre, you can find Parque West, one of the biggest outdoor climbing parks in the Netherlands. A fun place to spend one or two hours, making your way across the different platforms and ziplining from one to another.
5. Hoog Catherijne Shopping Centre
Utrecht has a great indoor shopping centre, with all the stores you would need. The Hoog Catherijne shopping centre is located conveniently opposite the Utrecht Centraal train station, right in the city centre.
Need a break from shopping? Check out the best lunch spots in Utrecht!
6. Rent a Pedal boat at Oudegracht
The Oudegracht is the main canal in the city centre of Utrecht, so you will definitely be crossing it occasionally. If the weather is good, it’s also a fun idea to rent pedal boats and see the city from the water.
Other than pedal boats, you can also rent kayaks.
7. Spot cats all around the city
Utrecht is the perfect city for any cat lovers out there. You can find cats hanging out in windows, or strolling around the streets. Nothing better than petting some cats while discovering the city.
8. Go karting at the Kartfabrique
Looking for an activity that you can do when the weather isn’t the best? Then karting is always a fun idea, especially if you are in a bigger group. At the Kartfabrique, you can also find other activities, such as escape rooms or laser tag.
Technically it’s located in Maarssen and not in Utrecht, but it’s still within biking distance.
9. F1 Racing Centre
Speaking about racing-related activities, another fun activity to do in Utrecht is going to the F1 racing centre (Racesquare) in the Wall Shopping Centre in Utrecht.
You can sign up for a specific timeslot and know which track you are going to be racing at, and then race in the F1 racing simulator against strangers or friends. It’s a lot of fun!
10. Go canoeing
There is some nice nature around Utrecht, and near the place where I recommend going stand-up paddle boarding, you can also rent a canoe. It’s also a lot cheaper to rent a canoe than a stand-up paddle boat, and it’s fun to do with multiple people.
Highly recommend it, and you get to enjoy the peaceful nature around Amelisweerd in Utrecht.
Do you plan to move to the Netherlands, but don’t know where yet? Check out these benefits and differences of living in Utrecht versus Amsterdam.
11. Doloris Maze
You can not take any pictures inside, and I also do not want to spoil it, but all you have to know is that Doloris is a fun maze that is absolutely worth the visit if you have not been there yet.
Make sure to wear some comfortable shoes and ideally long pants, as there is some climbing and crawling around involved.
And this concludes some of the best things to do in Utrecht in the Netherlands.
Have a good day,
