Utrecht, a versatile city
The city of Utrecht verges on the Utrecht Hills, de Utrechtse Heuvelrug, where beautiful estates, country manors and castles can be found.
The well preserved medieval inner city of Utrecht, with its numerous courts of almshouses, intimate squares and populated canals, offers the visitor a varied palette of culture, leisure and nature. The city has a wealth of historical monuments. Quite outstanding is the more than six century old Dom tower. It is the highest church steeple of the Netherlands and, during certain hours, open to guided tours.
The multiple churches and monasteries, built in greatly different styles, remind the visitor of the strongly religious character of the city. Moreover, Utrecht is a city of museums, including the internationally renowned Netherlands Railway Museum, the national museum "Het Catharijneconvent", the Central Museum and the National Museum of Music Boxes and Barrel Organs.
The Utrecht visitors' centre for cultural history quickly helps the interested visitor on its way. Shops are located on the busy Oude Gracht--with its cosy outdoor cafés on the wharves and the typical basements--, on Oud Kerkhof, Steenweg and Hoog Catharijne. They are known for their excellent taste offering a wide range of products. Musical Centre Vredenburg and the Municipal Theatre provide high quality cultural entertainment and art. Another remarkable facet of Utrecht are the architecturally interesting buildings on Nieuwe Gracht.
Cosy canals, wharves and quays.
To many, the most important and cosiest attraction of Utrecht are the restaurants, studios and (outdoor) cafés along the canals. These can be found on the quays and wharves which were formerly utilised for making easy deliveries to the basements under the buildings along the canals. Today, these quays provide a daily gathering place to many visitors.
A summer canal boat tour of the canals will provide an unforgettable impression of this remarkable city.