About Utrecht...

Utrecht is the beating heart of the Netherlands. A lively university city with an unparalleled vitality. A medieval city centre small enough to explore on foot. Large enough to enjoy architecture, culture and shopping for days on end. Located a mere thirty minutes from Schiphol airport. And all of the great Dutch tourist sites nearby.

There is plenty to explore in Utrecht. Roman churches, medieval wharfs and naturally the magnificent Gothic Dom Tower, the highest church tower in the Netherlands, which functions as the symbol of Utrecht. Just outside the city are fortresses and an enchantingly beautiful castle. And it takes no time at all to get there.

Nevertheless Utrecht has moved with the times, thus ensuring that lovers of modern architecture are drawn to the city. At De Uithof campus, high-profile designs by the best architects set the scene, and the Rietveld Schröderhuis is an absolute must. The back of the town hall displays interesting contrasts. And if you have an eye for detail, you won't miss the smallest Utrecht house.

The lively city of Utrecht
Utrecht stands for pure indulgence. Trendy design shops, urban hotspots for slow coffee and wonderful shop concepts; you can find them at just about each corner. There are intimate shopping streets with fancy boutiques and culinary shops that make your mouth water. If you are not tired yet and want to see more, simply head to the covered shopping centre.

Utrecht has a fine selection of restaurants for connoisseurs, with modern or classic cuisine and in every setting imaginable. The ancient city centre is the perfect backdrop for a drink at one of the famous outdoor wharf cafés at the Oudegracht or a dinner in a fine restaurant.

This is also a real university town. 65,000 innovative and creative students guarantee a great buzz. Who knows, there might be a future Nobel prize winner among them; it wouldn’t be the first.

Brains and beauty; this is Utrecht at its best and ensures it is an attractive as well as business destination. Because of its scientific and medical centres and the centrally located Jaarbeurs, Utrecht is the best congress city in the Netherlands.

An abundance of culture
Utrecht’s museum selection is extremely varied. See the most extensive Rietveld collection in the world, a singular collection of musical clocks and medieval masterpieces. Take a seat in a royal train or play with Miffy the rabbit.

Utrecht features a wide selection of festivals, located in magnificent parks or on old market squares. Enjoy films or classical music for days on end. Visit modern stage acts at cultural breeding grounds or during Springdance, the most authoritative festival for contemporary dance.

Utrecht also has an extensive number of cultural events. And Utrecht has ambition. Utrecht is aiming to become the Cultural Capital of Europe in 2018. The 2013 celebration of the Peace Treaty of Utrecht will be the start when the Utrecht hospitality and cultural exchange take centre stage during various events.

Utrecht has too much to offer for one day
There is plenty to explore even in the dark. Indulge your senses during Trajectum Lumen, a walking tour taking in enchanting works of light art. And don’t worry about getting to your accommodation on time because it is never far away. You are sure to feel right at home in a comfortable hotel bed or a small-scale B&B beside a quiet canal. Take plenty of time to relax and prepare for all the other things Utrecht has in store.