Utrecht

The largest university in the Netherlands is located in Utrecht (Utrecht University), thanks to which the city has a phenomenal student vibe. Only 40 kilometers southeast of Amsterdam, it's very accessible from the capital.

What to do in Utrecht?

With a population of over 300,000, Utrecht is a quaint little town that is easy very to explore. Its top attractions include:

• Dom Tower: Standing 112 meters high, it's the tallest church tower in Holland. You can join one of its numerous guided tours and explore the landmark’s most interesting sections, including the top of the spire. Every fifteen minutes, the tower’s bells in the carillon play a beautiful tune that can be heard throughout the town.  
• Oudegracht: The Oudegracht means “Old Canal” in English and crosses the Old Town. It is flanked on both sides by bars, restaurants, and coffee shops, making it one of the liveliest canals.
• Museum Quarter: The Museum Quarter is the historical center of Utrecht and is packed with magnificent courtyards, historic buildings, and charming gardens.

How to get to Utrecht?

The easiest and most comfortable way to get to Utrecht is by train. The journey takes less than half an hour from Amsterdam Centraal Station. A return ticket costs approximately € 15 (US$ 16.20).

If you don't want to complicate things, the best option so you don't have to worry about anything is to contract a guide who'll show you Utrecht's main points of interest.

You can book via the following link:

Private day trip from Amsterdam

An enjoyable day trip

If you’re planning to stay in Amsterdam for a few days and wish to see more of Holland, Utrecht is a great option. Since the museums and other landmarks in Amsterdam close quite early, you might want to spend an afternoon exploring Utrecht.

One of the top things to do in Utrecht is to sit and have a drink by the “Old Canal”. This town is very different from The Hague, as it's full of life and young people.