Want to visit Utrecht for as little as possible?
Then follow this Top 15 of free tours, museums and activities to do in Utrecht that we’ve created for you to enjoy without breaking the bank.
Table des matières
Walk along and around the canals of Utrecht
Just a few minutes walk or bike ride away, you can discover the wonderful canals of Utrecht: Oudegracht (old canal) and Nieuwgracht (new canal). These canals are the historical and romantic center of Utrecht, and they are so much part of the charm of the medieval city
While Oudegracht is very lively and warm, Nieuwgracht is more quiet and residential. We really recommend you to stroll along the canals to enjoy the beauty of the place for free..
Website : https://www.ontdek-utrecht.nl/.
Have a good time at the Domplein Square
Domplein, as the locals affectionately call it, is one of the most famous squares in the Netherlands and Europe. And, nothing could be more free in Utrecht than to have a good time on this mythical square!
Surrounded by exquisite architectural buildings and housing the most beautiful monuments of Utrecht, Domplein is certainly the most touristy area of the medieval city. We therefore urge you to start your discovery of charming Utrecht at its most beautiful square!
Climb to the top of the Dom Tower
The pride and symbol of the city of Utrecht, the Dom Tower is the most beautiful monument in the city. Majestic and sumptuous, the DOM Toren (or DOM Tower) is one of the must-sees during a stay in Utrecht
We really advise you to climb to the top of this impressive 112.5 meter high tower. We let you enjoy the most beautiful view over the province of Utrecht. If you find it difficult to climb the 465 steps of the sublime 14-bell tower, you can still enjoy the beauty from below!
Address: Domplein 9 – 10.
Website: https: //www.domtoren.nl/en
Discover the magnificent castle De Haar
Kasteel de Haar is a castle that transports you to a fairytale world. The exceptionally beautiful building is set in the middle of extensive, lush gardens. Part of the domain is also surrounded by a moat and a lake. This makes Castle De Haar one of the most beautiful jewels in the province of Utrecht.
You will also notice that all the buildings of the castle were built under a gothic architecture. We really recommend you to discover this top tourist destination when you are in Utrecht!
Website: https: //www.kasteeldehaar.nl/.
Visit the beautiful St. Martin’s Cathedral
St. Martin’s Cathedral (still known as the DOM Church) is the main religious monument in the city of Utrecht but also certainly the most exquisite
In the past, it was connected to the DOM Tower. However, the collapse of the nave separated them, but not from each other. With its gothic architecture and resemblance to the great French churches, the Cathedral of Saint Martin is of eternal beauty
Note that every day of the week, you can visit it for free! So, we let you discover the interior of this legendary cathedral..
Address : Achter de Dom 1, 3512 JN Utrecht The Netherlands.
Website : https://www.domkerk.nl//.
DOMunder
The DOMunder is a unique museum located underneath St. Martin’s Cathedral, where you can discover 2000 years of history. Armed with your torch, like an archaeologist, you will have one of the most immersive and rewarding experiences in Utrecht! We definitely suggest you make a detour to the DOMunder during your next stay in Utrecht.
Website: https: //www.domunder.nl/nl.
A romantic stroll through the flower market
Right next to the Janskerkhof Church, a large flower market is held every Saturday. Composed of several varieties of flowers, the flower market of Utrecht has the particularity to offer several options to the passers-by
This is quite the opposite of the one in Amsterdam, more focused on tulips. A romantic stroll through the flower market is one of the best free activities in Utrecht!
Website: https: //www.utrecht.nl/wonen-en-leven/vrije-tijd/markten/.
Discover the Central Museum
If you’re an art lover, we urge you to visit the oldest museum in Utrecht: the Central Museum. In operation since 1838, this museum houses one of the most impressive art collections in the Netherlands
In addition to historical art, the Central Museum in Utrecht also has a great deal of modern art. When you’re inside, don’t miss the biggest attraction of the place: the famous “Utrecht Ship”!
Address: Agnietenstraat 1, 3512 XC Utrecht The Netherlands.
Website: https: //www.centraalmuseum.nl/nl.
Relax at the botanical gardens
On your way to the University of Utrecht, you will encounter the most beautiful gardens in the medieval city: the famous Botanic Gardens! This green landmark contains a multitude of fountains, a rock garden, a wildlife garden and especially a butterfly house
It’s the perfect setting for a quiet getaway in Utrecht! Don’t hesitate to join the A 28 to have a good time at the famous botanical gardens.
Address: Budapestlaan 17, 3584 CD Utrecht The Netherlands.
Website: https: //www.uu.nl/botanischetuinen.
Visit the Speelklok Museum
Visitors of all ages will surely love spending time at the Speelklok Museum in Utrecht. A place of magic and entertainment, the clock museum houses many musical instruments, barrel organs and many other nice surprises..
We really recommend you to go there with the kids!
Address : Steenweg 6, 3511 JP Utrecht The Netherlands.
Website: https: //www.museumspeelklok.nl/lang/fr/.
Visit the Railway Museum for free
In the old train stations of the city, more precisely in the eastern part of Utrecht, you will discover one of its most attractive museums: the Railway Museum. The fascinating railway museum has recently been renovated
It now contains four areas designed to entertain and educate visitors: the great discovery, the workshop, the steel monsters and the dream trips. So don’t miss the chance to become a train driver for a day at the Railway Museum!
Address: Maliebaanstation, 3581 XW Utrecht The Netherlands.
Website: https: //www.spoorwegmuseum.nl/en/.
Visit St. Willibrordkerk Church
If St. Martin’s Cathedral is an eye-catcher, St. Willibrord Church is also a religious monument that is really worth a visit. Built in 1800, this church with its neo-Gothic architecture is located near the DOM Tower and Janskerk
The tall and narrow texture of the external design of St. Willibrord will immediately make an impression on you. Be aware that the interior is even more sumptuous! We really suggest you visit this beautiful church when you encounter the beautiful medieval city.
Address: Minrebroederstraat 21, 3512 GS Utrecht The Netherlands.
Website: https: //www.sintwillibrorduskerk.nl/.
Relax at the Wilhelminapark
A city park of monumental beauty, Wilhelminapark is a must stop on your walk through Utrecht. Built around 1898 by Henry Copjin, this park is similar to the English recreation areas
Surrounded by architecturally beautiful buildings, you will find several attractions inside Wilhelmina Park. We really recommend you to go there for free fresh air and fun!
Address: Wilhelminapark 65, 3581 NP Utrecht The Netherlands.
Website: https: //www.wilhelminapark.nl/.
Museum Catharijneconvent
A visit to the Museum of St. Catherine’s Cathedral Convent would be an opportunity to kill two birds with one stone. This museum, located in the southern part of Utrecht, houses one of the most important collections dedicated to religious art. Once there, we urge you to take a look at the works of art of Jan Van Scorel and Rembrandt!
Address : Lange Nieuwstraat 38, Utrecht, 3512 PH.
Website: https: //www.catharijneconvent.nl/.
Visit the charming St. Pieterskerk Church to end your visit in style
St. Peter’s Church in Utrecht is one of the oldest in the medieval city. Indeed, it was built around the year 1000 in a Romanesque style. It is clear that its beauty has stood the test of time. This makes St. Peter’s Church eternal!
Under the church you will find an ancient crypt filled with circular stained glass windows and other historical objects. We really wish you to take a closer look at the magnificence of this sumptuous church in Utrecht!
Address: Pieterskerkhof 53512 JR Utrecht.
Website: https: //kerkenkijken.nl/english/churches/pieterskerk.
Utrecht is a destination that easily convinces when you want to experience a dream vacation or stay in Holland. Filled with historic and exquisite monuments, mythical and legendary squares, beautiful and lush parks, Utrecht has everything to please you!
We hope that our list of 15 things to do and see will help you prepare for your future stay. Enjoy your trip!