With its storybook streets and beautiful canals, Utrecht is an easy city to fall for on a weekend away. It has all the charm you want from a Dutch city break, but with a calmer feel that makes it great for every age, whether you’re travelling with little ones or exploring with friends.
Spend your time wandering through the city, spotting Miffy, marvelling at historic views and settling on waterside terraces. There’s plenty to discover, but Utrecht is compact enough to enjoy without rushing.
Miffy morning
Start the day off by filling it with Nijntje, better known as Miffy. This cute little bunny was created in Utrecht, so it’s no surprise the city is bursting with her image. Take the morning to explore Utrecht and see how many Miffys you can find.
Miffy Museum
Especially fun for the younger family members, this museum is not quite as you’d expect. There are 12 rooms inspired by Dick Bruna’s books, designed for exploring through play. Get to know Dick Bruna’s artworks, start creating with shapes and colours yourself, or build your own block masterpiece.
Miffy traffic light
A quick stop, but no less fun to see. This traffic light is shaped like the sweet little bunny, creating a nice surprise walking past.
Nijntje Pleintje (Miffy Square)
Take a break on the Miffy Square. Surrounded by greenery, water and houses, this small square is a real escape from the busy city, elevated by the Miffy statue located in the middle.
Dom Tower
Don’t forget to check out the Dom Tower when exploring Utrecht. It’s the highest church tower in the Netherlands and is another icon of the city worth adding to your schedule. Walk around Dom Square or book a tour on their website to learn all there is to know about this wonderful tower.
A canal-filled afternoon
Lunch near the Oudegracht
Amsterdam is not the only city in the Netherlands with beautiful canals. Utrecht has its fair share too, which makes it a lovely lunch spot. Take a seat at one of the many terraces around the Oudegracht and enjoy a bite in one of the liveliest parts of the city.
Canal boat tour
Continue the flow of water with a boat tour along the Utrecht canals. Spend an hour or two viewing the city from a different angle as you glide past the streets and buildings that shape the centre. It’s a relaxed way to keep exploring after lunch while seeing more of Utrecht from the water.
Dinner in style
For dinner, enjoy a meal at CUBO Kitchen. The restaurant in Park Plaza Utrecht takes its name from Cubism, the inspiration behind the Dutch art movement De Stijl. Take a seat in this contemporary restaurant, where clean lines and corners subtly remind you of world-famous works of art, while the warm tones and materials transform CUBO Kitchen into a modern, urban space.
A day away
Step just outside Utrecht for a day filled with calm landscapes and historic settings. From green estates made for wandering to a castle surrounded by gardens, pick one of these spots for a perfect day after exploring the city centre.
Landgoed Amelisweerd
Spend the day at Landhuis Oud Amelisweerd, a historic country house with a coach house and surrounding park. Take time to visit the landhuis, walk through the grounds and enjoy the calm setting just outside Utrecht. Stop by Theehuis Rhijnauwen for a break nearby. After exploring, continue your visit with dinner at De Veldkeuken, a restaurant where organic ingredients sourced directly from the estate are central.
Kasteel de Haar
Explore Kasteel de Haar, an originally medieval castle known for its rich history and the special stories hidden behind its walls. Join a tour to learn more about the castle, including one with Noet Noet, the talking castle cat. After looking around inside, take time for the gardens. Whether you want a quiet break, space for kids to play freely or a picturesque spot for a picnic, they have it all. Don’t forget to have lunch at Restaurant Laverie or go to Tuynhuis Gabrielle for coffee and a pastry to go.
From Miffy moments and canal-side lunches to castle gardens and relaxed dinners, Utrecht has plenty to explore for visitors of all ages. Make Park Plaza Utrecht your comfortable base for the weekend. With a central location close to Utrecht Central Station, the canals, Hoog Catharijne and the Dom Tower, you’re within easy reach of the city’s best-loved sights that are perfect for a weekend away.
