A budget guide to Utrecht, Netherlands
A student town with a healthy dose of canals, cafes and character, Utrecht offers a look into life in Holland that’s laid-back and breezy. And at just 30 minutes from Amsterdam by train, it makes a great day trip or overnight getaway!
The city is very walkable, so don’t stress about spending money on transport around town. Another bonus is that most of the city’s attractions are free, and wandering the city itself is probably first on the to-do list.
Related: 5 Easy and affordable day trips from Amsterdam | A budget guide to Haarlem, Netherlands
Here are some of our best tips for saving on your trip to Utrecht.
Getting there
A roundtrip ticket from Amsterdam Central Station is €14.80 and takes about a half hour each way. And prepare yourself for a busy scene upon arrival: Utrecht Central Station is the busiest and largest station in the country, because it’s a giant train hub.
The station is also connected to a large and somewhat confusing shopping center (parts of which seem to always be under construction), Hooog Catharijne. With more than 200 food joints and stores, however, it’s certainly convenient. Leaving your train, you’ll probably pass through the maze of a mall — stay calm and follow the signs that say “Centrum”. You’ll escape in no time.
Free attractions in Utrecht
Domkerk
Achter de Dom 1
Mon. – Sat. 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. high season, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. low season
Once you’ve exited the mall madness, spot the giant church tower against the skyline and head that direction to get to the heart of Utrecht. The Domkerk is a mammoth cathedral with grand lancet windows, among other crowning achievements of Gothic architecture.
The 14th Century tower, located across from the cathedral’s front door, reaches more than 350 feet into the sky. Entry to the church is free, but you’ll need to pay €9 to climb the 465 steps to the top of the tower (reserve at the information center next to the tower). A massive storm destroyed much of the church’s middle section in the 17th Century, and today it stands in two parts with a well-kept courtyard to wander through. The church is really the landmark of Utrecht, so don’t miss it.
Willibrordkerk
Minrebroederstraat 21
Tues. – Sat. 11 a.m.- 5 p.m.
Willibrordkerk is a hidden gem of a church in the heart of Utrecht. Once you locate its unassuming entrance, head inside, as it’s much bigger and impressive than its exterior might lead you to believe. The Neo-Gothic architecture is complimented by a wrapping of colorful and glittering painted patterns on its arched walls, columns, brilliant ceiling, and floor.
Bloemenmarkt
Janskerkhof
Saturdays 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
If visiting Utrecht on a Saturday, you’ll have the fortune of experiencing the town’s flower market (Bloemenmarkt). While Amsterdam’s flower market is dominated by tourists and tulip bulbs, the selections in Utrecht have space to show off their blooming, brilliant colors and sweet scents. Free and fabulous for photo ops, it’s worth tiptoeing through these tulips.
Museums
We wouldn’t put any of Utrecht’s museums on the must-see list, especially if you’ll be spending time at the biggies in Amsterdam. However, if your cultural cranium is hungry for a little bit of arts and history, the Centraal Museum is a mish-mash of old and modern art, with a focus on iconic Rietveld contemporary design and passing exhibitions.
Music buffs and historians shouldn’t miss the impressive collection of antique organs, squeeze boxes, and more at the National Musical Box and Street Organ Museum (Nationaal museum van Speelklok tot Pierement).
And the Railway Museum (Het Spoorwegmuseum) is always a hit with kids or any amateur conductors.
Food, nightlife and entertainment
Grabbing a drink along the canal is an Utrecht tradition. Photo: mikecogh
Oudegracht Canal wharfs
Wijnlokaal Aal (Oudegracht 159D)
Chez Willy (Oudegracht 73)
Den Draeck (Oudegracht 114-122)
Much like in Amsterdam, canals wind through Utrecht, creating a city of small bridges and photo ops. However, unlike in Amsterdam, along Utrecht’s central Oudegracht canal the old wharves (and cellars of canal-side factories and mansions) have been transformed into cafes and restaurants with picturesque waterside terraces. Wander the canals and find a terrace that makes you thirsty.
Café Olivier
Achter Clarenburg 6
A great and unique place for a few beer rounds with the locals is Café Olivier. This Belgian beer bar is housed inside a former hidden Catholic church, and its interior is impressively preserved from the 1800s. You’ll find high ceilings, old wooden décor, and a full lunch and dinner menu. Look for it just outside the train station (the entrance is to the left).
Stadskasteel Oudean
Oudegracht 99
Looking for another interesting dinner and drinks option? How about inside a 13th-century medieval castle? The Stadskasteel Oudean is located in the city center, so it’s got it all: canal views, outside terrace, its own brewery, and massive Medieval dining areas.
Cheapo food favorites
The great news for budget travels in Utrecht is that this college town offers an endless supply of food outlets catering to student budgets. While the options are seemingly endless, check out:
• Grand Café Lebowski (Domplein 17 ) has great hearty food and snacks in a restaurant resembling an American hunting club.
• Kimmade (Mariastraat 2) gets great ratings because their Vietnamese food is cheap, fresh and flavorful.
• Meneer Smakers (Nobelstraat 143) is a trendy favorite for towering New York-style burgers served with crispy fries.
Live entertainment
Tivoli is an independent music business that books most of the concerts in town at one of their two locations. From pop to classical and family friendly events, check the site to see what’s on when planning a night out in Utrecht. Depending on the program, admission can be very budget friendly.
Otherwise the Stadsschouwburg theater is where locals go for performance and dance.
Hotel Admiraal is a 10-minute walk from the city center with balcony rooms and modern touches. Photo: Booking.com
Affordable lodging
Generally speaking, the hotels in Utrecht are quite a bit more affordable than those in Amsterdam. This not only makes it a great overnight option for travelers looking to trim their budgets a bit, bit it also makes it an attractive alternative to Amsterdam’s hotel scene. As it’s only 30 minutes by train to Amsterdam’s Central Station, you could easily sleep in Utrecht and “commute in” every day to visit Amsterdam. (The same can be said for Haarlem.)
Your Utrecht budget tips?
Have a tip for ways to save in Utrecht? Share with us below in the comments section!
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