The city of Utrecht is located in the very heart of Holland. It is host of 3 important universities and therefore full with young people and students. Like Amsterdam Utrecht has a lot of canals. Whether you are planning your meeting here or just want to explore the city, spending the day in Utrecht gives you a lot of business and leisure options.
Facts
Utrecht is part of The Randstad and located in the heart of Holland
City rights since 1122
Population: 328,577
Getting there
Utrecht, thanks to it’s central location in Holland, is easy to reach via Amsterdam Airport Schiphol. From there you can take a train or car to Utrecht.
Meeting and business venues
The city offers a wide variety of meeting venues, hotels and inspirational conference rooms. Built around the Dom Tower and atmospheric canals it will be easy to find a venue with great views of the city’s activities.
New
There’s always something new in Utrecht. For example; last week was the official opening of TivoliVredenburg. Not only a great new place for concerts and theatre, but also host of 5 large meeting spaces.
Classics
Staying in Utrecht? You might want to consider NH Utrecht. The hotel is located at a walking distance of the most important sites and of the Jaarbeurs Utrecht, the biggest venue of the city. Looking for something smaller? Why not try CitySense, Domus Medica or Grand Hotel Karel V.
Hidden secrets
How would you like a meeting in a cigar factory or monumental public school? There are many more inspirational and special venues in Utrecht. On our hidden secret page we collect all of them for you.
After your meeting
Utrecht is a great place to spend a day. They have a broad range of museums, shopping areas, restaurants and sights.
Museums
DOM under – Guided tours through the underground cultural and historical center full of archaeological treasures of the famous Dom Tower in Utrecht.
Centraal museum – Classic and modern pieces can be found here.
Dick Bruna House – House of Miffy and it’s maker.
Railway Museum – Trains, trains, trains!
Shopping areas
City centre – The city centre makes for some lovely shopping. The Lijnmarkt is a bustling, busy street with many fashion and shoe shops. Here you can catch glimpses of the beautiful Oude Gracht, which also boasts plenty of special fashion and jewellery shops.
Hoog Cataharijne – Hoog Catharijne is believed to be the biggest shopping centre in Holland. Linked to Utrecht Central Station, it is easily accessible and you will find a shop for everything you need.
Schoutenstraat and Korte Minrebroederstraat: Historical streets just outside the bustling shopping district, with small, exclusive shops. It’s an easy walk from the Neude, definitely worth the trouble!
Vredenburg Market – The largest market of Utrecht is held at Vredenburg. This is where you can buy fish, meat, vegetables, fruit, bread, belts, jackets, accessories and electronics. You are also in the right place for a bread roll with herring, a fresh treacle waffle or a bag of Dutch liquorice. Held on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, the Vredenburg market counts between 75 and 125 stalls!
Restaurants
Casual or Michelin star restaurant? City vibe or intimate setting? A view at the canals or from the canals? Utrecht has it all. Throughout Utrecht you can find many restaurants. But these restaurants are very popular:
Le Connaisseur – monumental / terrace
RAAK! – flexible / central location
Deeg – classic / organic
De Goedheyd – French / said to be the best restaurant in town
Sights
When you are in Utrecht it is almost impossible not to spot the famous canals and terraces. Don’t forget to visit the Dom Tower that is visible from the entire city. Have a look at the Winkel van Sinkel, one of Holland’s first department stores and the architectural highlight: Rietveld-Schröderhuis.
A day in Utrecht..
With all these tips I am almost sure you need a few extra days of stay in Utrecht. Have fun and let me know your favourite part of the city!
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