Utrecht - The Jewel of the Netherlands

Utrecht attracts visitors with its romantic canals, famous churches to art museums and lush gardens, providing an unforgettable experience.

Ancient and vibrant city

Located in the heart of the Netherlands, Utrecht is a vibrant and ancient city, famous for its historic architecture and picturesque old streets. During the Middle Ages, it was the religious center of the country with many monasteries and the seat of the Diocese of Utrecht. This is why the city has many old and impressive architectural works that still exist today.

St. Martin's Church (also known as Dom Church) is famous for its history dating back to 1254. A special highlight is the Dom Tower, a timeless symbol of the city, with a height of 112.32m. This is the tallest church tower in the Netherlands. From the top of the tower, you can enjoy a panoramic view of Utrecht, an experience not to be missed for those who love to explore beauty from above.

The church also features a peaceful monastery garden and an ancient assembly hall, now used as a ceremonial hall for Utrecht University. The building represents a fusion of classical and modern beauty. Every detail at St. Martin, from the stained glass windows to the statues and tombstones, tells a story about the church’s long and rich history.

Cathedral Square and DOMunder are popular archaeological sites that allow visitors to explore the historical sites hidden beneath the square. DOMunder offers an insight into two thousand years of Utrecht history, from Roman times to the Middle Ages and beyond. Here, you will be equipped with special flashlights to explore the ruins of the ancient Gothic cathedral, where history is brought to life through storytelling and a state-of-the-art sound system.

Utrecht is also a vibrant cultural hub with museums, art galleries and music events. A highlight is the Museum Catharijneconvent, housed in a well-preserved medieval monastery. It displays religious artifacts from the Middle Ages to the present day, with a rich collection of Catholic and Protestant art, reflecting the diversity of the Netherlands' religious and cultural heritage.

Enjoy food and coffee

Along the Oudegracht Canal in Utrecht, visitors will find a variety of restaurants with unique spaces and rich menus. More than just places to stop for a bite to eat, canalside restaurants offer a wonderful culinary experience in a romantic setting, where diners can enjoy their meal while admiring the ancient beauty of the city's most famous canal.

One of the special features of the restaurants in Oudegracht is their unique location right on the water’s edge. Many of the restaurants are located in old basements, with entrances from the canal bank, creating a cozy and private space. Diners can choose to sit inside for a traditional feel or sit outside to enjoy the fresh air and watch the boats drifting gently on the water.

The cuisine here is diverse, from traditional Dutch dishes such as poffertjes and fresh herring to sophisticated European dishes or colorful Asian cuisine. Whether you are looking for a fine dining experience or simply a cold beer by the canal, the restaurants at Oudegracht can satisfy all tastes. When night falls, the shimmering lights from the restaurants reflect on the water, creating a magical atmosphere that makes dining here an unforgettable experience.

Enjoying a cup of coffee by the Oudegracht Canal is also an experience not to be missed when visiting Utrecht. Along both sides of the canal, visitors will encounter countless cafes with poetic spaces, from cozy little cafes hidden in ancient basements to modern cafes with great views overlooking the canal.

In the morning, canalside cafes are the perfect place to start the day with a strong espresso or a creamy cappuccino, accompanied by Dutch pastries such as stroopwafels or appeltaarts. In the afternoon, you can choose a corner outside, sip your coffee and watch the boats glide gently on the water, while people stroll along the cobblestone streets.

In addition to beautiful spaces, many cafes in Oudegracht also offer unique service styles. Some have classic designs with cozy wooden interiors, while others have a modern, minimalist style. In particular, many cafes also serve hand-brewed coffee, bringing a more refined and rich flavor.

Sitting by the Oudegracht canal, sipping a cup of coffee and enjoying the fresh air, that is a wonderful moment of relaxation in the heart of the beautiful city of Utrecht.

Hai Yen

Source: https://baobariavungtau.com.vn/du-lich/202504/utrecht-vien-ngoc-quy-cua-ha-lan-1039477/