City of Utrecht

Utrecht is a lively city in the geographical centre of the Netherlands. It is not only an important junction where traffic, trade, distribution and services meet and mingle, but also a true knowledge centre: apart from Utrecht University it houses important research institutes and several other institutes of higher education.

With its 300,000 inhabitants, Utrecht is the fourth largest city in the Netherlands and with no less than 50,000 of the inhabitants being students, Utrecht is a real student city.

Several canals crisscross the city and encircle the city centre. The Dom tower is the focal point of the city: with a height of 112 metres, it offers a magnificent view over the city.

To the south of the Dom is the ‘museumkwartier’, the city’s museum quarter. There you will find a varied offering of excellent museums in a setting of picturesque courtyards, unexpected small restaurants and delightful little shops.

Along the canals you will find a rare phenomenon, of which Utrecht citizens are extremely proud: the wharves. These wharves, which provide direct access to cellars, were used for the loading and unloading of ships and the storage of goods in the Middle Ages. These days, they are mostly used as outdoor terraces for restaurants where you can enjoy a drink or a meal looking over a canal lit by decorative lights framing the contours of the bridges.

In terms of culture, Utrecht is a real festival city, with festivals like the Spring Dance Festival, the Holland Early Music Festival, The Holland Animation Festival and the Dutch Film Festival. When not hosting a festival, Utrecht is the stage for the ‘Cultural Sundays’ - cultural events inspired by a location, theme or particular art form.

More information about Utrecht: Utrecht your way.