Why Utrecht

Utrecht: a vibrant city

Utrecht is the beating heart of the Netherlands. A beautiful, lively city.
And a great place to work and live.

With over 300,000 inhabitants, Utrecht is the 4th-largest city in the country. Utrecht is located right in the centre of the Netherlands and has a number of higher education institutions and some 70,000 students. About 30,000 of whom study at Utrecht University.

Utrecht is seen as one of the most thriving and charming cities in the Netherlands. It has a vibrant cultural life, plenty of places to eat and drink, and a rich architectural legacy. Thanks to its international population of citizens, the city boasts a diverse variety of cuisines, music and dance.

A view on the Oudegracht and Domtower

The medieval centre is easily explored on foot, yet big enough for world class architecture, festivals and shops. It's hard to miss the Cathedral with its 112m high Dom tower and the canals with their unique wharfs and wharf cellars.

As soon as the weather allows, you'll find the Dutch on one of the many terraces on the squares and pavements and along the waterside on the wharfs.

Utrecht has a history stretching back 2,000 years. In fact, Utrecht University was founded on the site of a first-century Roman ‘castellum’.

What the rest of the world thinks of Utrecht:

  • The medieval city centre
  • Beautiful canals and wharfs

Location

Thanks to Utrecht's central location travelling to Utrecht is easy. Utrecht Central Station is the largest train station in the country. Buses and trams will take you around Utrecht city and its suburbs, but the most popular way to get around in the city is by bicycle.

Utrecht has 245 km of segregated cycle lanes and the largest bicycle parking in the world. Well-appreciated by the 37,000 cyclists riding through the city on a daily basis.

  • Plenty of outdoors activities