One of the canals of Utrecht with the majestic Dom tower in the background
With a slow rhythm and medieval airs, ** Utrecht is the prototype of a destination to sigh for until you fall in love.**
“God created the world, but the Dutch created the Netherlands”, goes an old Dutch saying. And we fell exhausted.
Land in Amsterdam to then take a train that takes you to the center of Utrecht in half an hour It is the fastest way to get to the city.
The very modern and crowded (the most in the Netherlands) station It is located in the very center of Utrecht, so it is very easy to access any corner on foot from it.
In my case, my corner is exactly 7 minutes walking, and it is none other than the ** Mother Goose Hotel ,** a small accommodation that ends up becoming a home for the traveler. And this phrase, in addition to corny, is real.
The charming Mother Goose, more than a hotel, a home
A good bed, a good shower and stylish surroundings with a staff that smiles from the moment you walk in the door until you leave. Long live Holland.
And if during the day the good vibes transmitted by the hotel are surprising, at night its complete absence of noise; It is not for less in a place where the most sacred of silences governs, ensuring the rest of the traveler.
And that we are in the very center of Utrecht and in one of the liveliest areas of the city. And I'm looking forward to discovering it.
I don't need to remember that I am in Holland, the numerous bikes crossing streets and canals of the city constantly remind me of it, so much so that I even dare to rent one. The tourist office itself offers the possibility, but you can find numerous options.
Bicycles, illustrious inhabitants of the city
Once pedaling, I realize that a bike tour is practically mandatory here. As is the ascent to the Domtoren, the tower of the cathedral and the most recognizable emblem, with the permission of its characteristic canals.
Built in 1382, you have to climb its 465 steps to access the highest point of the city, 122 meters that no other new construction building can beat.
And with hardly any feeling in your legs, although slowly catching your breath, there is no better way to get to know Utrecht than taking a walk, or a good pedaling, for its oldest canal, the Oudegracht, one of the most beautiful canal systems in all of Europe and the only one with docks and warehouses.
This is precisely one of the main architectural differences with neighboring Amsterdam, and that is that while in Utrecht the warehouses were at water level, in Amsterdam they were part of the houses next to the canals.
Oudegracht, the oldest canal in the city
The story has changed a lot since this canal was built back in the XII century, but it certainly still holds that romantic air that makes it unique.
What is also a whole work of medieval engineering that served to drain the water from the center of the city, is the least of it.
From the bridge that crosses the canal it is nice to see numerous kayak tourists touring the city through these water arteries; another fun option to tour Utrecht that I did not dare to experience due to my proven clumsiness. Pity.
Needless to say, it is enough to set foot in Utrecht to realize that we are in an orderly city, but also fun, casual and modern.
That's why in its streets there is no room for a pin and the terraces of its cafes and restaurants are full of people wanting to have a good time, especially university students, since in Utrecht is the largest university in the Netherlands.
The impressive library of the University of Utrecht
I feel so envious of what I see that I have no choice but to park my bike and stop at ** De Koekfabriek **, a café with an unpronounceable name where the concept couldn't be simpler: you buy a cookie, but what a cookie!, and a coffee, but what a coffee! and you sit down to enjoy it.
The historical Center of Utrecht contains the necessary ingredients to the best shopping day, and it is that here if there is something that is not lacking, they are shops.
Young designers, multi-brand boutiques, accessories, antique shops, Utrecht will be the city of canals, but it could also be the city of shopping.
The best streets to enjoy it are Schoutenstraat, Zadelstraat or Lijnmarkt, being Twijnstraat the oldest shopping street in the city.
Here there are also two restaurants perfect for a casual lunch: Keek and Stael. The first is a coquettish space where to take a traditional meal based on soups and sandwiches where they do not serve any type of alcoholic beverage.
For its part, Stael occupies the site of an old metallurgical factory and it is a slightly more sophisticated space, also in its menu, where one must launch without hesitation into dishes such as its falafel or its pulled-pork.
Very close to both is the most important museum in the city, the Centraal Museum, which dates back to 1838 and whose main course is a fixed collection made up of old painting objects, fashion, modern art and design.
Also part of the Centraal is **the Dick Bruna Huis museum,** the house museum dedicated to the artistic father of Nijntje , the world-famous bunny, which we know here in Spain by the name of Miffy and which you will see everywhere in Utrecht.
Night falls but not the rhythm of the city that is filling restaurants and bars until the full sign is hung.
The gastronomy is one of the main dishes of Utrecht and, at a more than reasonable price, quality and good service are guaranteed, especially if you reserve a table at Le Jardin restaurant, located at number 42 in one of the most beautiful squares: Mariaplaats.
In this restaurant that is also florist and greenhouse the best that the earth gives is cooked, and this is literal, since 80% of their dishes include vegetables.
Seasonal vegetables and local products in a sophisticated yet relaxed environment, as dictated by the canons of the city.
Your menu is changing depending on the season, so they don't have any star dish that represents them, although they don't even need it. The Garden is a green party for the palate.
After dessert, the historic center of the city becomes the perfect backdrop for the art of light. The route ** Trajectum Lumen ** leads to churches and cellars, bridges and tunnels, canals and piers that at night transform into light works of art which is worth visiting.
A mixture between the old and the new which is repeated unapologetically throughout Utrecht.
As night falls, the lights illuminate the city
And from the medieval canals to the most groundbreaking architectural icons, like the house ** Rietveld Schröder. ** UNESCO World Heritage, this house is the architectural highlight of the De Stijl art movement.
The house was designed in 1924 by the architect Gerrit Rietveld for Truus Schröder and his three children. It is not only designed but also decorated by Gerrit Rietveld and today can be visited practically as it was originally. A whole box of surprises, like the city itself.
the Rietveld Schröder House, a UNESCO World Heritage Site