One of the best ways of exploring Utrecht is by bike. It means you can get close to the canals, ride through the cobbled streets and look as chic as the Dutch while getting around the city! Fietspunt, Tusveld Bicycle Shop and Het Spiedspad are some places for bike hire. You can also try cycling through the water to discover the wharf cellars and outdoor cafes of the canals by renting a pedal boat. Visit canal.nl
Get your climbing shoes on and head high up to the impressive 112-metre Dom tower for stunning views over Utrecht and even Amsterdam when the weather's nice. It'll take you 465 steps to make it to the top but it's worth it to experience the atmosphere of Utrecht's iconic landmark that dates back to 1321. Its neighboring building, St. Martin's Cathedral, used to be attached to the tower until a tornado in 1674 destroyed the nave and they were never reconnected. Visit the cathedral to see its beautiful carvings and grandeur. Visit domtoren.nl and domkerk.nl
Stylish brasseries, historic bistros and cultural foodie hangouts make eating out in Utrecht an exciting experience. Olivier (pictured) is a former coventicle that serves quality Belgian food and has a huge variety of beer for you to choose from. Try the shrimp croquettes - they're delicious! At the Grand Hotel Karel V, Brasserie Goeie Louisa serves authentic dishes in a former monastery kitchen. Stop for lunch at the monumental Louis Hartlooper Complex where you can watch an independent film too. For dining in a design-style setting, De Rechtbank was previously the city courthouse and offers local and seasonal food.
The kids (and adults!) will love a visit to the Dick Bruna House where they can learn about the famous rabbit Miffy that was created by Utrecht illustrator Dick Bruna. The accompanying Centraal Museum houses an extensive collection of contemporary and classic art including the largest Rietveld collection in the world. The Catharijne Convent Museum displays spectacular paintings by the likes of Rembrandt and Pieter Saendredam and houses a magnificent collection of gold and silver. Here you can learn about the religious history of the Netherlands. The Betje Boerhave Museum is an old grocery shop where you can pick up some vintage sweets.
Take a guided tour of the Oudaen Steam Beer Brewery to learn how the traditionally brewed Utrecht beers Ouwe Daen, Jonge Daen and Linteloo Gold are produced. Oudaen is the only city brewery that remains from medieval times and here you'll discover how the brewing process has changed over the years. You'll also get to taste some beer and after the tour you should head upstairs for a meal. The mussels are delicious! Visit oudaen.nl
Taking in the views from the water is a must and a canal cruise is the way to do it. It's a good way to see the original wharf cellars, historic facades and trees that are more than 200 years old! You'll pass the some of the most sought-after places to live in the city, discover some of Utrecht's hidden gems and get a closer look at the bars, cafes and shops that line the canals. Visit schuttevaer.com
Whether you're looking for well-known high-street brands, trendy boutiques or design shops selling interesting furniture, Utrecht has a wide range of shops to choose from. On Saturday mornings there's a fabric market at the Breedstraat where you can pick up all kinds of material. The flower markets at the Oudegracht and the Janskerkhof are also must-sees. Utrecht has some fabulous design shops, like Strand West that has modern furniture and unusual accessories. Hoog Catharijne is a shopping centre connected to Utrecht Centraal Station and has 150 shops for you to browse.
Trajectum Lumen is an illuminated trail of Utrecht's landmarks after dark. Churches, bridges and canals are transformed into theatrical art created by famous light artists. It's free for all to enjoy and the artistically lit locations include the Ganzenmarkt Tunnel, Saint Willibrord's Church and Buurkerkhof church. Visit trajectumlumen.nl
Book a room at the Mary K Hotel, a converted 18th century canal house with an edgy, cosy and arty feel. Each of the nine rooms is luxuriously decorated with a different look and style and the hotel prides itself on its 'green' credentials using fairtrade bed linen, water-saving showerheads and energy-saving lights. The Royal Rooftop Residence (pictured, €185 per night) boasts fantastic canal views, a light and elegant ambience and a beautiful bath. Don't miss the delicious breakfast - there's everything from croissants and cheese to yoghurt and chocolate sprinkles! The basement of the hotel is used for art and yoga classes so be sure to ask what's on during your stay. Rooms at Mary K Hotel start from €120 per night. Visit marykhotel.com
A tour of Utrecht's architectural highlights is a must. You'll take in the city's medieval history and learn about its water towers, churches and canals. Don't miss the old post office, the post-modernist Utrecht University building and the Winkel van Sinkel cafe, which used to be a department store (the first to open in the Netherlands!). Visit the Tourist Information Centre for more information.