Utrecht

Cruises & boat tours

See the highlights of Utrecht's medieval inner city during a cruise on the Oudegracht canal. Learn about the city's history as you pass centuries-old buildings, canal houses, wharf cellars, and the Dom Tower. Descend the 21 steps to the waterside to board your boat. Once you are settled, the boat will set off along the Oudegrachten (Old Canal). Admire the oldest part of the city, which dates back to Roman times. Then, pass the highest church tower in the Netherlands, the Dom Tower. Marvel at other significant historical buildings along the route. After half an hour, arrive at the city's outer moat, a former defensive structure. Learn about the old strongholds and casemates there. Take photos of the beautiful Zocherpark. See the Railway Museum or Hoog Catharijne, the largest mall in the Netherlands, from the water. Return to the Oudegracht canal and watch people enjoying themselves on the wharves. Try and spot the typical wharf cellars. Once back on dry land, you will have a good idea of what you want to visit next.

Immerse yourself in history at iconic De Haar Castle. Admire its picture book medieval architecture, see its opulent interior, learn about the famous guests who have stayed there, and explore its tranquil grounds. Encounter a medieval fortress with towers and ramparts, moats, gates, and drawbridges. Marvel at the setting as the fairytale-like castle rises majestically from parkland filled with impressive trees, old gardens, and ponds. Take a walk in its tranquil parklands. Visit the Rose Garden or Roman Garden. Discover its ponds and canals, as well as the many bridges, romantic vistas, and impressive avenues ideal for long walks or picnics.

Discover the iconic DOMunder, an interesting historical attraction under the Domplein in Utrecht. Join your guide and embark on an adventure for all ages as you climb down to learn about local history in a unique setting. Step inside, grab a smart flashlight, and begin an underground exploration full of exciting stories and archaeological treasures. Follow a journey through the eventful history of the Domplein, Utrecht, the Netherlands, and Europe. Immerse yourself in Utrecht's Roman past, as well as the glorious Middle Ages. Experience the devastating storm of 1674, during which the nave of the Dom Church collapsed and the Dom Square was created.

The Dutch Railway Museum, also known as the Het Spoorwegmuseum, is your chance to explore the wonderful world of trains. Explore the museum's extensive collection of locomotives, carriages, scale models, steam engines, paintings, and railway material and objects. Visitors to the Railway Museum enter through the fully restored historic Maliebaan Station built-in 1874. While in the museum, you can see the impressive SS 13, also known as De Bril. While you're at the Railway Museum, visit its 3 saloon coaches and the authentic Royal waiting room. Take a behind-the-scenes look at a railway yard throughout the age of steam. Walk along with the Maliebaan Station platform and visit the Model Stockroom, which is filled with a collection of railway models. Take a ride on the Steel Monster and explore under, between, and above steam engines. Visit the Techlab while at the Railway Museum and learn everything there is to know about electric trains.

Discover spectacular views of Utrecht and the surrounding countryside with this ticket to Dom Tower. Step back in time as your guide takes you on a historical journey all the way to the top of the 700-year-old Dom Tower. Meet your guide VVV Utrecht and make your way to the Dom Tower. Enter with your included ticket and after 465 steps, reach 112 meters and be rewarded with a breathtaking views of Utrecht. Capture stunning photos to share with friends on social media. Climb the historical Dom Tower with stops along the way to hear about the history and the construction of the Dom Tower. These moments are a good opportunity to catch your breath. Discover the Tower's unique history along the way. Hear about how the tower has been the central feature of the city for centuries and how it survived violent storms, occupations by foreign powers, and fires. Find out how it has seen festivities, flourishing trade, and the expansion of the city.

Visit the tranquil landscaped parklands of the famous De Haar Castle. Discover its ponds and canals, as well as the many bridges, romantic vistas, and impressive avenues ideal for long walks or picnics. Explore castle grounds which are over 55 hectares in size. Encounter calming areas like the park forest and the former menagerie, ideal for an attractive private walk. Explore features like the maze, the large deer park, the romantic covered bridge, and the picnic meadow. Walk amongst some 7,000 trees, some of which are up to 140 years old. Visit areas like the Roman Garden, with its Ha Ha rampart, or see the Rose Garden, containing over 1,200 roses in 79 different varieties which bloom beautifully every summer.

Come face to face with the magical creatures of our natural world with your entry ticket to the Ouwehands Zoo in Rhenen. Meet the unique giant pandas and koalas, and learn about protecting natural habitats. Make your way to the zoo entrance and step into a world of wonder as you check the map and decide who you want to visit first. Take the chance to discover one of the most beautiful panda enclosures in the world, the only one in the Netherlands, and watch them chomping on bamboo. Make sure you say hello to the African elephant named Bumi too. Watch the monkeys swinging around and enjoy refreshments at the Maki lounge. Observe the majestic polar bears and learn about their natural habitat, including what they eat and how they hunt. See if you can spot the clouded leapords before you leave the zoo.

Discover the city’s centuries-old architectural masterpiece and the people to whom it owes its name: Gerrit Rietveld and Truus Schröder. Experience ‘the new way of living’ as a self-guided audio tour takes you through the meticulously designed spaces of the Rietveld Schröder House. With its progressive principles and innovative design elements, this Unesco World Heritage site is a testament to Rietveld's and Schröder’s vision and dedication to pushing the boundaries. Upon arrival at the ticket office, you will be handed a media player device that will serve as your personal guide throughout the house. As you navigate each room, you’ll hear stories of what it was like to live in this unique house, Rietveld's innovative concepts and the historical context of the house. The anecdotes and personal stories bring this architectural marvel to life. Upstairs you can enjoy a demonstration of the ingenious sliding walls and movable furniture that transform the living spaces, adapting to the changing needs of its inhabitants. In total, a visit to the Rietveld Schröder House takes approximately 30 to 40 minutes. The audio tour is available in Dutch, English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, Japanese and Mandarin. A headset is not required since the media players have built-in speakers. However, you can connect your own headset if you prefer to use one. Your headset must have a mini-jack to connect. Do you prefer to use your own device? No problem. Simply scan the QR code at the ticket desk and you are ready to go. Don't forget to bring your headphones.

Explore the city of Utrecht on this fun walking tour! Hi, my name is Lucas and i'll be your guide in Utrecht! I am a local from Utrecht who has been doing these tours for many years Are you ready to meet a fun group of people, explore Utrecht and try out traditional dutch cookies? We'll start at the Dom Square and i'll take you walking around Utrecht for about 1.5 to 2 hours. You will make some new friends, listen to fascinating stories, view beautiful hidden places and play fun games on the way. What will we see?: - Dom Tower (and why there is a part missing) - Canals and its upper and lower street levels - Square where there used to be a castle of peace (Vredenburg) - A statue that represents a man, with a very special occupation. Who? You'll get to take a guess during the tour! - 3 hidden gardens - A bar inside a church (great to go and have a drink or bite to eat after the tour) - Dutch parking garage for bicycles. - A house with a door that seems to be an illusion and has a story about pretzels - A look inside the centrally located library of Utrecht and the square it is located at - Pointers for nice restaurants and bars along the way Dutch weather: Ah yes our weather.. It can be unpredictable sometimes, sunshine first and then rain a few hours later. But don't worry, because during the tour there will be enough spots to keep us dry. If rain is expected then bring an umbrella or raincoat. Starting point: The tour starts at the Dom Square.

Explore Utrecht on your terms with this self-guided audio tour, accessible on your smartphone! Immerse yourself in the beauty of this historic city at your own pace and in your preferred language. This self-guided audio tour offers you the flexibility to choose your destinations and decide how long you wish to spend at each site. Whether you're drawn to the iconic Dom Tower (the highest church tower in the country), the historical old town, or the legend of Bishop Willibrord, we have carefully crafted the most beautiful walking route for you and gathered more than 40 captivating and interesting stories. You'll pass by all the well-known landmarks but will also be surprised by new discoveries and hidden gems. Did you know that the city is one of the oldest in the Netherlands and over 900 years old? Explore Utrecht’s rich history, embrace its vibrant present, and be delighted by its many picturesque canals, medieval streets and captivating legends and stories. Whether you're embarking on a solo adventure, enjoying a romantic city stroll with your partner or exploring the city with friends or family, our self-guided audio tour caters to all preferences. Plus, you'll receive a nice discount when you do the tour with companions.