The Netherlands · UTRECHT TOURS
Utrecht runs its canals a storey below the street, with wharf cellars turned into terraces. The 15 below cover the boats, the tower climb and the walking routes, with prices and how long each takes.
Settle into a covered canal boat for a 1 to 1.5-hour ride through Utrecht’s Oudegracht and outer moat. A Dutch or English-speaking captain handles the boat, while an audio guide covers the city’s Roman roots, Dom Tower, wharf cellars, old defenses, Zocherpark, Railway Museum, and Hoog Catharijne.
“The cruise was very interesting and a great way to see Utrecht.”
Descend beneath Utrecht’s Dom Square for a 75-minute guided tour through 2,000 years of history. Your guide sets the scene in English or Dutch, then you use a smart flashlight and earpiece to explore Roman and medieval remains, archaeological finds, and the 1674 storm that brought down the Dom Church nave.
“Fantastic little history lesson from our guide who made it fun and interactive. The style of tour where we use the torches with earpieces was unique and highly enjoyable. Exceeded my expectations!”
Meet your English or Dutch guide at VVV Utrecht, then climb 465 steps inside Utrecht’s 112-meter Dom Tower. Four stops break up the steep ascent with stories about storms, fires, bells, and city life. The reward is a sweeping view over the old town and surrounding countryside.
“I really enjoyed this tour. The guide was fantastic.”
Spend a full day exploring De Haar Castle’s 55-hectare park, from the 1,200 roses and Roman Garden to the maze, deer park, ponds, and forest paths. This ticket covers the gardens only, not the castle interior. Use the map app to choose a route that suits your time and energy.
“I loved just wondering around the grounds and observing nature! The storks were fascinating. The castle was beautiful. Also, the cafe on the grounds was fabulous. A great place to rest up and refuel either before or after the castle tour.”
Walk Utrecht’s historic center for two hours with an English-speaking local guide. See Dom Tower, Pandhof Domkerk, Paushuize, Mariaplaats, canals, and lesser-known corners while hearing stories about Miffy, Utrecht’s churches, local myths, and places to eat.
“Our guide wasn’t very good. More facts would make the tour more interesting, and better speaking abilities would be helpful as well.”
Visit Gerrit Rietveld and Truus Schröder’s 1924 home in Utrecht with a self-guided audio tour. See movable walls, flexible furniture, and bold De Stijl design in the architect’s first residence. Audio is available in eight languages, and the visit lasts 30 to 40 minutes.
Spend about 3.5 hours walking 6.5 kilometres through Utrecht with a local guide such as Daisy or Patrick, stopping at seven vegan and vegetarian food spots. Try pastries, falafel, burgers, bowls, coffee, and Dutch-style comfort food while learning about the city, its canals, and its newer food entrepreneurs.
“This tour includes very many tasty vegan delights, including main dishes and desserts. It was more walking than a typical food tour (6.5 km), and none of the promotional materials mentioned that. We only discovered the length when it was too late to cancel. Daisy, our guide, did a great job of slowing down for us. (My wife walks with a cane.) But we probably wouldn't have booked the tour had we known how long the tour was. I would recommend this tour to a friend without walking difficulties.”
Walk Utrecht’s old center with local guide Lucas, or possibly Gerbin, for two hours of stories, quizzes, hidden gardens, canals, Dutch cookies, and practical restaurant tips. The private tour visits Dom Square, the Dom Tower, Neude Library, Vredenburg Market, and a bar inside a church.
“The walks are well designed and the story telling is excellent.”
Spend a full day at Utrecht’s Centraal Museum, a former monastery with Dutch and English support, temporary exhibitions, Dick Bruna’s studio, the world’s largest Rietveld collection, fashion, design, and a 1,000-year-old ship. A free media guide helps you make sense of the displays.
Walk 5.5 kilometers through Utrecht with Bram, Julian, Marta, or Mirte, local guides who share stories beyond the usual sights. See the canals, Dom Square, Catharijnesingel, and the world’s largest bike parking. Add a lunch of soup, a sandwich, and non-alcoholic drinks.
“I have lived in Utrecht for over seven years, but I am amazed at what I learned during Bram and Julian's tour. These tour guides, who do this as a hobby in addition to their normal work, have shown me new places in the city that I have been passing by for years. The stories they tell are particularly fascinating. It's also interesting that you walk past many quiet places where only locals come and you don't experience anything from the busy city center. I can recommend this tour to everyone, especially thanks to the enthusiasm of these two nice guides.Read more”
Follow a medieval monster trail through Utrecht with the Questo app. Solve riddles at ten real-world locations, including the Centraal Museum area, while stories and facts appear on your phone. There is no guide or time limit, so you can play quickly, pause for coffee, or explore at your own pace.
“De speurtocht was anders dan verwachting. Makkelijke vragen die voor kinderen wel heel leuk zijn maar minder als volwassenen. Dit is natuurlijk wel voor iedereen anders. Wij hebben de tocht zelf niet afgemaakt.”
Explore Utrecht at your own pace with Outside Escape’s English-language smartphone game. Follow a roughly 2-kilometer route from Kroonstraat to Hardebollenstraat, using the city’s streets and landmarks as your playing field. It takes about one to two hours and suits private groups.
“Molto divertente scopri aspetti della città che non noteresti!!! Divertente da fare con amici e anche con bambini”
Walk Utrecht’s old center with a local comedian for 90 minutes, hearing stories about the Dom Tower, Oudegracht, secret courtyards, local customs, and even a fish-market chicken woman. Rachel and Jelle have led especially well-liked walks. Expect humor, history, and a small group of up to 20.
“Erg leuke gegidse wandeling met Jelle, erg leuke anekdotes en zeer ludiek vertelt. Een aanrader. We gaan het zeker in de toekomst nog doen.”
Join Ludwig or another English-speaking local guide for four hours across five Utrecht bars, with a welcome shot at each stop, entry fees, drink specials, and VIP entry to a club. You will walk between venues, meet other people, and finish dancing in central Utrecht.
“Absolutely fantastic night, really recommend for solo travellers or groups looking for a fun night visiting hidden gems around Utrecht. Ludwig was a fantastic tour guide, we were all up and dancing within the first hour! As a solo female traveller I felt very safe as my group were really friendly and fun.”
Travel from central Amsterdam to Castle De Haar in 45 minutes, then spend about three hours exploring lavish rooms, formal gardens, and the surrounding park. Your guide speaks English, German, or French, and the visit includes entry, bottled water, and a snack. Lunch is extra.
“We spent a very enjoyable day traveling outside of Amsterdam to visit the fascinating and lovely Castle de Haar. Our guide was very pleasant, although not an expert on all the history of the castle, but there were docents stationed in every room who could answer more detailed questions. The property is quite gorgeous, with flower gardens and water views, and the inside decor is amazing, and differs from room to room. It is easy to imagine all the fantastic parties that were held here, especially when even today the castle is a very popular location for wedding celebrations. We also saw little girls dressed like princesses as they visited…”
Pick a boat, a windmill or a gallery.
