WITTEVROUWENPOORT

Utrecht city centre

Wittevrouwenpoort is a unique location to enjoy the city of Utrecht for a couple of days. All of the tourist attractions this city has to offer lie within walking distance.

The apartment lies around the corner from Biltstraat, which is full of restaurants, outdoor cafés, supermarkets, etc. The country’s largest indoor shopping centre (Hoog Catharijne), Neude, the canals and the beautifully restored dockyards and Domtoren are within a stone’s throw, while the central railway station is only a 20-minute walk away. If you take the bus, it will only take you a couple of minutes. There is a bus stop at 50 metres from the B&B.

Discovering Utrecht city centre on foot

Utrecht is an ideal place to just wander around, no street plan or Google Maps, just head out of the door and explore! Utrecht has a medieval inner city that begs to be discovered on foot. The city centre’s five districts offer beautiful historic architecture, exciting museums, shops and bars and restaurants. And Domtoren, the country’s tallest church tower, is the perfect point of reference.

Discover Greater Utrecht by bike

All places of interest in Utrecht’s city centre can be reached on foot from the apartment. However, there’s also plenty to discover by bike in and around the city. What about the forests, parks, old fortresses, the Vecht river with beautiful towns such as Oud-zuilen, Maarssen and Breukelen, or Maarsseveense Plassen. Theehuis Rhijnauwen, Amelisweerd country estate and De Haar Castle in Haarzuilens can be reached by bike.

Domplein square

Every tour of Utrecht should include a visit to its magnificent Gothic cathedral, the Domkerk. After that, climb the Netherlands tallest bell tower, ascending 465 steps to the top of the Dom Tower and enjoy the spectacular view. And if you are interested in Utrecht’s past , travel 2000 year back in time and descend to DOMunder, an underground voyage of discovery full of archaeological treasures. For more information Dom Tower or DOMunder.

Oudegracht canal and wharves

Stroll along Utrecht’s stately canals and discover why some call it ‘Europe’s most beautiful canal city’. The historical wharves lend character tot the canals and give the city added charm

Stadskasteel Oudaen

This old city castle, built in 1276 for the Zoudenbalch family, is a unique structure, being one of the first stone building in Utrecht. Nowadays it is a heritage building and restaurant, and even has its own brewery - Oudaen.

TivoliVredenburg

TivoliVredenburg is Utrecht’s largest music venue, hosting regular concerts and festivals. It is a feat of modern architecture and interior design. In addition to its five concert halls, it also offers a cozy café perfect for lunch or ad drink. There is an up-to-date agenda and much more on the TivoliVredenburg website.

Museum Speelklok

Step into the wonderful world of mechanical instruments. And let your ears an eyes be amazed. Listen and learn all about these auditory automatons. Form the tiniest music boxes tot the most stupendous hall organs. Recommended for children especially! On the website you get an impression of what can be seen and experienced.

Paushuize

This stately home was built for the only Dutch pope: Pope Adrian VI. The renaissance building features Gothic influences and regularly provides a setting for various events. There is a free guided tour of the house every last Sunday of the month, starting at 10:45. For more information go to the website.

Rietveld Schröderhuis

 This is the most famous house in Utrecht. Designed entirely in keeping with the Dutch De Stijl art movement. The residence was built in 1924 by Utrecht architect Gerrit Rietveld and is on the UNESCO World Heritage list. Bookings to visit the house can be made at Centraal Museum.

Lepelenburg Park

Of Utrecht’s many public parks, this one stands out. Nice weather attracts hordes of students and families, who come to enjoy the sun, a barbecue, or simply each other’s company’s. Musical and theatrical events are staged in the pavilion at the park’s edge.

Miffy Museum

In February 2016 famous Utrecht celebrity ‘Miffy’ was given her own museum, where children and toddlers can playfully explore the world, hand-in-hand with the quirky bunny created by Dick Bruna. Crawl, search, smell and dance your way through a journey of discovery! The website gives an impression.

Het Spoorwegmuseum

This interactive museum housed in the former Maliebaan station is dedicated entirely to the world of trains. View the extensive collections of historical wagons, wander through the old railway station and learn a thing or two at the interactive exhibits. An experience for young and old alike! The anticipation starts with the website.

Botanic Gardens

For a relaxing break the hustle and bustle of the city, why not pay a visit to the splendid gardens at Utrecht Science Park? Discover unusual flowers and plants from all over the world, backed by a chorus of murmuring streams and buzzing insects - botanic gardens.

Waterliniemuseum: Fort Vechten

The Utrecht region is home to an interesting piece of history: a fort from 1869 that is part of the New Hollandic Waterline. Made up of around 22 buildings, it includes watchtowers, a bomb shelter and an outer fort. For those interested in history, there is a museum on the site where you can learn all there is to know about waterlines, the Romans and the local habitat - website.

Mondrian House

The nearby town of Amersfoort is home to a unique piece of art history: the house in which Piet Mondrian was born. This abstract painter became world famous as one of the founders of abstract art. The house now has is works by Mondrian on display, as well as temporary exhibitions by artists who have been inspired by him - more information.

Castellum Hoge Woerd

Visit this modern interpretations of a centuries-old Roman fort, just beyond Utrecht’s city limits. Its high walls conceal an archaeological museum, a theatre stage and a restaurant and café. Nearby, enjoy a long walk in nearby Maxima Park, a peaceful part of Utrecht that is as big as the city centre itself. In need of refreshment? Then head to the Rare Jongens restaurant and café or the Maximus brewery. For some pretense click here.

National Military Museum

This interactive museum offers an impressive introduction to the history of the Netherlands and its military forces, where past, present and future come to life. The site of the NMM is where the Dutch Royal Air Force was founded in 1913. Since 2013 it has been possible to scroll at leisure among cannons, tanks, aircraft and more. For more information, visit the website.

Utrechtse Heuvelrug

Located only 15 minutes from Utrecht, this beautiful hilly area is perfect for hiking or cycling amid a fairytale setting of undulating woods and impressive castles and estates. Bicycles can be hired seven days a week at the Utrecht Tourist Information Centre (VVV), which can also advise you on the best cycle routes.

De Haar Castle

Be enchanted by this fairytale castle, surrounded by elegant styled gardens and a landscaped park. The largest castle in the Netherlands, this historical edifice was built for a wealthy baron between 1892 and 1912. These days, you can take a guided tour of the castle or simply walk through the gardens, followed by a drink and a snack at the Tuynhuis café. For more information, visit the website.

Boating

If you feel like discovering Utrecht by water but don’t want an organized tour, simply hire your own boat! Various companies rent boats (with or without a steersman), so you can explore the city completely at your leisure. A list of rental companies can be found at the website.