The largest student population in the country has made Utrecht a vibrant and lively destination. Once you’ve soaked up the atmosphere and explored the medieval center, your rental car will give you the freedom to discover more of the beautiful Netherlands.
Admire the blend of old and new architecture
If walls could talk, they’d have plenty to say in Utrecht. The city dates back to Roman times, and history can be seen everywhere you turn.
Explore the wharf – an old storage area that has been transformed in recent years while still retaining its historical essence. Browse the shops, grab a coffee or enjoy dinner at one of the many restaurants.
Among the medieval structures and monuments, you’ll find the fascinating Rietveld Schröder House – a highlight of the De Stijl art movement. Built in 1924 by the world-famous architect Gerrit Rietveld, this cultural icon has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2000.
Visit the Science Park to see award-winning modern architecture or pass through the center to see Gothic styles such as the impressive Dom Tower.
Explore the multicultural Lombok district
Visit Lombok to discover the multicultural heart of the city. The smell of the exotic delicacies will be enough to get your mouth watering as you draw closer to the colorful Kanaalstraat. This central shopping street and the side streets that branch off it are filled with delicatessens, butchers and bakeries.
Once you’ve filled your shopping bags with ingredients from around the world, head into one of the trendy coffee bars such as Zwart Goud. Sit back in a cozy chair and watch the world go by as you sip a frothy cappuccino.
Step into a fairytale at De Haar Castle
The largest castle in the Netherlands could have been taken straight from the pages of a fairy tale. As you approach, you’ll see the moats, gates and drawbridges as well as the ramparts and towers appear over the horizon.
The home of the Van Zuylen family may look like a medieval fortress but it was actually built in the early 20th century on the site of an old and derelict castle’s ruins. Surrounding the castle, you’ll find parkland full of trees, hidden gardens and ponds.
Make sure you visit the Rose Garden, a memorial to the family’s eldest son, where you’ll see more than 1,200 roses from 79 different species. This is particularly stunning in summer when they’re in full bloom.
Take a guided tour of the castle to learn more about its history. You’ll be following in the footsteps of A-listers such as Coco Chanel, Brigitte Bardot and Roger Moore, who have all soaked up the grandeur of the place.
Collect your rental car from Utrecht to discover the history of this impressive and beautiful city before visiting the Netherlands’ other captivating cities.