This section is dedicated to take away all your "I wish someone had told me that before I went!" experiences. This way, you can spend less time settling in, and more time making new friends in your chosen hostel. We share our insider knowledge of tips, tricks and important things to look out for in Utrecht.
Utrecht is one of the most historical and important cities of The Netherlands; the city played an important role as a major religious and cultural center of both The Netherlands and Northern Europe. The city is beautiful and really Dutch in terms of style and architecture. As a religious center you will find a lot of old churches, chapels, and monasteries around the city. The most impressive and main sightseeing spot is St. Martin’s Cathedral or Domkerk with its massive Dom Tower, the highest in The Netherlands. Climb the tower and see amazing views of the city. Utrecht is also heavily canalized featuring a unique wharf and cellar system which formulates an inner city harbor system. At the terraces and the docks along the canals, you will find a lot of nice cafes, bars, and restaurants as well as small, unique stores selling board games, card games, fantasy books and comics.
Given that Utrecht hosts the largest university of The Netherlands, the average age of the city’s population is relatively low -- Utrecht features a vibrant nightlife that is mostly concentrated in the city center.
Due to its strategic location and the fact that it was built on one of the main branches of the Rhine River, Utrecht has always been one of the greatest transportation hubs of Central and Northern Europe. Today, the city offers train and bus connections and is very easy to reach. The central railway and bus stations are located just next to the Old Town, which is actually the city center, where most Utrecht hostels can be found.
Hostels in Utrecht are definitely not abundant; the choices are quite limited. Most Utrecht hostels will be found in the Old Town, which means that railway and sightseeing and nightlife spots are in walking distance. Bear in mind that if you are planning to visit Utrecht during the Queen’s Day’s (29th of April) festivities or during the period between mid-August to mid-September when a few very famous festivals take place, finding bed in a hostel in Utrecht might be a tough task; do it well in advance
Written by local enthusiast for Utrecht hostels
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