Utrecht is an innovative city full of young and creative talent of great artistic diversity. The center is known for its lively and intimate nature. Because of its compact size, Utrecht’s many sights can easily be explored on foot. You can find the Centraal Museum and the Catharijneconvent in the city center. You may also discover Utrecht from the water, during a boat tour, in a canoe or perhaps an authentic Venetian gondola! All year long, Utrecht offers a diverse range of cultural festivals and events. The trendy boutiques, galleries and exclusive gift shops make shopping in Utrecht a true joy.

 

Architecture in Utrecht

Without a doubt, the best known Utrecht architect is Gerrit Rietveld. Several of his buildings are located in Utrecht. The Rietveld-Schröder House is the first house he designed and also the most famous. In 2000, UNESCO put this house on the World Heritage List. 'De Uithof' set the tone for large-scale architecture. In the past decade, one high-profile building after an other was built here. The University Library, the Minnaert building and the Educatorium are breathtaking. Besides modern buildings, Utrecht has many more architectural highlights, including the 750-year-old Dom church.

 

Shopping

Right beside Central Station in Utrecht is a huge 'Hoog Catharijne' shopping mall, with all the popular chain stores. If you prefer to look around the small boutiques, delicatessens and gift shops, just stroll along the pleasant little streets in the center of Utrecht.

 

Going out in Utrecht

Afro-Caribbean  jazz, Turkish sufi songs, Spanish flamenco or Brazilian dance. Whatever your preference, you can enjoy all of these styles in world cultures center RASA. Jazz aficionados will enjoy themselves to their hearts’ content at the SJU Jazz stage. The pop stages of Ekko and Tivoli presents numerous concerts, national and international DJs, and the best dance nights, from  electro to hip-hop and from 80s to dancehall. The authentic Springhaver Theater is one of the smallest cinemas in Holland and features European films and cultural activities. Enjoy theater, plays and cabaret by theater group De Utrechtse Spelen in the distinctive building of Theater De Paardenkathedraal. During the Cultural Sundays, Utrecht also offers free art and culture. Nearly every month, a Cultural Sunday features music, theater, film, dance, workshops and more, at unusual locations.