Utrecht

The canals in Utrecht are unique because of their ”platforms”, the pedestrian quays on the same level as the water surface. Right by the water you can often find cafés where you can have a wonderful time sipping coffee while looking out on the water and the passing boats, water bikes, canoes and ducks.

One level higher you have the streets, full of the life that is the trademark of a student town. If you take a walk through the car-free town centre, you’ll find lots of nice little shops and “brown cafés” where the students hang out.

The happy tunes from a barrel organ show you the way to “Nationaal Museum van Speelklok tot Pierement” (the National Museum from Carillon to Barrel Organ) with a crazy collection of street organs and knick-knacks. A special place to listen to the music is the 112-meter high Domtoren (Cathedral Tower), from where you can have a splendid view of the medieval city centre and the state-of-the-art shopping centre Hoog Catharijne.