subject: Ten Reasons To Go To Utrecht, Students' Favorite [print this page] Old city with a young heart Old city with a young heart
In Utrecht you'll experience a walk through twenty centuries of history. The city is almost 2,000 years old; the Romans founded it in 48 AD. For centuries, Utrecht was the largest and only city of importance in the northern part of the Netherlands. Nowadays it's the most popular city among students. The total amount of inhabitants lies around 300.000, making it the fourth largest city in the Netherlands.
Must see/do/experience: Oudegracht
Utrecht's Oudegracht, or old canal', is the ideal spot for a bicycle ride or stroll through the city. Many restaurants, bars en shops are located in this area and it's a great chance to hire a boat, gondola or water cycle to see the city from the water. People who eat at the restarants are at the same level as the water. Cool!
Wine & dine, canal style
The canals of Utrecht enjoy worldwide fame because no other city has pedestrian quaysides along its romantic 14th century sunken canals. Truly a great place to eat or have a drink, which is possible at many restaurants. Every international cuisine is located at the canal, so surely you'll double enjoy your meal! All over town you'll find excellent-prized restaurants and bars, where mostly students work.
Nightlife
Utrecht, student city and all, has a LOT of cool places to go. Bars, clubs and great locations, they're everywhere. Live music is another big deal here. The main venue for pop concerts and for dancing is Tivoli, where lots of famous artists have played. SJU Jazzpodium has been the number one jazz venue of Utrecht for over 30 years. International groups, experienced national celebrities, up-and-coming jazz talent and intimate sessions; 5 days a week: live jazz, soul and funk.
Shopping
Retail therapy is possible all over town. Big names and exclusive brand, hip tshirts and the latest fashion: every corner offers more and more. You don't even need to go downtown if you don't want to; at the railway station there's Hoog Catharijne which offer everything you need.
Centre of the (Dutch) universe
Because Utrecht is right in the middle of the country, it has the number one railway station. All trains go there, and so do all the roads. They all lead to Utrecht.
Always in sight: Domtoren
The most conspicuous landmark in Utrecht offers views of Rotterdam and Amsterdam on clear, cloudless days.
Loads of culture
The Centraal Museum is one of the most important museums in the country. A vast collection of Dutch art and artifacts spans every era of the nation's history. The Rietveld Schrder House is one of the most eccentric UNESCO World Heritage Sites and a brilliant beacon of that iconic Dutch design style known throughout the world simply as De Stijl. UNESCO and indeed, architects everywhere, consider the house a model icon of the Modern Movement.
University Botanic Gardens
As the nerve centre of city life in Utrecht, a visit to the university campus is a must. This includes a stop in the historic Utrecht University Botanic Gardens, which is not only one of the best in Europe but has a history that dates back to the 17th century.
De Uithof
The main campus of the university is known as De Uithof and is a notable district of Utrecht. Not only is it a hub of student life but perhaps most importantly, De Uithof displays the unusual design ethos that so many of us associate with the avant-garde Dutch. With that in mind, it should come as no surprise that the campus's Educatorium is a product of Rotterdam native and Pritzker Prize laureate Rem Koolhaas.
