Things to do in Utrecht - Magazine | Travel Magazine Belgium

Grand Hotel Karel V and Utrecht

10 best adresses Utrecht and things to do

Utrecht is a city that reveals itself gradually. Compact, but layered with history and everyday life, we think it works well for a short city break. In this guide, we focus on the places and experiences that give the city its character, from cultural landmarks to restaurants and cafés that are worth your time.
photo: © Travel Magazine Belgium

Reviewed May 2026

Stay:

Grand Hotel Karel V

We chose Grand Hotel Karel V for its combination of history and scale, something that is increasingly rare in city hotels. The property sits in the centre of Utrecht, yet feels set apart. Its buildings date back to the 14th century and have served different roles over time, including as a monastery and later a military hospital. That layered past is still visible throughout the complex.

The arrival sets the tone. The architecture carries weight, and the restoration has been handled with restraint. It does not feel staged. At the same time, the hotel functions as it should at this level, with the expected comfort and facilities in place. The balance between heritage and contemporary use is not perfect everywhere, but it is convincing enough to make the stay coherent.

photo: ©Travel Magazine Belgium

The Empire Room experience

This time, we stayed in one of the hotel’s Empire Rooms, a category of around 30 square metres that offers comfortable space to unwind after a day in the city.

The bed was excellent and the air conditioning worked well, ensuring a quiet and restful night. Our room, located in the Napoleonic wing, felt elegant without being overly formal. High ceilings, tall windows and a generous layout created an immediate sense of calm. The classic interior, with cherry wood furniture, wooden floors and a canopy bed, reflects the historic character of the property.

Practical details added to the comfort: coffee and tea facilities, good storage space, WiFi and a fridge. The bathroom, equipped with both a bathtub and a separate shower.

photo: ©Travel Magazine Belgium

Restaurant Karel 5: one MICHELIN Star

Dinner is served in the historic dining room of Restaurant Karel 5, where chandeliers and old paintings show the long history of the building. In warmer months, lunch can also be enjoyed on the garden terrace, which offers a relaxed setting within the hotel gardens.

The restaurant holds one Michelin star and a score of 16/20 in Gault&Millau, placing it among the more respected fine dining addresses in the region. The kitchen is led by chef Leon Mazairac, whose approach mixes tradition and modern creativity. His cooking focuses on clear flavours, careful technique and high-quality ingredients sourced from long-standing partners, including fishers, farmers, hunters and cheese affineurs.

Menus change every three months, allowing the kitchen to work closely with the seasons while keeping a strong classical foundation.

photo: ©Travel Magazine Belgium

Brasserie Goeie Louisa

Goeie Louisa brings a more relaxed counterpoint to the scale of Grand Hotel Karel V. Set within the former monastery, it combines a casual brasserie feel with a kitchen that leans on seasonal, largely local products.

You can sit inside near the open kitchen, or outside in the orchard garden, which remains one of the most appealing terraces in Utrecht, especially in warmer months. The menu stays close to classic flavours, with a lighter, contemporary touch, and a wine list that is broad without becoming complex.

When we visited, we only stopped for coffee and a glass of wine on the terrace. Dinner was not an option, the garden was fully booked on a Saturday evening, which says enough about its popularity.

Fresh waffles at Karel V

Breakfast at Karel V offered a pleasant start to the day. We chose a table on the terrace, where the quiet garden setting suited the slow pace of the morning.

The buffet focuses on local products and is complemented by an delicious à la carte menu. Coffee and tea are taken seriously, and dishes are prepared to order. The waffles were light and well made, while the Eggs Benedict arrived properly balanced and fresh.

photo: ©Travel Magazine Belgium

Exploring the treasures of Utrecht

Grand Hotel Karel V's prime location serves as an entry point into Utrecht. Step outside via the garden and within five minutes you are walking along the canals.

Grand Hotel Karel V
Hotel website.

History and modernity

Located in the central part of the Netherlands, Utrecht is the fourth-largest city in the country with a population of over 350.000 residents. Its strategic geographic position along the banks of the Rhine River and at the intersection of major trade routes has played a significant role in shaping its history.

Roman roots, medieval marvels

Utrecht is one of the oldest cities in the Netherlands, with a history that goes back to Roman times. Over the centuries Utrecht grew into an important religious and trading centre, and much of its medieval street plan is still visible today.

The historic centre is shaped by canals and narrow streets lined with old buildings. Utrecht’s canals are slightly different from those in Amsterdam. Along the water you will find the unique wharf cellars, historic storage spaces at water level that today house cafés, small restaurants and terraces.

Utrecht also has strong academic roots. Utrecht University, founded in 1636, is still one of the country’s most respected universities and brings a lively student atmosphere to the city. Museums such as the Centraal Museum and the Railway Museum add another layer, telling the story of Dutch art, design and technical innovation in a clear and engaging way.

Cafés, boutiques and a lively food scene

Beyond its long history, Utrecht is also a lively and modern city. The centre is easy to explore on foot or by bicycle, and daily life unfolds along its canals and small squares. Cafés, bakeries and terraces are scattered throughout the old streets, while independent boutiques and design shops add a nice touch.

Utrecht also has a youthful energy. With more than 70.000 students attending Utrecht University and other colleges, the city feels active all year. This student population helps create a lively cultural scene, with festivals, markets, galleries and music venues adding to the atmosphere.

Things to do in Utrecht's Historic City Centre

1- Explore Utrecht's historic city centre

Start your day in Utrecht by taking a walking tour of the Old Town, filled with old buildings and charming streets.
Walk through independent boutiques, pop-up shops, and cozy cafes.
Discover courtyards, gardens, museums, and galleries that add to the city's allure.

2- Walk along the Oudegracht

Discover the unique network of canals that make up Utrecht's historic city center.
Explore the Oudegracht, the most stunning canal, with its terraced restaurants, bars, and shops lining the cellars of the buildings.
Experience the two-level street connected by staircases.

3- Kayak Utrecht's canals

Add a bit of adventure to your Utrecht experience by kayaking through the city's canals.
Enjoy the views of the city center as you paddle the waterways.
Rent a kayak or join a group tour, but make sure to book in advance due to the activity's popularity.

4- Visit the Dom church and Dom square

Explore the Dom Church, famous for its bell tower, Dom Tower, the oldest and tallest church tower in the Netherlands.
Look at the vaulted ceiling, stained glass windows, and the well-preserved choir inside the Dom Church.
Discover the Dom Square, an architectural treasure housing the Utrecht University Academy building. When we visited, it was nice and cool on this square.

5- Climb the Dom tower

Climb the 465 narrow winding steps of the Dom Tower for a closer look at its architecture and the 13 massive bells.
Enjoy panoramic views of Utrecht and, on clear days, even see Rotterdam and Amsterdam.
Alternatively, take the lift, which provides easy access to the top in just three minutes.

6- Explore the Centraal Museum

Immerse yourself in the city's history, art, fashion, and design at the Centraal Museum.
Discover the extensive collection of works by Utrecht artists such as Dick Bruna and Gerrit Rietveld.
Don't miss the famous Red and Blue Chair, an iconic piece of De Stijl design, and explore Dick Bruna's original studio.

7- Discover Museum Speelklok

Enjoy a unique experience at Museum Speelklok, housed in a former medieval church.
Explore the collection of self-playing musical instruments, including church carillons, musical clocks, and traditional Dutch street organs.
The guided tour offers an opportunity to listen to amusing tunes and promises an entertaining time.

8- Visit markt Vredenburg

Discover the vibrant atmosphere of market Vredenburg, a local market.
Sample a variety of Dutch delicacies, including stroopwafels, herring, and cheese.
Browse through stalls offering fresh products, flowers, clothing, and crafts.

9- Relax in the Oude Hortus botanical gardens

Take a break from the city's hustle and bustle in the Oude Hortus Botanical Gardens.
Admire the collection of plants, including exotic and rare species.
Explore the historical buildings and greenhouses, which add to the garden's charm.

10- Dine at Restaurant Karel 5

Michelin-starred dining in a historic setting. Restaurant Karel 5 holds one Michelin star and 16/20 in Gault&Millau.
Seasonal cuisine by chef Leon Mazairac. The kitchen focuses on clear flavours and precise technique, working with high-quality ingredients.
Garden terrace in warmer months. In spring and summer, lunch can be enjoyed on the quiet terrace in the hotel gardens, offering a calm and refined setting in the heart of Utrecht.

Lunch:

Lust109

We had lunch at Lust109, a bar and restaurant alongside the canals of Utrecht. The young waiter greeted us with joy, and while the food didn't reach extraordinary heights, the location itself is fantastic.

Lust109 has a prime canal-side location, and is a nice place for tapa's or a drink along the canal.
Recommendation: sit on the terrace by the water

Dinner

Madeleine Bar & Bistro

We had dinner at Madeleine, a bistro that blends classic French cuisine with a modern twist. Led by Chef Rik de Jonge, Madeleine has a menu that shows the best of French bistro dishes using fresh, seasonal ingredients.

Mostly delightful, with a few minor setbacks

We started with escargots, langoustines and oysters, both well prepared and a good opening to the meal. For the main course we chose the sea bass and côte de boeuf. The wine list is extensive, although the more accessible price levels are somewhat limited. We eventually selected a Spanish Albariño from Ledes, which was balanced, fairly priced and paired well with the dishes.
Recommendation: reserve if you want to sit on the small terrace.

Utrecht combines a long history with a lively, modern culture, which makes it a rewarding city for a short stay. Grand Hotel Karel V fits naturally into this setting.

Step outside the hotel and the city reveals itself. Canals, historic buildings and lively squares invite slow walks, while museums, cafés and neighbourhood streets make it easy to experience both the historic and the contemporary side of Utrecht during a single visit.