Like New York, New York, Utrecht is the name for both the city capital and the central Dutch province. The other 11 provinces in the Netherlands are Drenthe, Flevoland, Friesland, Gelderland, Limburg, North Brabant, North Holland, Overijssel, South Holland, and Zeeland. The observant reader will notice that two of these provinces feature the name Holland. For some time now there has been confusion and contention over whether it was appropriate to treat the place names, The Netherlands and Holland as synonyms. Just recently, the Dutch government made an official decision designed to end the debate. The only official name of the country is the Netherlands. The term “Holland” is only to be used to refer to one or both of the nation’s provinces. The decision was made just in time for the 2020 Eurovision Song Contest that will be held in the city of Rotterdam, ca. 1 hours drive away from Utrecht.
The City of Utrecht lies between several major rivers: the Kroome Rijn, the Oude Rijn, and the Vecht. These rivers and accompanying tributaries make for the city’s celebrated system of romantic canals [http://www.netherlands-tourism.com/wharves-and-canals-of-utrecht/]. The longest and most famous is the Oudegracht or Old Canal. Meandering through the heart of the city, this split-level pre 13th century architectural wonder offers a kaleidoscope of trendy shops, cafés, art galleries, and exclusive private homes on the street level. On the water level, visitors will find a bevy of terraces looking out from some of the city’s best bars and
restaurants.
Though celebrated for its beauty and tranquility, the city’s waterways also serve as a principle system of inner-city transportation. Above-water, this environmentally-friendly city also sports one of Europe’s best cycling systems. Utrecht is one of the most bicycle-friendly cities in Europe. This reputation is no accident but is a reflection of the municipal government’s plan to create an ecologically friendly and effective community. The city’s commitment to embracing green transportation is long-term and serious. Once a city choked by automotive congestion, within just less than 30 years, Utrecht completely transformed its transit system to favor cyclists and pedestrians over cars. Today, it is estimated that each day over 125,000 Utrecht inhabitants hop on their bike to pedal to work, school, or the university. That statistic doubly impressive when one stops to think that number is equal to almost one-third of the city’s total population!
Once one of continental Europe’s most important metropoles, the city of Utrecht still boasts one of Europe’s largest and oldest universities. Founded in 1636, the university is the biggest in the nation’s system of Dutch state universities. Another great landmark in the city is Utecht’s Cathedral or as residents affectionately call it the “Dom”. Erected between 1254-1517, the Dom’s tower is the tallest in the Netherlands and measures over 370 feet (113 meters) high. There are any number of tours visitors can take to learn more about this and other ecclesiastical masterpieces found throughout what was once one of Europe’s leading centre’s of Christianity. One of the most impressive testaments to this religious legacy is Saint Catherine’s Convent Museum or Museum Catharijneconvent. Now a museum for Christian art and artefacts, the convent was once the medieval seat of the Archidiocese of Utrecht and the prince bishops of the Holy Roman Empire.
Despite its ancient beginnings, the population is remarkably young with the average age of ca. 25 years old; and a goodly number of the city’s inhabitants have roots outside of the Netherlands. Like many Dutch cities, Utrecht is a truly international city. The top ten immigrant groups, starting with the largest are Polish, Syrian, German, Indian, Romanian, Chinese, Italian, US American, Bulgarian, and Spanish. This multiculturalism is clearly reflected in the city’s exciting cuisine. In addition to the traditional Dutch specialties like cheeses, coffees, waffles, and pancakes, the city also offers a rich culinary fusion of spices, aromas, colours, and textures to please every palate. There is literally something for everyone.
For those looking for a bit of excitement, the city offers a number of high-class bars and dance clubs during the evening. During the day, sports enthusiasts can enjoy a number of recreational activities—from Tai Chi and Yoga to standup paddling, jogging, and skateboarding. And for those who prefer to enjoy their sports sitting down with thousands of cheering fans, the city is also home to Utrecht FC, three-time winner of the prestigious Royal Dutch Football Association Cup (the KNVB).
Despite all this dynamism, in comparison to the legendary party-scene of Amsterdam, Utrecht prides itself for its relaxed, low-crime, peaceful environs. From sharing a leisurely riverside picnic, strolling along the city’s cobblestone walkways for a day of shopping, enjoying a bike ride along one of the Utrecht’s countless manicured bike paths, taking an informational guided tour, meeting friends for a chat in one of the city’s parks and gardens, to discovering one of Utrecht’s many art galleries and museums—-the city offers visitors a welcome retreat. For insider suggestions on some of the sightseeing highlights, click here.