Canals area, Utrecht: Address, Phone Number, Canals area Reviews: 4.5/5
Canals area
Canals area
4.5
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Top ways to experience Canals area and nearby attractions
The area
Neighborhood: Lange Elisabethstraat Mariaplaats
Best nearby
Restaurants
790 within 3 miles
De Goedheyd
234
0.2 mi$$$$ • French • Seafood • International
Sarban Afghaans Restaurant.
308
230 ft$$ - $$$ • Middle Eastern • Afghan • Vegetarian Friendly
Dogma Hotdogbar
309
0.2 mi$ • Quick Bites • Dutch • Fast Food
Dapp Frietwinkel Utrecht
571
0.1 mi$ • Quick Bites • Dutch • Fast Food
San Siro
392
164 ft$$ - $$$ • Italian • Seafood • Mediterranean
Hofman Utrecht
219
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • Dutch • International • European
Kimmade Vietnamese Street Food
549
0.1 mi$ • Fast Food • Asian • Vietnamese
Het Zuiden Fish&Wine Steak&Beer
394
0.1 mi$$ - $$$ • Seafood • Barbecue • Vegetarian Friendly
Rum Club
226
0.1 mi$$ - $$$ • Caribbean • Cajun & Creole • Bar
Florent - le bistro
273
0.1 mi$$ - $$$ • French • European • Vegetarian Friendly
Attractions
161 within 6 miles
de Centrale Bibliotheek
7
145 ftLibraries
Miffy
74
147 ftPoints of Interest & Landmarks • Monuments & Statues
Stadhuis Utrecht
11
147 ftPoints of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings
Museum Speelklok
860
384 ftSpeciality Museums • Children's Museums
Dom Tower
1,998
459 ftHistoric Sites • Observation Decks & Towers
DOMunder
396
427 ftRides & Activities • History Museums
Tourist Information Utrecht
158
427 ftVisitor Centers
Sint Willibrordkerk
84
0.1 miPoints of Interest & Landmarks
St. Martin's Cathedral Domkerk
116
0.1 miChurches & Cathedrals
Jan VI van Nassau-Dillenburg (Jan de Oude)
21
480 ftPoints of Interest & Landmarks • Monuments & Statues
Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
2,321 reviews
Excellent
1,518
Very good
740
Average
58
Poor
5
Terrible
0
TravelswithMrH
The Hague, The Netherlands342 contributions
Couples
The canals area is a must see when in Utrecht. The area has lots of photo opportunities and are busy with pleasure boats and paddle boarders. There a lots of pubs and restaurants to choose from along the banks from ordinary pubs to really high class restaurants and cocktail bars. Mr H and I loved the atmosphere although we did find it difficult to get a table on a Saturday night so would advise to book early if wanting to eat in any of restaurants in this area.
Written August 8, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
therichastill
Stevenage, UK1,815 contributions
Within Utrecht there are a couple of canals snaking through the city centre. Around the canal there are plenty of lovely little buildings which have been turned into shops and restaurants.
The canal is lower down from the walking area compared to in Amsterdam and so there were possibly storage areas in the past which are now little cafes and restaurants and boat hire facilities.
It is quite a buzzing area with a good atmosphere so definitely worth checking out on your visit to the city.
The canal is lower down from the walking area compared to in Amsterdam and so there were possibly storage areas in the past which are now little cafes and restaurants and boat hire facilities.
It is quite a buzzing area with a good atmosphere so definitely worth checking out on your visit to the city.
Written July 30, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
AdsDirector
Denver, CO56 contributions
Friends
While in Amsterdam on vacation we took a day trip out to Utrecht to explore. It was very easy to get to on the trains. The main canal that runs through town is lined with old shops, restaurants, and bars. Many of these get by on location alone but it makes for a nice stroll. I’d recommend getting off the canal and into the side streets if you are looking for better shopping and food options - but for a relaxing day of exploring the canals are great.
Written November 25, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Martin S
Sidcup, UK501 contributions
Couples
Like most of The Netherlands you are sure to find yourself admiring life around the canals. Utrecht is no different with beautiful canals, bridges and buildings to admire in the old city. Just behind the tower of St. Martin’s Cathedral you will find a stunning spot to picture and treasure.
Written January 20, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Claudia D
Buenos Aires, Distrito Federal, Argentina1,095 contributions
Solo
Utrecht is a very important city. Lots of night life, bars, coffees and restaurants near the channels, full of young people that gives the spirit of the place.
Mix of old and modern architecture gives the place a unique style.
The main streets are full of shops and you’ll find less channels than in Amsterdam.
If you want some peace you will find some stairs that lead you straight down to the channels were you can walk, seat and chill.
There are some little places far frim the most important bars that give you the oppprtunity of having some time near the calmy waters seeing the boats and kayakers passing by.
Mix of old and modern architecture gives the place a unique style.
The main streets are full of shops and you’ll find less channels than in Amsterdam.
If you want some peace you will find some stairs that lead you straight down to the channels were you can walk, seat and chill.
There are some little places far frim the most important bars that give you the oppprtunity of having some time near the calmy waters seeing the boats and kayakers passing by.
Written June 17, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Beatriz M
Düsseldorf, Germany5,159 contributions
Friends
Utrecht is worth checking it out as a daytrip from example either from Amsterdam or if you live in West Germany like me. You can see the canal area in the center very quickly, there is the old and the new canals. The old ones are the ones full of bars and restaurants. The canals have two floors. It is nice for pictures but can get boring pretty easily. Do not plan too much time for this city.
Written August 22, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
jessimo
Stoke-on-Trent, UK902 contributions
Very similar to Amsterdam but with less tourists so you can actually walk around peacefully and take some lovely photos. When we went at the beginning of March it was very quiet due to the situation we are facing with the pandemic. I'm guessing that the main canal area would be much busier but i secretly love it much more because there were no crowds.
Written May 2, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
bunnyofdarkness
Glasgow, UK582 contributions
Spent the day in Utrecht just wandering around the canals and churches. It was a lovely day and if the weather is in your favour we would recommend doing the same. The canals are lovely and very picturesque. Plenty to see in a relatively small area.
Written September 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Maida
Iran6 contributions
My first visit from the canals was incredible and unbelievable. I just couldn't get enough of walking around these beautiful areas, and everyday I walked around them before or after business. I would highly recommend you to put enough time to visit these beautiful neighborhoods.
Written July 16, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Dutch-Mikey
Le Havre, France1,096 contributions
Couples
The grachtengebied, the canal area, of Utrecht is like a mini-Amsterdam but without the millions of tourists. The whole area is easily accesible, everything is walkable (but the stone roads are a bit difficult to walk on).
The city center is very old and beautiful, well kept. Since there is very little car traffic, there is virtually no pollution; you can actually smell the flowers being sold on the streets, and the food being made.
You need to be aware of the cyclists, since they come from any side of the street, often at high speed.
The city center is very old and beautiful, well kept. Since there is very little car traffic, there is virtually no pollution; you can actually smell the flowers being sold on the streets, and the food being made.
You need to be aware of the cyclists, since they come from any side of the street, often at high speed.
Written May 21, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Christine L
Greater Manchester, UK1 contribution
Can you access the canals area in a wheelchair?
JohnSt_2
The Hague, The Netherlands959 contributions
Sorry for providing a general answer: The canals area has an upper and a lower side. The latter is not accessable most of the time, with the exception of a big terrace near the town hall in the bend of the Oude Gracht. An arch/tunnel allows you to move to the waterside terrace from a side street.
Having said this, at street level you will also find street terraces where you can take something to eat and/or drink and enjoy the summer. Restaurant staff will help by adjusting the tables and chairs, maybe less inclined when it is very crowded at peak times.
is it open till late night?
AMCMeneses
Belem, PA46 contributions
Yes. The area is full of bars, restaurants, a lot of people walking around...if you want to do a boat trip, for this you’ll need to check the schedule time table. Enjoy!
544patrick
Mortsel, Belgium26 contributions
wij komen dit weekend naar Utrecht en zouden de wandeling van het Grachtengebied willen maken, hoe kunnen wij zien hoe we moeten stappen aub, kunnen wij hiervoor ergens een kaart kopen daarvoor ? mvg.
Jean R
23 contributions
Goedemorgen, voor informatie kunt u naar het toeristenbureau Domplein. Zij geven u alle info over de stad Utrecht en dat wat u zoekt. Ik wens u een mooi en gezellig verblijf in mijn stad🙋
Chip284
Thorofare, NJ
I would like a map of Utrecht.
jamesmichael2013
Monterey, CA91 contributions
The Tourist office is right next to the famous Dom or tower. You can't miss it.The office is very friendly and has a free map of Utrecht and sell a detailed one for 3.50 Euros.
PritiPrabhu
New Delhi1 contribution
Hi ,
My colleague and I (2 women) are planning to stay back in Amsterdam after a meeting. Will appreciate some advice on :
1. Should we stay in Amsterdam and then make day trips to Utrecht and Giethoorn ?
2. Or are there other places we can explore- basically it's the first time for us in Netherlands- which place will have cheaper accommodation ?
Thanks
Priti
jcrossBdV
South Brunswick, NJ801 contributions
It depends on how much time you have.
Amsterdam has enough to keep you busy for 2-3 days. Be aware of queues, some places (Anne Frank's house the van Gough museum) have 2+ hour queues if you do not buy the ticket on-line and that might only be possible a long time in advance.
Rotterdam is great for modern architecture, Markthal is my favourite and near it the cube village.
OCJGo15
3 contributions
Hi there I read your review and you mentioned it was a great day trip to Utrecht!
I'm planning a trip and trying to get understanding if we should stay in Amsterdam and just travel to Utrecht. Do you think it can be covered in one day?
diveninja21
Houston, TX341 contributions
Hi yeah it takes about 40 minutes by train. City centre and cannals certainly doable in a day. Depends what you want to all see and how long you have. We certainly saw plenty in one day.
Jorge M
Zurich, Switzerland22 contributions
Hello everyone,
Could you indicate/advice which is the closest parking to the canals area?
Frequently Asked Questions about Canals area
- We recommend booking Canals area tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 5 Canals area tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Canals area:
- Utrecht Bike Tour (From $28.64)
- Self-Guided Tour of Utrecht with Interactive City Game (From $32.88)
- Silver Betrayal Private City Exploration Game in Utrecht (From $7.95)
- The Kings Speech Private City Exploration Game in Utrecht (From $7.95)
- Utrecht Discovery Running Tour (From $26.52)
- Hotels near Canals area:
- (0.01 mi) City Hall Bridge
- (0.07 mi) Mother Goose Hotel
- (0.14 mi) The Hunfeld
- (0.13 mi) Stayokay Hostel Utrecht Centrum
- (0.05 mi) Logement Petit Beijers
- Restaurants near Canals area:
- (0.01 mi) Waffel
- (0.01 mi) Coffee company
- (0.02 mi) Locals Utrecht
- (0.03 mi) San Siro
- (0.03 mi) Op Saj