Private Walking Tour in Utrecht

Overview

Whereas the NY Times describes Utrecht as a city that deserves more than a pleasant day trip from Amsterdam, according to a leading Australian news site the city has the most beautiful canals of Europe. They are right; with its iconic Dom Tower, churchyards, the old center and canals, Utrecht is absolutely stunning. Meet your guide from a multiple award-winning tour operator in the heart of the city center and set off on a historical and cultural walking tour (that optionally ends at a historical city castle for a beer tasting). Learn about the city’s history that started around 2,000 years ago, when Utrecht was part of the northern border of the Roman Empire. Discover hidden spots and walk through little cobbled streets and churchyards; all leading to what has been for centuries the city’s main artery, the 1.5 m long old canal Oudegracht. Naturally, the Dom tower cannot be skipped for its dominating tower is Utrecht's pride and joy!

Itinerary

1. Utrecht

   Set off on a cultural and historical journey by foot of Utrecht and discover the magnificent architecture and cultural life of this non-touristy city. Located conveniently in the middle of the country, Utrecht can be reached by direct train from Amsterdam (30 min), Rotterdam (45 min), Amersfoort (15 min).

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2. Vredenburg Markt

   Start your private tour from Vredenburgplein, conveniently located in the heart of the city center. On Wednesday, Friday and Sunday the square houses a market. Notice the many fish stands on the market and the stands with delicious stroopwafels that are prepared right in front of you. Since this is a private tour, you can let your guide know if you want to discover the market as well.

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3. The former moat Oudegracht is a 2-km long canal crossing the city from north to south. Maartensbrug, the bridge nearby the Dom Tower, crosses the part of the canal that already existed in Roman times. It is the oldest still existing bridge, dating back to the early 1400s (1404). There are over 730 wharf cellars along the canals of Utrecht with cellars bordering the wharfs so goods could be stored immediately after unloading ships. As far as known, the oldest wharf dates from 1150, when a merchant dug a tunnel from the basement of his house up to the bank of the canal. Later, the cellars were also used as brewery and marketplace. From 1900, lots of wharf cellars fell into despair because of the increase of road freight. After WWII, restorations of the cellars, wharfs and quay walls began. I Notice the many restaurants besides the canal. They are based in the cellars and use the wharfs as terraces. The atmosphere is fantastic, especially in the evenings with all the different lights.

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4. Pandhof Domkerk

   Pandhof was originally a 15C monastery garden but today it is a public place where you can still find serenity. This hidden part of Utrecht is a lovely ornamental garden with authentic elements of a monastery garden. In previous centuries it was used as a fairground, guard room for soldiers and as a meat market. Culinary herbs, dye-producing and medicinal plants now grow there. Together with the statue of the reading canon (a clergyman), the courtyard is a beautiful picture.

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5. Neude

   Until the end of the 15th century, this square was a swampy area. There was a need for land, so the swampy ground was strengthened and raised with sand, stones and debris. From 15th until the 19th centuries the square served was a market square. Executions also took place here. Until the 1990s the square used to be a parking lot, but now it’s a festival square and there are lots of cafés. Translated the name means “swampy ground”.

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6. Domtoren

   The Dom Tower is the tallest church tower in the Netherlands. It was part of the Cathedral of Saint Martin, also known as Dom Church, but the cathedral was never fully completed due to lack of money. Since the unfinished nave collapsed in 1674, it has been a free standing tower, located on the spot where the city of Utrecht originated nearly 2,000 years ago.

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7. The standard final stop of this walking tour is Vredenburgplein, the square from where the tour also started. However, you can also continue with your guide to city castle Oudaen for a beer tasting (excluded). This city castle was built in 1276 and is one of the most important monuments of Utrecht. Enjoy three different beers and learn more about the history of this incredible building. Naturally you can stay at Oudaen after your guide has left.

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How to use your ticket

Meeting point

What to know before you go

• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Service animals allowed
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• Your booking confirmation is your tour confirmation. You don't need to do anything anymore, just meet your guide at Vredenburgplein (at Manneken Pis) at the scheduled time of your walking tour.
• This walking tour is accessible for strollers and wheelchairs, but just keep in mind that the city is filled with cobblestone streets.
• Duration of the total walking tour, including expected and unexpected stops, is 1.5 hours.
• The maximum group size is six travelers, excluding children on the age of twelve. On request we can accommodate larger groups.
• Children under the age of twelve join for free.
• 2020 Winner Netherlands Prestige Awards by CorpLiveWire: 'Tour Operator of the Year'
• 2021 Winner Travel and Tourism Awards by LUX Life Magazine: 'Best Sustainable Travel Experiences - Netherlands'
• 2022 Winner European Travel Awards hosted by EU Business News: ‘Best City Walking Tour - Netherlands’
• 2022 Winner Europe Hotels & Tours hosted by Travel & Hospitality Awards (UK): ‘Tour Company of the Year, for the Netherlands’
• 2022 Winner European Enterprise Awards hosted by EU Business News: ‘Best City Walking Tour Business- Netherlands’

Travelers

Pricing per group (up to 8 people).

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

• From 1 days before : 100% refunded
• From 0 days before : 0% refunded

Reviews

Product code: 126062P98

Activity offered by Tulip Day Tours via Viator.