Ask a Dutch local which city they'd recommend over Amsterdam, and Utrecht comes up more often than you'd expect. Its two-level canals - with cafés and cellar bars built right into the old wharf level - give it an atmosphere that feels similar to Amsterdam but noticeably less crowded.
Climb the Dom Tower for a panoramic view over the city, then spend the rest of the day at street level along the Oudegracht, the main canal lined with terraces and shops. Museum Speelklok, a museum of mechanical musical instruments, is an unexpected highlight for visitors of all ages, and the Railway Museum is worth the detour for anyone travelling with kids.
Utrecht sits about 25 minutes from Amsterdam by train, making it one of the easiest and most rewarding half-day trips out of the city.
→ Continue planning: Best Day Trips from Amsterdam
