Weekend in Utrecht? Watch the best snow magic and hidden gems in the Dom City
- Destination Explorer
- 5 minutes ago
- 6 min read
A weekend in Utrecht is the perfect city trip in the Netherlands: from light art and hidden history to culinary hotspots, museums and an overnight stay under the Dom Tower.
Utrecht surprises. Especially in winter. When it snows, the city seems to shift its pace. The centuries-old wharves along the Oudegracht canal are whitewashed, light art reflects in the water, and the Dom Tower appears like a fairytale backdrop among the rooftops.
And that's precisely why a weekend in Utrecht is such a good idea. The city is compact, easily accessible by train, and brimming with culture, culinary hotspots, and historical surprises. It's no wonder Utrecht was included in Lonely Planet's Best in Travel 2026 as the best city for a relaxing weekend.
Table of Contents
Lumen Walk: Utrecht in winter light
When we arrive in Utrecht, it's just beginning to get dark. As if the city planned it, a thick layer of snow covers the rooftops and streets. Everything feels quieter than usual, but also more magical.
Our first stop is an instant hit: the Lumen Walk , with guide Paula. Throughout the city, you'll discover no fewer than 27 light artworks that bring the streets, facades, and alleyways to life every evening.
The snow creates an almost cinematic effect. Light installations reflect off the white rooflines and into the Oudegracht canal. Alleyways are illuminated by color-changing ground spotlights, and even the infamous "TikTok tunnel" is part of the route, once a passage for horse-drawn goods, now a colorful meeting place where young people take selfies under pulsating neon lights. This is Utrecht at its best: creative, charming, and surprising.
DOMunder, Dom Tower & Pandhof: 2000 years of Utrecht under your feet
The next morning we stand on the Domplein , which will celebrate its 200th anniversary in 2026.
But the real history is not above our feet, but beneath them.
With DOMunder, we literally descend beneath the square. We start with a film that chronicles the history of Utrecht, from Roman settlement to medieval city, and then wander through the underground remains using a smart flashlight that activates interactive audio points.
Here you can sense how the city was built layer by layer. The Roman Limes (UNESCO), the churches that followed one another, and the storm of 1674 that literally split the Dom Church in two. This split explains why the Dom Tower still stands separate from the church today and why the Dom Square wasn't cleared and given its current form until 1826.
The Dom Tower is unfortunately not open, but normally you can climb it and get a guided tour about its rich history.
Afterwards we continue our walk to the Cathedral and the Pandhof (both free of charge) : a hidden monastery garden that remains serene and photogenic even in winter silence.
More information: Shop of Utrecht, Domplein 9, 3512 JC Utrecht, https://www.discover-utrecht.com/
Lofen Palace: Utrecht's best kept secret
Many visitors do not know it, but Utrecht once had an imperial palace : the Lofen Paleis .
Lofen Palace is a hidden gem in Utrecht that you definitely shouldn't miss. The museum opened on the day the city celebrated 900 years of city rights, June 2, 2022. Because the entrance is so small (a very narrow alley opposite the Vismarkt), it's not easy to find. This is where the city rights were signed. Thanks to an initiative by the same founder of DOMunder, the remains of Lofen Palace have been made available to the public. In collaboration with the experience architects of Tinker, a fun film was created that recounts the events of the 12th century.
Neude Library: literature in the former post office
Another must-see when visiting Utrecht is the Neude Library, housed in the 100-year-old former post office. You'll feel the impact: high ceilings, grandeur, wide staircases, and a reading room that feels almost like a cathedral. Even if you're not immediately interested in reading a book, this is a place you'll want to linger for a while, soaking up the atmosphere, the architecture, and the feeling that a city can breathe new life into its heritage.
You can take a guided tour here to learn more about this unique building.
Practical information: The tour is completely free and takes place on Thursdays and Saturdays from 2-3 PM, and Fridays from 11 AM to 12 PM and 2-3 PM. More information: https://www.bibliotheekutrecht.nl/bibliotheken/bibliotheek-neude/rondleidingen-neude.html
City walk: Utrecht alleys
After lunch, there's still time for a stroll through Utrecht's alleyways (this city walk is available for €3.50 at the Winkel van Utrecht). We'll start our route near Zakkendragerssteeg, named after the porters who unloaded the ships. These medieval alleyways contribute to the unique atmosphere of the old city center. Along this route, you'll often encounter wonderfully quiet spots you wouldn't expect in the city center. Did you know that Utrecht has no fewer than 250 alleyways?
Centraal Museum: art, design and Utrecht stories
We conclude our visit to this fascinating city at the Centraal Museum, located across from the Miffy Museum. Did you know that Miffy, Dick Bruna's brainchild, was born in Utrecht? At the Centraal Museum, you'll find Dick Bruna's old studio where he created his drawings and designs for years. You'll see, among other things, his old typewriter and his favorite reading chair.
There's also a permanent collection of works by Gerrit Rietveld, the Utrecht-based furniture maker and architect. Naturally, you can admire his iconic zigzag chair.
More information about permanent and temporary collections can be found here: https://www.centraalmuseum.nl/en
Utrecht as a shopping city: from boutiques to concept stores
Besides all these impressive sights, Utrecht is also a great place to shop. You'll find numerous charming vintage shops and charming boutiques. The Twijnstraat, Zadelstraat, and Lijnmarkt are great places to shop. Besides the city center, serious shoppers can also indulge in Hoog Catharijne, home to no fewer than 120 shops and 30 restaurants. A special highlight here is that you can even take a boat trip underneath!
Overnight stay during your weekend in Utrecht: The Nox Hotel
After our first evening walk we arrive at The Nox Hotel , near the Dom Tower.
To our surprise, we were assigned a suite, an instant upgrade to our weekend feeling. The room was luxurious yet cozy. The reception even gave me a bath bomb to relax in the freestanding bathtub upstairs. The highlight? A terrace with lounge chairs and a stunning view of the Dom Tower.
The snow-covered houses of the old town and the beautifully illuminated Dom Tower give us a magical feeling.
In the morning we get a fresh breakfast with local products: a boiled egg, fresh fruit juice, bread, toppings, yoghurt with granola and fruit.
The Nox Hotel, Keistraat 8, Utrecht, more information and prices: https://www.thenoxhotel.com/en/
Favorite spots: Union House, Tijm & Life's a Peach
Union House
After the Lumen Walk we settle down in the recently opened Union House , on the Oudegracht.
The building is 775 years old and began as a monastery, then became an orphanage, a trade union center, and finally the Tivoli pop venue, where even Prince performed. Today it's a restaurant, wine bar, and event venue, but you can still see the stage and feel the history in the walls. Address: Union House, Oudegracht 245A, Utrecht
Thyme
In the meantime, need a cup of coffee? Then stop by Tijm , a super cozy coffee shop and dinner bar with a view of the water. Address: Donkere Gaard 3 & 5, Utrecht
Life's a Peach
For lunch, Life's a Peach is highly recommended. Besides fresh food, you'll also find local design. The specialty you simply must try is the focaccia, lovingly prepared by owner Vanessa. While enjoying the delicious Italian specialties, you can also admire the art of local artists, most of which are for sale.
Address: Hardebollenstraat 9, Utrecht
Practical: Weekend in Utrecht in the winter
How do you get to Utrecht?
Utrecht is easily accessible by train:
From Amsterdam : approximately 25 minutes
From Antwerp : approximately 1.30 hours (Eurostar + NS via Rotterdam)
From Utrecht Central Station you can walk to the Dom and Oudegracht in about 10–15 minutes.
Why go to Utrecht in 2026?
200 years of Domplein
390 years of Utrecht University
5 years of UNESCO status for the Lower Germanic Limes & Dutch Waterlines
DOMunder
Daily 10:00–17:00
Duration: approx. 75 minutes
Price: €14.50 adults / €10 children aged 8 and over, best to book in advance
Lofen Palace
Daily 10:00–17:00
Duration: approx. 60 minutes
Price: €12.50 adults / €10 children up to 8 years, best to book in advance
Dom Tower
Cathedral & Pandhof free
Climbing/tour of the Dom Tower: €14.50
Tip for a winter visit
Combine Utrecht with Lumen for an evening walk
Snow? Then you get extra magic for free
For more information about visiting Utrecht, please visit the following websites: https://www.discover-utrecht.com/ and https://www.uitagendautrecht.nl/en/
During a winter weekend, Utrecht feels like a city you slowly get to know. Not in a single glance, but in scenes: a lit alley, a cozy restaurant in a centuries-old building, a tower rising above the snow, an underground palace suddenly emerging from history.
And that's precisely why Utrecht lingers. Not as a checklist, but as a feeling.
Looking for inspiration for your next weekend in Utrecht or another city break in the Netherlands? You'll find even more slow travel tips and unique city breaks on Destination Explorer.
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