10 luxury things to do in Utrecht

Stay:

Grand Hotel Karel V

We chose the blend of history and  hospitality at Grand Hotel Karel V. Our stay at this beautiful hotel left us once again inspired. In the centre of the city, this top-quality five-star hotel welcomes you to step back in time. History is woven into this 14th-century monastery and military hospital buildings.

Stepping into Grand Hotel Karel V is like stepping back in time. The meticulously restored complex shows the grandeur of the past while offering modern luxury.

photo: ©Travel Magazine Belgium

Restaurant Karel 5: One MICHELIN Star

Dine under sparkling chandeliers, admire ancient paintings, and enjoy a nice lunch on the blissful garden terrace when the weather permits. Prepare yourself for a fine dining experience by Chef Leon Mazairac.
 

MICHELIN Guide's opinion 

The MICHELIN Guide awards one star to Karel 5, a historic haven in Utrecht where luxury meets authenticity. Chef Leon Mazairac's refined cuisine uses locally-sourced ingredients, including Veluwe wild and Herentals saffron. The menu has a delightful mix of fresh vegetables and inventive sauces, catering to vegetarians and offering fish and meat options. Karel 5 seamlessly combines tradition with innovation, creating an unforgettable dining experience.
photo: ©Travel Magazine Belgium 

Delightful Morning Feast: Fresh Waffles with Fruit at Karel V

We had a delightful breakfast experience at Karel V, and it was. We wat on the inviting terrace and were treated to a complete buffet with local products. The extensive à la carte menu offered an array of dishes, while the selection of coffees and teas delighted our taste buds. 
We tried the waffles and Eggs Benedict from the à la carte menu. Karel V's breakfast is a must-try, providing a perfect start to our day.
 photo: ©Travel Magazine Belgium 

1- Explore Utrecht's Historic City Centre

• Start your day in Utrecht by taking a walking tour of the Old Town, filled with marvelous buildings and charming pedestrianized streets.
• Wander through independent boutiques, pop-up shops, and cozy cafes that show the city's vibrant atmosphere.
• Discover courtyards, gardens, museums, and galleries that add to the city's allure.

2- Stroll Along the Oudegracht

• Discover the unique and picturesque network of canals that make up Utrecht's historic city center.
• Explore the Oudegracht, the most stunning canal, with its terraced restaurants, bars, and shops lining the cellars of the buildings.
• Experience the two-level street connected by staircases, creating an nice ambiance. Have a coffee near the water, like we did at Chillz, Oudegracht aan de werf 211.

3- Kayak Utrecht's Canals

• Add a sense of adventure to your Utrecht experience by kayaking through the city's canals.
• Enjoy breathtaking views of the city center as you paddle the waterways.
• Rent a kayak or join a group tour, but make sure to book in advance due to the activity's popularity. Check online for various kayak and water bicycle rental companies.

4- Visit the Dom Church and Dom Square

• Explore the renowned Dom Church, famous for its bell tower, Dom Tower, the oldest and tallest church tower in the Netherlands.
• Look at the high vaulted ceiling, stained glass windows, and the well-preserved choir inside the Dom Church.
• Discover the Dom Square, an architectural treasure housing the Utrecht University Academy building and offering captivating views. When we visited, it was nice and cool on this square.

5- Climb the Dom Tower

• Ascend the 465 narrow winding steps of the Dom Tower for a closer look at its stunning architecture and the 13 massive bells.
• Enjoy panoramic views of Utrecht and, on clear days, even catch glimpses of Rotterdam and Amsterdam.
• Alternatively, take the lift, which provides easy access to the top in just three minutes.

6- Explore the Centraal Museum

• Immerse yourself in the city's history, art, fashion, and design at the Centraal Museum.
• Discover the extensive collection of works by Utrecht artists such as Dick Bruna and Gerrit Rietveld.
• Don't miss the famous Red and Blue Chair, an iconic piece of De Stijl design, and explore Dick Bruna's original studio.

7- Discover Museum Speelklok

• Enjoy a unique experience at Museum Speelklok, housed in a former medieval church.
• Explore the collection of self-playing musical instruments, including church carillons, musical clocks, and traditional Dutch street organs.
• The guided tour offers an opportunity to listen to amusing tunes and promises a cheerful and entertaining time. 

8- Visit Markt Vredenburg

• Dive into the vibrant atmosphere of Market Vredenburg, a local market.
• Sample a variety of Dutch delicacies, including stroopwafels, herring, and cheese.
• Browse through stalls offering fresh produce, flowers, clothing, and crafts.

9- Relax in the Oude Hortus Botanical Gardens

• Take a break from the city's hustle and bustle in the Oude Hortus Botanical Gardens.
• Admire the collection of plants, including exotic and rare species.
• Explore the historical buildings and greenhouses, which add to the garden's charm.

photo: ©Travel Magazine Belgium

Dinner

Madeleine Bar & Bistro

We had dinner at Madeleine, a bistro that blends classic French cuisine with a modern twist. Led by Chef Rik de Jonge, Madeleine takes pride in a menu that shows the best of French bistro dishes using fresh, seasonal ingredients.

We evaluate the Bistro's most commendable attributes as well as areas that could benefit from further attention. 

Positive:

• Food quality: The menu at Madeleine Bar & Bistro is curated by Chef Rik de Jonge, offering classic French bistro dishes with a contemporary twist.
• The young lady serving us: The service provided by the young lady at Madeleine was commendable, offering attentive and friendly service throughout our dinner. 
• Overall ambiance: Madeleine has a pleasant ambiance and a nice interior, creating a welcoming atmosphere.

Areas for Improvement:

• Noisy inside: Unfortunately, we had a table inside and it was extremely noisy, which detracted from the overall dining experience. The restaurant has a terrace; however, it is rather small, accommodating a maximum of 10 persons.
• Uncomfortably hot inside: During our visit at the end of June, the temperature inside the restaurant was uncomfortably hot, making it difficult to fully enjoy the meal.
• Chaotic service: The overall service at Madeleine was chaotic. One main dish was forgotten and only delivered to the table when others had already finished eating.

A Mix of Delightful Moments and Minor Setbacks

We started with the escargots and oysters, and both were delicious. For the main course, we ordered langoustines, which were very enjoyable, although one plate arrived late and was undercooked. It took approximately half an hour for a new plate to be prepared. The other main courses, sea bass and roasted veal tenderloin, were both tasty and beautifully presented. We decided to skip dessert and coffee as, by that time, we were feeling overheated and overwhelmed by the noise.

When it comes to pricing at Bistro Madeleine, it falls within reasonable ranges. While the wine list has a wide selection, I personally felt that there weren't enough options at more affordable prices. However, we did find a Spanish white wine, the Albarino Ledes, which was enjoyable and priced at 47.50 euros.

MICHELIN Guide's opinion

"As typical as the name may sound, this establishment truly embodies the essence of a bistro. However, don't expect a dusty decor, but rather a 21st-century version of a bistro interior. This sentiment is translated onto the plate by the chef. Upon entering, the delightful aroma of freshly baked bread greets you. Simplicity here is synonymous with bold flavors. The chef's addition of modern preparations adds refreshing twists. Imagine skate wing with a vierge sauce made from roasted bell peppers, celeriac cream, and a sparkling tarragon sauce. The thoughtfully curated wine list is excellent. It's a typically atypical bistro experience!"