Located just a short train ride southeast of Amsterdam, Utrecht is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful cities to visit in the Netherlands. Boasts the fourth largest city in the Netherlands, with a medieval center cut by the picturesque Oudegracht canal. It was once the religious and cultural center of the country, so it has plenty of interesting historical and cultural attractions for you to explore.
6. Dom Tower of Utrecht
Towering at an impressive 112m, the Dom Tower is the tallest church tower in the Netherlands and Utrecht's most recognizable landmark for some 600 years. Built between 1321 and 1382, the colossal tower symbolized Christian power in the 14th century and was once part of St. Martin's Cathedral.
However, much of this structure collapsed in 1674, after a tornado devastated the city. Now, the Dom Tower stands alone in the center of the Domplein. From its top, you can enjoy stunning views of Utrecht and its surroundings, with Amsterdam in the distance.
7. Church of St. Martin's Cathedral
Image source: wikipedia
As mentioned above, the Church of St. Martin's Cathedral and the Dom Tower were once one. But a tornado of 1674 tore through the structures, causing the naves to collapse and never to be rebuilt, and the Dom Tower isolated to the East.
Today the Church of St. Martin's Cathedral is a magnificent building in classical French Gothic style, with a square and an area displaying archaeological artifacts, attracting many visitors to visit.
8. Speelklok . Museum
Photo source: museumspeelklok
If you're looking for fun cultural activities in the heart of Utrecht, then the Speelklok Museum is a must! The Speelklok Museum takes you through the wonderful world of self-playing instruments, filled with joyful melodies from all corners of the museum.
Established in 1956, up to now, the museum has become famous in the Netherlands and the world. The museum's restoration workshops are leaders in their fields and are known for their standards of excellence.
9. De Haar Castle
Located on the East side of Utrecht, De Haar Castle appears out of a fairy tale, with its majestic turrets and beautiful rose gardens.
This Neo-Gothic structure dating from the Middle Ages, around the 13th century, was restored and rebuilt by the Rothschild family in 1892. The present De Haar Castle has more than 200 rooms and 30 bathrooms, all richly decorated with valuable paintings and sculptures.
Coming here, you will feel like you are lost in an enchanting oasis of harmony and peace.
10. Utrecht University Botanic Gardens
Although located on the outskirts of Utrecht, this wonderful botanical garden is definitely the place you want to visit to immerse yourself in nature and enjoy some magnificent views from the flowers.
Utrecht University Botanic Gardens was established in 1639, belongs to the University of Utrecht, with an area of 8 hectares and is divided into 6 different areas. You can stroll through a delightful rock garden, see birds in the forest and then marvel at the brightly colored butterflies in its tropical greenhouse.
Haarlem Netherlands Tourist Attractions
Haarlem is a municipality adjacent to Amsterdam, located in the northwest of the Netherlands. The city's history dates back to the pre-Middle Ages, when early settlers sought trading opportunities on the North Sea and had to travel through Haarlem to reach Amsterdam. Today, Haarlem is a charming city with great culture, cafes, restaurants, shops, as well as some of the Netherlands' best museums.
11. Molen De Adriaan Windmill
Image source: UtrechtUniversity
Windmills are synonymous with the Netherlands! The country has a series of windmills that have stood the test of time, and Haarlem is home to the historic Molen De Adriaan windmill.
The original windmill dates back to 1779, and has been a prominent symbol that has crisscrossed Haarlem's skyline for centuries. It then burned down in 1932 and was rebuilt in 2002 as a museum of its history as well as that of Haarlem. The new windmill blades can still turn, and everything works exactly as Dutch windmills have done for centuries. Don't forget to cross the Spaarne River and take some stunning photos of this amazing landmark.
12. Grote Kerk Church
Image source: wikipedia
The Grote Kerk Church and one of Haarlem's most visited landmarks, was built in the 1500s after the destruction of the previous wooden building, and became the city's imposing structure.
The building features numerous beautiful stained-glass windows, a huge ornate organ where the geniuses Mozart, Mendelssohn, and Händel played, and a beautifully designed wooden ceiling beam.
13. Teylers . Museum
Image source: holland
Founded in 1778, Teylers is considered the oldest museum in the Netherlands located on the Spaarne river. A trip to the Teylers Museum is like adventuring through the back of a cupboard and into a strange new land.
The Teylers Museum has many collections of art, natural history, and science. In particular, do not miss the Oval Room, which is designed to study, research, and conduct science experiments.
14. Gate of Amsterdamse Poort
Image source: museum.nl
Amsterdamse Poort is an ancient city gate of Haarlem, located at the end of the old route from Amsterdam to Haarlem and the only gate remaining from the original twelve gates.
This massive gate was built in 1355 to defend Haarlem. Until the seventeenth century, the Amsterdamse Poort gate became part of the city fortifications. Today, this work is a national monument, a wonderful architecture for everyone to admire.
15. Popular local shopping districts
Image source: wikipedia
It is no wonder that the city of Haarlem has been awarded the title of “Best Shopping City of the Netherlands” three times! Shopaholics when coming to Haarlem will certainly not want to skip the famous, luxury brands at the stores in Grote Houtstraat or look for something unique in Gouden Straatjes: from fashion, accessories, home appliances, toys, antiques, etc.
#teamKlook can refer to Haarlem's golden shopping streets: Zijlstraat, Koningstraat, Gierstraat, Schagchelstraat, Kleine Houtstraat, Anegang and Warmoesstraat.
