Utrecht's canals
Utrecht's canals are world famous and unique in their kind. Because Utrecht is the only city that has canals with wharfs and wharf cellars. The Oudegracht is the most famous one in Utrecht. It forms the link between the rivers Kromme Rijn and Vecht and flows right through the city center. Much of the Oudegracht is surrounded by stores. It is the most charming shopping area in the Netherlands. And those who don't want to shop can settle down at one of the many terraces on the wharfs or grab a bite to eat at the restaurants in the wharf cellars along the waterfront.
Cathedral Tower and the Pandhof
Every Dutchman knows the Dom Tower. The tallest church tower in the Netherlands is 112.5 meters high. Since 2019, the tower has been on the rise due to a major restoration. During 2024, the Dom Tower will be restored to its full glory.
From Dom to stoneware
In innovative ways, the Dom Tower is being passed on to the next generation. No piece of the Dom Tower is lost in the restoration, befitting today's times. The 'From Dom to steengoed' project allows the leftover material to live on and involves the city and region: residents, visitors and businesses with a heart for Utrecht's icon. At the entrance to Building B
of Hotel Mitland stands an original 700-year-old ornament from Utrecht's Dom Tower.
The Pandhof
Anyone visiting the city center cannot avoid the Dom Tower, but there is much more to see on the Dom Square. Next to the Dom Church lies the magnificent
Pandhof. It is the cloister garden of the Dom Church. The hidden garden is located to the right of the entrance to the church. The Pandhof is one of the most beautiful indoor gardens in the Netherlands and from here you have a beautiful view of the Dom Tower and the church.
The Shop of Utrecht
If you want a tour of the city of Utrecht or a guided tour of the Dom Tower, head to the Winkel van Utrecht on Domplein. Here, in addition to tickets, souvenirs and gifts are available from Utrecht makers. The Winkel van Utrecht is open 7 days a week from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Architectural highlight is the Rietveld Schröder House
The Rietveld Schröderhuis is a residence designed by architect and furniture maker Gerrit Rietveld in 1923-1924 in the city of Utrecht. Thus, the house is as old as Hotel Mitland. It was executed entirely according to the ideas of the De Stijl art movement. Rietveld designed the house for Truus Schröder-Schräder, who lived there from January 1925 until her death in 1985. The house is located at the address Prins Hendriklaan 50 in the Wilhelminapark neighborhood and can be toured. It has been on UNESCO's World Heritage List since 2000. The Rietveld Schröder House can be reached on foot from Hotel Mitland in half an hour.
Hoog Catharijne, the largest shopping center in the Netherlands
Shopping center Hoog Catharijne is located right between the old city center and Central Station. A long-term renovation has made the shopping center much more modern and pleasant. You can shop at more than 110 stores and have a bite to eat at one of the 30 restaurants. Hoog Catharijne is the shopping center with the widest opening hours in the Netherlands and is the only shopping center where, since the opening of the Singel in September 2020, a boat can sail underneath!
Besides shopping, there is also plenty to do in the area around Hoog Catharijne. For example, Tivoli Vredenburg offers the opportunity for a pleasant evening at a concert of your favorite band or go to see the latest movie at cinema Kinepolis. Hoog Catharijne is easily accessible by public transportation and by car. You can park in one of the six parking garages.