Utrecht

Even though Utrecht is one of the biggest cities in the Netherlands, there are some areas where you'll be led to believe you're somewhere much smaller. It is enjoyable to explore on foot because a substantial percentage of the older building has been preserved and is located in frequently traffic-free regions.

Your tour through Utrecht should center on the charming Old Town neighborhood. The magnificent St. Martin's Cathedral, or Domkerk, is located in this neighborhood, Binnenstad, at Cathedral Square (Domplein). It was built in 1254 but is now considerably smaller because the original tower, known as the Domtoren, stands separate from the main building across a park due to a storm in the 17th century. DOMUnder is a popular attraction that is also accessible on foot. Here, a fascinating self-guided walk leads you to the ruins of the old Roman fortress upon which the city was constructed, which are located deep underground in Cathedral Square. The Centraal Museum, which houses the city's collections of art and artifacts, and the Museum Speelklok, which is dedicated to musical clocks, are additional must-see sights in Utrecht. The Railway Museum, which features exhibits of vintage steam engines and rolling stock, is a worthwhile addition to your list of Utrecht attractions if you have room.