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So after 2 fun days in Amsterdam, we grabbed the intercity train to Utrecht. It was a pretty train ride, but also it was so quick! I had never been on a 2 level train so I sat up top so I could see everything, it was really cool.
We arrived and started walking to our hostel. Part of the walk was actually through a big shopping center that easily connects to the train station. Also the concert venue was right next to it, so it was going to be very convenient to get to the show. The walk wasn’t very long, maybe 15 minutes and it was right through the city center. From the first look, Utrecht already looked super cute.
StayOk Hostel
We found a room at the StayOK hostel. In addition to dorms and shared rooms they have private rooms with private bathrooms. While on trips, I prefer to spend as much time outside the room, so I don’t really mind if the rooms are small as long as they are clean and comfortable. The room at StayOk was small but had everything we needed and had a cute view of town.The private rooms also come with shampoo and towels, so that was absolutely a plus since hostels don’t usually provide those. It was in such a convenient location too, close to the center and easy to get everywhere. They also had a great cafe with tons of coworking space available.
After dropping our bags off at the hotel, we headed out to meet up with our friends who were in a hotel nearby. We spent the afternoon exploring Utrecht. We went to the Domkerk Cathedral, some shops, a couple bars for drinks and snacks and then eventually a delicious dinner. Read more about my gluten-free food stops in Utrecht here.
Domkerk Cathedral
The Domkerk Cathedral in Utrecht is a breathtaking example of Gothic architecture with a fascinating history that spans centuries. Originally it was a Catholic church but it fell into the hands of the Protestants in 1580. It was originally part of a massive church complex that included the iconic Dom Tower; the cathedral was partially destroyed during a devastating storm in 1674. The storm left the nave in ruins, creating the open square that separates the tower from the rest of the church today.
Inside the cathedral are soaring ceilings and intricate stained glass windows. There are also multiple tombs, most notably the Tomb of Admiral Van Gendt who has been resting here for over 400 years. Regular services are held at the Cathedral, however it is not just a place of worship but also an art museum. There is amazing art that has survived since medieval times, pieces from the Renaissance and Baroque eras, and even current pieces, as the cathedral offers regular art exhibits.
Entrance to the Domkerk Cathedral is free but they accept donations at the entrance.
Exploring Utrecht: Is this place real?
Walking through Utrecht felt like I was in a Hallmark movie. There were so many adorable specialty shops such as De Pindakaaswinkel- a peanut butter store, a yarn store, a wallpaper store named Pimpelmees, multiple book stores, Betsies Kookwinkle which sold kitchen stuff, and a cute toy shop called Pinokkio. The town was so clean and there were way more bikes than cars. Utrecht still has canals like Amsterdam and the super cute Dutch architecture but with much fewer people. The town almost looked too perfect, it was almost weird walking around, especially when the church bells started playing and a light snowfall started simultaneously, I half expected a flash mob in the background or Santa to land his sleigh.
Yellowcard Day!
The next day we had a big breakfast with our friends and did a bit of shopping before they left for the airport. We had a late lunch before heading to the concert which was not only the point of the trip but also the highlight of it. The concert was for my favorite band, Yellowcard. I had seen them a few other times in the U.S., but I couldn’t miss another chance to see them live. The concert was great, it was a great way to celebrate turning 40 and I was super glad that we had the opportunity to explore a new place. After the concert, we finished the night with a couple amazing cocktails at a super cool bar called Mr. Finch. It was the perfect ending to the evening.
Utrecht vs. Amsterdam
I liked Utrecht a lot. The city was so clean and cute. It was also so walkable, we didnt take a single car or public transportation anywhere in Utrecht, only the train in and out to Amsterdam. I think I actually liked Utrecht more than Amsterdam. I know there was a lot that I didn’t get to see or do in Amsterdam, but also it was so packed everywhere we went. Amsterdam was also a bit pricier than Utrecht, and they were both a lot more expensive than Portugal. Overall though, I enjoyed both places. The only negative was the cold, but I knew it would be in November.
Can you tell which is Amsterdam and which is Utrecht?
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Left is Amsterdam, right is Utrecht
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