Last updated on January 11, 2024
Sometimes the internet makes it seems as though we know more than we possibly can. It’s at our fingertips but it’s infinite. We can find almost anything if we try, but we don’t always know exactly what it is we’re looking for.
A few weeks ago, Steve and I found something that surprised us. It wasn’t something we found on the internet, but a small city we came by en-route back to London.
That city was called Utrecht.
We found ourselves there after a yoga teacher I admire had serendipitously scheduled a workshop in the city, which coincided with our journey home and only added around an hour to the drive time. We were so delighted by the timing that we gave little thought to the workshop’s location. We just booked a hostel and drove the six hours to get there, ready to study the following day.
The first hint that we were somewhere special was the cyclists. We consider ourselves spoilt in Berlin with cycle paths, but there they’re as wide as the roads. And then came the canals, glowing gold in the evening rays, surrounded by trees and dappled sunlight. The night was balmy and the pavements filled with beautiful, smiling people. The word “idyllic” flashed in our minds.
Utrecht is a place that makes smiles. It’s the smallest of The Netherand’s four cities and locals refer to it as “The Village”, a nickname that the city embodies. Cobbled streets and medieval architecture along two-tiered canal ways create a recipe of charming delight. Add to that a plethora of new wave coffee shops, independent bookstores and cosy restaurants, and we found ourselves enchanted.
We only had one night in Utrecht but we’re certain we’ll return. It struck a chord with us and left us hungry for more.
There are places we dream of going to – Kathmandu, Tokyo, Cape Town – but sometimes the best visits are the ones you never knew you wanted.
Here are some photos of the city:
What places have you discovered on your travels that took you by surprise? Have you been to Utrecht? Did you love it as much as we did?
I’ve heard nice things about Utrecht. Strangely, I even spent the best part of a year trying to convince my brother to move there and study (for free!) at the university. We hope to get to visit later this year, when we go to Holland to see Zab’s family, and since it’s a small country, we should be able to make a day trip, right? I had a similar feeling to what you describe when I visited Aleppo in Syria in 2011. I arrived knowing almost nothing about the city, but there was just something about it that made it so inviting and comfortable, yet exciting and exotic at the same time. Unfortunately, I suspect that’s no longer the case there.
Yes, definitely visit Utrecht. It’s wonderful. Aleppo also sounds amazing but, like you say, now is likely not the best time to visit.
We were taken surprise by Brussels when we had to make an unexpected one night stop there. After checking into our hostel we wandered to the main square and just loved the beauty of it, but then also got to enjoy a local festival going on there which had SO MANY people out and about in high spirits. We haven’t been back yet (that was a decade ago) but I know we will get there again to fully enjoy what Brussels has to offer!
Festivals always make for a special visit. It was King’s Day when we left Utrecht and we were really disappointed to be leaving. I’d also love to visit Brussels. It sounds lovely!
This post really resonates with me. Being an expat in Korea and travelling most weekends, I always stumble across places I have never heard of before but are completely charming! Korea is very well documented in guidebooks but it makes the surprises of the beautiful, unique places I come across even better. Utrecht looks like a wonderful place to take a stroll!
I bet Korea is a fascinating place to explore. We will make it there one day!
Love the tone of the photos, really gives a special feeling about the place.
It really does have a special feeling. It’s magical!
Great to see one of my favourite cities in my home country photographed so beautifully! I always loved going to Utrecht, there is so much to see and do there. Lot’s of culture and great little cafes too. Can’t wait to go back now! xx nienke
Thanks Nienke! It’s an incredibly photogenic city. We plan to return next time we drive back from Berlin.
There are so many small villages in the hills of northern Thailand that are just beautiful and more special then many of the ‘go-to’ places. I understand many travelers are limited on time, and you’re taking a risk going somewhere that maybe isn’t as promoted, but it always makes me sad to hear people say they’re only staying in the city of Chiang Mai then moving on because they’re missing out on so much!
I’ve heard a few people talking about the hidden delights of Northern Thailand. I’d love to visit some day.
I visited Utrecht 8 or so years ago but I remember very well that it took me by surprise, for exactly the same reasons as you described! Until now it’s my fave Dutch city 🙂
I knew we couldn’t be the only ones!
Lovely impressions and I really like the “mood” the photos indicate! Cycling, coffee shops and bookshops? I’m sold! Seems like you could become my “personal city break advisor” Victoria…!? 🙂
It’s such a gorgeous place. Steve and i are going back in August 🙂
Great blog. I have never been visit to Utrecht but after seeing this blog I definitely want to go. I think everything in Utrecht is incredible that makes it enchanted. Thanks.
It’s definitely a gorgeous place!