Ulft(Netherlands) Travel 2026: Cheap Flights, Hotels & Top Attractions

For first-time visitors, staying in the Old Town (Oude Stad) is ideal—this historic district centers around Dom Tower and offers easy access to museums, canals, and local cafés. The area is walkable and filled with 17th-century architecture.

Another excellent option is Rijnland, located just south of the city center, where you’ll find quiet streets, green spaces, and boutique hotels like Hotel de Kromme Rijn, known for its eco-friendly design and riverside views. Both neighborhoods provide a perfect blend of heritage charm and modern convenience, making them ideal bases for exploring Utrecht’s cultural heart.

The best canal-view hotel in Utrecht is Hotel de Gouden Spiegel, located on the edge of the Vleeshuis Canal. This beautifully restored 17th-century building features large windows overlooking the water, where you can watch boats glide by and enjoy lively evening scenes.

Each room includes antique furnishings and original timber beams, blending historical elegance with modern comfort. Guests also have access to a rooftop terrace with panoramic views of the Dom Tower and surrounding rooftops—perfect for sunset drinks or stargazing. Its prime location places you steps from cafes, boutiques, and the main shopping street, making it ideal for both relaxation and exploration.

Beyond sightseeing, try the Utrecht Polder Bike Tour—a guided cycling adventure through the nearby Holland Polders, where you’ll explore flooded landscapes, windmills, and traditional farmhouses. It’s a great way to experience rural Dutch life.

You can also join a traditional Dutch cheese-making workshop at De Oude Kaasboer, where you’ll learn how to produce Gouda using age-old methods. Finish with a tasting session paired with local bread and wine. These hands-on activities offer authentic insights into Dutch traditions and craftsmanship, far beyond typical tourist attractions.

Hotel Het Bos stands out for its romantic ambiance, nestled deep within the Sint-Elisabeth Forest. Each room features floor-to-ceiling glass walls facing the trees, creating a private sanctuary bathed in natural light and moonlight.

The hotel offers couples’ spa packages, including heated stone baths and candlelit dinners served in a secluded garden pavilion. At night, guests can stroll along the illuminated forest path leading to the Grote Kerk (Great Church), where soft chimes echo across the sky. With no noise from traffic and only birdsong as background music, it’s an unforgettable retreat for lovers seeking intimacy and nature.

Photog Hotel Utrecht is a top choice for photographers. Housed in a converted 19th-century printing factory, the hotel features walls adorned with rotating exhibitions of contemporary photography.

Each room is themed around a photographic concept—like "Golden Hour," "Urban Reflections," or "Silent Streets"—inspiring creative expression. The rooftop terrace offers panoramic views of the Dom Tower, canals, and the old city skyline, perfect for sunrise and night shots.

Guests can join free morning photo walks through hidden alleys, bridges, and bookshops, led by local photographers. The hotel also hosts monthly workshops and exhibitions, making it a vibrant hub for visual artists seeking inspiration in historic Utrecht.