Castles, Canals and Good Folk: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Utrecht

Utrecht , Netherlands

Castles, Canals and Good Folk: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Utrecht

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(9 reviews)

1h - 1h

All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Utrecht is one of the oldest cities in the Netherlands, having started out in the 1st century as a Roman frontier fort. It has always been important and has the scars and the achievements to prove it.

Join me on this self-guided GPS audio tour along canals and down laneways that have witnessed the passing of Knights, Emperors and Beguines. We will explore the less familiar northern quarters of the old city, to castles; a wartime bunker; poetry on high, lofty mansions and little cottages.

Utrecht is located in the centre of the country and is easy to get to from anywhere. You will come to understand the vitality of today's Utrecht more clearly through the layers of its near and distant past. There are also plenty of places to stop on the way to pull up a chair, order a coffee and watch the world walk, drift, or cycle by.

Available options

Castles, Canals and Good Folk: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Utrecht

What's included

VoiceMap App for Android and iOS

Lifetime access to this tour in English

Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata

Detailed itinerary

The tour starts outside the east entrance to Hoog Catharijne.

Nothing beats a Dutch city centre market. Who’s up for croquettes, pickled herring, fresh bread or more cheese varieties than you ever knew existed?

A small but impressive museum that presents the life and times of those who lived in the working-class neighbourhoods of Utrecht in the tough times of the 1920s.

Utrecht has always had a pivotal role in the religious life of the Netherlands. The Jacobikerk is an important Protestant church that starts our walk through a neighbourhood filled with stories of faith and commitment.

Oudaen is a city castle and one of the most significant buildings in Utrecht. It was built around 1276, so has been around for a while. It’s a great place to stop for refreshment, especially to check out the craft brewery in the cellars.

The most beautiful post office in the whole of the Netherlands is on Neude square.

This is the largest and oldest fabric market in the Netherlands, and has been going for around 400 years.

The tour passes by this boutique hotel that was home to an eye hospital in the past.

The tour passes through the old University neighbourhood of Utrecht.

The powerful sculpture of a remarkable young woman who continues to have meaning in our lives long after her passing.

The tour ends near Janskerk with a story about the Order of the Knights of Utrecht.

What's not included

Smartphone and headphones

Transportation

Food and drink

Tickets or entrance fees to any museums or other attractions en route

Available languages

Audio guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.5

2 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 4.1

7 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

There is a short section along the Oudegracht where the tour takes the stairs down to the water level. Those in a wheelchair or with a stroller can continue the tour on the main street and will only miss a few details that the tour points to.

Meeting point

The tour starts on Vredenburg square.
Before arrival, install the VoiceMap app and use the code provided on your ticket. This is a self-guided audio tour that you can start, pause, or restart any time and complete at your own pace. Directions to the starting point are in the app.

Important notes

VOICEMAP CODE
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Please check your email at the address you provided when you made this booking. VoiceMap has sent you an eight character code you'll need to redeem your tour.

This code can be used by every member of your party. If you've booked for three people, for example, three people can download this tour using the same code.

DOWNLOAD INSTRUCTIONS
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Once you've received your code, please follow these steps:

1. Install the VoiceMap Audio Tours mobile app
2. Create an account
3. Select Tour Codes from the menu, then select Enter Codes
4. Enter your code then select Download Now

PLEASE NOTE
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• You can download the tour at any time, before or after your booking date. It’s best to download the tour before you set off for the starting point.
• This tour follows a set route and includes turn-by-turn directions. It works best if you start it in the right place and follow the directions from one location to the next.
• When the download completes, you’ll see a screen with a photo of the starting point and directions to it. The red start button will become active when you are at the starting point.
• Remember to bring your own headphones, unless you have booked a driving tour.

SUPPORT
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For technical support and other queries, please email support@voicemap.me

About Utrecht

Utrecht is a vibrant and historic city in the Netherlands, known for its beautiful canals, rich cultural heritage, and lively atmosphere. The city's unique charm lies in its well-preserved medieval architecture, modern art scene, and bustling student population.

Top Attractions

Dom Tower

The Dom Tower is the tallest church tower in the Netherlands and a symbol of Utrecht. Visitors can climb the tower for panoramic views of the city.

Historical 1-2 hours €12

Canals of Utrecht

Utrecht's canals are a unique feature of the city, with wharf cellars and picturesque bridges. Boat tours offer a different perspective of the city.

Architecture 1-2 hours €12-€15

Centraal Museum

The Centraal Museum showcases Utrecht's rich history and cultural heritage, including fashion, design, and art collections.

Museum 2-3 hours €12.50

De Haar Castle

De Haar Castle is the largest castle in the Netherlands, featuring stunning architecture and beautiful gardens.

Historical 3-4 hours €15

Rietveld Schröder House

A UNESCO World Heritage site, this iconic house is a masterpiece of modern architecture designed by Gerrit Rietveld.

Architecture 1 hour €14

Must-Try Local Dishes

Stroopwafel

A thin, crispy waffle made from two layers of dough joined by a caramel-like syrup filling.

Dessert Contains wheat and sugar

Utrechtse Koffietafel

A traditional Utrecht breakfast consisting of a variety of sweet and savory pastries, cold cuts, and cheeses.

Breakfast Can be customized to dietary preferences

Haring

Raw herring, typically served with onions and pickles, a Dutch delicacy.

Snack Contains fish

Bitterballen

Deep-fried, crispy meatballs filled with a rich, savory ragout.

Snack Contains meat and gluten

Popular Activities

Cycling Hiking Boat tours Canal-side dining Café hopping Park picnics Museum visits Art gallery tours

Best Time to Visit

June to August

The summer months offer warm weather and long days, perfect for exploring the city's outdoor attractions and festivals. Expect crowded tourist spots and higher prices.

15-25°C 59-77°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Dutch
Widely spoken: English, German
English: Widely spoken

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Time Zone

GMT+1 (CET), GMT+2 (CEST during daylight saving time)

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Utrecht is generally safe, with low crime rates. However, as with any city, it's important to stay aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas and at night.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure
• Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing apps
• Be cautious with strangers offering help

Getting there

By air

Amsterdam Airport Schiphol • 45 km

By train

Utrecht Centraal

By bus

Utrecht Centraal Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

The tram system is efficient and user-friendly, with multiple lines connecting major attractions.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Taxi Utrecht

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

City Center Wittevrouwen Lombok Oog in Al

Day trips

Amsterdam

50 km • Half day to full day

The capital city of the Netherlands, known for its museums, canals, and vibrant nightlife.

Rotterdam

70 km • Full day

A modern city with innovative architecture, museums, and a bustling harbor.

Haarzuilens

15 km • Half day

A scenic area with beautiful nature reserves and walking trails.

Festivals

Utrecht Festival • August King's Day • 27th April Utrecht Light Festival • December to January

Pro tips

Use the OV-chipkaart for seamless public transport.
Explore the wharf cellars for unique dining and shopping experiences.
Visit the Centraal Museum for a comprehensive overview of Utrecht's history and culture.
Take a boat tour to see the city from a different perspective.
Combine a visit to De Haar Castle with a trip to nearby nature reserves.