Holiday Inn Express Utrecht - Papendorp

Don't go home without visiting De Haar Castle. This incredible neo-gothic castle in Utrecht’s northern periphery was designed by Pierre Cuypers whose illustrious portfolio also includes several other Dutch masterpieces such as the Rijksmuseum and Amsterdam’s Centraal Station. The castle was built upon a considerably older fortress that dates back to Middle Ages and is currently open to the public.

The Dom Tower is Utrecht's most famous landmark, and with good reason: at 112 metres high, this 14th-century church tower is the tallest in the Netherlands, as well as the oldest. If you climb the 465 steps to the top, you're rewarded with spectacular views – on a clear day, you can see as far as Amsterdam. In the separate cathedral, you can marvel at the medieval courtyard and 15th-century art.

Don't miss the chance to see the city from the water. Take a boat trip along Utrecht's canals, some of which are more than 200 years old, and enjoy the city's quaint bridges and historic façades. A wide range of cruises is available, including packages that offer lunch, theatre or a museum visit. If you prefer to explore on your own, you can even hire a rowing boat, a pedal boat or a canoe.

Some of Utrecht's markets have been running for more than 400 years, and they're a great way to get a feeling for the city. Popular picks include the ancient fabric market and the flower market. The largest market in Utrecht is held in Vredenburg on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. There, you'll find everything from groceries to electronics, and from fashion to traditional Dutch herring.