Explore Utrecht
Restaurants
Cafes
Bars
Museums
Attractions
Parks
Coworking
Neighborhoods
Day Trips
Healthcare
Schools
Shopping
Utrecht is the most underrated city in the Netherlands. A beautiful medieval centre with more canals than Amsterdam, one of the oldest and most respected universities in Europe, and the most central location in the country – Amsterdam, Rotterdam and The Hague are all within 40 minutes by train.
Population
375,000
Expat residents
35,000+
1-bed rent (central)
1,300-1,800/mo
Train to Amsterdam
30 minutes
Train to Rotterdam
40 minutes
Train to Den Haag
45 minutes
The city
Why Utrecht
Utrecht has a canal system that predates Amsterdam’s and a medieval centre that is remarkably well preserved. The Dom Tower, the oldest Gothic tower in the Netherlands, dominates the skyline. The wharf-level cafes along the Oudegracht are among the most atmospheric dining spots in the country.
The university brings 70,000 students to the city and keeps it young, affordable and intellectually alive. Utrecht has a strong tech and health science sector – the Utrecht Science Park is home to major pharmaceutical and research companies. For expats working in the Randstad, Utrecht’s central location makes it an excellent base.
Housing is more affordable than Amsterdam and demand is high but not as extreme. The city is compact and very cyclable.
Practical info
Getting around and settling in
Getting around: Utrecht is extremely cyclable. The city is compact and flat. Utrecht Centraal is the largest and busiest train station in the Netherlands – almost every Dutch train passes through it.
Language: English is widely spoken, particularly among the large student and academic population.
Cost of living: More affordable than Amsterdam. Housing costs are lower but rising. See our cost of living guide.
Healthcare: Dutch health insurance is mandatory. Register with a GP on arrival. See our health insurance guide.
Just arrived
Your first two weeks in Utrecht
1
Register at the Utrecht gemeente and get your BSN
Essential first step. Gemeente guide and BSN guide.
2
Open a Dutch bank account
ABN AMRO, ING and bunq are the most expat-friendly. Full guide.
3
Arrange health insurance within four months
Mandatory and backdates to arrival. Full guide.
4
Set up your DigiD
Required for all Dutch government services. Full guide.
5
Walk the Oudegracht
The best introduction to Utrecht – the canal with wharf-level cafes that makes the city unique.