This lively medieval city feels like a mini-Amsterdam, though its beautiful canals and gorgeous streets are untroubled by the hordes of selfie stick-wielding tourists.
The picturesque Old Town is full of cool independent boutiques, bustling cafes and bars, just like its’ big sister Amsterdam, but this ridiculously pretty city has one thing you won’t find in the Dam! And there are more than 700 of them, mostly dotted along one single street.
They offer a truly authentic Dutch experience to world-weary travellers tired of the stag dos rampaging through the Red Light District of Amsterdam or the hordes of tourists queuing to see the Anne Frank Museum or visit the Van Gogh Museum.
Instead these hidden little places in a stunning historical city remain frozen in time from when they were built back in the 11th and 12th Centuries.
We are talking about the converted waterside wharf cellars in the gorgeous little Dutch city of Utrecht. Utrecht’s wharf cellars, unique two-level canals with waterside cafes, offer cosy spots to enjoy drinks or coffee, especially in the old city centre, a great alternative to Amsterdam for a less crowded feel.
Most can be found along the Oudegracht (Old Canal) and offer a truly authentic experience with views of the wharf cellars. Utrecht’s wharf cellars and canals have a rich medieval history, evolving from crucial medieval trade hubs where goods were loaded and unloaded into unique two-tiered canals. The old cellars have now been repurposed into vibrant canalside cafes and restaurants offering a distinct waterside dining experience found nowhere else.
These unique structures, part of the Oude Gracht, facilitated trade by allowing direct access from boats to storage cellars built at water level in the 11th and 12th centuries, transforming a once-flood-prone river into a thriving commercial artery.
The first wharf cellars were made in 1150 by an unknown businessman who originally wanted to create a tunnel from his home cellar to the canals of Utrecht. Others took over his idea, and the tunnels got wider, and that’s how the cellars turned into storage. The cellars were very convenient and saved a lot of carrying and lifting.These cellars and canals created the medieval city harbour of Utrecht. Nowadays, Utrecht counts 732 of them.
No other city in the world has tried this concept because the water level in Utrecht is exceptionally low. This is because of a dam in the river Rijn close to Wijk van Duurstede (a neighbourhood in Utrecht).
These historic storage cellars at water level have been converted into unique cafes and bars, creating a charming atmosphere right by the canals. You’ll find terraces and spots to relax, enjoy hot chocolate or beer, and soak in the unique setting, especially lovely in autumn.
To find them, wander along the main canal, the Oudegracht. Utrecht is a beer lovers paradise offering a variety of specialised bars, brewpubs, and breweries. Key spots include the wharf cafes Kafé België and Cafe Olivier, known for their extensive Belgian and international selections.
The best way to take in the magnificent Old Town is from the water, and you needn’t restrict yourself to traditional canal tours (although they are great). Kayaks, pedalos and even gondolas are available to rent at various spots around the city centre for the more sporting and adventurous.
But if you can tear yourself away from the wharf cafes and do only one other thing in this historic city then climb Dom Tower. Known as the ‘pride of Utrecht’, some 465 steps will take you 95 metres to the top of the Netherlands’ highest church tower, where you’ll be rewarded with phenomenal views across the city and beyond. The guided tour also takes in the huge bells in the Ringing Attic and the beautiful St. Michael’s Chapel.
This story originally appeared on Express.co.uk
