Amsterdam , famed for its historic canals, lively nightlife and cultural attractions, is one of the most popular European cities for a holiday. But the Dutch capital's popularity has led to overcrowding, prompting local authorities to take measures to control mass tourism and tackle issues related to disruptive visitors. This has led many holidaymakers to look for alternatives that offer a similar Dutch charm without the crowds and inflated prices.
And Utrecht, the Netherlands' fourth-largest city, is emerging as a less crowded and more affordable alternative to Amsterdam. Boasting a unique mix of history, culture and picturesque canals, Utrecht offers a more laid-back and authentic Dutch experience, reports the Express . Just 45 minutes from Amsterdam, Utrecht shares many similarities with the capital, and is often dubbed 'Mini Amsterdam' due to its beautiful canals and traditional Dutch architecture.
Here's our guide on why you should consider bypassing Amsterdam this summer and head to the ultra-cool Utrecht instead. Utrecht sees far fewer tourists than Amsterdam, making it a much more enjoyable place to visit, particularly during peak season. While Amsterdam's historic streets are often packed with tourists snapping photos, buying stroopwafel and marvelling at landmarks, Utrecht remains a living city filled with locals and students.
Here, you'll find locals biking and walking around the compact centre and canals, and you can hear the expressive Dutch language all around y.
