Amsterdam , famed for its historic canals, buzzing nightlife and cultural hotspots, has long been a favourite among tourists, attracting up to 20 million visitors annually. However, the Dutch capital's popularity has led to overcrowding, prompting local authorities to take measures to control mass tourism and tackle issues related to unruly tourists. This has led many holidaymakers to seek alternatives that offer the same Dutch allure without the throngs of people and steep prices.
Utrecht, the Netherlands' fourth-largest city, is fast becoming 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 genuine Dutch experience, reports the Express . Located just 45 minutes south of Amsterdam, Utrecht shares many similarities with the capital, earning it the nickname 'Mini Amsterdam' due to its beautiful canals and well-preserved traditional Dutch architecture.
It possesses all the charm of Amsterdam but with only a fraction of the crowds and, to some degree, the cost. Here's why you should consider swapping Amsterdam for the uber-cool Utrecht this summer. 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 gazing at landmarks, Utrecht is a living city filled with locals and students. Here, you'.
