It is the fourth largest city in the Netherlands, and many regard it as the cozier alternative to Amsterdam. The city boasts beautiful canals and parks, lively restaurants and cafés, fascinating museums and remarkable historical buildings. Its city center alone is absolutely worth a visit, but there is much more to Utrecht than that.

Utrecht caters to all ages. The city center bustles with cafés and restaurants and is also home to some wonderful museums. The Nijntje Museum is the perfect place to introduce little ones to museums and to Nijntje (or Miffy, as she is known outside the Netherlands), Utrecht's world-famous protagonist from Dick Bruna's series of children's books. Centraal Museum is for grown-ups. The works on display change frequently, but its collection includes many world-famous pieces. Centraal Museum is also home to the largest Gerrit Rietveld collection in the world.

The Spoorwegmuseum (Railway Museum) is another place that definitely deserves a visit. Board the special train at Utrecht's station for a direct trip to the wonderful world of old railway stations, steam locomotives, and all things railway-related.

And, of course, no visit to Utrecht is complete without a climb up the 465 steps of the Dom Tower to drink in the spectacular view from the top.

Make your trip to Utrecht unforgettable by paddling through the canals in a canoe. It's an amazing and healthy way to marvel at the historical canal houses, vaulted cellars, and charming restaurants that simply ooze ambiance.

You may have to watch your head as you pass under the occasional low bridge, but as long as you remember to duck, that shouldn't stop you from joining in on the fun. If for no other reason than the coffeehouse and dinner bar Tijm, which has set up a drive-through (or should we say sail-through) in the back where canoeists, rowers and other boaters can order beer, coffee and other tasty treats.