When you mention the city of Utrecht, you are essentially talking about Oudegracht. This area in the city center has been the hub of activity for centuries. If you think the canals of Amsterdam are amazing then you won’t know what you’ll see visiting the historical canals of Utrecht with their unique wharf cellars.
Why should you visit the Oudegracht in Utrecht?
The Oudegracht, by foreigners called the old canal, is unique, it is one of a kind in the world. The canal is unique because of its wharf cellars, which are located directly on the water. These wharf cellars were used as storage areas and later converted into living spaces, shops, and catering establishments.
Above the wharf cellars are the street level buildings, which are often monumental and have a rich history. At the moment the street levels are at some points restored and if you are lucky you can see at street level how the cellars where build in the old days. At special occasions there is light art showed at the city hall of Utrecht on Oudegracht.
How to get to Oudegracht, Utrecht
The city of Utrecht is located quite close to Amsterdam, with a train journey taking only 30 minutes. From Utrecht Central Station, you can walk through the Hoog Catharijne shopping mall and Vredenburg square to reach the historic center of Utrecht and the Oudegracht Canal. Just follow the road signs, it is not far.
History of Oudegracht Utrecht
The history of the Oudegracht goes back a long way. The Oudegracht originated in the 12th century and is one of the oldest canals in Utrecht. It was originally a natural stream that was converted into a canal to improve drainage and facilitate trade. The canal connected the River Vecht in the north with the River Rhine in the south, providing an important waterway for the transport of goods. The warfs and cellars are all historical decorated with timeless ornaments.
Tales of light Oudegracht
On the Oudegracht, there is always a light art show to be seen. Sometimes it’s at the city hall, often at historical buildings, and sometimes on the wharfs.
➔ READ MORE – Amazing Light Art show at the Oudegracht, Utrecht
Castle Oudaen in the city center of Utrecht
Oudaen is a City Castle that is located in the center of Utrecht. You’ll find it right on the world-famous Oudegracht. In the 13th century, City Castle Oudaen arose in the city’s center. The castle experiences turbulent times. Over time the castle became dilapidated. Squatters occupy the castle. Subsequently, completely restored the castle dominates the city center of Utrecht nowadays.
Presently, the castle houses a luxury hotel, a tasteful restaurant, and a meeting center. Outside at the top of the canal is a terrace. Here you can watch the boats and tour boats pass by. Several city castles were built on the Oudegracht in Utrecht in the Middle Ages. Most of them appeared and disappeared. Finally, some of the facades undergo a restoration process to be definitely preserved and restored.
➔ READ MORE – Stadskasteel Oudaen, City Castle Oudaen in the city of Utrecht
Winkel van Sinkel
The Winkel van Sinkel, also known as Horecawinkel, is a historic building constructed in 1837 as a grand shop. It was owned by Anton Sinkel, a German immigrant and Roman Catholic. It was said that one could buy anything in this store, from simple kitchenware to French fashion. After business declined, the building was sold in 1898 to the banking firm Vlaer en Kol, which later merged in 1977 to become ABN-Amrobank.
In recent years, the building has been converted into a restaurant, a grand cafe and a party cellar. The building itself is beautiful, it contains architectural highlights, an amazing the second floor, and an even more amazing party cellar, and the garden. At the front, you can sit outside at a very nice terrace. This building is an absolute must-visit. Just walk in, look around and enjoy!
➔ READ MORE – Horecastore Winkel van Sinkel
Living, working and shopping along the Oudegracht
Along the Oudegracht stand historic and renovated houses, with most being inhabited by locals. Some of these houses have turned into hotels or B&Bs, while others serve as offices. In the Netherlands, there is a regulation that a house must remain a residence and cannot be converted into an office, shop, or hotel without a special permit. The spaces at street level are mostly occupied by shops, restaurants, and cafes.
Flower market at Oudegracht
Every Saturday there is a small flower market at Oudegracht near the City Hall. On the Bakker bridge, across the Oudegracht, is a daily flower stall with fresh flowers.
Cafes and restaurant at the Oudegracht
There are two great places to have a drink or a bite. The first is the Vismarkt, and the square on the bridge is called Hanengeschrei, best translated as ‘Cock Crying.’ It earned this name because it was once where chickens were butchered. The Vismarkt is along and above the Oudegracht. Often, there is live music here. On the Vismarkt, there are several cafes to choose from, each offering a great menu and pleasant terraces where you can sit, relax and having a good time.
The second great place is called “Het Wed,” and its name is not meant to be translated. This small street is home to some very nice cafes and small restaurants, all situated in historical buildings. These establishments are best seen as cozy spots where you can enjoy a good bite, cake, or lunch.
Coffee shop and smart shops
At the Oudegracht, there are some coffee shops and smart shops. If you’re over 18 years old, you can legally buy cannabis, weed, and magic mushrooms here. A coffee shop is not the place to get yourself a nice cup of coffee, a coffee shop is the place to buy and smoke a hookah.
Smartshop, State of Mind, Oudegracht 226, Utrecht
Coffee Shop Andersom, Vismarkt 26, Utrecht
Coffeeshop, Oudegracht 208, Utrecht
Hidden treasure Palace Lofen
Discover the hidden gem of Utrecht: the newly accessible Palace Lofen. In 1122, Emperor Henry V bestowed town privileges upon the citizens of Utrecht within the walls of his majestic palace, Lofen. Although the palace was tragically destroyed by fire in 1253, its remnants have survived in the cellars between Domplein and the Vismarkt. These historical ruins have been off-limits for decades, but now, for the first time, they are open to the public. Explore this fascinating piece of Utrecht’s history and step back in time to the era of Emperor Henry V.
➔ READ MORE – Step back in time and visit Palace Lofen Utrecht
See the Oudegracht from the water
Enjoy the medieval city of Utrecht from the water. Book a boat tour and view the historic buildings, Castle Oudaen, Winkel van Sinkel, the town hall, the wharves, and wharf cellars from a unique perspective. Don’t miss Utrecht’s highlight, the tallest church tower in the Netherlands, the Dom Tower.
➔ READ MORE – Book here your canal boat tour
Sup, canon, water bike on the Oudegracht
Rent a sup, kayak, canoe, or water-bike and sail along the Oudegracht to explore the city of Utrecht. Follow the Oudegracht, navigate the Singel, pass under the shopping mall Hoog Catharijne, and re-enter the Oudegracht from the other side. It’s a great way to see the old city from a different perspective.
Patron Saint of the city of Utrecht
Sint Maarten, or Saint Martin, is the patron saint of Utrecht. On November 11th the so called Sint Maartensdag is celebrated, this day is a traditional Dutch Festive Day. On Oudegracht 401 you will find the former Saint Martin church and the statue of Saint Martin. The Saint Martin church is renovated in 1980 and divided into apartments. According to the stories, Saint Martin donated almost all his possessions to the poor.
➔ READ MORE – Saint Martin, protector of the city of Utrecht
Canal Pride Oudegracht, Utrecht
On the first Saturday in June the Canal Pride Utrecht is organized. The Canal Pride Utrecht is a mega spectacular extravagant feast. This super sensational extraordinaire breathtaking festive LGBTIQA event is organized in the center of the city on the Oudegracht of Utrecht. Pride Utrecht becomes more and more impressive and sensational year after year.
➔ READ MORE – Canal Pride Oudegracht, Utrecht
Vintage and antiques at Oudegracht
As you walk along the Oudegracht, you will come across several vintage and antique stores. There is a fantastic second-hand store at Oudegracht 247 that offers a surprising array of products. The popular Episode Vintage store can be found at Oudegracht 206. On the other side of the Oudegracht, in a cellar on the wharf, there’s another wonderful vintage store called “Second Sas”.
Oudegracht is gorgeous at all seasons
What ever time off year you visit Utrecht, the Oudegracht is at any season beautiful.
Stay for the night at Oudegracht
Hotel “Slapen onder Dom” can be translated as “Hotel Sleeping under the Dome” This hotel is located in a renovated and modernized historic wharf cellar on the Oudegracht. All fascinating sights you will find in the vicinity of this bed & breakfast. Nightlife venues are within walking distance, for example, Tivoli Vredenburg for the most awesome concerts, discotheques, great hotel restaurants, the Utrecht Jaarbeurs, trendy cafes on the Neude, the Janskerkhof with cafe Hofman for dancing till the late hours. You won’t be bored for a moment in Utrecht.
➔ READ MORE – Book your stay in the hotel “Slapen onder de Dom“
Souvenir of the city of Utrecht
The DOM Tower Candle is the number one souvenir of Utrecht. This candle has a history; it was originally made by Ruud Snel, a well-known candle-maker and valued citizen of Utrecht. The DOM tower candle is made by the DOM tower as it was in 1382. The best Christmas scene in the Netherlands is only shown at Christmastime and contains original museum peaces. This Neapolitan Nativity Scene boasts Utrecht-specific landmarks, including the iconic Dom Tower, the Winkel van Sinkel serving as an inn, a flower market along the Utrecht canal, and the Sonnenborgh observatory. The government brochure of Utrecht provides a detailed and informative history of the city’s old and new canals. This publication, dating back to 2009, remains an excellent read.
➔ Neapolitan Nativity Scene with parts of Utrecht
➔ READ MORE – Christmas nativity scene at St. Catharine Cathedral Utrecht
Everything you all ways wanted to know about the canals of Utrecht
➔ READ MORE – National Heritage Canals of Utrecht
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