Nieuwegracht
A quiet canal running parallel to the Oudegracht, lined with old townhouses and linden trees, with fewer tourists and more poetic charm.
The Nieuwegracht was dug in the 14th century and, like the Oudegracht, has quays set below street level. Unlike its neighbour, it has no shops along its banks. Instead you find 17th- and 18th-century merchant houses and monasteries, tall linden trees and low stone bridges. In summer, the shade of the trees falls across the water, making it Utrecht's most atmospheric spot for photos. Canal tour boats usually pass through here as well. It is a pleasant 30-minute walk south from Cathedral Square to the Museum Catharijneconvent and the Centraal Museum. Please do not linger on the steps of private houses, so as not to disturb residents.
Opening hours
All day
Nearby sights
- Museum Catharijneconvent
- Miffy Museum
- DOMunder
- St. Martin's Cathedral & Pandhof
- Dom Tower
- Centraal Museum
- Museum Speelklok
- Dutch Railway Museum