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You can say a lot about Amsterdam, but today Amsterdam says a lot about you.
And by ‘you’ we simply mean tourists in general.
Everyone would like to think that many valuable lessons have been learned during the pandemic.
Amsterdam may have survived, but it appears that memory loss may be a side effect.
Of course we are all grateful that those dark days are behind us, but does Amsterdam forget how travel came to a standstill while so many economies around the world were hit hard overnight?
The Netherlands’ most popular city has long attracted free spirits with fewer rules and more play, but those days may be over because the city is actually putting up a “Do Not Disturb” sign.
Fortunately, Amsterdam has a doppelgänger less than an hour’s drive. The beautiful city Utrecht is well worth the trip.
Here are 7 reasons why you should visit this beautiful Dutch city instead of Amsterdam:
Another campaign to scare away tourists
Man, oh man, here we go again…
Amsterdam has once again launched a campaign to keep tourists away. This time it is in the form of a questionnaire to make tourists think about the reason for their visit.
With very specific questions, including drug references, this new instrument is designed to encourage tourists to visit the city for the right reasons (in their eyes) and inform them about certain illegal activities, despite the city’s notoriously lax culture.
While overtourism is a very real concern, here’s the kicker: Amsterdam built its own city, culture and attractions, so how is this new Karen-esque perspective to blame for tourists when they’re just looking to have a good time in what should be a really cool city?
The answer could be a harsh lesson for Amsterdam as tourism declines, and this is exactly why nearby Utrecht should be on travelers’ radar.
An image of Amsterdam without the hassle
Located between a canal (the Oudegracht), just like Amsterdam, is another city that could easily adopt the nickname ‘next best thing’.
Of course, every city is unique in its own way, even if they are essentially neighbors, but that doesn’t mean you can’t ‘ooh’ and ‘ahh’ in Utrecht, just like you would in the more popular city. Dutch city.
On many streets you will wonder: “Wait, am I in Amsterdam?”. It wouldn’t feel like this without a bike-friendly lifestyle and an abundance of cafes. Utrecht then says ‘check’ and ‘check’.
Easy to reach
Within an hour, travelers can drive, Uber, bus, or take a cheap train to Utrecht from Amsterdam, the easiest gateway to this lesser-known gem.
The only other notable city outside the Netherlands that can be used as a gateway is Düsseldorf or Brussels, where a train takes about 2 hours.
Since Utrecht is essentially a small piece of land, these are the best options.
One of the oldest cities in the Netherlands
Utrecht’s history runs deep and was extremely important before Amsterdam became what it has become today: a thriving cultural center and top tourist destination.
But tourists can still see beautiful places from this ancient city’s historic past, with the unmissable Dom Tower, an array of incredible castles and the overall medieval atmosphere.
It goes without saying that one of the best ways to learn about history is to visit local museums, of which Utrecht has many, and take walking tours of beautiful historic neighborhoods.
More relaxed
Travelers can visit Utrecht for a more relaxing time along a scenic canal, as if Amsterdam doesn’t have the wild scenes they are known for.
Amsterdam is fully aware of its self-induced party image, but Utrecht is at the other end of the spectrum.
The beauty is very similar to that of the more popular Dutch city.
People tend to be more interested in welcoming outsiders because it’s not a hugely popular tourist center where overtourism or partygoers are major concerns.
More affordable
Amsterdam has a lot to offer, but is not exactly known for its affordability. Utrecht, on the other hand, is much more budget-friendly.
Although it is certainly not the cheapest in Europe, Utrecht is the place if you are looking for the Amsterdam atmosphere without spending a lot of money.
Have a cup of coffee by the canal, rent a bike or pay a cheap entrance fee to climb the 14th-century Dom Tower, as the cost of living and attractions are cheaper than in Amsterdam.
One of the happiest cities in the world
Utrecht may be in the shadow of Amsterdam, but that does not mean it has to be gloomy. In fact, Utrecht is the fastest growing and happiest city of the country, according to the United Nations.
While Amsterdam sounds like a place to skip for the time being, Utrecht is slowly but surely making a name for itself.
So if you choose between Amsterdam or Utrecht, would you rather be told “don’t do this”, “don’t do that” and be pressured with “what are your intentions?” like a dad on Prom Night, or would you rather go to a new and exciting place full of people who are genuinely happy to have you?
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
The opinions expressed here are solely those of the author, and not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included in the post.
