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Utrecht

Solo Female Travel in Utrecht

Located in the heart of the Netherlands, Utrecht retains a charm that often gets overshadowed by the more popular Dutch cities like Amsterdam. Characterized by a picturesque city center lined with old houses and quaint canals, the city is known for its iconic Dom Tower - the tallest church tower in the Netherlands, providing panoramic views of the surrounding cityscape. Utrecht is also home to the Utrecht University, one of the oldest universities in the Netherlands, making it a vibrant learning hub that's rich in history. Furthermore, its unique attractions consist of the Rietveld Schröder House, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a masterpiece of the De Stijl art movement, and the Railway Museum, encapsulating the dynamic history of Dutch railways.

Travel rating

3.5 /5

Based on 3 experiences

4.1 /5

Based on our research

3.9 /5

Based on safety reports

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Is Utrecht good for solo travel?

Safety:Very safe

Utrecht boasts a high level of safety for solo female travelers. The crime rate is generally low, and both the locals and the authorities are usually helpful and friendly. Public transportation is reliable and is considered safe even in the late hours while the city is also well-lit during the night. However, as with any travel destination, it is important to follow standard safety precautions, like not leaving your belongings unattended and avoiding less crowded areas late at night.

Transport:Very easy

Navigating around Utrecht is quite easy and efficient. There are multiple modes of transportation available, including trams, buses, and bicycles. It is compact so most attractions are within walking or cycling distance from the city center. English is widely spoken and the public transportation is reliable, inexpensive, and user-friendly with good signage and digital displays. Plus, Utrecht is a bike-friendly city offering many bike rental services.

Things to do:Interesting

Utrecht is a captivating city with a mix of historical and modern attractions. For solo female travelers, there is plenty to explore. From the iconic Dom Tower offering panoramic city views, to historical museums like the Centraal Museum showcasing Utrecht’s cultural history and Dutch art. The city's cafes and restaurants around Oudegracht, or the Old Canal, are great places to dine independently or meet other travelers. The charming, well-preserved city center provides beautiful spots to wander and take photos. However, it might not have as much variety in activities compared to larger cities.

Food:Above average

Utrecht offers a wonderful array of food options to sate every palate. With everything from traditional Dutch cuisine to multicultural fare such as Asian, Mediterranean, and Middle Eastern. Street food vendors, elegant bistros, trendy cafes, and marketplace eateries are all available. Although vegetarian and vegan alternatives are available, options are not as plentiful or diverse as some travellers might hope for. Overall, it's a gastronomic delight for the adventurous solo traveler.

Budget:Moderate

Utrecht falls moderately on the budget-friendly scale for solo female travelers. While the cost of living and travel expenses are decent, they may be a little expensive compared to some other places. You can find a wide range of accommodations, from high-end hotels to budget-friendly hostels. The local food is affordable and delicious, and public transportation is efficient, though not the cheapest. Sightseeing can be inexpensive as there is plenty to see that doesn’t require an entry fee, such as its beautiful canals and historic buildings.

Is Utrecht worth visiting?

Overall rating

3.5 /5

based on 3 experiences

Things to do

3.3/5

Safety

3.9/5

Food

3.3/5

Budget-friendly

3.3/5

Tessa (24)

Germany

Group travel experience

We had gone to a card tournament with our group of friends, so we didn't have any other activities. There was a shopping mall in the center. There was a lot of food selection there. So, as an allergic person, it was possible for me to find some dishes. There are some gluten-free options available like, for example, at Vapiano.

Posted: May 16, 2024Experienced: December, 2023

Things to do: 3/5Food: 3/5Budget-friendly: 2/5Safety: 3/5

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Annalise (27)

Belgium

Solo travel experience

Felt good! Only problem I had was a date that stood me up... Luckily it's a vibrant city. Small, but fun! I spent a lot of time in the central mall near the station, honestly not a bad decision. They have great food hubs!

Posted: February 27, 2024Experienced: January, 2024

Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 3/5Safety: 4/5

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Solo travel experience

Utrecht is the kind of place Amsterdam would be if there weren't so many tourists - beautiful canals and harbor cellars, a vibrant nightlife, and Miffy's house. I felt very safe there when I went out in the city alone.

Posted: July 16, 2023

Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 4/5Safety: 5/5

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Is Utrecht safe for women?

Safety rating

4.4 /5

Based on 6 experiences

Crime rates rating

1 /5

Based on 6 experiences

Utrecht is as safe as any other city of similar size (375.000 inhabitants)! There are not many places where I felt safer than here. Walking or biking alone at night shouldn't be a problem in well-lit populated areas, but general precautions are always a good idea (like sharing live location with a friend). There have been incidents a few times (every few years or so), mostly in some specific outskirts of town (that most people wouldn't travel to anyway), but they have always been isolated cases that stop happening when that specific perpetrator is caught. But especially the city center feels really safe!

Posted: May 18, 2024

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Very safe and calm city, lots of students and internationals which makes it very open and friendly. There’s lots of nice cafes and restaurants all around, the city comes to life when the sun is out and people are always spending time outdoors!

Posted: April 25, 2024

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Meet locals in Utrecht

Meet local women in Utrecht who are open to meet up for a coffee or a drink, show you around, give local advice or practice a language with.

Lisa

About Me

Hela! I’m Lisa, visiting Malaysia. My mum lives in Singapore together with my dad and little sister. I live in the Netherlands. Love dancing, allround and recently started latin social dance.

Speaking

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Johanna

About Me

Expat living in the Netherlands looking to meet new friends to do yoga, cooking and wine tasting, going out or just enjoying the sun together.

Speaking

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Local tips

Utrecht is very safe for women travelling alone, just like the rest of the Netherlands. At daytime you can go anywhere. At night I would recommend you stay in or around the city center and avoid Overvecht (but as a tourist you don't really have much to do there anyway :) ).

Posted: January 31, 2024

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Stay with locals in Utrecht

Stay with local women in Utrecht who offer free accommodation as part of cultural exchange. Couch surfing is a great way to meet new people, learn more about new cultures and experience destinations like a local.

Roos

Utrecht

Can host for:

1 day

About me

Hi! I am a (mostly) solo traveller looking for an authentic experience in any country I visit. Big fan of the outdoors but enjoy sleepy surfer towns and nightlife just as much. Favorite kitchen: Mexican.