Publication date: 29 December 2025
Discover Utrecht: 5 museums you shouldn’t miss
Utrecht is one of the most charming cities in the Netherlands and an ideal destination for culture lovers. Not only will you find historic canals, cosy cafés and iconic architecture, but the city also boasts an impressive collection of museums that offer deeper insight into art, history and innovation. This article takes you on a tour of five wonderful museums in Utrecht that you should not miss during a visit to the city.
Het Spoorwegmuseum
The Railway Museum (Het Spoorwegmuseum)is one of Utrecht’s most popular museums and a true experience for visitors of all ages. Located in the historic Maliebaan Station, the museum tells the story of the railway in the Netherlands, featuring spectacular locomotives, interactive exhibitions and even short rides through the museum world. The museum is open daily from 10.00 am. Tickets cost €19.50.
Distance from Inntel Hotels Utrecht Centre: 2 kilometres.
Museum Speelklok
Looking for something unique? Museum Speelklok showcases self-playing musical instruments of all shapes and sizes, from dance organs and street organs to mechanical pianos. It is particularly enjoyable for families, but adults often find it surprisingly fascinating as well.
The museum is open daily from 10.00 am. Ticket prices vary depending on age.
Distance from Inntel Hotels Utrecht Centre: 850 metres.
Nijntje Museum
The Nijntje Museum is a cheerful and interactive museum specially designed for toddlers and young children. In twelve themed rooms inspired by Dick Bruna’s beloved picture books, children can explore the world around them through play. They crawl through Nijntje’s house, play in the zoo and learn about shapes, colours and everyday life.
The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 10.00 am. Ticket prices vary depending on age.
Distance from Inntel Hotels Utrecht Centre: 1.7 kilometres.
DOMunder
DOMunder offers a unique archaeological experience beneath Dom Square in the heart of Utrecht. On this underground exploration, accompanied by a guide and a smart torch, you quite literally travel up to 2,000 years back in time. As you walk through dark passages, you discover hidden archaeological finds and learn how the city has developed over the centuries.
The museum is open daily from 10.00 am. Tickets cost €14.50.
Distance from Inntel Hotels Utrecht Centre: 1.1 kilometres.
Sonneborgh
The Sonnenborgh Museum is a unique place where history, science and astronomy come together. Housed in a 16th-century bastion, the museum not only tells stories from the past but also invites you to explore the universe using real telescopes. Walking through historic observatory domes, learning about meteorology and the sun, and taking part in interactive exhibitions make this an inspiring experience for young and old alike.
The museum is open from Tuesday to Friday from 11.00 am, and at weekends from 1.00 pm. Tickets cost €13.00.
Distance from Inntel Hotels Utrecht Centre: 2 kilometres.
Tips for your museum tour
Start in the Museum Quarter, as most museums are within walking distance of one another. Planning to visit multiple museums? Consider purchasing a Museum Card. This can be bought online for €75.00 and offers discounts or free entry to a large number of museums in Utrecht. All information can be found on the official website.
Image sources: Het Spoorweg Museum, Museum Speelklok, Nijntje Museum, DOMunder en Sonneborgh.