🇳🇱 <City Diary> Utrecht, Netherlands | The Ultimate Guide

For Amsterdammers, Utrecht is their secret backyard—fewer tourists, more Dutch authenticity. After four visits, here’s why this city never disappoints: 🚉 Utrecht Centraal Netherlands’ largest station + transport hub. Thirsty? Grab boba at Tea Guys right off the platform! 🛍️ Hoog Catharijne Mall A massive shopping complex (name logic: very Dutch). Prefer Dutch boba queen? Try YoYo Fresh Tea inside. 🗼 Dom Tower Under scaffolding (renovations forever), but the surrounding streets are alive with: 🐰 Miffy (Nijntje) souvenir shops ☕ Cozy cafés 📮 Postcard/Stamp stalls 🍜 FOOD GEMS 📍 Kimmade Vietnamese (Mariastraat 2) Best pho & braised beef rice in the Netherlands (€15/person). Soul-healing good. 🍔 Five Guys – “Meh, Amsterdam isn’t missing much.” 😂 🎮 Arcade Fun Near Dom Tower—retro games for hours (ticket wins = dopamine rush). 🚶♀️ Wander & Wonder Sunbathe off tourist streets or kayak the canals (if sunny!). #Netherlands #Utrecht #TravelEurope #HiddenGems 🌍✨