When you think of somewhere like Utrecht, from an architectural viewpoint, the mind probably imagines narrow canalside buildings with dutch gables and majestic churches, and leafy side streets. There are plenty of these, and it is a really beautiful city worth a visit to soak up a typically dutch atmosphere of medieval streets and bustling canalside cafes. There is another side to Utrecht and you will see it if you arrive by train. Around the station is a modern and vibrant area with some interesting examples of modern architecture such as the Hoog Catharijne shopping centre and the Tivoli Vredenburg music centre.
Utrecht Recent Impression
When we arrived on our last visit to Utrecht it was by train and our immediate impression of this part of Utrecht was a very favourable one. The station is a bright, clean and airy place, and very modern, leading directly into the the massive Hoog Catharijne shopping center. It makes you think of aUtrecht as a modern city with modern facilities, quite different from our first impression.
Utrecht – First Impression
On our previous visit to Utrecht we had arrived in our boat by the canals and we never set eyes on the station area; from that visit we had a completely different impression of Utrecht, the one I described at the beginning of this piece – also very pleasing and enduring, and which prompted the return visit.
It just goes to show that first impressions and short experiences of a place can be most misleading! We love the two sides to Utrecht and look forward to our next visit.
Mike Hawkridge Photography 
Leave a comment