MageUnconference 2025 Netherlands

Visiting Utrecht

If you are coming from abroad and have never been in The Netherlands, there will be plenty to see in Utrecht, even though it is much smaller than Amsterdam: The Oude Gracht (ie: Old Canal) is the place to be with plenty of restaurants and things to see. The Domtoren (Dom Tower) is the icon of Utrecht and worth a climb.

Sight-seeing

Spoorwegmuseum (Railway Museum): If you dig trains.
Utrecht University Botanic Gardens: Diverse collection of plants.
Wilhelminapark: Popular city park.
Museum Speelklok: Dedicated to self-playing musical instruments
Sonnenborgh Observatory & Museum: Learn more about astronomy and meteorology (in a galaxy far far away)
Pandhof Domkerk: Find a quiet spot in the Dom church's Courtyard Garden or head over to the nearby Flora's Hof. Likewise the almshouse courtyard Bruntenhof is worth a visit as well.

Shopping

Lots of shops are in Hoog Catharijne in between the old center and the trainstation. Do you check out the Vredenburg Market as well. Other good options are Twijnstraat, Voorstraat and Biltstraat.

Food and drinks

There are plenty of restaurants at the Oude Gracht
Broodje Mario: Takeaway counter for an Italian-style sandwich, close to the Dom Tower.
Cafe Belgie: Our local hangout with plenty of Belgium beer.
Olivier: Cafe based in a former church

Getting around

You can walk around the city center by foot easily. Note that the venue is a bit further (4-5 kilometer).

Visiting Amsterdam

Sight-seeing

While Utrecht is worth the visit, if you have never been to Amsterdam in your life, you are missing out. This is the way. Do make sure to check out the following (and note that some places require reservation beforehand):

The usual things to do are to visit the Rijksmuseum, Anne Frank House, Van Gogh Museum and make a canal cruise. Grab a random flyer from a random hotel and you'll get it.
Museum Ons' Lieve Heer op Solder (Our Lord in the Attic): A hidden gem—a secret Catholic church built in the attic of a 17th-century canal house during a time when Catholicism was outlawed.
De Poezenboot (cat boat): Not for visiting but nice to walk by. They have cats.
Woonbootmuseum (Houseboat Museum): Get a unique insight into life on Amsterdam's canals by exploring the inside of a traditional, fully furnished houseboat.
STRAAT Museum: A massive warehouse in the NDSM Wharf showcasing an impressive collection of international street art and graffiti. A must-see for lovers of urban art.
EYE Filmmuseum: An architectural marvel on the IJ river, dedicated to the art and history of cinema, with regular exhibitions, screenings, and a fantastic restaurant with a view.

Hanging out and shopping

If you want to relax, the famous park Vondelpark is legendary for hanging out. And if you are looking for a more sophisticated option, do visit the Hortus Botanicus. Or the Begijnhof, a tranquil medieval courtyard. Further away, the Amsterdamse Bos is quite large and is perfect to stay an entire day.

For shopping options, head over to the Negen Straatjes (translated: Nine Streets). The Kalverstraat and Leidsestraat are very popular shopping streets as well. Or head for the neary Haarlemmerdijk. For a market experience, head to the Albert Cuyp Market (anything goes), the Waterlooplein flea market or the Bloemenmarkt (flowers).

Food options

Foodhallen: A trendy indoor food hall.
Winkel 43: Taste the legendary Dutch apple pie with a generous dollop of cream.
De Kas (Kamerlingh Onneslaan 3): restaurant in a greenhouse. Reservations are required.
In for a quick snack? Head over to one of the FEBO snack-vending machines for a kroket or frikandel. How Dutch can you go?

Visiting Utrecht and Amsterdam

Visiting Utrecht

Sight-seeing

Shopping

Food and drinks

Getting around

Visiting Amsterdam

Sight-seeing

Hanging out and shopping

Food options

MageUnconf NL 2025

Le unconf team