My Hoog Catharijne Adventure: Shopping, Secret Canals & Boat Rides in Utrecht

Full 1

BLOG

The Day I Discovered Utrecht's Most Surprising Shopping Center

It all started when I stepped off the train at Utrecht Centraal Station. I’d heard about Hoog Catharijne – this massive shopping center right next to the station – but nothing prepared me for what I found. What I thought would be a quick shopping trip turned into a full day of exploring hidden canals, indulging in Dutch treats, and discovering why this place is so much more than just another mall.

First Impressions: A Shopping Center with Personality

The moment I walked in, three things struck me:

The glass ceilings flooding the space with natural light
The modern Dutch design everywhere (even the benches looked stylish)
The sheer size of the place – over 120 stores!

Pro tip: Grab a map at the information desk or you might miss some cool spots. I learned this the hard way after circling the same H&M twice.

My Shopping Adventure Begins

1. The Tech Temptation Station

I swear I only went into the Media Markt to charge my phone. Famous last words. Before I knew it, I was:

Testing the newest iPad (“For research purposes”)
Playing with the latest camera (“Just curious”)
Walking out with new AirPods (“They were on sale!”)

👉 If you’re smarter than me, check Apple deals online first

2. Dutch Design Discoveries

In ‘t Oude Ambachtenhuis, I found the perfect souvenirs:

A mini Delft Blue vase (way classier than a plastic windmill)
Handmade cheese boards (for all that Gouda I planned to buy)
Beautiful ceramic pieces (that made me wish I had a bigger suitcase)

3. Fashion Finds

The Sting had some great Dutch streetwear, while Zara offered those perfect basics. But the real surprise was discovering smaller boutiques with unique local designs tucked away in quieter corners.

The Secret Beneath Our Feet: Hoog Catharijne’s Hidden Canal

Just when I thought I’d seen it all, I discovered the mall’s coolest secret – there’s an actual historic canal running underneath it!

The Story of the Lost (and Found) Canal

Back in the 1970s when Hoog Catharijne was built, part of Utrecht’s Catharijnesingel canal was covered up. But in a brilliant urban renewal project completed in 2020, they brought part of the canal back to life!

How to Find It

Head towards the Stadhuisbrug (City Hall Bridge) near the mall exit. There, you can:

See the water glistening below
Spot small boats passing through
Get that surreal “mall-over-water” Instagram shot

Standing there, I had one of those “Only in the Netherlands” moments – shopping above a centuries-old canal system!

Fueling Up: My Food Court Adventures

All this exploring worked up an appetite. Luckily, Hoog Catharijne’s Food Line offered:

Must-Try Dutch Treats

Stroopwafels (freshly made and still warm)
Bitterballen (those delicious fried meatballs)
Poffertjes (mini pancakes with powdered sugar)

International Options

Sushi that was surprisingly good
Burgers for when you need something hearty
Healthy salads (for balance, obviously)

👉 Check current food options here

From Mall to Canal: My Impromptu Boat Tour

Seeing that hidden canal got me curious about Utrecht’s famous waterways. Right outside the mall, I spotted boat tour operators and decided to continue my adventure on the water.

Why You Need to Do a Utrecht Canal Tour

Unique Perspective: See the city’s famous wharves and cellars – a feature found only in Utrecht
Hidden History: Learn about medieval Utrecht from guides who actually make history fun
Relaxing Break: After shopping, there’s nothing better than sitting back with a drink (some tours offer wine and cheese!)

I opted for the “Romantic Canal Cruise” (even though I was alone – no shame!) and it was the highlight of my day. Floating past centuries-old buildings while the sun set? Pure magic.

👉 Book your canal cruise in advance here

Making the Most of Your Visit

Best Times to Visit

Weekday mornings (9-11am): Peaceful shopping
Evenings: Beautiful light through the glass ceilings
Avoid Saturdays if you dislike crowds

Nearby Attractions

Dom Tower (5 minute walk)
Oudegracht canals (10 minutes)
Railway Museum (great for kids)

Getting There

From Amsterdam: Just 25 minutes by train
From Rotterdam: About 40 minutes
By car: Parking available but expensive

👉 Check train times and tickets here

Final Thoughts: More Than Just a Mall

Hoog Catharijne completely changed my perception of what a shopping center could be. It’s not just stores – it’s:

✅ A piece of urban history
✅ A gateway to Utrecht’s canals
✅ A surprisingly pleasant place to spend a day

Whether you’re:

A serious shopper
A casual explorer
Someone who just likes cool architecture

…this place has something for you. And that boat tour? Absolutely worth it.

Have you visited Hoog Catharijne? What was your favorite part? Let me know in the comments below!

P.S. Want more Netherlands travel tips about Utrecht? Check out video Ultimate Guide to Utrecht next!

Affiliate Disclosure: This blog post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps support the blog and allows me to continue sharing my travel experiences with you. Thank you for your support!

Hello! I’m Roy Hermans, a Dutch adventurer exploring the world as much as I can. Based in the Netherlands, I share all my travel experiences and adventures along the way.

Feel free to follow me, drop a comment, or reach out via email for more details or travel tips!

Keep traveling!