Amsterdam has fallen victim to over tourism in recent years after drawing travellers in with its infamous red light district and cannabis coffee shop culture.
In 2023, the popular destination introduced a campaign to discourage tourists from visiting for drug and alcohol-fuelled parties.
Dubbed ‘stay away’, the initiative began with male British partygoers between 18 to 35 years.
‘This online discouragement campaign is aimed at nuisance tourists who want to visit Amsterdam to ”go wild”, with all the ensuing consequences,’ a statement from Amsterdam city council read at the time.
Soon after, the city saw a 22 per cent drop in arrivals from the UK compared to pre-pandemic levels and locals were reported to be ‘overjoyed’.
But now, there is another wonderful Dutch city which wants to welcome British tourists – and it has canals and impressive architecture.
Utrecht is an intimate city located in the centre of the Netherlands, and is only a short train journey from the capital.
It boasts narrow streets to explore, plenty of boutiques and cafes, and just like Amsterdam, features a canal and is bustling with cyclists.
Utrecht is an intimate city located in the centre of the Netherlands, and is only a short train journey from the capital
It boasts narrow streets to explore, plenty of boutiques and cafes, and just like Amsterdam, features a canal and is bustling with cyclists
Visitors can enjoy the 368ft tall Dom Tower which was formed part of Utrecht’s cathedral.
After a 465-step climb to the summit, those who make it all the way to the top are greeted with breathtaking views of the city.
Utrecht even made Lonely Planet’s list of The 25 Best Destinations for 2026.
It was described as ‘a brilliant destination for a weekend break’ and features an intriguing ‘compact medieval centre’.
Lonely Planet praised the city’s canals as ‘unique’ due to them being on two levels.
The waterways were built 700 years ago and feature doorways that open onto the water.
The canal walkways have a rich history and are lined with 13th-century vaulted cellars, previously used by merchants to store goods.
Meanwhile, the city’s ‘independent shopping scene is a real delight’, according to Lonely Planet.
It was described as ‘a brilliant destination for a weekend break’ and features an intriguing ‘compact medieval centre’
Lonely Planet praised the city’s canals as ‘unique’ due to them being on two levels
With bookshops, artisan craft stores and other endearing boutiques, there is plenty of choice for tourists looking for gifts to take home.
The location is even home to the impressive art installation and UNESCO-listed Rietveld-Schroderhuis.
‘And as you wander the city, keep your eyes peeled for Miffy, the iconic picture book bunny whose pointy-eared silhouette has become a cherished symbol of the city,’ Lonely Planet penned.
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Swap Amsterdam for this wonderful Dutch city with canals – which actually wants British tourists
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