Utrecht, the fourth largest city in the Netherlands

Part of the University of Leiden's Botanic Garden, Hortus Botanicus was originally laid out in 1590, making it one of the oldest such gardens in the world. More than 10,000 botanical species along with dozens of bird species are found here, many from far-flung corners of the globe.

The National Museum of Antiquities (Rijksmuseum van Oudheden) features numerous archeological exhibits from Egypt and the Near East, as well as from Greek and Roman periods. Founded in 1818, this first-rate tourist attraction displays sculptures, ancient vases, and smaller objects from prehistoric to Roman times.

The wonderful Museum Boerhaave offers a fascinating look at the history of medicine and science through the centuries. Established in 1907 in a former convent, this excellent tourist attraction boasts a large collection of apparatus developed at the University of Leiden for scientific research and used across Europe.

Exhibits and displays at Naturalis are laid out in an easy to follow manner in departments dealing with topics such as animal and plant life, along with fascinating displays of fossils. For youngsters, many hands-on exhibits, including games and fun experiments, encourage a little learning while they play. Two cafes and a shop are located on-site. The museum underwent major renovations and upgrades that were completed in 2019.

Best accessed through an interesting old gateway displaying the figure of a lion with the city's coat of arms - one of three such gates leading to the castle - Leiden's castle (Burcht van Leiden) is a must-visit. Perched atop a 12-meter-high mound built to provide a refuge from flooding, this 11th-century fort, also known as the Fort of Leiden, was once protected by a circuit of walls 35 meters in diameter.

Considered so important a piece of architecture that UNESCO has deemed it a World Heritage Site, the stunning Rietveld Schröder House (Rietveld Schröderhuis) is a must-see for design buffs. Designed and constructed in the early 1920s by leading Dutch architect (and Utrecht resident) Gerrit Rietveld for a widower friend and her family, this attractive small home was decades ahead of its time in so many ways.

In the picturesque little town of Doorn is the last home of Germany's Kaiser Wilhelm II, Huis Doorn (known in English as Doorn Manor). Forced into exile after defeat in WWI, the Kaiser purchased Huis Doorn in 1920 and lived there until his death in 1941 at age 82 (he's buried in a mausoleum on the grounds). Originally a medieval castle, the house was rebuilt in Classical style in the 18th century, with only minor alterations since.

Located in the old Maliebaan train station, Utrecht's Railway Museum (Spoorwegmuseum) is the country's national railway museum and is a must-see for train buffs. Founded in 1927, highlights of this large, well-stocked tourist attraction include a cross section of the country's transit history, particularly its railroads and tram systems, with plenty of models and old vehicles to enjoy along the way.

Spread between the remnants of a former convent and the city's old Artillery Stables, Utrecht's excellent municipal collections - most of them created by locals over the centuries - are well worth a visit.

One of the more unusual of Utrecht's most popular tourist attractions is Museum Speelklok - or Musical Clock Museum in English - dedicated to music boxes, barrel organs, and other devices and instruments capable of playing music without human involvement (other than switching them on or cranking their handles). The museum was established in 1956, and its displays - many of them hands-on and interactive - include mechanical musical instruments from the 18th century to the present day, as well as domestic instruments, from tiny music boxes to massive fair organs, most of which can still be played.

One of the best ways to see the Oudegracht, along with the city's other charming canals, is from the water. Undoubtedly one of the best such adventures is the popular Utrecht Kayak Tour. This fun experience departs in the afternoon from Domplein, the Old City's central square, and kicks off with an informative overview of the city's rich history from your English speaking guide.

The canal starts in the southeast section of the city and traces, in part, what was once the original route of a section of the Rhine. The northern section of the Oudegracht includes segments of a canal built around AD 1000 that connected the Rhine to the River Vecht.