Utrect Budget Travel is somewhat possible because it is a college town that offers several hostel options. With its fame as having the largest university in the Netherlands as well as seat of both the Dutch Catholic and Protestant Churches, Utrecht has an interesting intellectual robustness. Budget travelers will also enjoy visiting Utrecht's many specialty shops lining the main canal of the city.

Special Budget Travel To Do's

• A good place to get oriented is at the VVV at Dompl. 9 , which doles out free maps and listings of museums. 
• Watch national theater performances at the Stadsschouwburg for a reduced fee of 7 or 9 euros if you show up at the ticket office 30 minutes in advance. Normally the discounts are only offered to people of student age.
• Attend the Parade, from July 16 to August 1, a theater and comedy festival.
• Climb to the top of the tallest cathedral in the Netherlands, the Dom Tower. Admission is 7.5 euros.
• Lovers of the De Stijl movement can visit the Rietveld Shroder House for 16 euros, which includes admission to the Centraal Museum and transportation between the house and museum. Closed on Mondays.
• Watch a free Sunday night movie at the ACU Politiek Cultureel Centrum at Voorstr. 71 . Grab a beer for only 1.7 euros.

Where to Sleep for Cheap

Utrecht offers several budget accommodations, 2 of which are:

• Strowis Hostel at Boothstr. 8. The hostel has a friendly staff and rooms are reasonably priced. Price for a 6-bed dorm starts at 16 euros. Doubles cost 58 euros.
• Hello B & B, near the central train station. Doubles start at 33 euros. Breakfast is included in the price.

Where to Drink

Lining the Oudegracht Canal are many cafes which are packed to the brim on sunny days. A popular one is the Ledig Erf, located at the southern portion of the canal, which offers lots of outdoor seating.

Utrecht is a university town and with it comes plenty of students and cheap beer. You can catch live music and footloose patrons enjoying themselves until 3 a.m. at 't Oude Pothuys, located at Ouderg. 279 . Beer is only 2 euros. Down the street at Oudergr. 196 you will find a wide selection of beers at the Kafe Belgie.