Utrecht was the first city I visited as a lone traveller from England. I was worried about many things; getting the transfers from the airport, finding the hotel and above all I spoke not a scrap of Dutch. Stepping off the plane at Schipol - the airport in Amsterdam- I was greeted by easy to follow signs pointing me where I needed to be, to collect my luggage, then booths to buy train tickets, which I'd managed in under 2 minutes, and was quickly off on my way to get the train to Utrecht. Located right in the airport, the train station has ever so friendly staff that appear delighted to help you and will enter into a bit of friendly and polite banter with you too; so (after figuring out very quickly I was English) they helped me find the right train platform and off I went with a smile on my face. The train came in the next 5 minutes and whisked me off to Utrecht, which on arriving at the Utrecht station, was announed in English and had signs a plenty. I stayed in the NH Utrecht Hotel, which although maybe a bit pricey for a tourist (I was on buisness so didn't worry too much) would be a thoroughly recommended place (apart from the price of their internet connection!) as they have the best breakfast buffet you can immagine! Anyway, in and around the city: It was easy to navigate quickly away from the central area littered with offices, concrete buildings and the trainline, to the old areas next to the canal where you can find a beautiful spot to have a 3 course meal for 22euros. Again, on determining that you're English, the waiters and waitresses easily swap their language over to accomodate. The smoking ban has just this year been introduced so you're now more likely to suffer from smoke inhalation if you stand outside the pubs as everyone adopts an outside venue just to continue smoking. Don't think a public house is busy just because there's vast numbers outside - make your way through the crowd into the bar and you'll have the pick of the best seats!
If you can, venture out to Amersfoort, its 15 minutes away by train and has a lovely picturesque central canal area, a couple of windmills and rolling lushious green fields.
Overall, transport is brilliantly easy, food is nice and moderately priced and the people are ever so kind and helpful. Its maybe not the biggest European highlight, but its worth seeing.
Oh, and try the waffles!
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Advantages: Excellent activities, good accommodation, not too pricey Disadvantages: Range of food outlets could be better, lighting by signs could be improved
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