Race to Utrecht for the European Youth Olympic Festival 2013

The European Youth Olympic Festival (EYOF) is an all-European sporting event. With the winter event held in Brasov earlier this year, European athletes are now gearing up for the summer edition to be hosted by Utrecht in the Netherlands. First held in Brussels in 1991, the main objective of the event is in the same spirit as the Olympics, a peaceful way of bringing together people through friendship, solidarity and fair play.

See the Stars of Tomorrow

To be held From the 15^th to 19^th July, 2013, the EYOF in Utrecht will include summer sports such as Athletics, Basketball, Judo, Tennis, Gymnastics, Volleyball, Cycling and Swimming. Spread over seven different venues, this European sporting event promises to be a thrilling one. There are also two different Olympic villages to house all the athletes who will be congregating in this lovely city. So if you enjoy healthy competition and great spectator sports, then head to Utrecht and see the Olympic champions of tomorrow compete for glory.

Swimming, one of the many sports to be played at the European Youth Olympic Festival in Utrecht this year

Explore the Bazaars

Whilst in Utrecht there is plenty to see and do, so do get out and about to explore the town. Utrecht is famous for its markets and there are three main ones worth visiting.  The Lapjesmarkt is famous for its fine fabrics, and is also the largest and oldest fabric market in Holland. Even if you don’t intend to shop, this 400-year old market is worth a visit when visiting Utrecht. Another must-visit market is Bloemenmarkt, the local flower market. Bloemenmarkt takes place at two different locations; the Janskerkhof and at the Oude Gracht and Bakkerbrug. The variety of vibrant colours and scents are sure to leave you mesmerised.

Vredenburg is another interesting market to visit, especially if you like to just explore locally made products. It is the largest market in Utrecht and you can buy everything from electronics to vegetables to a variety of salty Dutch licorice!

City of Canals

Standing tall at 112 metres, the Dom Tower is not to be missed. And if you are up for some adventure, you can also climb up the 465 steps to the top for some fabulous views across the town. Looking down over the city, it is hard to miss the canals, a hallmark of many Dutch towns. To see the city from a slower pace, you can take a tour on the canals, and enjoy the historic waterside houses and beautiful trees.

The beautiful canals of Utrecht

A part of the New Dutch Waterline, a waterfront defence system that was developed in the 17^th century, the eight fortresses of Utrecht are a must-see.  They are located in scenic areas around the city, and can be explored by canoe, cycle and even skating. There are specially designated fortress trails so you can make a day of discovering these historic buildings.

Want to explore Utrecht? MakeMyTrip offers flights to Amsterdam from where you can take a bus or train to Utrecht.