Exploring Utrecht’s Hidden Corners with a Murder Mystery Twist

If you’re wondering whether an interactive city walk centered around solving a murder sounds like your cup of tea, you’re not alone. This Utrecht-based experience promises a fun mix of exploring the city’s nooks and crannies while engaging your brain in a crime-solving game. Designed for groups, it’s a great way to see Utrecht in a unique, playful way—and it’s been highly praised for its engaging guide and innovative format.
We love that this tour offers flexibility—you choose your start time and pace—making it adaptable to different travel plans. Plus, with a very reasonable price point of just under $80 for up to 6 people, it’s a surprisingly affordable way to turn a typical sightseeing day into a memorable adventure. The only thing to consider is that it’s a self-guided experience with remote support, so if you prefer fully guided tours, this might not be your first pick.
This experience works best for groups who enjoy puzzles, a little storytelling, and discovering lesser-known parts of a city. If you’re traveling with friends or family who like a challenge and are comfortable using their phones for photos and hints, this murder mystery in Utrecht could be just the ticket.
Key Points
- Flexible scheduling allows you to start and pace the tour as you like.
- Affordable price for a fun, interactive activity—only $69 per team.
- Includes a city map and instructions, plus remote guidance via WhatsApp, making it easy to follow without a guide physically present.
- Perfect for small groups (up to 6), making it intimate and manageable.
- Engages participants with photo clues, encouraging exploration and teamwork.
- Highly rated for staff and guide responsiveness, making the experience smooth and enjoyable.
If you're drawn to exploring Utrecht on foot, we've looked into these other walking experiences
What Is the Murder Mystery Tour in Utrecht?
This isn’t your typical sightseeing walk. Think of it as a live-action puzzle where you’re part detective and part explorer. The story kicks off with a murder that the local police just can’t crack. Your mission? Help them find out who the culprit is by visiting key locations around Utrecht, taking selfies at photo spots, and following clues.
The game lasts about 3 hours, which is usually enough time to soak in the city’s atmosphere without feeling rushed. The fact that you’re working with an interactive map and picture clues makes the experience accessible, even if you’re not familiar with Utrecht’s every corner. Plus, the flexibility to choose your start time means you can fit it seamlessly into your day.
The Itinerary—What Do You Actually Do?

Once you get your instructions via email, you’ll start by familiarizing yourself with the game’s rules and objectives. The core activity involves roaming around Utrecht, visiting designated photo destinations that the game highlights. The idea is to find these spots, take selfies with your team, and gather clues based on your photos.
Each correct selfie earns you a clue—making it a scavenger hunt of sorts. It’s a different way to learn about the city, as you skip the usual landmarks and instead focus on locations that are part of the story. The game is designed to be solvable within three hours, but it’s flexible if you want to take your time or push through faster.
Participants will appreciate the remote guidance from an instructor via WhatsApp, which comes in handy if you get stuck or need clarification. This support makes the experience less stressful and more engaging, especially for those new to puzzle games or city exploration.
Discovering Utrecht’s Best-Kept Secrets
While this tour isn’t about seeing every major site, it encourages you to explore Utrecht’s less touristy spots. These hidden corners often have fewer crowds and more local flavor, making your adventure more authentic. Plus, the map provided helps you navigate and discover spots you might otherwise miss.
From the feedback we’ve seen, players have enjoyed the personalized and prompt responses from the guide—which really helps keep the momentum going. The game’s design encourages teamwork and problem-solving, making it a hit for groups looking for something different from the usual walking tour.
The Value: Is It Worth It?
At just under $80 for a group of six, this activity is not only affordable but also packed with value. Compared to traditional guided tours, you get to control your pace and focus on the parts of Utrecht you find most interesting. The fact that it includes a map and instructions along with WhatsApp support means you’re not left to figure things out on your own.
The reviews highlight how much fun people had—”Highly recommended,” said one traveler who enjoyed cracking the case with her kids, despite leaving some places unexplored. The experience combines entertainment with exploration, making it a good choice if you’re tired of conventional tours or want an activity that’s a little more interactive.
For broader city exploration in Utrecht, we've covered these other tours
- Discover Utrecht: a Self-Guided Augmented Reality City Tour
- Discover Utrecht with a self-guided Outside Escape city game tour
- Our Utrecht City Tour (Limited group size & optional Lunch)
- e-Scavenger hunt Utrecht: Explore the city at your own pace
- Utrecht Central: Outside Escape City Tour! Super fun!
- Utrecht: Enjoy the charming city with your pro photographer
The Experience for Different Travelers
This tour works well for friends, couples, or small families who enjoy puzzles, city adventures, or just trying something a bit out of the ordinary. It’s particularly suited for those who appreciate self-guided experiences but still want some expert support. If you’re traveling with kids old enough to handle puzzles and selfies, they’ll likely find it fun too.
However, it’s worth noting that this isn’t a full sightseeing tour of Utrecht’s top landmarks. If you’re after a deep dive into the city’s history or major sights, you might want to pair this with a more traditional tour.
Final Thoughts: Is This Tour for You?
If you’re after a unique way to discover Utrecht that’s interactive, budget-friendly, and tailored to your pace, this murder mystery walk could be a real win. It’s especially appealing if you enjoy puzzles, team activities, or are traveling with a small group eager to explore together.
The combination of a well-structured game, a helpful guide in the background, and the chance to uncover Utrecht’s hidden gems makes for a memorable outing. Plus, the flexibility to start whenever suits you and the support via WhatsApp are thoughtful touches that add to the overall value.
While it’s not a comprehensive sightseeing tour, it’s a clever way to see a different side of Utrecht—more playful, more engaging, and just different enough to stand out.
Exciting Murder Mystery – Interactive city walk in Utrecht
“Had a great time with the kids. We had a few places left to explore but we cracked the puzzle. Awesome way to discover the city. Rob was very pleas…”
FAQ
Can I start the tour whenever I want?
Yes, you can choose your own start time, which makes planning your day much easier.
What does the price include?
The fee covers a map of Utrecht, instructions for the game, and remote guidance from an instructor via WhatsApp.
Is this tour suitable for children?
While not explicitly stated, the game involves finding photo spots and solving clues, so older kids who enjoy puzzles might find it fun. It’s also private, so you can adapt it to your group.
How long does the tour last?
Approximately 3 hours, but you can adjust your pace since it’s flexible.
Are there any additional costs?
Phone usage is not included, and any consumptions at the locations are not covered.
Is there a money-back guarantee?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
In all, this murder mystery city walk in Utrecht offers a playful, engaging alternative to traditional sightseeing. It’s a fantastic choice for small groups who want to combine exploration with a bit of detective fun—without breaking the bank or feeling rushed. Whether you’re traveling with friends, family, or a partner, this activity adds a memorable twist to your Utrecht adventure.
More City Tours in Utrecht
- Utrecht Monster Mystery: Self-Guided Puzzle City Quest
- Utrecht: Enjoy the charming city with your pro photographer
- Utrecht Central: Outside Escape City Tour! Super fun!
- e-Scavenger hunt Utrecht: Explore the city at your own pace
- Our Utrecht City Tour (Limited group size & optional Lunch)
- Discover Utrecht with a self-guided Outside Escape city game tour
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- Private Tour from Amsterdam: De Haar Castle & Railway Museum
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More Utrecht experiences we've covered
- Exciting Murder Mystery – Interactive city walk in Utrecht
- Private Tour from Amsterdam: De Haar Castle & Railway Museum
- Utrecht: Park Entry Ticket De Haar Castle
- Utrecht: Ultimate Leos Pub Crawl with Local Host & Shots
- Your Own Utrecht Tour: Quest for mysteries and treasures
- Utrecht: DOMunder Entry Ticket with Guide
- Utrecht: Ludwig’s Original Pub Crawl with VIP Club Entry
- Utrecht: Ludwig’s Private Pub Crawl with VIP Club Entry
- From Amsterdam: Utrecht, Oudewater, & Gouda Day Trip
- Utrecht Private Walking Tour
- Historical Utrecht: Private Tour with Local Guide
- Utrecht Monster Mystery: Self-Guided Puzzle City Quest


