I don't usually go to malls when on holidays but Hoog Catherijne was unavoidable because the train station is right in the mall. Utrecht's train station is a major hub for the country so that means lots of people and the mall was really busy - it felt like rush hour with everyone hurrying to their destination and me just ambling along, checking out the stores.
The mall is the largest indoor shopping mall in Holland and covers about 6 blocks. Like malls everywhere, there were lots of shoe stores, music stores, book stores, clothing stores, etc., etc. and fashions and prices were similar to home. Little kiosks were set up to sell candy and food, including waffles and pancakes and there was a number of restaurants as well. The window displays of the stores were quite eyecatching with mannequins sporting rings through their nose, eyebrow or other body parts.
The Utrecht Tourist Information Centre is located in the mall and that was handy since I could get directions, a map and suggestions on what to see from the helpful guides. They will also book accommodations if you haven't got something lined up.
The mall also contains an exhibition & concert hall.
The main tourist areas like Domplein and Oudegracht are about a 10 minute walk away.
