Nijntje Pleintje

Nijntje Pleintje is a small square in Utrecht that is named after Nijntje, the rabbit known in English as Miffy, and it stands near the museum devoted to her creator, Dick Bruna. Bruna was born in Utrecht in 1927 and lived in the city for most of his life, and in 1955 he published the first picture book about a little white rabbit, which went on to be translated into dozens of languages and sold in huge numbers around the world. The name Nijntje is short for konijntje, which means little rabbit, and the character is one of the best loved figures in Dutch children's culture.

The square is a gentle tribute. Like much of the Miffy world, it is playful and simple, and it is marked by a statue of the rabbit and by elements that reflect Bruna's bold style, with its clean lines and bright primary colours. The city of Utrecht has taken the rabbit to its heart, and in the old centre you may see Miffy-shaped traffic lights at crossings, a detail that delights children and tourists alike. The square is a meeting point for families, a place for photographs and for children to play, with the historic streets of the centre as a backdrop.

The museum itself, the Nijntje Museum, is in a former convent building at Agnietenstraat 2, part of the Centraal Museum group, and it presents the world of Miffy through games and activities designed for small children, as well as a look at how Bruna worked. He designed each picture with great care, using a limited palette and a black outline, and he refined each image until it was as simple as possible. Visitors can see original drawings and learn about his creative process, and there is a shop selling books and souvenirs. Admission rules differ for children and adults, and opening hours are usually from morning to late afternoon from Tuesday to Sunday, so check before you go. The museum is best for children from about two to six, and tickets are timed, so booking ahead is wise.

The square is open at all times and free, and it can be enjoyed whether or not you visit the museum. Nearby in Utrecht, the Centraal Museum, the Dom Tower, the Oudegracht and the Domkerk are within a short walk, and the whole centre is compact and pleasant for families with strollers.

The square suits families with young children and fans of children's books and graphic design. It takes ten minutes, and it combines well with a visit to the museum and a stroll along the canal.