With Spring here and the temperature finally enjoyable to be in there are many activities that can now be done in warmer weather. Forget about Amsterdam and find out how to explore Utrecht! Why don’t you visit another charming Dutch city – Utrecht! Utrecht is the best place to be during this time of year. Everything just feels so gezellig (cosy) and there are countless of things to do. However, we aren’t talking about the basic tips and searches found on google. If you’re looking for something different do I have the perfect itinerary on how to explore Utrecht in the Spring & Summer.
Start the day at a Cafe
I recommend starting the morning by grabbing coffee at ‘tkoffieboontje. They make the best Dirty Chai Lattes and their vegan cakes are to die for! Take a window seat and enjoy the cozy ambiance of this charming cafe. This is the perfect place to start your day since it is centrally located to all of Utrecht’s hotspots near the Oudegracht (Old Canal).
Stroll by the Canals and explore
The great thing about Utrecht is that you can explore most of it by foot. Take a stroll by the Oudegracht and you will discover more beauties that this city has to offer. Unlike Amsterdam many bars, restaurants, terraces and even people’s homes are tucked alongside the canals. Spend some time taking a leisurely stroll enjoying the view. If you’d really like to slow down and enjoy things I recommend bringing a blanket, good book and a bottle of rosé.
Visit a Street Market
All that canal strolling may have you hungry for a bite to eat. I recommend stopping by Vrendenburg market. It is located right outside of centraal station and may be the closest market from the canal. There are a variety of stalls selling food, produce and fish. I always come for resh Kibbeling (fried fish) but if you have a sweet tooth try a fresh made stroopwafel.
How to Explore Utrecht with Gardens
If you’re a nature lover then the Botanic Gardens is a must see! It’s not far from the city centre and is easily accessible by bike or public transport. There are differents parts that you can visit such as the tropical greenhouse, vegetable garden, rock garden surrounded by water and a bamboo forest. They even have a café that you can lunch at. My absolute favorite spot was the butterfly exhibition garden which holds a variety of species. We spent two hours at the Botanic garden but you can easily spend half a day here.
How to Explore Utrecht : Go to a ‘Beach’ Bar
If you’re looking for a terrace with a canal view, good vibes and drinks then please go to Soia! This ‘city beach’ is my favorite place in Utrecht. While not actually a beach it is a great way to spend your time outside during the warmer months. You can relax by the canal with a beer in hand or attend one of their yoga sessions that occurs on the roof terrace. And on the weekends, they host parties with live DJ’s, so you can get your dance on.
Party the night away at Tivoli
After chilling at the beer bar the best way to cap the night is by heading to the city centre and listening to some live music. Tivoli is a concert hall that hosts a number of music acts and festivals with Dutch and International artists. I saw Fatboy Slim here last year for my birthday and the sound in this venue was amazing! Not to mention that the drinks were reasonably priced and there was enough room to dance until the morning. I highly recommended ending your night here because Tivoli is definitely worth it.
27 comments
What a pretty place! I would love to visit the botanical gardens first. It is such a relaxing place. So calm and idyllic!
I would love to visit someday. The outdoor sure look inviting.
Such a beautiful place! Love it,I will definitely add this to my bucket list.
Wow what a wonderful place to explore! I love this and I would get street food
Utrecht definitely looks “gezellig”! haha, I feel like I just sneezed with a smile saying that! We have only had short experiences in Amsterdam but have been meaning to return and explore more of the area nearby as well like utretch! That market is right up our alley since I love stroopwaffles! Also, the idea of a picnic at the “Beach” with a beer sounds like a perfect way to people watch!
SUCH A PICTURESQUE PLACE TO VISIT. I WOULD LOVE TO WALK AROUND THE CANALS AND VISIT THE STREET MARKET. SUCH A LOVELY GUIDE.
That’s a useful guide. Would love to visit this place someday
Utrecht is such an intriguing place. I can hardly wait to start planning my visit.
I LOVE Amsterdam, and by the look of things i’ll love utrecht too! Actually holland in general is one of my favourite places to visit, it’s so pretty and calm and i love the people. aw now i’m getting itchy feet, i can’t wait to travel again after lockdown is over!
It’s actually my first time to hear about Utrecht. Based on your itinerary, I think I’ll enjoy exploring the town. I’m into nature, culture, and of course people! I can’t wait to explore it myself!
Nice write up. BEAUTIFUL city i mist say.
What a charming town! I would love to visit one day.
Wow. this is definitely a virtual tour. Good thing I visited this site. Thanks for the tour
I have never been there but I would love to be there. Such a lovely place. You truly had a great time.
This looks like an awesome place to visit indeed!
I LOVE YOUR PHOTOS, I CAN’T WAIT FOR ALL THIS COVID BUSINESS TO JUST SUBSIDE AND TRAVELLING CAN BE ON AGAIN.
So refreshing to read your post when you are forced to stay home. Thank you for the trip back to our old world. It must be so much fun as well to spend a day with you!
I have never heard of Utrecht but there such a diversity of activities for anyone! Great recommendations!
The place seems to be very attractive… i have never been there but now wish to visit it once…….
Utrecht is amazing! I always recommend people to go there instead of Amsterdam as it’s not as ridiculously busy 🙂
I love the outdoor. I am sure this a fun adventure going to utrecht
You had me at coffee and beach bar 😹 drink coffee Untill its time for beer right?! 😉 also the canals look super cute!
Such a beautiful place! Thanks for sharing this!
x0x0,
Anna
❥ https://www.annalovelife.com/
It looks like a town with an old charm to it which I like. I also like the picture of the botanical garden 🙂
I’d love to visit UTRECHT.it looks like a beautiful place .
Hey, I visited Utrecht for a couple of days. Some friends of mine have a bakery there. That tiny town is very cute! I really would like to visit it again. I have nice memories
Love how you call this a cute town, while us dutch see utrecht as the ‘big city’. Love this post by the way! I LIve in hilversum, which is also a cute place close to utrecht. X
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