What to do in Utrecht: local tips
Discover the best places in Utrecht with our local tips
Aggelos Apallas
25 April 2025
It’s a gloomy winter morning in Utrecht, the kind that would leave fellow melancholics ecstatic. A gentle chill settles into my jacket as I bike past Oudegracht, Utrecht’s oldest canal, on my way to meet and interview Mariana, another Utrecht local, about the place I’ve called home for the past few years.
Nestled in the heart of the Netherlands – both geographically and, some would argue, culturally – Utrecht is one of the oldest cities in the country. You won’t find big crowds or flashy sightseeing buses here. Instead, there are flower markets on Saturdays, students zipping past on bikes, and canals lined with wharf cellars that have been turned into cafés, bookstores and bars. There’s something grounded about the city – it’s historic but not frozen in time; inspiring but not self-important.
I’ve always observed Utrecht draw people in with an unassertive allure; maybe it’s the layered architecture, with medieval and gothic buildings surrounded by modernist neighbourhoods; or maybe it’s Utrecht University, the country’s biggest university, adding youthful energy to the city’s centuries-old charm. One thing’s for sure: Utrecht’s vibrant character blends harmoniously with the slow-living culture of its locals. Where else can you climb the country’s tallest church tower, then grab a spontaneous coffee by the canal?
Over the course of our conversation, it becomes clear that Mariana shares my enthusiasm for Utrecht.
Originally from Lisbon, Portugal, Mariana moved to Utrecht three years ago, a city she now considers “the best in the country.” With a degree in film studies, she is deeply fascinated by cinema and everything related to the arts in Utrecht. “Culture here is truly within everyone’s reach because it's a city that values and invests in art, dialogue, and celebrating diversity,” she tells me as we walk around the city.
While listening to Mariana, I start to see Utrecht again through the eyes of someone still falling in love with it. What emerges feels like a nostalgic portrait of a city not found in guidebooks, but held fondly in the arms of a local.
This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.
The Stadsbuitengracht is a ring canal surrounding the old city centre of Utrecht. It was constructed in the 12th century as a defence fortification for the city.
Rachel (left), Mariana (centre) and Aggelos (right) after concluding the interview by the Oudegracht canal.
During our walking tour around Utrecht, we stopped to browse at the flower market.
Standing at 112,32 metres, the Dom Tower is the tallest church tower in the Netherlands. It was designed by John of Hainaut and constructed between 1321 and 1382.
You’ve described Utrecht as “the best city in the Netherlands.” Why is that?
Utrecht just has a charm you can’t find in any other city. If you get here, you know what the Dutch mean by feeling at home.
How would you describe your perfect day in Utrecht as a local?
I’m like an outdoor cat, so I’d rather be outside. For example, today’s a Saturday, so I would stroll around the city and visit all different kinds of markets – especially the flower market. Or I would stop by a café. I like enjoying the slow living – that’s something I see here a lot.
What is an aspect of Utrecht travellers seem to miss when they visit?
I feel like they miss Utrecht altogether. Even my friends, when they visit the Netherlands, always plan to visit more cities and leave Utrecht for last, thinking, “It's okay, we can visit Utrecht anytime.” They always return to the Netherlands because they realise they missed the best city. It’s a city that calls for more time.
There are so many things to see, like the Dom Tower, the tallest church tower in the Netherlands. It was closed due to construction until November 2024, and even Queen Máxima was here for its inauguration. I definitely recommend going up the tower if you can – you get a view of the whole city from up there.
You should also spend time exploring the canals, like Oudegracht and Catharijnesingel. If you take the stairs down to the water level, you’ll find cafés, restaurants and bars.
What do you wish visitors knew about Utrecht?
They should know about the little bunny, Miffy. Every other country knows her as Miffy, but here she’s known as Nijntje – and she’s from Utrecht!
Here you’ll find the Nijntje Museum, which is very interactive for kids, but I’ve been there and I also loved it, so I think anyone can go. There are several hidden spots in Utrecht where you’ll find Nijntje, so maybe you can create your own treasure hunt across the city.
What are other locations worth travelling to from Utrecht by train?
The Netherlands is generally very accessible thanks to its rail system, so day trips to other cities from Utrecht are quite easy.
There are many cities to visit, even within the province of Utrecht. I love Amersfoort, for example. You go there and you feel different. The architecture is great, the façades are beautiful, and there’s also the Mondriaan House. And, of course, the city centre is my favourite.
Before Utrecht, I lived in Vleuten, where you’ll find the biggest castle in the Netherlands: Kasteel de Haar. It has a massive, beautiful garden with swans and deer nearby. Sometimes, they even host festivals at night. To get to Kasteel de Haar, you need to get a train from Utrecht to Vleuten and rent a bike, walk or take the bus from there.
Any green spaces in or around Utrecht you’d recommend for nature lovers?
There are many parks close to the city centre, like Griftpark, which is great for barbecues in the summer – I’ve had quite a few there myself.
My favourite is Máximapark in Vleuten. It’s a massive park; you cannot walk the entire thing in one afternoon, so it would be good to spend a day there. It even has a beach area at the top with a bar, and deeper inside there’s a Japanese garden, too.
Miffy is a cartoon rabbit created by Dutch artist Dick Bruna for a series of picture books. Her original Dutch name, Nijntje, comes from konijntje, meaning "little rabbit."
Kasteel de Haar is the largest castle in the Netherlands, known for its fairytale appearance and lavish neo-Gothic design. Originally dating back to the 14th century, it was fully restored in the late 1800s.
A modern music complex in Utrecht, TivoliVredenburg is known for its unique architecture and diverse concert halls.
Oudegracht is the oldest canal running through Utrecht’s city centre, with origins dating back to the 12th century.
Are there any cafés or bars in Utrecht you’re particularly fond of?
De Ontdekking is a really nice café. They always have a variety of homemade cakes. 'Ontdekking' means discovery in Dutch, and their theme is inspired by different countries of the world. They have an amazing dirty chai, by the way – I totally recommend it.
There are also some cool local bars and venues with live music, like De Werfkelder and ‘t Oude Pothuys.
How does the cultural scene here differ from other places you’ve been?
There’s something happening here all the time. You have to visit Utrecht for whatever festival or event is currently happening. We have TivoliVredenburg, an event venue that’s great for all cultural activities: parties, concerts, classical music, jazz, and more.
There’s also Café Theater, a beautiful festival organised in collaboration with local bars and cafés that host new artists and allow them to showcase their art.
dB’s Studio, another example, is an alternative bar that hosts local up-and-coming bands every last Thursday of the month. You can watch them perform for a small entrance fee (usually 3-4 euros). I was there for New Year’s and they hosted a band, some magicians and even a karaoke segment!
Even the Netherlands Film Festival takes place in Utrecht, and during the summer, they have some nice outdoor screenings at Nieuwe Kerk near Jaarbeurs. Visitors can grab beach chairs and watch films nominated for awards.
Speaking of films, do you have any favourite cinemas in Utrecht?
There are great arthouse cinemas here, like Louis Hartlooper and Slachtstraat, where you can find all sorts of films.
I really like the smaller cinemas – my favourite one is Springhaver. It’s so nice! It has a little café inside, cosy lighting and it’s close to the train station.
What would you suggest to travellers seeking community in Utrecht?
You can always find activities or expat communities through social media or apps like MeetUp. There are photography groups, quiz and board game fan gatherings, etc.
I sometimes go to Café Marktzicht, which hosts a language exchange event called Taalcafé on Wednesdays. There are flags on every table and you join the table with the language you want to practise. Sometimes, I sit at tables with Dutch flags to practise my Dutch, while other times, I help people practise their Portuguese.
Describe Utrecht in one word.
Gezellig! It’s a Dutch word that describes a cosy feeling you can’t really translate into English. You feel comfortable in Utrecht – you feel at home.
Louis Hartlooper Complex is the largest art-house cinema in Utrecht, housed in a former police station with striking Art Deco architecture.
Oudegracht is known for its unique split-level streets and centuries-old wharf cellars. During the summer, it becomes a vibrant waterway where people can kayak through Utrecht's city centre.
Meet the Interrailer
Originally from Greece, Aggelos Apallas moved to Utrecht 3,5 years ago, where he now works as a Copywriter at Eurail.
Looking for more of the best places in Utrecht?
I highly recommend Café Olivier, especially if you're in the mood for a hot cup of coffee or chocolate on a chilly day. And when the sun’s out, Soia is great for a laid-back hangout by the Amsterdam-Rhine canal.
Change of currency
You cannot change the currency once you have a Pass in your cart. Remove the Pass, and then change the currency on the website header.