Utrecht is a buzzing student city, located right in the heart of the Netherlands. Just a 40 minute train ride from the capital city of Amsterdam, the city is easy reachable and a day trip is possible. The city attracts visitors with its beautiful canals, a historic city centre and laid back cafés and bars.
Getting around
To explore the city in the best way possible, it is recommendable to rent a bike! Be aware, that if you are not used to biking in the Netherlands it can be quite overwhelming in the beginning. But on the other hand, biking in the Netherlands is perfect, as bicycle lanes are provided all around the city and you are way quicker, than you would ever be by foot. Furthermore, you have the opportunity to discover a wider reach of the city.
Address: Stationsplein 131
Opening Times: 24 hours
Recommendation: /
Price: €€
Cafés and food
Brunch at Anne & Max
Since the last year the chain has two spots in the city. I would recommend the bigger one, which is located at Donkere Gaard 4.
The cozy cafe serves brunch and breakfast options in a relaxing setting. Anne & Max offer vegan and vegetarian friendly options and the pricing is moderate. I can highly redommend to order banana bread and a 'verse muntthee'.
Address: Donkere Gaard 4
Opening Times: 8:00/9:00 till afternoon
Recommendation: Banana bread
Price: €-€€
Lemongrass Thai Takeaway
Lemongrass is a small Thai food delivery service. Hidden in one of the narrow streets, it is quite difficult to find, but tourists and locals alike take the search to enjoy a hot Thai dish. As they take in your order, your dish will be freshly prepared and within minutes the small shop is filled with tasty smell of spices and coconut. Overall the whole atmosphere is welcoming and lively! Depending on the weather, you have the option to either take your food and see if you can find a spot at the canals, or you can grab a bar chair and enjoy your food in the restaurant.
Address: Nicolaasstraat 1
Opening Times: closed on Monday, 12:00-21:00
Recommendation: A curry with tofu
Price: €
Jasmijn & Ik
This asian-fusion kitchen inspired restaurant is worth a visit. The taste of the dishes will be a discovery of new spice combinations and your tastebuds will have a celebration. Another plus point for me, is that the menu can be adapted to diet requirements, such a vegan and vegetarian. As the dishes arrive at your table you will be stunned by the detailed presentation of the dishes! One last point to mention: If you are on a student budget this might be a place to either be taken from your parents, or only do once in a year, it can be a bit pricy!Address: Kanaalstraat 219-221
Opening Times: closed on Sunday and Monday, 17:30-23:00/0:00
Recommendation: Vegan Dumplings
Price: €€-€€€
Shopping
Twijnstraat If you are in the mood for a round of window shopping, I can only advise you to check out Twijnstraat! Twijnstraat is one of the oldest shopping streets in the city of Utrecht. The beautiful shopping street is home to a variety of small boutiques, cafés and original gift shops! A shop close to the Twijnstraat is the chocolate shop 'Cacao' (Address: Oudegracht 179). Make sure to pass by for a visit, as the shop offers a selection of handmade chocolates and pralines. If you are lucky you might be offered a small bite of chocolate to try. Delicious!
Address: Twijnstraat
Opening Times: most of the shops morning till late afternoon
Recommendation: Chocolate Shop Cacao
Price: €- €€-€€€
Lijnmarkt
Besides the Wijnstraat you can check out Lijnmarkt, a street which lays close by. Many boutiques offer great choices to add some fashionable pieces to your wardrobe. The Lijnmarkt is a lovely street filled with many shoe and fashion stores. When looking for some individual pieces, I would recommend a visit to the Domstraat. The small stores with their handpicked fashion items will amaze you! Concluding, when looking for a shopping opportunity within the Netherlands, Utrecht is definitely worth a visit, or even two!
Address: Lijnmarkt
Opening Times: most of the shops morning till late afternoon
Recommendation:
Price: €- €€-€€€
Sightseeing and Parks
Domtoren Nestled right in the heart of the city is the Dom Tower of Utrecht. The climb of the historical Dom Tower will take you exactly 465 steps up. Luckily the tour up the Tower includes some stops so you won't have to climb it all in one go. In addition the rewarding waits for you as soon as you reach the top: The view over the city is breathtaking! The Dom Tower is open to visitors all year long and you will be able to explore the Tower in a guided tour. Furthermore, special activities within the Dom Tower are offered once in a while.
Address: Domtoren
Opening Times: 10:00-17:00
Recommendation:
Price: 7.50€ / Student
Wilhelminapark
Last but not least, the Wilhelminapark. Located in the East of Utrecht, the park offers a great opportunity for a lunch break. Make sure to bring some typical dutch 'borrel' and stop by at an Albert Heijn to grab some baguette, hummus and some drinks. The popular park is visited by locals and tourists alike and everyone enjoys the green space in the city. With its memorable fountain and many old trees the park has something enchanted, almost fairytale like. During the weekdays you can spot yoga courses, runners and football teams in the park.
Address: Wilhelminapark
Opening Times: /
Recommendation: grab some snacks at Juuls Hummus
Price: free
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