Barts Best of: Utrecht, tips for a day out
With us, everyone always boards the train from their own city (don't drink and drive and also have some time to chat) and then we come together at some of the nicest things in Utrecht city. A bit of shopping, a bit of walking, a lot of talking and something to eat and drink at regular times. And then back home happily on the train, all shouting very loudly that next time it really has to be done faster. That's perhaps the most fun part... That ride back. Amsterdammers together on the train, people from Brabant together, people from Twente on their own (well), and then in the train extensively on the group app. Because of course we haven't spoken to each other at all just now (what is that?). Anyway, Utrecht is ideal for such a day, hence our best tips for spending a day strolling around this wonderful city. What to expect? Catering (lots of catering, we are very fond of that), shops and to do's.
- Daen's – Is a big favorite in Utrecht. You will find the store on one of the nicest squares in Utrecht: De Ganzenmarkt. It is a concept store, lunch café (also one of our favorite places), plant shop, daily to go and a hotel. There's a lot to see, but you certainly shouldn't miss the store! Daen's
- Thing I Like Things I love – If you continue a little further on the Oudegracht you will automatically end up at TILIL. Read everything about why this is such a great store and you are guaranteed to succeed. Thing I Like Things I love
- PUHA – Can be found on Voorstraat and sells things made by young designers. The perfect place to buy something special/unique for yourself or someone else. PUHA
- Red and Flower – Nowadays a little flower and plant shop is much more than just that. This also applies to the lovely Rood en Bloem, a store not too big in size, but in terms of selection and tips. Red and Flower
- Keck and Lisa – The store is as cool as the name sounds. With Keck and Lisa you can get lost in all the home furnishings and must-haves that they have. There are two shops, one completely focused on interior design and the other more on gifts and children. Keck and Lisa
- Wonderwood – Wonderwoud is already well known in Maastricht. A store full of plants and greenery (aha, hence the name). And can also be found in the nice Utrecht. Browse through the nice things for your home, followed by a cup of good coffee and a sweet cookie. It's amazing (almost impossible) to walk out the door without something green. Wonderwood
- Motel a Miio – You cannot (and do not want to) walk past this store on the Oudegracht. You will find sustainable and colorful tableware. Read more about Motel a Miio and why you should not miss this place if you are in Utrecht for a day. Motel a Miio
Utrecht. Why? Simple: because it is the best place to meet up with friends who have traveled all over the country after college. For an evening, but preferably for the whole day.
Beneath the Oudegracht, in one of those typical Utrecht wharf cellars, sits one of the city's most enjoyable outings. At Clay Atelier, you spend two full hours on paint and ceramics. Britt started the business in Eindhoven and expanded to Utrecht. Soft pastels are everywhere, there is lots of pink, and pots, brushes, and sample pieces are within easy reach.
You pick a piece (a mug, a plate, a small vase, a bowl), pull up a chair at the table, and get started. No painting experience is necessary, as stencils, templates, and inspiration booklets are ready, and there is always someone to help you brainstorm if you get stuck. Order a coffee or a glass of wine to go with it, and your outing is complete. bomb.
Your work is left behind for firing. About three weeks later, a glazed, dishwasher-safe finished result awaits you. You can come as a couple, but just as easily with a larger group: baby showers, bachelorette parties, and team outings easily find their place here. Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends.
We love scents, especially the scents of Marie-Stella-Maris. Even more fun if we can go to the store, smell all the nice smells and then leave with a full bag. Utrecht has such a wonderful Marie-Stella-Maris store and, as icing on the cake, a refill station. This way you can replenish your purchase later and less plastic is used. Good to know is the Happy Hour at the Refill Bar where you can go to the Refill Bar in the store every Wednesday afternoon between 13.00:18.00 PM and XNUMX:XNUMX PM to have your empty packaging refilled for half the new price. Just refill!
- Daen's – We just mentioned it briefly, but Daen's is and remains one of our favorite lunch spots. Especially when the sun is shining, you can sit outside on the terrace and enjoy the people passing by and the delicious lunch they serve. Daen's
- Coffee Leute – You will find Koffie Leute just outside the center on the Westerkade, with a casual atmosphere, Koffie Leute is your second living room in Utrecht. When the sun shines you can take a seat on the benches at the front and watch everything that sails past. Coffee Leute
- Bigolo – If you don't have time but want a good lunch, this is the place to go. The best Italian sandwiches in Utrecht can be found here. For a quick but good bite, Bigoli is the place for you. Bigoli
- Broil – Opposite Koffie Leute you will find Broei on the Oosterkade. A nice, cozy and uncomplicated neighborhood living room with a 100% plant-based kitchen. Broil
- Thyme – It's small but nice. A cozy lunch café in the middle of the city, with a modest terrace: Tijm is the place to be. You can come here for a nice cup of coffee, breakfast, cakes or lunch to stay/to go! Thyme
- Lucas – You will find Lucas on one of the many corners on Voorstraat. A cozy, cozy café with tables by the window where you can enjoy watching all the people walking and cycling past. Freshly made sandwiches and soup of the day on the menu. Lucas
- gys – Another great place on the Voorstraat is Gys, you can go here for a lot of tasty treats that are all vegetarian and as much as possible vegan. gys
- KEEK – You will find the KEEK lunch café in the always bustling Twijnstraat. KEEK bakes her own bread and turns it into a delicious lunch. And not only do they bake bread, but also delicious treats, so that lunch there will be just fine. KEEK
- Rhubarb – You will find it in the Zadelstraat small café Rabarberen, let's just say it: you could just walk past it. It's a shame. You want to moor here for a cup of coffee and order a sandwich. And people watch from the window seats. Rhubarb
Not enough lunch? Do we have a surprise for you! Read our extensive list of lunch spots and coffee spots in Utrecht.
- Boat sailing around the canal – If the weather is nice and you are in Utrecht to enjoy the city in peace, then renting a boat is a big tip. Renting costs around twenty euros for two hours. What is nice about renting a boat in Utrecht is that you can sail around the entire Singel and pass various nice spots along the water. Bring your own snack board, a bottle of wine, sunglasses on and off you go! The best way to rent a boat is via the Little Captain, where you can immediately have a good overview of all providers, prices and read reviews. Handy!
- Louis Runner Complex – If the weather is bad, or if you just feel like it, you can sink into one of the cinema seats at the Louis Hardloper film house on the Ledig Erf. After the movie you can have a nice drink, inside or outside. Louis Runner Complex
- Central Museum – Museums! Always a good idea. And so is the Central Museum in Utrecht. Located in the middle of the city, you can get lost in the museum's art collection. Central Museum Utrecht
- Railway Museum – Another museum in Utrecht that is fun to take in to do list, especially if you're going out with the kids. They will certainly go crazy about all the old trains that can be found there. They have a program consisting of various performances, exhibitions and events. Railway Museum
- Ping Pong Club – Fun to do with friends is playing ping pong at the Ping Pong Club. The ideal place to have a drink and catch up and do something active. A walk around the table between beers sounds fun, right? Ping Pong Club
Want to end your day with a good drink? Nothing is too much to ask of Utrecht, a selection of our favorite things in Utrecht:
- The case – We will of course start with De Zaak, which can be found at the Ganzenmarkt and is a big favourite. What do we like so much? The place of course, and the food concept: Bring your own food. Which means you can order whatever you want, but enjoy your food in a casual atmosphere. The case
- Bar Cava Here you can enjoy the perfect Spanish drink with, of course, a delicious glass of cava. Eat tapas or snacks from the barrels that are outside on the terrace under the cozy lights they have hanging. You've got us. Bar Cava
- Wine café Lefebvre – Wine lovers can take a seat in the Lefebvre wine café on the Neude. The perfect place for people watching and a good glass of wine. Wine café Lefebvre
- Soy – Is the weather nice? And do you have time to spare? Or even if you don't have time to spare, Soia is actually one must With an extensive terrace you can enjoy your cocktail in the sun. Plus point: when it is very warm you have the breeze here that comes from the Amsterdam-Rhine Canal. Soy
Would you like something more chic than having a drink on the terrace? Extensive dining is certainly possible in Utrecht.
- LE:EN – You will find restaurant LE:EN in an industrial building in the Rotsoord district of Utrecht. The menu at LE:EN consists of: Asian fusion dishes that are great for sharing. Coriander lovers should also come here, many dishes contain coriander and they are not careful with it. And if you don't like it, you will learn to eat it here. LE:EN
Read more about the best restaurants in Utrecht, because oh, Utrecht has plenty.
- Cafe Saar – Just outside the center of Utrecht you will find Café Saar. A cozy restaurant where the love for cheese is unmissable and they have plenty of natural wines on the menu. Cheese and natural wine lovers are therefore in the right place here. Cafe Saar
- Restobar Rosie – Located in the Lucasbolwerk and overlooking the Singel, Restobar Rosie can be found. You can go to Rosie for lunch, dinner or a good drink. A lot of attention is paid to beautiful, sustainable and unique products, which can be seen and tasted. In any case, Restobar Rosie has already won our hearts. Restobar Rosie
- vegan – Enjoy Italian food in Utrecht at Vegitalian. There are pastas, pizzas, antipasti and desserts very good. And you may have guessed it, everything is vegetarian. vegan
