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Undutchables in the city - Utrecht
If you're an expat looking to make the most of your time in the charming city of Utrecht, you're in for a treat. Utrecht, with its rich history and vibrant culture, has a lot to offer. In this guide, we'll take you through some fantastic places and experiences to help you get acquainted with the city.
Tourism:
Hoog Catharijne: One of the first places you'll likely encounter when arriving in Utrecht is Hoog Catharijne. This massive shopping mall adjacent to Utrecht Centraal Station is a shopping paradise, offering a wide range of stores, restaurants, and entertainment options. It's a great place to start your exploration of the city.
Bicycle Parking Stationsplein Utrecht: The Dutch sure do love their bikes! If you are in the neighborhood of the Hoog Catharijne anyway, you should definitely check out the largest bicycle parking garage in the world. Both convenient and impressive!
Music Museum: For music lovers, the Muziek Museum (Music Museum) is a must-visit. Located in the heart of Utrecht, this museum showcases the rich musical heritage of the Netherlands. Explore a vast collection of musical instruments and learn about the country's musical history.
Nijntje Museum: Utrecht is also the home of Nijntje (Miffy), a beloved character from Dutch children's literature. While it might not be the target audience we're hoping to reach, families with kids will appreciate knowing about the Nijntje Museum. Interestingly, there are enough tourists without kids who visit the museum too, although some might not see the point! This museum is also very conveniently situated across from the Centraal Museum, which is also an interesting museum with a mix of traditional and modern exhibits. The Museum Kwartier (south end of the city center) in Utrecht hosts a variety of additional lovely museums that you can add to your visit.
Railway Museum: In the land of public transportation, you will not want to miss out on the chance to visit the railway museum in Utrecht. Enjoy learning about trains in an actual real-life station, complete with theater, and fun interactive elements to keep the whole family engaged. Plus, keep an eye on the website to stay updated on their current exhibitions. With new activities and displays to experience every season, this is a museum that you can continue coming back to over and over again.
Rent a Kayak or Pedal Boat: Utrecht is known for its picturesque canals, and what better way to explore them than by renting a boat or a pedal boat? You can navigate the tranquil waters at your own pace, taking in the beautiful architecture and scenery that Utrecht has to offer. It's a memorable experience and a unique way to see the city.
If you want to make a day of it you can start with breakfast at Theehuis Rhijnauwen and end with lunch/dinner directly in the city!
Walk Across the Parks: Utrecht boasts numerous parks and green spaces, perfect for a leisurely stroll or a picnic. Be sure to explore Griftpark, Wilhelminapark, and the lush gardens of Oude Hortus. You can also get a taste of all of them by walking along the “park/walk way” which follows the moat that surronds the city center and mosies through various parks and interesting city sites along the way. These serene oases provide a peaceful escape from the bustling city life and sometimes there are amazing wine, food, trypical festivals. Check the park's agenda and events in general on the discover Utrecht website.
Dom Tower: Utrecht's iconic Dom Tower is a sight you can't miss. Climb to the top for panoramic views of the city and its surroundings. If you're lucky, you might even hear the church bells play the latest pop songs on a Friday afternoon. A great tip from the locals is to not miss the Pandhof van de Dom (The Dom's Garden) across the way and follow up your climb and garden stroll by popping in to a nearby café to enjoy a drink and the lovely view.
Kasteel de Haar: Take a day trip to the enchanting Kasteel de Haar, a stunning castle surrounded by lush gardens and picturesque landscapes. Explore the historic interiors and imagine yourself in a fairytale.
Explore Utrecht: For more insider tips and recommendations, check out Explore Utrecht. They also have an Instagram account, explore-utrecht, where you can find more inspiration for your Utrecht adventures.
For fun:
Broei: This lovely vegan restaurant on the Oosterkade is a favorite weekend stop for lunch. The menu changes frequently and they only use organic produce for their recipes.
Kimmade: Another favorite lunch spot for our team is, Kimmade is a small Vietnamese restaurant in the city center. The restaurant offers excellent rice rolls and banh xeo which are served by friendly staff.
30ML Coffee Roasters: More in the mood for an easygoing coffee break? Then you should check out 30ML Coffee Roasters with their tasty food and a great selection of specialty coffees and teas. You can also stop by Koffie Leute or The Village Coffee & Music for a chill atmosphere and tunes to go with your drink.
Lebowski: Party lovers and open-minded people will appreciate Lebowski, a cozy bar where you can easily get distracted by its decor and friendly atmosphere. It's a good place to have snacks and drinks and enjoy after work with your loved ones.
Café Lijn 4: If you are looking for a bar with a fun vibe, a large beer selection, and a beautiful interior then Café Lijn 4 is the one for you. Plus, they host frequent pub quizzes so you can bring your friends along and compete while enjoying a night out. This fun and atmospheric bar is located in the Museum Kwartier and used to be an old tram station.
Duke of Tokyo: Experience a wild and crazy night at the Duke of Tokyo, a karaoke bar that transports you to the vibrant streets of Asia. Sing your heart out in private karaoke rooms, and soak in the lively atmosphere.
Café Belgium: If you're a beer enthusiast, you must visit Café Belgium. This cozy establishment offers an extensive selection of Belgian beers, both famous and obscure. Pair your beer with some delicious Belgian cuisine for a truly authentic experience.
Olivier: If you're a fan of Belgian cuisine, visit Café Olivier, a delightful spot in Utrecht. Indulge in Belgian beer and delicious dishes in a charming setting in a beautiful old church.
De Kromme Haring: Speaking of beer... There are a lot of very nice, local breweries in and around Utrecht, and De Kromme Haring is at the top of the list for our colleagues in Utrecht thanks to their list of great (and surprising) beer options. If you are interested in checking out some other breweries and pubs, our team would also recommend Frontaal Little Bar, Vandestreek Bier Oudegracht, and Taplokaal Gist all with great food and over 25 beers on tap to choose from. Willing to trek a bit further out of the city center to try some great locations? Feel free to give Vandestreek Bier, Oproer Brouwerij, or Maximus Brouwerij a try.
‘t Oude pothuys: Another great local spot is ‘t Oude pothuys, where they have live music programs for every day of the week. Sundays are also open mic nights for the brave entertainer. 😉
Ruby Rose and Rum Club: For those seeking exciting dining and nightlife options, consider checking out Ruby Rose and Rum Club. These venues offer a fusion of flavors and a vibrant atmosphere to enjoy with friends.
Café Theater Festival: Utrecht is certainly not lacking in cultural opportunities and there are events and festivals throughout the year. If you are in Utrecht in the spring it is definitely worth visiting the Café Theater Festival. This event is set throughout Utrecht at a range of cafés and restaurants that host live performances. You can find the agenda and recommended route on the event website.
Louis Hartlooper Complex: For any movie lovers in Utrecht this is a nice choice. This 1920’s cinema is situated in a beautiful old building and offers a wide range of movie and event options.
TivoliVredenburg: Concert time! At the TivoliVredenburg you can find a large variety of concerts available all year long. Check out their agenda to find out what is coming up that fits your musical style and plan your melodic evening out.
Parnassos: If you are going to stick around a bit longer, you might be interested in following a course at Parnassos. This cultural institute is located in the city center and offers a wide variety of courses such as painting, drama, singing etc. They have courses throughout the year and offer specific summer courses during the months of July and August.
And last, but definitely not least:
Don't forget to visit our Undutchables Utrecht Office! We would love to say hi, so make sure to visit our Undutchables office conveniently located in the center of Utrecht. Our team is always ready to assist you with your job search and offer guidance on living and working in Utrecht.
These are just a few highlights to get you started on your Utrecht adventure. The city has so much more to offer, from its diverse dining scene to its vibrant cultural events and festivals. Whether you're here for work or leisure, Utrecht has something for everyone. Enjoy your time in this wonderful city!
Are you interested in working and living in the beautiful city of Utrecht? Check out our available vacancies or reach out to our Utrecht team to find out more.