Fun things to do in Utrecht

There are many nice coffee bars, but Bagels & Beans on Biltstraat is my favorite. That is because you can order a large coffee there (a kind of soup bowl that definitely will give your day a kick start).

A little further downtown, you will find De Ontdekking and The Village. Nice places to hang out and have a good conversation.

Jozef is located at a cute square in the city centre. A good place for coffee or lunch.

One of the hidden treasures is the terrace of Karel V. When the city centre terraces are packed with people on a sunny day, you will definitely find a chair in this little oasis.

A very special place is Zizo, close to the Old Canal. The interior is colourful and you'll be served by beautiful people.

The Botanical Garden is a great place for a relaxing stroll. In the summer there is always a special butterfly greenhouse.

Castle De Haar is a fairytale like castle in a nice park. The bike ride to get there is also fun (app. 60 min).

Castellum De Hoge Woerd is a modern replica of a Roman fortess that once stood there. Inside you'll find an exibition of Roman artefacts found in the area. Acces is free of charge.

Ofcourse, climbing the Dom Tower is a really great experience. At this moment the whole structure is being renovated and scafolded. For the time being, an elevator will be installed for an easy way up.

Navigate the canals by kayak together with me or board a tour boat from Schuttevaer. 

If you want kayak outside Utrecht, rent one at De Rijnstroom. Check my webpage about kayaking in Utrecht for more tips.

On colder days playing Jeu de Boule is a fun thing to do. Fairly new in Utrecht is a Jeu de Boule bar. Bue sure to make a reservation before you go.

The Kleine Dom is a wonderful playground inside the city centre. Inside you can grab your own coffee or tea. Check the map for the location.

Griftstede is a large playgroud just outside the city centre. They also have some animals.

De Berenkuil is a great outdoor playground where kids can swim. A lovely place to have a picknick and spend some time. It is somewhat hidden in a park, but check my map for the exact location.

De Moestuin has a large terrace and lots of space for kids to run around. It is a kind of urban farm and a nice place to have coffee or a healthy lunch. 

Nieuw Rotsoord is an interesting place run by volunteers. A safe places for little children to stroll around. There is a small bar with drinks and bites. 

The Railway Museum is something that both children and adults will love. Weekdays are better because less busy.

At the Maarsseveense plassen you can swim in wonderfully fresh natural water. There is a free and paid part.

Strijkviertel is a nice lake located just outside Utrecht. There is a small beach section on the eastside.

The Henschotermeer is a beautiful lake about 20 km east of Utrecht. Since last year there is an entrance fee, but still it is definitely worth a visit.

Located in Utrecht is the open air swimming pool Krommerijn.

The river Krommerijn upstream of Utrecht, provides some possibilities to swim.

See the map below for the locations.

At Keek in the Twijnstraat they make delicious and healthy lunches. It is often busy, but you can book.

Fort aan de Klop is a terrific places to have lunch or diner with kids.

Goesting has a beautiful terrace for a drink or having diner.

De Heeren van Leeuw is a good restaurant located in the lovely Twijnstraat.

In 't Oude Pothuys you can order nice cheesefondu. This bar/restaurant/jazzclub is located in a celler next to the Old Canal.

Just outside Utrecht, De Veldkeuken serves wonderful organic dishes for lunch and diner. Closeby, Theehuis Rhijnauwen, makes great pancakes. Both are located next to the river and forest and are nice places to go to.

For takeway, I often go to Asli. They cook good Indonesion food. Spicy and not expensive. You can also take a seat in their restaurant.

Bunk is a hotel / bar / restaurant in a monumental church. A beautiful and welcoming place to be.

Brewery Maximus is a brewery and bar under one roof. Tasty beers.

In the old city centre Derat, Belgie, Lebowski, Ledig Erf en de Bastaard  are relaxed places to have a drink.

Furthermore, Van de Streek en De Leckere are local breweries that make excellent craft beers. Available in most places. Cheers!

At Springhaver you will find good films, a tasty bite and a nice café.

't Hoogt, a temporary homeless cinema, is on tour. So in frequent changing venues they screen their movies. 

The Louis Hartlooper Complex is a cinema in a former police station. A nice place for a drink, diner and film.