Utrecht bucket list, what to do in Utrecht, fun things to do in Utrecht
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Utrecht bucket list: 27 fun things to do in Utrecht

Team YLBB

 

26 August 2021
Last updated: September 13, 2022

Looking for fun things to do in Utrecht? Plan a day (or night!) in Utrecht soon. In this new guide, we share the best things to do in Utrecht. An ultimate Utrecht bucket list, so you'll never be bored. A list full of tips that every Utrecht resident or (day) tourist should experience at least once in their life, if you ask us. From well-known to lesser-known places to visit and activities to do. Beautiful architecture and fantastic museums—it's all covered. Wondering what to do in Utrecht for a weekend getaway? With the tips from this Utrecht bucket list, you'll have plenty of time to do all the fun things! Have fun!

 | FAVORITE HOTELS IN UTRECHT: There are great hotels in Utrecht to suit every budget. From boutique hotels to trendy or ultra-chic, these hotels not only look great, but I personally had a wonderful stay. These are Yourlbb's favorite hotels in Utrecht that you'll want to know about: The Nox, Mother Goose, Muse Hotel, The Anthony Hotel, Moxy Hotel, Daen's Greenhouse, Grand Hotel Karel V & Eye Hotel. Use the links to check the best prices for your travel dates!

See here for a detailed description of the tested hotels in Utrecht >>

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**Rotterdam is a vibrant city: Rotterdam is a vibrant city** As a child I came there with my parents to shop, as a teenager and in my twenties to club. Now I love coming there for a weekend escape characterized by good food, nice wine bars and that typical Rotterdam down-to-earth attitude. Rotterdam is buzzing with creativity and has a real IT factor. In this mini-guide, I share my favorite hotspots that you'll really want to know. 📌𝗦𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝗱𝗲𝘇𝗲 𝗴𝘂𝗶𝗱𝗲 for your next trip to Rotterdam. 𝗖𝗢𝗙𝗙𝗘𝗘 ⦁ @parqiet_parkcafe ⦁ @dunerotterdam ⦁ @wollyaandewaterkant ⦁ @nice.neighbourhood 𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗬 ⦁ @morganandmees ⦁ @hotelame ⦁ @roommate_bruno ⦁ @thejameshotelrotterdam 𝗡𝗘𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗕𝗢𝗨𝗥𝗛𝗢𝗢𝗗𝗦 ⦁ Noord ⦁ Katendrecht ⦁ Dijkzigt (Museum Park) ⦁ Scheepvaartkwartier 𝗗𝗢 ⦁ Take the Watertaxi ⦁ @boijmans ⦁ Walk & unwind at de Kralingse Plas ⦁ @nlfotomuseum ⦁ Visit @stationbergweg 𝗘𝗔𝗧 ⦁ @tresrotterdam ⦁ @barbertarotterdam ⦁ @hinoki_rotterdam ⦁ @barbistroloevetdie ⦁ @oxrotterdam ⦁ @restaurant_rotonde ⦁ On my to-visit list, the new @lioncitybistro 𝗗𝗥𝗜𝗡𝗞𝗦 ⦁ @walsjerot_nl ⦁ @cafeverward ⦁ @spikizibar ⦁ @lenselinq 💌What's your favourite spot in Rotterdam? ✖️✖️✖️ 🖊️ @anne_de_buck
Maybe the last weekend with ice and snow ⛄️❄️ Are you cocooning indoors or preferring to go outside? In our Snowy Amsterdam Guide, I share my favorite winter tips for this weekend in the city. Save it – because snow days like this are rare 🥰 Do you have a nice winter tip for Amsterdam? I'm reading along 👀 ✖️✖️✖️ 🖊️ @anne_de_buck #snow #amsterdam #winter snow in amsterdam, things to do winter in amsterdam
I have always been part of the family and have always been proud of my work. NEW DATE AND EVENTS IN AMSTERDAM 🗝️👀 Mark your calendars! Because on January 17 & 18 Hotelnacht is back in Amsterdam with an edition full of health & wellness events and of course legendary parties that you will be talking about all year long. I got a sneak peek at The Art of Balance theme at the luxurious Anantara Krasnapolsky and arranged a similarly special experience for you as a YLBB follower. AND YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: • overnight stay for 2 people in a luxury room on January 17, 2026 • access to the spa & wellness (based on availability via the wellness desk) • pre-dinner cocktail at Bar The Tailor • fully catered chef's dinner • passe-partouts for the Hotelnacht parties • extensive breakfast in the Wintergarden • participation in the unique Ice Experience in the Summergarden of Krasnapolsky 𝗭𝗢 𝗠𝗔𝗔𝗞 𝗝𝗘 𝗞𝗔𝗡𝗦: • let us know who you would like to check in with at Anantara Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky during the Mastercard Hotelnacht • download the Mastercard Hotelnacht app where you can find the See the full program • and check out @hotelnacht and @anantarakrasnapolsky for the latest updates and to get the fun started! The winner will be notified on January 5th via a comment from @hotelnacht that I'll share in my stories. Fingers crossed for you! Love, Anne #hotelnacht #amsterdam #yourlbbcollab #winactie #giveaway
Merry Christmas 🎄❤️ I wish you very happy holidays. Curious what you are going to do today ✨. ✖️✖️✖️ @anne_de_buck PS: who recognizes this Christmas tree? 👀
I hope you enjoy it and have fun! 🎄 Send a message to that one friend you want to grab one with this weekend. 𝗭𝘂𝗶𝗱-𝗛𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱 – Royal Christmas Fair – The Hague (until 23 Dec) @royalchristmasfairthehague – Winter Wonder Weeks – Leiden (12–14 & 18–21 Dec) – Green Christmas Market – Rotterdam (12–14 Dec) – Dordrecht December Days Christmas Market – Dordrecht (13–14 Dec) – Rotterdam Harvest Christmas Edition – Rotterdam (13 & 20 Dec) 𝗚𝗲𝗹𝗱𝗲𝗿𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱 – Winter Festival Zutphen – Zutphen (14 Dec) 𝗟𝗶𝗺𝗯𝘂𝗿𝗴 – Christmas City Valkenburg – Valkenburg (until 4 Jan) Christmas Market – Delden Christmas Market – Delden (13 Dec) – Dickens Festival – Deventer (13–14 Dec) – (H)onest Christmas Market – Deventer (13–14 Dec) Christmas Market – Museumplein Christmas Market – Amsterdam (until 28 Dec) – Haarlem Christmas Market – Haarlem (12–14 Dec) – Funky Xmas Sunday Market – Amsterdam (21 Dec) – Pure Markt Winter Market – Amsterdam (21 Dec) 𝗨𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗵𝘁 – Winter Market Molen de Ster – Utrecht (13–14 Dec) – The Utrecht Winter Spectacle – Utrecht (18 Dec–4 Jan) Have fun! Nothing is as much fun as spontaneous plans in December. ✖️✖️✖️ 🖊 @anne_de_buck #yourlittleblackbook #christmasmarketnetherlands #christmasmarkets2025 christmasmarketamsterdam christmasmarketthehague christmasoutings thingstodointhenetherlands
𝗔𝗡𝗧𝗪𝗘𝗥𝗣𝗘𝗡 𝗚𝗜𝗩𝗘𝗔𝗪𝗔𝗬 👀 This is the coolest new hotel for a night away! Meet @viaantwerp , the newest boutique hotel in Antwerp on the border of Zurenborg and Borgerhout (yep, voted 2nd coolest neighborhood in the world by Time Out). I recently stayed at this gem and this hotel really has it all: a lively bar with a cozy atmosphere, walls full of creative art, beautiful bright rooms and it's within walking distance of great hotspots. And I haven't even mentioned @mea.antwerp! The delicious restaurant with a chef behind the pans who previously cooked at The Palomar in London. If you know, you know! And now the best news: I can surprise one of you with a dream night away at VIA Antwerp. 💛 𝗪𝗔𝗧 𝗝𝗘 𝗞𝗨𝗡𝗧 𝗪𝗜𝗡𝗡𝗘𝗡 • Overnight stay for 2 people • Breakfast included • Chef's dinner at MEA 𝗭𝗢 𝗠𝗔𝗔𝗞 𝗝𝗘 𝗞𝗔𝗡𝗦 • Let us know in the comments which friend you would like to stay here with • Of course, also take a look at @viaantwerp & @mea.antwerp to dream away and follow their updates The winner will be notified personally via DM on December 10th. I'm keeping my fingers crossed for you and will soon share a mini guide with more great tips for Antwerp! 🖤 ​​✖️✖️✖️ 🖊️ @anne_de_buck #antwerp #antwerp #zurenborg #antwerpencity #borgerhout

 27 fun things to do in Utrecht: the bucket list

Utrecht by bike: The best way to see a lot of a city in a short time is to rent a bike or take a cycling tour. When I'm abroad, I always plan all my cycling trips through Bajabikes. You can join a group or plan a private cycling tour with your own group. Compare the prices of a bike tour with those of a private bike tour here >>

Climb the Utrecht CathedralUtrecht's Dom Tower is the heart of the city and has a long history. You can now take the elevator up, but for the full experience, climbing the stairs is a must.
Domplein 21, Utrecht – domtoren.nl

☐ Dining and staying at Hemel & Aarde: By far our favorite new restaurant in Utrecht, because we had such a delicious meal at Hemel & Aarde. Reservations are essential, but definitely make a night of it, because the hotel is also great. The Nox the place where the restaurant is located is something special! heaven-earth.nl

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☐ Sailing on the canals of Utrecht: See Utrecht from the water. It's at least as beautiful as Amsterdam, and there are also opportunities to venture a bit further out of the city. There are several ways to explore Utrecht from the water. Which one will you add to your Utrecht bucket list?

Try a Mario sandwichIn Utrecht, everyone knows Mario's sandwiches. Order the tastiest Italian sandwiches from this stall in the city center.
Oldgracht 130, Utrecht – broodjemario.nl

☐ Stroll along the Oudegracht: Utrecht's most famous street is a must-do on any bucket list. This long street cuts through the entire city center from south to north. Along the way, you'll encounter fun hotspots like Teds, Keek, and Thing I Like, Thing I Love.

☐  Rent a canoe: One of the most fun things to do in Utrecht when the weather is nice, in our opinion, is kayaking through the canals. There are several places in Utrecht where you can do this, and a tour lasts about 3 to 3,5 hours.

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☐ Visit the Amelisweerd estate: Just outside Utrecht's city center, you can enjoy the tranquility of the Amelisweerd estate, the perfect setting for a lovely walk. There are also fun activities to do year-round, several restaurants to choose from, and plenty to see on the estate! Amelisweerd.com

☐ Try Dom Towers: The Dom Towers from Theo Blom's bakery are a must-try when visiting Utrecht. This sweet treat has been the bakery's specialty since 1922. Besides the Dom Towers, you can also get butter shortbread at Theo Blom's bakery. This cookie has been around since 1888 and is also a typical Utrecht cookie.
Saddle Street, Utrecht – banketbakkerijtheoblom.nl

Central MuseumAlso known as Utrecht's premier art museum. With an extensive collection of both old and modern art, the Centraal Museum is a must-see!
Agnietenstraat 1, Utrecht – tip: Book 'skip the line' tickets here 

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☐ Photo opportunity at the Rainbow Zebra Crossing: A real Instagram eye-catcher. A photo opportunity with this brightly colored zebra crossing is definitely on our list. Get there early to get the best shots. You'll find the zebra crossing near the Bijenkorf department store on Lange Viestraat.

Utrecht bucket list

More fun things to do in Utrecht

☐ Attend a concert at TivoliVredenburg: A visit to Utrecht's premier music venue is definitely on our bucket list. With five concert halls, there's always something fun to do at TivoliVredenburg.
Vredenburgkade 11, Utrecht – tivolivredenburg.nl

☐ Rietveld Schröder House: Everyone knows them, the designs and furniture by artist Rietveld. Take a look inside the Rietveld House and the extensive collection on display at the Centraal Museum.
Prince Hendriklaan 50, Utrecht – rietveldschroderhuis.nl

☐  Wander through the Botanical Garden: Utrecht's botanical garden might not be the city's most famous, but if you're looking to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life and unwind (perhaps with a good audiobook or podcast) surrounded by greenery, put Utrecht's botanical garden on your bucket list.

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☐ Try the Utrecht Vocking sausage: This Utrecht liver sausage is a true regional product. The Vocking family's butcher business has been in the family for four generations, and they've been making Vocking sausage using the same recipe for 125 years.

☐ Discover Voorstraat: Voorstraat is undoubtedly one of the streets in Utrecht where you'll find great shops and restaurants. Which hotspots shouldn't you miss? Read all the tips for Voorstraat here >>

☐ Miffy Museum: I think everyone knows the sweet, cheerful bunny, Miffy. In Utrecht, they have a whole Miffy museum, fun for the little ones.
Agnietenstraat 2, Utrecht – nijntjemuseum.nl

☐ Terraces on the Neude or Janskerkhof: Perhaps the most charming square in Utrecht. If you're spending a day in Utrecht, a terrace on the Neude is a must! The Streetfood Club in Utrecht remains our favorite.

The Railway MuseumIf you want to learn all about the world of trains, the Railway Museum is the place to be. This museum is fun to do with (young) kids!

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☐ Discover the best restaurants: We have already tested many great restaurants in Utrecht and of course a day in Utrecht is not complete without delicious food and drinks. Therefore, view all restaurant tips for Utrecht here >>

☐ Walking city game: Stroll through Utrecht on this self-guided scavenger hunt and discover the 7 wonders of the city while completing a scavenger hunt along the way. You can start at any time of the day with your own group! Also fun: do a outdoor Escape Walking Tour!

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De Haar Castle: This castle is the largest in the Netherlands and is located in the Utrecht village of Haarzuilens, not far from the city. Visit De Haar Castle and discover its many stories and stroll through its gardens.
Kasteellaan 1, Utrecht – kasteeldehaar.nl

bucket list Utrecht

De Haar Castle, Utrecht

More fun things to do in Utrecht

☐ Canalside terraces: Just like in Amsterdam, Utrecht also boasts charming canals. There's nothing more relaxing than sitting by the canal and watching all the boats sail by.

☐ DOMunder: Beneath Domplein square are centuries-old remains from the Roman era, which at the time was part of the limes. This site was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List this year and therefore definitely deserves a spot on the Utrecht Bucket List.
Domplein 4, Utrecht – domunder.nl

☐ Taste Utrecht beers: Beer lovers, take note! Utrecht brews a variety of delicious beers. Think of beers from The Sisters, Brouwerij Maximus, or Vandestreek. Visit one of the tasting rooms or order a real Utrecht beer on the terrace.

☐ Eat a Broodje Ben: Another unmissable sandwich stall in Utrecht is Broodje Ben. Every day, this stall on the Oudegracht has a long line of people waiting for the most delicious sandwiches.
Oldgracht 131, Utrecht – broodjeben.com

☐ Stroll through Rotsoord: In Utrecht South, you'll find the former industrial estate of Rotsoord. Once full of warehouses and factories, now packed with great hotspots for food and drinks. De Zagerij. LE:EN and WT Urban Kitchen are worth checking out!

Utrecht bucket list, what to do in Utrecht, fun things to do in Utrecht

 TIP: Want to plan something fun to do in Utrecht for a group of friends, family, or colleagues? There are several websites you can use to explore what's available. I've listed some tips in this blog post, but if you'd like to see the full list, you can do so here:

more Utrecht tips

 | FAVORITE HOTELS IN UTRECHT: There are great hotels in Utrecht to suit every budget. From boutique hotels to trendy or ultra-chic, these hotels not only look great, but I personally had a wonderful stay. These are Yourlbb's favorite hotels in Utrecht that you'll want to know about: The Nox, Mother Goose, Muse Hotel, The Anthony Hotel, Moxy Hotel, Daen's Greenhouse, Grand Hotel Karel V & Eye Hotel. Use the links to check the best prices for your travel dates!

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