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 >>
IF YOU ARE READY: 𝗺𝗶𝗷𝗻 𝗳𝗮𝘃𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘁𝗲 𝗵𝗼𝘁𝘀𝗽𝗼𝘁𝘀
As a child, I went there with my parents to shop, and as a teenager and in my twenties, I went clubbing. Now, I love coming here for a weekend escape, filled with good food, great 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 you'll definitely want to know.
📌Book your next trip to Rotterdam.
𝗖𝗢𝗙𝗙𝗘𝗘
⦁ @parqiet_parkcafe
⦁ @dunerotterdam
⦁ @wollyaandewaterkant
⦁ @nice.neighbourhood
**Illegible**
⦁ @morganandmees
⦁ @hotelame
⦁ @roommate_bruno
⦁ @thejameshotelrotterdam
𝗡𝗘𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗕𝗢𝗨𝗥𝗛𝗢𝗢𝗗𝗦
⦁ North
⦁ Katendrecht
⦁ Dijkzigt (Museum Park)
⦁ Shipping Quarter
I
⦁ Take the Water Taxi
⦁ @boijmans
⦁ Walk & unwind at the Kralingse Plas
⦁ @nlfotomuseum
⦁ Visit @stationbergweg
**
⦁ @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 favorite spot in Rotterdam?
✖️✖️✖️
🖊️ @anne_de_buck

Perhaps the last weekend with ice and snow ⛄️❄️
Are you a cocooner or do you prefer to get outdoors? 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 any great winter tips for Amsterdam? I'd love to read along!
✖️✖️✖️
🖊️ @anne_de_buck
#snow #amsterdam #winter snow in amsterdam, things to do winter in amsterdam

First of all: thank you for being here to close out 2025 <3.
2025, you were everything I hoped you would be and more. So many new memories.
I don't yet know what 2026 will bring, but last year was one for the books. Highlights included trips to China, Mexico City, Egypt, and exploring the English countryside.
Entrepreneurs probably recognize that 2025 was not an easy year.
When I started Your Little Black Book, I had one dream: not to work to stay somewhere for free in exchange for content and the pressure of a "picture perfect" experience. But to use my revenue models to book and experience those special places myself, as a guest instead of an influencer, and to give you honest tips.
After almost 15 years of entrepreneurship, I'm so happy with the balance between editorial and commercial work and that I can also say no to things that don't feel right.
At the same time, it's still special that destinations, airlines, and hotels hire me to create a customized Little Black Book for them. I have complete freedom with these campaigns, and I believe in the value of these content-based tips that truly suit your taste. And they come from me personally, not from a machine.
So thank you for your support when you see #yourlbbcollab, #pressstrip or #prinvited ;-).
This will always be my dream job, the one I created almost 15 years ago. I still do as much as possible myself. That's energizing—from both successes and failures.
Luckily, I have a small team that helps with certain sections, and this year we're going through all the tips critically. What's still truly fun, and what's not?
As a leisure expert and queen of curation, I'm so excited to take yourlittleblackbook.me to the next level. Even though being an online entrepreneur requires constant attention and doesn't always come naturally, I wouldn't want anything else.
My mission remains: making your life easier.
So you don't have to search, but can simply choose well.
So glad you were here this year. Without you, there would be no Your Little Black Book 🖤
See you in 2026!
With love,
@anne_de_buck

I have always been part of the family and have always been proud of my work. I have a nice garden in my garden 🗝️👀
Mark your calendars! Because on January 17th and 18th, Hotel Night returns to Amsterdam with a year-round event packed with health and wellness events, and of course, legendary parties you'll 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 in my opinion:
• overnight stay for 2 people in a luxury room on January 17, 2026
• access to the spa & wellness (subject to availability via the wellness desk)
• pre-dinner cocktail at Bar The Tailor
• fully catered dinner from the chef
• passe-partouts for the Hotel Night parties
• extensive breakfast in the Winter Garden
• participation in unique Ice Experience in Krasnapolsky Summergarden
And in Flanders:
• let us know who you would like to check in with at Anantara Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky during the Mastercard Hotel Night
• download the Mastercard Hotel Night app where you can see the complete program
• and take a look at @hotelnacht and @anantarakrasnapolsky for the latest updates and to get the fun started!
The winner will be notified on January 5th in a comment from @hotelnacht that I will share in my stories.
I'll keep my fingers crossed for you!
Love,
Anne
#hotelnacht #amsterdam #yourlbbcollab #winactie #giveaway

NEW YEAR 🥰 ~ I LOVE YOU SO MUCH!
I'll be sharing more of these kinds of diaries with you in 2026. What a month December was! 🖤 So grateful for all the special moments!
From overcoming stage fright to New York, lots of QT with my boys, and delicious food. We're closing out the year in Egypt, and it's so incredibly beautiful here ☺️.
1 'Coming home' to NY, this city continues to surprise 🗽
No fancy dinners this time, but a week full of street food, handrolls, slices, and wine bars. 🍕
3 A bizarre end to the trip and another experience richer 🫣
4 Just in time to present the Entree Award for 'best new luxury hotel'. ✨ Overcoming stage fright: CHECK!
One of the best hospitality parties of the year: the Entree Awards. Luckily, we still have the photos. 📸
6, 7, 8 Date night at the always delicious Café Caron, the newly opened Char-d (also recommended) and the snacky dinner that I had been craving for months 😅
9-night hotel preview at Anantara Krasnapolsky and the best night out in your own city. TIP: There's a fantastic giveaway coming up that you won't want to miss. 👀
Note to self: visit a hotel spa more often for the ultimate luxury experience, such as at Anantara Krasnapolsky Amsterdam.
11 Emily in Paris & Cheese Fondue 🫕. What do you think of the new season?
12 AMS rounds with lunch at De Willem & wine and pate en croute at Twee Prinsen 🍷
13 Our Christmas tradition: the World Christmas Circus in Carré 🎪
Manuel's 14th Best Idea: Everyone Had to Hand in Their Phones at Christmas 📵
15 Early Christmas with the fam, and yes I made the viral shrimp tower 🦐
16 EGYPT, here we come! 🛩️
17 Felucca & magical sunset in Luxor ☀️
Christmas gift for the whole family: checked into my dream hotel in Luxor. 🗝️
Bucket list 19: Hot Air Balloon in Luxor. 🔥
20 This is what I call alfresco dining 😍
PS: I love this age of traveling together, a big boy full of fun ideas, but still sweet and small at the same time 🥰
It's crazy to think that the year is almost over, but I'm really looking forward to 2026 and everything that's to come.
I hope you had some nice days too 🖤.
✖️✖️✖️
@anne_de_buck

Merry Christmas 🎄❤️
I wish you very happy days.
Curious about what you're going to do today ✨.
✖️✖️✖️
@anne_de_buck
PS: Who recognizes this Christmas tree? 👀

Comment WEEKEND for the full guide.🎄
I hope your OOO is on, your plans for the festive season are set, and that you're going to enjoy some wonderful days ahead.
If you need more tips, yourlittleblackbook.me is packed with listicles for Christmas and NYE.
From the best delicacy shops for your groceries to last-minute dinner tables and events.
Maybe you're traveling for the holidays? I would love to hear where you're headed.
For now: happy holidays! I'll check in with you next week from Egypt, where I'm adventuring with my family, chasing mummies and pyramids.
ALL THE LOVE,
ANNE

The Christmas holidays are coming and we have collected the best tips for kids (and parents 😉) for you.
From winter getaways in Amsterdam to great family-friendly tips throughout the Netherlands: you'll find them all in our complete Christmas holiday guides.
Think of Christmas markets, winter events, ice skating rinks, light art and quality time together.
In 𝗬𝗟𝗕𝗕'𝘀 𝗸𝗲𝗿𝘀𝘁𝘃𝗮𝗸𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗲 𝗴𝘂𝗶𝗱𝗲𝘀 on 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗹𝗲𝗯𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗸𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸.𝗺𝗲 I have bundled everything for you: from Amsterdam to the best tips throughout the Netherlands.
Countdown: we're off to Egypt for a week soon ☀️, but I've deliberately planned it so we can also fully enjoy all the winter events and outings here. The best of both worlds.
In the guides you will find, among other things:
In the evenings
– Winter outings in Amsterdam, from light art to Christmas markets
– Family-proof events throughout the Netherlands
- Many tips that are also fun in cold or rainy weather
𝗙𝗢𝗢𝗗 & 𝗙𝗨𝗡
– Cozy winter markets for hot chocolate and mulled wine
– Ice rink, circuses, shows and light festivals
– Outings that are just as fun with the whole family as one-on-one with your child
Of course, this is just a sample of everything there is to do.
Do you want the complete overview?
I have always wanted to make a nice gift to you 🖤
And I'm curious: what do you have planned for this holiday?
I hope you have a great time together!
✖️✖️✖️
🖊 Anne de Buck
#yourlittleblackbook #christmasholiday #christmasholidaytips #kidsproof #familytimewintervibes

I hope this summer you have a nice summer day and a nice bouquet of flowers! 🎄
Send a message right away to that one friend with whom you want to have one this weekend.
𝗭𝘂𝗶𝗱-𝗛𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱
– Royal Christmas Fair – The Hague (until December 23) @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 Town Valkenburg – Valkenburg (until January 4)
𝗢𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗷𝘀𝘀𝗲𝗹
– Christmas Market Delden – Delden (13 Dec)
– Dickens Festival – Deventer (13–14 Dec)
– (H)onest Christmas Market – Deventer (13–14 Dec)
𝗡𝗼𝗼𝗿𝗱-𝗛𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱
– Museumplein Christmas Market – Amsterdam (until December 28)
– Haarlem Christmas Market – Haarlem (12–14 Dec)
– Funky Xmas Sunday Market – Amsterdam (21 Dec)
– Winter Market Pure Markt – Amsterdam (21 Dec)
𝗨𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗵𝘁
– Winter Market Molen de Ster – Utrecht (13–14 Dec)
– The Utrecht Winter Spectacle – Utrecht (Dec. 18–Jan. 4)
Have fun! There's nothing quite like spontaneous plans in December.
✖️✖️✖️
🖊 @anne_de_buck
#yourlittleblackbook #christmasmarketnetherlands #christmasmarkets2025 christmasmarketamsterdam christmasmarketthehague christmasoutings thingstodointhenetherlands

𝗔𝗺𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗱𝗮𝗺 𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸𝗲𝗻𝗱 𝗚𝘂𝗶𝗱𝗲: 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗕𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀 𝗧𝗼 𝗗𝗼 (𝗗𝗲𝗰𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝟭𝟭, 𝟭𝟮, 𝟭𝟯 & 𝟭𝟰)
Another cozy December weekend is here, and the city is buzzing with winter vibes.
Think festive markets, Light Festival strolls, Christmas concerts, new food hotspots, ice skating, and QT with friends or family.
In this week's Amsterdam Weekend Guide, I've rounded up 40 things to do!
Here's a sneak peek — comment WEEKEND for the full guide or check the link in bio.
𝗖𝗛𝗥𝗜𝗦𝗧𝗠𝗔𝗦 𝗧𝗜𝗠𝗘
– A magical Christmas concert at Het Concertgebouw (Dec 13)
– Bric & Brac Christmas Market at De Willem (Dec 14)
– The always lovely Museumplein Christmas Market — perfect for snacks & winter vibes
𝗙𝗢𝗢𝗗 & 𝗗𝗥𝗜𝗡𝗞𝗦
– NEW: Yubu Bento — your new inari go-to in the city center
– NEW: Wonton — dumpling heaven just landed in West
– Do the @lefoodwalk during Amsterdam Light Festival: 10.000 steps, art, street food, oysters & cocktails
– More into sit-down dinners? Book an early or late table with @lefoodwalk
𝗙𝗔𝗠𝗜𝗟𝗬 𝗙𝗨𝗡
– Poffertjes Sunday at @hetblauwetheehuis (Dec 14) — always a good idea
– Circus Zanzara is back at Westergas with The Art of Making Art — fun for all ages
And this is just a taste of all 40 tips in this week's guide.
Want the full list with all events and new places to check out?
🖤 Comment WEEKEND and I'll send the full Amsterdam Weekend Guide straight to your DMs, or hit the link in bio.
✖️✖️✖️
🖊 @anne_de_buck
#amsterdam #amsterdamweekendguide #amsterdamtips #amsterdamcity

**Illegible text** 👀
This is the coolest new hotel for a night away! Meet @viaantwerp, Antwerp's newest boutique hotel on the border of Zurenborg and Borgerhout (yep, voted the 2nd coolest neighborhood in the world by Time Out).
I recently stayed at this gem, and it truly has it all: a lively bar with a cozy atmosphere, walls adorned with creative art, beautiful, bright rooms, and it's within walking distance of great hotspots. And I haven't even mentioned @mea.antwerp! The delightful restaurant, helmed by a chef who previously worked 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. 💛
And in my opinion
• Overnight stay for 2 people
• Breakfast included
• Chef's Dinner at MEA
And in Flanders
• Let us know in the comments which friend you would like to stay here with
• Of course, 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 #antwerpcity #borgerhout

HAPPY ALMOST WEEKEND IN AMSTERDAM
Comment 'weekend' and I'll send you all 32 tips in the new Amsterdam Weekend Guide for December 4, 5, 6 & 7 ✖️✖️✖️

☐ 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
☐ 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.
☐ 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
☐ 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.

☐ 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.
☐ 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!
☐ 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!
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

De Haar Castle, 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!

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:
| 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!
Do you have a great tip that fits Your Little Black Book? Let us know via the button below and TIP THE EDITORS!
View this post on Instagram
Love,
Danique
| PS: Do you know Your Little Black Book's Green PolicyHere you'll find my personal tips on how to travel and live greener, and I'll explain why and how I offset the CO2 emissions from all the trips #teamyourlbb makes.