48 hours in Ut­recht this spring: your ul­ti­ma­te gui­de

We think Utrecht is at its very best in spring. The days grow longer, life spills out onto the streets and things move at a slightly gentler pace. This is your guide to 48 hours in Utrecht if you like to experience a city the way the locals do.

 

Day 1: Arrival in Utrecht + wandering through the historic city centre

Step off the train at Utrecht Central Station and wander straight to your hotel in the historic heart of the city. Léo Léo is a cosy, small-scale hideaway that will make you feel at home as soon as you come in. It’s private, peaceful and perfectly positioned for exploring the city on foot.

After checking in, head towards Zeven Steegjes, a cluster of narrow historic alleyways tucked between the Oudegracht and the Singel canal. The kind of place you stroll through without a plan, just soaking up the atmosphere.

Then it’s time for lunch at BROEI. This restaurant is all about local produce and real attention to detail. It’s a lovely spot to sit back, recharge and explore the lively Oosterkade.

After an invigorating lunch, visit the Centraal Museum, whose temporary exhibitions always capture the imagination. Don’t forget to wander through the museum garden and enjoy a coffee in the sun.

Head back along the Singel—the historic canal that curves around the old town. This leafy waterside route is especially beautiful in spring when the trees are in full bloom.

In the evening, dinner at GYS is always a good idea. Wholesome, flavour-packed, sustainable dishes in a laid-back café setting—what’s not to love? Afterwards, it’s just a short walk to Café Hofman for Utrecht Lacht, a small-scale comedy night best enjoyed with a local drink in hand. End the day with an evening stroll through the city, along the Oudegracht and back to your hotel.

Please note that Utrecht Lacht is held every Wednesday night in Dutch and every first Wednesday of the month in English. Check the Uitagenda for more events and fun things to do.

 

Day 2: Heritage, green spaces and culture in Utrecht

Start your day with breakfast at KEEK, a local bakery just down the street. Drink your coffee outside in the sunshine, have a look around and watch as the city slowly comes to life.

From there, make your way along the Oudegracht towards Dom Square—the heart of the city— where centuries of Utrecht’s history lie quite literally at your feet. Visit the Dom Church Pandhof garden, one of the most beautiful courtyards in the Netherlands, and take a look inside the cathedral itself.

Keen to keep exploring? Book a tour with DOMunder or of the Dom Tower for even more magical stories!

Afterwards, leave the city behind and go for a walk around the Amelisweerd estate. It’s at its best in spring—full of lush greenery, wide open paths and that lovely sense of being away from it all, even though the city is just a stone’s throw away. It’s this mix of nature and culture that makes Utrecht the perfect choice for a city break.

At dinner time, head to Louis Hartlooper, a unique venue where film, food and friends all come together—no rush, no fuss. And when it’s time to leave, stroll back to your cosy hotel for a quiet night in.

 

Day 3: Utrecht from the water + winding down gently

Your final day starts without a plan. Check out at your own pace and leave your luggage with the hotel until you’re ready to catch your train. The morning gently rolls into the afternoon.

If you’d like to see the city from a different angle and say goodbye in style, why not hire a canoe and head out on the Singel or the Oudegracht? In spring, Utrecht feels calm and looks wonderfully green from the water. As you paddle past old city walls, trees and houseboats, city life carries on along the quayside. You set the pace, and that’s exactly what makes it so enjoyable.

After your canoeing adventure, it’s time for one last lunch or coffee by the water before taking a final look around and making your way back to the train station.