48 hours in wintry Utrecht
The festive season has well and truly arrived. Utrecht’s lovely boutiques, vintage shops and Hoog Catharijne Mall make Christmas shopping easier than ever. Stroll through the narrow streets and along the charming canals, warm up in one of the snug cafés or grab a hot chocolate to go. Here are all the insider tips you need for 48 hours in wintry Utrecht.
Day 1
9:45 – Coffee and a croissant
When arriving in Utrecht by train, you can spot the Dom Tower in the distance. A short walk from Central Station leads to the historic city centre. First things first: a coffee to go and a pastry from Life’s a Peach on Voorstraat, a small bakery known for its freshly baked treats and artsy vibe.
11:00 – Time for Christmas shopping
Caffeine topped up? Time to hit some of Utrecht’s nicest shopping streets for a bit of Christmas shopping (and maybe even a festive vintage outfit). Begin on Voorstraat for vintage treasures like Sussies and Appel & Ei. Check out Puha for fashion, shoes and homeware from more than 60 young independent designers. And if you’re a music lover, don’t forget to pop into vinyl store Plato. Continue via the Oudegracht and head down to Twijnstraat for even more independent shops and characterful boutiques.
Our favourite gift shops
12:30 – Long lunch at BROEI
After a successful morning browsing the shops, lunch at BROEI on Oosterkade. Everything in this vegetarian restaurant revolves around one thing: vegetables in all their glory. The menu is built around small plates, perfect for sharing and sampling a bit of everything.
More lovely lunch spots
14:00 – Visit Centraal Museum
Energy restored, it’s time to visit the beautiful Centraal Museum—a city highlight featuring art, local history, fashion and design collections. Housed in a former medieval monastery, the museum spans several buildings set around a lovely, tranquil courtyard.
16:00 – See the city from the top
After an inspiring museum visit, wander back to the city centre. Time for some more culture at Utrecht’s most iconic spot: the Dom Tower and Dom Square. At 112 metres, the Dom Tower is the tallest church tower in the Netherlands. As dusk falls and the Christmas lights begin to sparkle, watch the city glow below. Don’t forget to visit the gothic Dom Church, the medieval monastery corridor and peaceful Pandhof gardens. And before you head off, pop into Winkel van Utrecht for a small souvenir.
18:30 – Dinner at Union House
After a full day and your Christmas shopping sorted, it’s time for a relaxed dinner at one of the city’s most unique restaurants: Union House. Once an iconic music venue, the former Tivoli concert hall has been transformed into a lively place to eat and drink. Even so, the historic character of the building has been beautifully preserved and still shines through.
20:30 – Utrecht Lumen
On leaving the restaurant, you’re greeted by the city’s warming evening glow. But the day isn’t over yet! Why not finish off with a Utrecht Lumen tour of light installations and learn about the city’s history as you wander through the beautifully illuminated streets?
… Sleep well!
You’re staying at Mother Goose on Ganzenmarkt in Utrecht’s historic heart. The building has a rich past—from city castle to squat—and is now a stylish home away from home. A lovely base to round off your first winter’s day in Utrecht.
Day 2
Good morning! Wake up to a new day in beautiful Utrecht. Today, you can explore the city by bike. Rent a bike at Mother Goose, then set out to discover a different side of the city—and maybe yourself too! But first things first.
9:30 – Breakfast time
It’s only a short walk from the hotel—but bring your bike anyway—and head to Café Elize on Mariaplaats for a delicious relaxed breakfast. The fresh juice will really kickstart your day.
11:00 – Doloris
After breakfast, adventure awaits! Doloris is a spectacular maze that tickles all the senses, with more than 70 surprise-filled rooms. Let your curiosity guide you through corridors, stairs and hidden spaces. Step inside, leave the everyday world behind and dive into a wonderland where phones and watches are nowhere to be seen.
12:30 – Lunch at Warmoes
After Doloris, you can refuel just six minutes away by bike with a filling lunch at Warmoes, a sustainably run restaurant with a relaxed, artsy vibe. It’s a real neighbourhood hangout where locals come together to meet, eat, drink and enjoy music and art. The menu is entirely vegan or vegetarian.
14:00 – The Ping Pong Club
In the same area, you’ll encounter the Ping Pong Club, a local favourite for drinks and a few rounds of table tennis. There are also plenty of board games to keep you entertained.
18:00 – Drop your bike back at Mother Goose
After an active day out, it’s time to return your bike to Mother Goose, grab your stuff and Christmas presents and bid farewell to this urban gem.
18:30 – Dinner at Paloma
Before heading home, there’s time to savour one last meal. Paloma tickles your tastebuds and gives you a real taste of the Spanish sunshine. Specialities include olives, pinchos, freshly baked pizzette and Spanish bread or pan.
20:30 – Heading home
Time to head home. The hours have flown by, but you’ll be leaving with a smile on your face after two wonderful winter days in Utrecht. With bags full of gifts and happy memories, you’ll walk back to the station via Hoog Catharijne. Have a safe journey!
