5 Things to Look Forward to This Summer in Utrecht
Long evenings by the canals
As soon as the sun shines, all of Utrecht heads to the waterfront. Along the Oudegracht, the terraces fill up early, and boats come and go while people enjoy a drink in the sun. Especially at the end of the day, there’s a relaxed atmosphere in the city that feels quintessentially Utrecht.
Festivals and outdoor events
Utrecht residents prefer to spend their summer weekends outdoors, and festivals are definitely part of that. In the summer, parks and squares transform into spots filled with food trucks, live music, and long evenings in the open air. Think of Festival TREK, De Parade theater festival, or Lepeltje Lepeltje, where you can linger for hours enjoying music, food, and good company.
Dining Amidst the Greenery
Want to escape the heat of the city center for a bit? Around Utrecht, you’ll find plenty of green spaces where you can enjoy a leisurely lunch or dinner this summer. At Stadjochies, you can dine among vegetable gardens and greenhouses, while Fort de Gagel offers a peaceful spot on the outskirts of the city. De Veldkeuken on the Amelisweerd estate also remains a favorite for a long lunch surrounded by nature.
Utrecht from the water
On hot days, half of Utrecht seeks relief on the water. Rent a canoe, electric boat, or SUP board and discover the city from the canals. Along the way, you’ll pass historic buildings, cozy terraces, and boats full of people enjoying the sun. Prefer to settle down quietly on the shore? There are plenty of lovely spots along the canals and waterways where you can sit and enjoy the view of the water. Read here what you can do in, on, and around the water in Utrecht this summer.
Getting ice cream in the sun
As soon as the temperature rises, lines naturally form in Utrecht outside the city’s most popular ice cream shops. And believe us: people are happy to join them. At these ice cream shops, you can get artisanal ice cream in flavors that are perfect for a hot summer day.