6 Ways to cool down in Utrecht
The temperature is rising, the terraces are buzzing, and your ice cream is melting faster than you can eat it. There’s no doubt about it: summer has officially arrived! While we love soaking up the sunshine, sometimes you just need a break from the heat. Luckily, Utrecht has plenty of refreshing spots to help you cool down. Here are six of our favourites.
Ice, ice baby
Nothing beats a refreshing ice cream on a warm summer’s day. Whether you’re craving classic Italian gelato or looking to try unique, artisan flavours, Utrecht has plenty of fantastic ice cream parlours to choose from.
Waterside terraces
Looking to cool off with a breeze? Utrecht is home to some wonderful terraces by the water. Sip on a refreshing cocktail, enjoy a cold beer or tuck into a delicious meal while taking in the view. Find a sunny spot by the canals, put on your sunglasses and let those holiday vibes take over.
Take a dip
Grab your swimsuit, inflate your flamingo and spread out your towel at one of Utrecht’s swimming locations. Cool off with a swim at Haarrijnse Plas, the Maarsseveense Plassen or De Munt. Prefer a swimming pool? Utrecht has four outdoor pools: De Hommel, De Kwakel, Fletiomare (De Meern) and Krommerijn, all perfect for escaping the summer heat.
Just a 20-minute bike ride from the city centre, you’ll also find Buitengoed De Boomgaard, where you can relax by the hospitality pavilion and cool off in the swimming lake. Not in the mood for a swim? Go paddling, rent a canoe or explore Utrecht’s canals by boat. There are plenty of ways to enjoy the water.
Relax in the shade
Escape the heat beneath the trees in one of Utrecht’s beautiful parks. Roll out a picnic blanket in Griftpark, Wilhelminapark or Park Lepelenburg and unwind with a good book, a picnic or simply some well-deserved downtime. It’s the perfect way to enjoy a warm summer’s day at a slower pace.
Cool off indoors
Looking for a new summer outfit? Head to Hoog Catharijne, where you can enjoy a comfortable shopping experience in air-conditioned surroundings. Many shops stay open until 8 pm, making it an ideal place to escape the evening heat while browsing more than 120 stores.
Prefer to sit back and relax? Treat yourself to a film in a cool cinema or spend a few hours exploring one of Utrecht’s museums. Did you know there are no fewer than ten museums within walking distance of each other in the city centre? It’s the perfect way to stay cool while discovering Utrecht’s rich culture.
Stay hydrated
Last but certainly not least: don’t forget to drink plenty of water. Fortunately, you’ll find drinking water refill points throughout the city, making it easy to refill your bottle and stay hydrated while exploring Utrecht.