Dating in Dom City
Spring weather is the perfect excuse for a date in Utrecht. Find a sunny spot on the water’s edge, wander through the city’s lush parks, taste some of the world’s best food or engage in something active to break the ice. Here are the best places to get to know each other — and fall in love with Utrecht at the same time.
Coffee dates
You can’t beat a great coffee date. Pop into Koffie & Ik in Lombok for tasty lattes, homemade treats and a laid-back vibe. Or try Rocking Chair, a welcoming neighbourhood spot in the lively Tuinwijk district, located in a former bank. It still has the original vault, and the outside wall now features a mural by well-known local street artist JanIsDeMan. Another local favourite is Koffie Leute, with freshly made sandwiches, homemade cakes, vintage video games — and of course, fantastic coffee.
Dinner dates
Carmel Market feels like a summer holiday with its Mediterranean food and drinks served in a secret garden. And when the sun comes out, the roof comes off. Or why not enjoy dinner and drinks in the courtyard of The Anthony, a stylish spot located inside a former monastery in Lombok? This hotel is also an excellent choice for an overnight stay, should you want to turn your date into something extra special. Alternatively, consider dining among the greenhouses at Stadsjochies. The dishes are made with fresh ingredients straight from the restaurant’s own greenhouses, open fields, vertical garden, herb beds and even its very own tea garden. What better way to spend a sunny spring day?
Active dates
Why not surprise your date with something a little different? Explore Utrecht from the water or take in the city views from above. Hire a canoe or an electric boat and drift through the lively city centre or escape into peaceful greenery. For an extra touch of romance, take an evening canoe tour and watch the city sparkle in the darkness. And what could possibly be more romantic than a date at Utrecht’s iconic Dom Tower? Book a guided tour, climb the 465 steps together and enjoy breathtaking views of the city from the top.
Sustainable dates
Hunt for hidden gems together at the Betonnerie, Utrecht’s favourite second-hand market. With more than a hundred stalls, live music and delicious food, there’s something special for everyone. Or spend an afternoon vintage shopping at one of the city’s many stylish vintage stores. Worked up an appetite from all the exploring? Then join the Vegan Lifestyle Tour for a tasty stroll through Utrecht’s historic centre. You can sample mouth-watering vegan treats, discover sustainable fashion and check out various cruelty-free skincare products. If you prefer cycling, there’s also a Vegan Bike Tour.
Nature dates
Ease into the day with the Early Bird Boat Trip, which quietly glides out of the sleeping city towards the leafy Amelisweerd Estate. Prefer a lie-in? Take a stroll through the peaceful Botanical Gardens, home to more than 10,000 varieties of plants and flowers. Or visit the Pandhof garden beside the Dom Church, one of the loveliest hidden gardens in the Netherlands, brimming with colourful flowers, fragrant herbs and centuries-old architecture. The Pandhof is especially beautiful in spring. Round off your date relaxing by the water at Weerdsluis. Don’t forget to check out the Fish Doorbell livestream — what could be more romantic than lending nature a helping hand together?
Party dates
Where there’s sunshine, there are festivals — and Utrecht has plenty of them. Wine lovers will feel right at home at the Fonteyn Wine Festival. The TAPT Festival, which started out celebrating craft beer, has become a nation-wide party favourite offering beer, wine and cocktails, good food and lots of games. The Werkspoor Festival X LunchMaatjes combines delicious food and drinks with music and creativity. If you and your date prefer something a bit quieter, lose yourself in a good book at the Silent Reading Party, then stay around for a drink and a chat.
Date nights
In the mood for romance? Utrecht offers some lovely hotels perfect for springtime getaways. The Nox blends luxury and history in a stunning 17th-century building, close to the Dom Tower. Alternatively, check into Léo Léo, the city’s newest boutique hotel, a cosy little spot located on Twijnstraat, Utrecht’s oldest shopping street. Also, consider staying at the Badhuis Hotel in Tuinwijk, where beautifully designed rooms create the ideal setting for a romantic city break.
