Spring in Utrecht: the very best of the city in 48 hours
Spring shows Utrecht at its absolute best. The gentle light makes the canals sparkle, while the cafés put their tables back outside and the city seems to visibly unwind. In just 48 hours, you can mix design, great food, culture and plenty of greenery—all within walking distance. This is Utrecht the way it’s meant to be experienced.
Day 1
13:10 – Arrival and check-in
When you arrive in the city around midday, check in at boutique hotel The Nox. They’re happy for you to drop off your bags and head straight back out. The hotel is set in the, right in the heart of the city but far enough away from the buzz. It’s a place that effortlessly blends history, design and comfort to create the perfect start to your stay.
14:00 – Oldest shopping streets
From the hotel, wander south along the Oudegracht. On the way, you’ll pass a clutch of stylish fashion and interior design boutiques. And down by the water, you can sense spring in the air right away. Boats drift back and forth along the canal, the historic wharf cellars open their doors again and that unmistakable Utrecht pace of life slowly settles in.
Pop into KEEK for a cup of coffee with an organic treat or a freshly made sandwich. A little further on, you’ll arrive on Twijnstraat, one of the city’s oldest shopping streets and a firm favourite with locals. This street is all about independent shops with real character.
Cheese lovers should make their way to Kazerij Stalenhoef. For beautiful postcards and stationery, It all starts with a postcard is worth a stop. And for independent clothing stores, pop into Gurus Conceptstore and Transit Fashion. Take your time—this is the kind of neighbourhood to linger in.
18:00 – Dinner time
In the early evening, take a seat at Léo Léo, an intimate French bistro on Twijnstraat that gives classic dishes subtle twists. Share a few small plates to start, like the pork belly or the steak tartare. Follow up with the cod, slow-cooked pork cheek or a rich vegetarian mushroom ragout. Finish it all off with a madeleine or an amazing selection of cheeses.
20:00 – The arthouse cinema
Following dinner, take a gentle stroll over to Louis Hartlooper Complex. This much-loved arthouse cinema is set in a former police station from 1928—a fine example of Amsterdam School architecture. Whether you catch a film or just have a drink in the café, this is Utrecht’s cultural side in all its glory.
22:00 – Cocktail hour
After the film, head down to Manners Cocktail Lounge, tucked away beneath Papi’s Comfort Kitchen. With its shimmering, gold-toned walls, dark floors and relaxed feel, the bustle of the city quickly fades into the background. The bartenders take their time and will happily talk you through the exciting drinks they’re mixing just for you.
23:30 – Evening stroll along the canals
From Twijnstraat, take a leisurely walk back to your hotel. After dark, the canals feel almost cinematic—like you’re starring in your own film. The restaurants are buzzing, and the water reflects the city lights. These canals—with their beautiful wharf cellars —are unlike anywhere else in the world. Back at your hotel, it’s time to unwind and let the day slowly sink in.
Day 2
Good morning Utrecht! The city slowly wakes up to the wonderful smell of spring. Today is all about shopping, sitting out in the sun and exploring the Singel canal. But before all that, let’s start with a proper breakfast.
09:00 – Breakfast
Start the day at Daen’s Café, located in a former fire station on Stadhuisplein. It’s the kind of place where you can ease into the day with good coffee, homemade cake and freshly prepared breakfast dishes.
What sets Daen’s apart is the way its different spaces flow seamlessly into one. Next to the café is Daen’s Fashion, a boutique specialising in Scandinavian designer labels. And next door, Daen’s Greenhouse offers a light-filled space full of plants and inspiration. Breakfast, shopping and creativity naturally melt into one in this wonderfully relaxing place.
10:30 – Shopping around Oudkerkhof
From Daen’s, make your way towards Oudkerkhof, a street known for its high-end international boutiques —think Casanova Milano for Italian fashion, Bolia for contemporary design and Margaret Wines for a carefully curated wine selection. Fashion lovers are spoilt for choice with clothing stores such as FRÉ, Kookaï, Tess V, Pauw and Veltman Liesting.
12:00 – Lunchtime
For lunch, head to Tijm in the city centre—a light, calm retreat where the kitchen follows the rhythm of the seasons. The menu features refined dishes with a strong focus on vegetables, herbs and spices and flavour. All thoughtfully put together without ever feeling overcomplicated. Tijm makes for a welcome break before you dive back into Utrecht.
13:30 – Along the Singel canal
Spring is the perfect time for a walk around the Singel. Whether you explore on foot or from the water, you’ll see a different side of the city every time. This canal around the historic city centre is something Utrecht is genuinely proud of.
The whole loop is about 6 kilometres long, taking you along the water, through green parks and past bustling cafés. And there’s plenty of cultural hotspots dotted around the Singel too.
From the water, Utrecht feels calmer and more spacious. You’ll glide past Sonnenborgh Museum & Observatory, historic fortifications and newer neighbourhoods. Rent your own small boat or hop aboard De Meern 1—a reconstructed Roman ship that brings the city’s history to life.
16:30 – Grab a drink outside
Following your afternoon adventure, it’s time to have a drink outside. Go tropical at the Rum Club, have a drink by the water at Orloff aan de Kade or enjoy a sunny afternoon at Het Gegeven Paard at TivoliVredenburg or Café Carel. Order a good glass of wine and let the city slowly pass you by.
19:00 – Dinner
If you’re staying at The Nox, restaurant Hemel & Aarde (Heaven & Earth) is quite literally on your doorstep. Housed in the same historic Polman’s Huis, it feels like a natural extension of the hotel. Head chef René van der Weijden and his team work in tune with the season, making vegetables the stars of the show and sourcing their ingredients with great care. Not your thing? Not to worry. Utrecht is jampacked with lots more brilliant places to eat and drink.
21:30 – Taste, taste and then taste some more
Round off the evening at Rubens Proeflokaal, a great spot where you can sample wines, craft beers and an exciting range of spirits. Go for a half glass or tasting flight, so you can try a range of different flavours. They’re open from Thursday to Saturday with no particular closing time—they just keep going for as long as everyone’s having a great time.
Day 3
After two full days, take your time waking up. You’ve slept well and the whole morning stretches out in front of you—the city’s icons await.
09:15 – Breakfast
Start the day at Anne&Max Domkwartier—a great place for a leisurely breakfast, with freshly made scones, sandwiches, soups and juices. As the city slowly comes to life, linger just a little longer.
10:45 – Dom Square & Dom Tower
From Anne&Max, it’s just a short walk to Dom Square, the historic heart of Utrecht where everything comes together. Climb the Dom Tower—the tallest church tower in the Netherlands standing at 112 metres—and you’ll be rewarded with beautiful views across the city and beyond.
Not a fan of heights? DOMunder takes you on an underground journey through 2,000 years of Utrecht history. When you emerge from the depths, wander through the Gothic Dom Church and the serene Pandhof monastery gardens, a quiet corner where time seems to slow down.
12:00 – Pack your bags
It’s time to make your way back to the hotel, pack your bags and say goodbye to the city. On your way to the train station, don’t forget to pop into Hoog Catharijne. With more than 120 shops, coffee outlets and places for a quick bite to eat, it’s the perfect final stop. Look down through the glass floor and spot the Singel below, a subtle reminder of the past few days.
After only 48 hours, one thing is clear: this is a city you’ll want to come back to.