5x summer fun in Utrecht
Long evenings along the canals
When the sun comes out, much of Utrecht heads for the waterfront. Outdoor cafés along the Oudegracht fill up early and boats ply the canal, as people sit back and enjoy a drink in the sun. By evening, a laid-back atmosphere with a distinct Utrecht feel settles over the city.
Open-air festivals and events
People in Utrecht prefer to spend their summer weekends outdoors, and festivals are very much part of that lifestyle. In the summer, parks and squares are transformed into venues bustling with food trucks, live music and long evenings in the open air. There’s the TREK Festival , De Parade theatre festival and Lepeltje Lepeltje, where you can spend many hours enjoying the music, street food and cheerful vibes.
Dining surrounded by nature
If you fancy escaping the heat of the city centre this summer, there are plenty of green spots around Utrecht where you can take in a leisurely al fresco lunch or dinner. You can dine among vegetable gardens and greenhouses at Stadsjochies or head over to Fort de Gagel—a peaceful retreat on the outskirts of town. De Veldkeuken on the Amelisweerd estate is also a favourite destination for a long lunch surrounded by nature.
Experience Utrecht from the water
On hot days, much of Utrecht heads to the water to cool off and unwind. Why not hire a canoe, electric boat or SUP board and explore the city from the canals? As you make your way along, you pass historical buildings, lively outdoor cafés and boats filled with people enjoying a day out in the sun. If you would rather settle down on the water’s edge, there are plenty of delightful spots along the canals and waterways to take in the view. Here are some splashy suggestions on what to do in, on and around the water in Utrecht this summer.
Scoop up an ice cream
As soon as the temperature rises, queues start forming outside the city’s most popular ice-cream parlours. And take our word for it—people are more than willing to wait in line for these cool treats. Utrecht’s ice-cream parlours serve artisanal ice cream in a delicious range of flavours that are perfect for a hot summer’s day.