Winter route through Utrecht
Looking for an atmospheric walk through the city? This route takes you past beautifully lit spots, lively shopping streets and hidden courtyards, with plenty of chances to warm up with a hot chocolate along the way.
1. Start: Hoog Catharijne
Your route begins in Hoog Catharijne, where the spacious main hall sets the tone for a pleasant start to your walk. Take your time to browse shops such as Søstrene Grene, Flying Tiger or Rituals for fun and inspiring finds along the way.
2. De Singel – stroll along the water towards Grand Hotel Karel V
Once outside, follow the canal southward. The water and lighting give this part of the route a peaceful atmosphere. Walk straight ahead until you see the entrance to Grand Hotel Karel V, just next to Catharijnesingel.
3. Grand Hotel Karel V – winter tranquillity in the gardens
Behind the walls of Charles V lies an enormous historic garden covering 10,000 m². Walk through the gardens towards the rear exit: this will take you to Mariaplaats.
4. Café Elize – the perfect place for hot chocolate
Stroll through the beautiful monastery gardens of Charles V. You will arrive at Mariaplaats, a charming square full of cozy spots and warmly lit facades. At Café Elize, you can warm up with a hot chocolate.
5. Zadelstraat – a charming street with atmospheric lights
From Mariaplaats, walk straight ahead towards Zadelstraat. This street is charming in its own right, but even more so in winter thanks to the lights. You will pass the window display of Keck & Lisa, a great place for original gifts and colorful items. Walk all the way down Zadelstraat and you will find yourself on Domplein.
6. Domplein – the heart of the city, always magical in winter.
Everything comes together at Dom Square: stroll past centuries-old buildings, pop into the Pandhof courtyard (open until 4 p.m.). In winter, there is a warm atmosphere and you can see the Dom Tower rising above everything else.
7. Winkel Van Utrecht
The Winkel van Utrecht is located on Dom Square. Here you can find unique gifts and souvenirs, often made by local artisans. Great to take home for someone else, but also perfect as a memento of your day in the city.
8. Oudegracht – one of the most beautiful streets along the canal
Walk towards Oudegracht, one of the most beautiful streets in the city. Follow the canal for a short distance and then turn towards Abraham Dolehof: a small, idyllic courtyard that feels even more atmospheric in winter. From here, continue on to Museum Catharijneconvent.
10. Catharijneconvent – admire the most beautiful nativity scene in the Netherlands
The courtyard of the museum is home to the most beautiful nativity scene in the Netherlands. In St. Catherine’s Cathedral, more than 600 eighteenth-century Neapolitan nativity figures shine in a spectacular setting featuring Utrecht icons such as the Dom Tower and the Winkel van Sinkel.
The nativity scene will be on display from Friday 12 December to Sunday 11 January.
11. Twijnstraat – boutiques and cosy eateries
After your visit, continue on to Twijnstraat, Utrecht’s oldest shopping street. This characteristic street is lined with boutiques, specialty shops, and cozy eateries. It’s no surprise that this is a favorite part of town among Utrecht residents.
12. Ledig Erf – cosy square, lovely stop on the route
At the end of Twijnstraat, you will find the always lively Ledig Erf, a square that takes on a cosy, village-like atmosphere in winter. With its illuminated trees, the cinema vibes of Louis Hartlooper Complex and cosy cafés, this is the place to enjoy a glass of wine on the heated terrace.
13. Vismarkt – atmospheric part of Oudegracht
From Ledig Erf, walk along the canal towards the Vismarkt: perhaps one of the most photogenic spots in Utrecht. The lights reflect in the water, and the terraces are tucked away under blankets and heat lamps.
14. Ganzenmarkt (Daen)
Via the Vismarkt, you can walk to Korte Minrebroederstraat and arrive at the Ganzenmarkt: a cosy square with nice shops and restaurants. Be sure to visit Winkel Daen, where you will find not only clothing but also plants and an atmospheric café.
15. Oudegracht – Admire the beautiful Christmas wreath at the Pracht shop
For the last part of the route, walk from Ganzenmarkt to Bakkersbrug. Here, pop into the Pracht shop, perfect for a last-minute special gift or a nice souvenir. From here, walk back to Hoog Catharijne.
16. Back to the starting point
From here, it’s just a few minutes’ walk back to the heated Hoog Catharijne shopping mall. As you walk through the mall towards the station, you can look back on a successful day out in Utrecht.