2-Day Local Family Experience: Utrecht Shopping, Food & Wine

Utrecht, Netherlands

2 days

Traditional Dutch architecture
The Utrecht cathedral dominating the city's skyline
Cathedral tower as seen from the canal
Below one of the stone bridges of the canal
Utrecht central station

About Utrecht, Netherlands

Experience the charm of Utrecht, Netherlands, a vibrant city that beautifully blends medieval architecture with modern Dutch culture. Explore the iconic Dom Tower, the tallest church tower in the Netherlands, offering panoramic views of the city. Wander through the picturesque old town with its unique split-level canal system, lined with lively cafes and shops. Visit the Centraal Museum, home to a vast collection of art and historical artifacts. Enjoy a serene boat ride along the Oudegracht, or old canal, and discover the city's rich history. Utrecht is also a hub for science and learning, with the Utrecht University Botanic Gardens and the interactive exhibits at the Museum Speelklok. With its lively festivals, bustling markets, and vibrant nightlife, Utrecht offers a unique Dutch experience for all.

2-Day Itinerary

Day 1

Exploring the City Center and Shopping District

Morning

Start your day with a leisurely stroll through the historic City Center. Take in the beautiful architecture and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of the city. Stop by one of the many local bakeries for a traditional Dutch breakfast.

Lunch

Enjoy a picnic lunch in one of Utrecht's beautiful parks. Pack a basket with local cheeses, fresh bread, and fruits from the local market. The kids will love the playgrounds and open spaces to run around.

Afternoon

Spend the afternoon exploring the unique boutiques and shops in Utrecht. From high-end fashion to local crafts, there's something for everyone. Don't forget to stop by a local chocolatier for a sweet treat.

Dinner

For dinner, enjoy a meal at a family-friendly restaurant serving traditional Dutch cuisine. Try the stamppot, a hearty dish of mashed potatoes and vegetables, or the famous Dutch pancakes.

Evening

End the day with a leisurely walk along the canals. The city lights reflecting off the water create a magical atmosphere. Enjoy a gelato or a warm drink from a local café as you stroll.

Morning

Visit one of Utrecht's many museums. Whether you're interested in art, history, or science, there's a museum that will captivate your family's interest. Most museums also have interactive exhibits for kids.

Lunch

Have lunch at a cozy café in the City Center. Try the broodje haring, a traditional Dutch sandwich with herring, pickles, and onions. Or opt for a cheese sandwich, another Dutch favorite.

Afternoon

Spend the afternoon at one of Utrecht's beautiful parks. Rent a bike and explore the park's trails, or relax by the lake and feed the ducks. The kids will enjoy the playgrounds and open spaces.

Dinner

Dine at a restaurant offering a variety of international cuisines. From Italian to Thai, there's something to satisfy every palate. Enjoy a glass of Dutch beer or wine with your meal.

Evening

End your trip with a visit to a local theater. Whether it's a play, a concert, or a movie, it's a great way to relax and enjoy some entertainment before heading home.

Attractions in Itinerary (1)

City Center

1
City Center

The historic and bustling heart of Utrecht, filled with shops, restaurants, and beautiful architecture.

Attractions
Shopping
Food and Drink
Cultural Experiences
Architecture

Local Food and Drinks (12)

Stroopwafel

Stroopwafel

A sweet treat made from two thin layers of baked dough with a caramel syrup filling in the middle. It's a popular snack in Utrecht and throughout the Netherlands.

Bitterballen

Bitterballen

These are deep-fried, crispy balls filled with a mixture of chopped beef or veal, beef broth, flour, butter, herbs and spices. They are a popular snack in Utrecht and are often served with mustard for dipping.

Erwtensoep

Erwtensoep

Also known as 'Snert', this is a thick pea soup enriched with pork and vegetables. It's a traditional Dutch dish, especially popular in Utrecht during the winter months.

Poffertjes

Poffertjes

These are small, fluffy pancakes that are typically served with powdered sugar and butter. They are a popular treat in Utrecht and can be found at many street markets.

Kroket

Kroket

A kroket is a deep-fried roll with a meat ragout inside, covered in breadcrumbs. It is a common fast-food snack in Utrecht and the rest of the Netherlands.

Haring

Haring

Haring or 'Hollandse Nieuwe' is raw herring from the catches around the end of spring and beginning of summer. It's a traditional Dutch food, often served with chopped onions and pickles.

Patat

Patat or 'Friet' are thick fries, often served with a variety of toppings such as mayonnaise, ketchup, onions, or 'satay' peanut sauce. They are a popular fast-food item in Utrecht.

Kaas

The Netherlands is famous for its cheese and Utrecht is no exception. 'Gouda' and 'Edam' are two of the most popular types.

Oliebollen

Oliebollen

Oliebollen are a type of Dutch doughnut, often filled with raisins and dusted with powdered sugar. They are traditionally eaten on New Year's Eve in Utrecht and throughout the Netherlands.

Jenever

Jenever

Jenever is a Dutch gin made from juniper berries. It's the national and traditional liquor of the Netherlands, including Utrecht.

Heineken

Heineken

Heineken is a pale lager beer with 5% alcohol by volume produced by the Dutch brewing company Heineken International. It's widely consumed in Utrecht and throughout the Netherlands.

Chocomel

Chocomel

Chocomel is a brand of Dutch chocolate-flavoured milk. It's a popular drink in Utrecht and is often enjoyed hot during the winter months.

Best time to visit

The best time to visit Utrecht, Netherlands is from June to August when the weather is warm and pleasant. This is the peak tourist season, so the city is lively with various events and festivals. However, if you prefer a less crowded time, the shoulder seasons of April to May and September to October also offer mild weather and fewer tourists.

National holidays

Here you can find the national calendar of all public holidays for the year. These dates are subject to change as official changes are announced, so check back regularly for updates.

DateDayHoliday Name

January 1

Mon

New Year's Day

March 29

Fri

Good Friday

March 31

Sun

Easter Sunday

April 1

Mon

Easter Monday

April 27

Sat

King's Birthday

May 5

Sun

Liberation Day

May 9

Thu

Ascension Day

May 19

Sun

Whit Sunday

May 20

Mon

Whit Monday

December 25

Wed

Christmas Day

December 26

Thu

Second Day of Christmas

Please note that during national and public holidays, opening hours for establishments, museums, etc. may vary. Don't forget to check in advance!

How to get around

Utrecht is a bike-friendly city with many dedicated bike lanes and bike parking facilities. You can rent a bike from various locations throughout the city.

Utrecht's public transport system includes buses and trams that connect various parts of the city. The main bus station is located next to Utrecht Centraal, the city's main train station.

Utrecht Centraal is a major train hub with connections to other cities in the Netherlands and beyond. It's a convenient way to travel if you're planning to visit other parts of the country.

While driving in Utrecht is possible, it's not the most recommended method of transport due to the city's narrow streets and limited parking. However, there are several car parks in the city if you choose to drive.

Ridesharing services like Uber are available in Utrecht. This can be a convenient way to get around, especially if you're traveling in a group or have a lot of luggage.

Utrecht has a network of canals and you can take a boat tour to see the city from a different perspective. Some boat tours also offer hop-on, hop-off services.

Utrecht's city center is compact and pedestrian-friendly, making it easy to explore on foot. Many of the city's main attractions are within walking distance of each other.

While we strive for accuracy in our "How to get around" section, the information may not always be up-to-date or 100% accurate; we highly recommend cross-checking with local resources before your travel.

Important information

Currency€ EUR

Time zoneUTC+1

Driving sideRight

Emergency phone112

Drinking waterYes

Power sockets

Power socket type CPower socket type F

Voltage230 V

Things to know about Utrecht, Netherlands as a first time visitor

1

Utrecht is a city in the central Netherlands that has been a religious center for centuries.

2

The official language is Dutch, but English is widely spoken.

3

The currency used in Utrecht is the Euro (€).

4

Utrecht is known for its friendly and welcoming locals.

5

The city is very walkable, but cycling is the most popular mode of transportation.

6

Utrecht has a temperate maritime climate, with mild summers and cool winters. Average temperatures range from 34-39°F (1-4°C) in the winter and 63-70°F (17-21°C) in the summer.

7

Tipping is not mandatory but is appreciated. A tip of 10% is standard for good service in restaurants.

8

Utrecht is in the Central European Time Zone (CET), which is UTC +1.

9

The city is known for its vibrant nightlife, with many bars, clubs, and live music venues.

10

Utrecht is a safe city, but like any other city, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take basic safety precautions.

11

Utrecht is home to the largest university in the Netherlands, Utrecht University, which contributes to the city's youthful and lively atmosphere.

12

The city is known for its unique architecture, including its iconic Dom Tower and the Rietveld Schröder House.

13

Utrecht has a rich history dating back to Roman times, and many of its historic buildings and sites are well-preserved.

14

The city is known for its canals, which are lined with cafes, shops, and historic buildings.

15

Utrecht has a diverse culinary scene, with a wide range of restaurants offering everything from traditional Dutch cuisine to international dishes.

16

The city has a number of markets where you can buy fresh produce, flowers, and local products.

17

Public transportation is efficient and reliable, with a network of buses and trams that cover the city and surrounding areas.

18

Utrecht is a green city with many parks and gardens where you can relax and enjoy nature.

19

The city has a vibrant arts scene, with numerous galleries, theaters, and music venues.

20

Utrecht is a great base for exploring the rest of the Netherlands, with excellent train connections to other major cities.

Basic Dutch to know as a first time visitor

English phrase

Native phrase

Pronunciation

When to use it

Hello

Hallo

Hah-lo

Greeting someone

Goodbye

Tot ziens

Tot zeens

Leaving or saying goodbye

Please

Alstublieft

Alst-oo-bleeft

Making a request

Thank you

Dank je

Dank ye

Expressing gratitude

Yes

Ja

Ya

Agreeing or affirming

No

Nee

Nay

Disagreeing or denying

Excuse me

Excuseer me

Ex-koo-zeer me

Getting attention or apologizing

I'm sorry

Het spijt me

Het spayt me

Apologizing

Do you speak English?

Spreekt u Engels?

Spreek tu Engels?

Asking if someone speaks English

I don't understand

Ik begrijp het niet

Ik be-grayp het neet

When you don't understand what was said

Where is...?

Waar is...?

Vaar is...?

Asking for directions

Bathroom

Badkamer

Bad-kamer

Looking for a bathroom

Help

Help

Help

In need of assistance

Food

Eten

Et-en

Looking for a place to eat

Water

Water

Vah-ter

Asking for water

Beer

Bier

Beer

Ordering a beer

Wine

Wijn

Vine

Ordering wine

Check, please

Rekening, alstublieft

Re-ken-ing, alst-oo-bleeft

Asking for the bill

How much does it cost?

Hoeveel kost het?

Hoo-veel kost het?

Asking the price of something

Good night

Goedenacht

Goo-den-acht

Saying goodnight

Packing List

  • Clothing

  • Underwear

  • Socks

  • T-shirts

  • Pants/Jeans

  • Comfortable walking shoes

  • Sweater or jacket

  • Pajamas

  • Rain jacket or umbrella

  • Scarf, gloves and hat (if in winter)

  • Toiletries

  • Toothbrush and toothpaste

  • Shampoo and conditioner

  • Body wash or soap

  • Deodorant

  • Razor and shaving cream

  • Makeup and makeup remover

  • Hairbrush or comb

  • Prescription medications

  • First aid kit

  • Travel documents and essentials

  • Passport/ID

  • Flight tickets

  • Hotel booking confirmation

  • Travel insurance documents

  • Credit and debit cards

  • Cash in local currency

  • Maps and guidebooks

  • Emergency contacts and addresses

  • Electronics and gadgets

  • Smartphone and charger

  • Headphones

  • Camera and charger

  • Power bank

  • Travel adapter

  • Laptop and charger (if necessary)

  • Miscellaneous items

  • Snacks

  • Water bottle

  • Books or e-reader for the flight

  • Travel pillow and blanket

  • Earplugs and eye mask

  • Reusable shopping bag

  • Hand sanitizer and face masks

Weather Conditions

Utrecht, Netherlands is known for its temperate maritime climate, which means it experiences mild summers and cool winters. The weather can be quite unpredictable, so it's always a good idea to check the forecast before your trip. In the summer months (June to August), temperatures typically range from 50°F (10°C) to 70°F (21°C). It's the perfect time for outdoor activities like biking or exploring the city's beautiful canals. However, rain is quite common during this period, so don't forget to pack a raincoat or umbrella. During the fall (September to November), temperatures can drop to between 40°F (4°C) and 60°F (15°C). The city is particularly beautiful during this time as the leaves change color, but again, rain is a possibility, so be prepared. Winter (December to February) in Utrecht can be quite cold, with temperatures ranging from 30°F (-1°C) to 40°F (4°C). Snow is not uncommon, and can add a magical touch to the city's medieval architecture. If you're visiting during this time, be sure to pack warm clothing, including a heavy coat, gloves, and a hat. Spring (March to May) sees temperatures between 40°F (4°C) and 60°F (15°C). This is a great time to visit if you want to see the city's parks and gardens in bloom. As with other seasons, rain is a possibility, so pack accordingly. Regardless of when you visit, it's always a good idea to bring layers, as temperatures can fluctuate throughout the day. And remember, the weather can change quickly, so be sure to check the forecast regularly during your stay. Enjoy your visit to Utrecht!

MonthHi / Lo (°C)Weather Overview

January

6° / 0°

January is the coldest month in Utrecht, with temperatures often dropping to freezing. It's a quiet time for tourism, but you can enjoy indoor attractions like museums and cafes.

February

7° / 0°

February is still quite cold, but the days start to get a bit longer. It's a good time to visit if you prefer less crowded attractions.

March

10° / 2°

March sees the start of spring, with temperatures slowly rising. The city begins to bloom, making it a beautiful time for sightseeing.

April

14° / 4°

April is a pleasant month with moderate temperatures. The tulip fields around Utrecht are in full bloom, offering a spectacular sight.

May

18° / 8°

May is a great time to visit Utrecht, with warm temperatures and long days. The city's parks and gardens are particularly beautiful.

June

21° / 11°

June is the start of summer, with plenty of sunshine and warm temperatures. It's a great time for outdoor activities and festivals.

July

23° / 13°

July is the warmest month in Utrecht, perfect for enjoying the city's outdoor cafes and parks. The city is lively with summer events and festivals.

August

23° / 13°

August is another warm month, with plenty of sunshine. It's a great time to explore the city's canals and historic sites.

September

20° / 10°

September marks the start of autumn, with temperatures starting to cool. The city's parks and gardens are beautiful with autumn colors.

October

15° / 7°

October is a cool month with shorter days. It's a good time to visit museums and indoor attractions.

November

10° / 4°

November is quite cold and often rainy. It's a quiet time for tourism, but you can enjoy the city's indoor attractions.

December

7° / 2°

December is a festive month in Utrecht, despite the cold temperatures. The city is beautifully decorated for Christmas, making it a magical time to visit.

Did you know?

Did you know that Utrecht is one of the oldest cities in the Netherlands, with a history dating back to Roman times?

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