Spring in and around Utrecht: 8 tips to experience the city at its most beautiful
The days are getting longer, the sun is showing itself more often and Utrecht is slowly coming to life. Terraces fill up, parks turn green and the first boats appear along the canals. Spring is perhaps the best season to discover the city.
Whether you feel like a long walk, lunch in the sun or a day on the water: these are our favorite springtime tips in and around Utrecht.
Lunch by the water at Op Zuid
Once the sun breaks through, there is little nicer than having lunch by the water. At Op Zuid you can sit directly on the Vaartsche Rijn and relax on the terrace. With a good lunch, a glass of wine and a view of the water, it immediately feels like spring has begun.
Beach feeling at Soia - Beach Oog in Al
Need to escape the city? At Soia in Oog in Al you almost feel like you're on vacation. This city beach on the Amsterdam-Rijnkanaal is a perfect place for a sunny spring day. Think lounge chairs, sand under your feet and a drink in your hand while the sun slowly sinks.
Lunch in the garden of Grand Hotel Karel V
A hidden gem in the center of Utrecht: the city garden of Grand Hotel Karel V. As soon as spring begins, this becomes one of the most beautiful places to have a quiet lunch. Green, quiet and in the middle of the city, a place where for a moment you completely forget that you are in the center.
Walking along the canal
The Utrecht canal has been completely restored in recent years and now forms a beautiful walking route around the city center. In spring, all sorts of things grow and bloom and you see people walking, running or picnicking along the waterfront everywhere.
Getting ice cream at Roberto Gelato
A sunny spring day in Utrecht is not complete without ice cream. Roberto Gelato is famous in the city and beyond. Roberto even won the world ice cream making championship in 2019. Expect special flavors, creamy Italian ice cream and often a line at the door (but it's absolutely worth it).
Cruising through Utrecht's canals
As temperatures rise, so do the boats. Renting a sloop or taking a cruise through Utrecht's canals is a perfect way to see the city from a different perspective. With a drink on board and the spring sun on your face, Utrecht suddenly feels even more beautiful.
Beer tasting during the Utrecht Lentebock Festival (March 27-29)
For beer lovers, the Lentebock Festival is a regular tradition. During this three-day event, you taste a variety of spring beers from Dutch breweries. Think live music, food trucks and, of course, lots of spring bock.
Walking through the gardens of Castle de Haar
Just outside Utrecht is Kasteel de Haar, the largest castle in the Netherlands. In spring, the castle gardens are especially beautiful: blooming flowers, green avenues and views of the impressive castle. Perfect for a quiet walk or a day out of town.
Enjoying spring in Utrecht
Whether you come for a stroll along the canal, a world-class ice cream or a sunny lunch by the water: in spring, Utrecht shows its most beautiful side.
And after such a spring day, of course, there is always time for drinks or dinner in town.