Fancy an adventure outside Amsterdam, but not too far? Utrecht has so much to offer, even if you've been there before! Plan your 24-hour adventure, full of Utrecht activities and sights.
Are you thinking about exploring Utrecht? You should definitely give it a try! Adventure, culture, and culinary delights: Utrecht has it all! Here’s how you can make the most of your 24-hour city trip, with the best tips and routes for an unforgettable experience.
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The name says it all: Koffie Leute Bauhaus serves up a great cup of coffee! That’s perfect because you’ve got a lot planned for today. In addition to delicious yogurt bowls, oatmeal, and the best sandwiches, you can always enjoy good music here too. It’s a breakfast spot and record store in one!
Not a morning person? No worries, your favorite breakfast items are available all day long. Plus, almost all breakfast options are available in vegan versions!
📍 Koffie Leute Bauhaus, Westerkade 30, 3511 HC Utrecht
We’re hitting the water for our next adventure! Around Koffie Leute Bauhaus, you’ll find plenty of boat rental options. Tip: Be sure to reserve your spot in advance.
There are different routes you can take, and the canal route is ideal. It takes up to 2 hours and brings you past the city’s highlights, including the Dom Tower and the city hall.
📍 De Kleine Kapitein, Oosterkade, 3582 AT Utrecht
Next stop: Restaurant Lebowski, located at Dom square and named after the iconic film "The Big Lebowski." This influence is subtly reflected in the décor and ambiance of the place. Enjoy a delicious meal while people-watching on the terrace.
At Lebowski, you can savor street food, well-filled sandwiches, and daily soups. It’s also a great spot in the evening, with a range of dinner options and often fun events like performances or pub quizzes.
📍 Lebowski, Domplein 17, 3512 JD Utrecht
In the mood for dessert? In a side street off the Oudegracht, you’ll find Bakery Blom. Grab a delicious, classic treat inspired by the Dom Tower!
We continue our adventure: next stop, Doloris! This labyrinth in Utrecht is an experience that’s hard to describe, but we’ll give it a try: Doloris is a colorful maze with dozens of different rooms (worlds) to explore. You’ll climb and crawl your way to the finish.
Is it scary? No! Is it for adults? Yes! It’s actually an experience for everyone over 12. You’ve got to try it for yourself! Find your way through the vibrant and creative spaces and encounter unexpected twists and interactions.
📍 Doloris Maze, 2e Daalsedijk 6, 3551 EJ Utrecht
The Pingpong Club is a real institution in Utrecht. What’s better than a game of pingpong with great music playing in the background?
Besides burning off some calories, you can refuel with tasty food at this lively spot. They have delicious burgers on the menu, as well as plenty of other dishes to choose from!
📍 Pingpong Club, Concordiastraat 80, 3551 EM Utrecht
In the mood for a classic pub vibe? Café de Zaak is located in the heart of Utrecht. A cozy pub where many students, but also non-students, feel at home. This is the place to be. The menu offers a wide selection of beers, wines, and other drinks.
Nar has become a favorite spot for many locals in Utrecht, but it’s still a well-kept secret for tourists. How to describe Nar? It’s a club, stage, bar, restaurant, and exhibition space all rolled into one. Plus, there’s a lovely garden where you can sit around the campfire late into the night.
Every weekend, Nar surprises with a diverse (night) program, often danceable and lasting well into the early hours.
For those who prefer not to catch the first train home in the morning, you can also stay overnight at Stayokay Utrecht, right in the city center!
📍 Nar, Nijverheidsweg 6, 3534 AM Utrecht
Slachtstraat Film Theater, located behind Stayokay Utrecht-Centrum, is not just a cinema but also a cultural center. The selection here is a bit different from the usual: enjoy classic, vintage films.
Tip from: Oisin
F&B employee at Stayokay
Be sure to visit the Utrecht Neude Library. This building is a true eye-catcher on the Neude square and was formerly an old post office. In addition to diving into books, you can often admire exhibitions here as well.
Tip from: Wenss
F&B Manager at Stayokay
Your step counter is proud of you today! Treat yourself or your group of friends to a comfortable hostel right in the heart of the city, at the famous Neude to be exact!
The best part: our hostels are always nearby!
Or want to stay surrounded by Utrecht's nature? Check out Stayokay Utrecht - Bunnik, just outside the city centre.
Are you coming by trein or would you prefer to take the car? We’ve got some handy tips for you!
Public transport is often the easiest and most stress-free option for a day in Utrecht.
Check the NS website for discounts or cheaper train tickets.
With Kids Vrij, children aged 4 to 11 can travel with you for free, even during rush hour.
If you’re coming by car, using Park & Ride is the easiest and most affordable option. Park your car just outside the city, get a transport ticket, and travel to the vibrant center of Utrecht!
Park your car at one of the P+R locations on the outskirts of Utrecht for a budget-friendly rate. You’ll pay only a fraction of what it would cost to park in the city center.
Are you visiting Utrecht and would you like to park at an affordable price and would like to arrange this in advance? At Q-Park you benefit from the best parking deals in Utrecht. On this page you can easily claim a parking deal by booking your parking space in advance.
Read all about the Q-Park locations here
Parking in Utrecht isn’t cheap, but it’s possible. You can park your car at the Jaarbeurs or the Grifthoekgarage for about €25 per day.
Tip: At our hostel, you can rent a bike for a small fee. This way, you won’t have to worry about anything and can explore even more of Utrecht in less time!
As local experts, we’ve been gathering the best tips in and around our hostels for years. Unfortunately, we can't fit them all into one blog. That’s why we’ve highlighted the best tips by hostel and theme.
Or stay at one of our other hostels nearby (Spoiler: we have 21 hostels in the Netherlands to choose from!)
The hostel is ideally located on the most bustling and famous square in town: The Neude.
The best of both: city and green! Stay at this beautiful hostel, in the middle of nature yet close to Utrecht city centre.
This lovely hostel is a hidden gem in the forest. With both nature and the city nearby, it is the ideal base!
