Must-see nightlife in Utrecht

  • Olivier

    Utrecht

    Located unpromisingly beside the ugly Hoog Catharijne building is this blessed beer heaven, an astonishingly slick yet super-characterful reworking of a…

  • Kafé België

    Utrecht

    A full-sized Madonna statue seems to be almost fainting with passion in welcoming beer-lovers into paradise. The merrily rough-edged bar's 20 Benelux…

  • ’t Oude Pothuys

    Utrecht

    On a summer day you can drink or dine right at the canal-side facing the brick arched Smeebrug bridge. However, this cosy pub-restaurant's real draw is…

  • Cornelis

    Utrecht

    If you're strolling the leafy Buiten Wittevrowen district, seek out super-relaxed Cornelis, serving some of Utrecht's best coffee accompanied by luscious…

  • Village

    Utrecht

    'Stay Weird' advises the dancing skeleton in advertising stickers for this rip-walled coffee mecca. The atmosphere combines happy hipster and bric-a-brac…

  • De Bastaard

    Utrecht

    This unpretentious, jazz-toned bar serves a full range of La Trappe Dutch Trappist beers (including three on tap, from €3.20) that you can sip while…

  • Cafe DeRat

    Utrecht

    This cosy, board-floored corner pub has a lot of soul and a remarkable ability to source rare beers from little-known brewers. This includes a whole menu…

  • Cafe Averechts

    Utrecht

    Tucked away in a quiet, residential quarter, unpretentious Averechts has a convivial, community vibe with games to play and Gulpener Pils from just €2.20…

  • Café Ledig Erf

    Utrecht

    This atmospheric place is one of a trio of great terrace bars overlooking a confluence of canals at the southern tip of town.

  • ACU

    Utrecht

    A political reference point in Utrecht, ACU combines bar, music venue, lecture hall and more. Argue about whether Trotsky was too conservative while…

  • Cafe Kalff

    Utrecht

    'Go where you're celebrated, not where you're tolerated' declares this narrow canal-facing pub, which is a focus of LGBT social life in Utrecht.

  • Heen en Weer

    Utrecht

    For the perfect perch choose the corner table in this 1702 house with views straight down the canal to a double-arch bridge. Or in warm weather sit on the…

  • De Ontdekking

    Utrecht

    Travel magazines in various languages adorn this stripped old house on a canal-facing street-corner, but the big draw is excellent coffee, breakfasts and…

  • Bas/s

    Utrecht

    Predominantly techno music in a reverberant canal-side cavern with stark, concrete-industrial decor (or lack thereof). Check the website for events and…

  • Graaf Floris

    Utrecht

    For over 40 years, this tourist-friendly classic cafe has been known for its apple-dumpling and coffee set.

  • Ekko

    Utrecht

    This cultural innovator has a nose for new trends so it's always worth checking out what it's doing, from club nights to concerts.

  • Stadskasteel Oudaen

    Utrecht

    This fortified 'troubadour's castle' dates from 1280 with chandeliers, canal terrace and an excellent microbrewery in the basement.