Discover our locals' 43 hidden gems in Utrecht

Uncover Utrecht's hidden gems with Spotted by Locals! From cozy cafés by the canal to secret parks, football stadiums, and art-filled spots, our Spotters guide you to the city's lesser-known treasures in this beautiful stadsjie!

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City guides by those who know Utrecht best!

Knowing Utrecht in and out!

Our Utrecht Cityguide - Made by Locals

Know your way in Utrecht like a local!

Spotted by Locals

✓ Discover Utrecht through the eyes of a local!

✓ Hidden gems that can’t be found in traditional guidebooks

✓ Our locals share their personal favorite spots in Utrecht

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Things to do in Utrecht

Héron

Free-range fine dining

Hércon, Utrecht's Green Michelin Star restaurant pioneers sustainability with hyperlocal, seasonal ingredients, wild-picked produce, and legendary dishes!

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Restaurants

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Lévi

Smulders

Mar 24, 2025

BAM Keramiek

Vibrant ceramic (work)shop

BAM Keramiek crafts unique, locally themed ceramics in Utrecht! Visit their workshop, shop for personal souvenirs, or join a pottery class!

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Art & culture

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Lévi

Smulders

Mar 24, 2025

Boot 122

Red light boat turned brewpub

Boot 122, a hidden brewpub in Utrecht, specializes in classic German beers. Enjoy unique brews in a former houseboat at the lively Werkspoorkwartier!

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Bars

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Lévi

Smulders

Mar 24, 2025

Café Lombok

Best spot sundowners

Café Lombok’s spacious terrace on Vleutenseweg is perfect for a sunset drink: great vibes, good drinks, and unforgettable afternoons turning into nights!

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Bars
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Restaurants

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Lévi

Smulders

Mar 24, 2025

Zocherpark

City wall turned into a circular park

Walk around the city in Zocherpark! One of the most beautiful, quiet, lush and green parts of the city, with hundreds of trees and remains of the city wall.

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Relaxing

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Lévi

Smulders

Mar 21, 2025

Inktpot

Landmark with flying saucer on top

The Inktpot, Utrecht's iconic brick giant, features a flying saucer atop its tower and once housed the Dutch Railways headquarters.

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Art & culture

by

Lévi

Smulders

Feb 7, 2025

KEEK

Best bakery in town?

KEEK offers amazing sourdough and more at fair prices in Utrecht. Great bread, local art, and coffee make it a cornerstone of daily life!

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Coffee & tea
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Shopping
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Snacks

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Lévi

Smulders

Jan 27, 2025

Café Averechts

Neighborhood pub by volunteers

Café Averechts' music nights on Friday evenings are the best. All events are free. Here, it's completely normal to start a conversation with people of all ages.

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Bars
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Music
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Restaurants

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Rienje

Veenhof

Jan 23, 2025

Le Clochard

50+ year-old bistro

Le Clochard, a cozy gem in Utrecht’s Museum Quarter, offers bistro classics, comfort food, and Belgian beers at unbeatable prices. Book ahead!

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Bars
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Restaurants

by

Lévi

Smulders

Jan 23, 2025

The Little Nail Room

A go-to nail salon!

The Little Nail Room in Utrecht is a cozy nail salon with top-notch service & thoughtful details. Here you can also buy all kinds of beauty products!

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Relaxing

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Nes

Bounou

Jan 22, 2025

Weerdsluis

Sunbathing spot with historic view

Weerdsluis is great place to catch the last rays of afternoon sun & see the water level rise and fall. Grab a few drinks and enjoy them on the duckboard!

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Relaxing

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Rienje

Veenhof

Jan 22, 2025

Rhijnauwen en Amelisweerd

Escape the city

Escape the buzzing center of Utrecht with a calm walk in the forests of Rhijnauwen and Amelisweerd. Then enjoy a warm drink or Dutch pancakes nearby!

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Coffee & tea
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Relaxing
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Restaurants

by

Rienje

Veenhof

Jan 22, 2025

Heading to Utrecht?

43 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

Authentic Stories by Real People

Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌

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Going to Utrecht?

✓ Escape the Crowds

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✓ Authentic Stories

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What to expect?

Authentic & Unbiased Content

Our local Spotters share personal tips and secrets about their city. Nothing sponsored! These unique insights can’t be found in traditional guidebooks. Discover the city through the eyes of a local!

Go off the Beaten Path Gems

We focus on hidden gems and unique places that aren’t crowded with tourists. Our Spotters’ tips help you avoid the crowds and have truly special experiences, far from the tourist masses.

Responsible Travel

By visiting our locals’ favorites and lesser-known places, you contribute to a more sustainable way of traveling. You support the local economy and reduce the pressure on popular tourist spots. And in the end, those are the best places right?

Hi! Nice to meet you.

We are Spotted by Locals. An online travel community publishing city guides in 80+ cities. Our hand-picked local writers and photographers create all the content.

Our 488 Spotters (and counting) live in the cities they write about, speak the local language, and regularly update their tips. Their insights help around 1.4 million travelers each year discover the hidden gems of cities.

With insider advice from locals, we offer a unique, sustainable travel experience, allowing travelers to slow down and immerse themselves in the local culture, beyond the tourist hotspots.

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